Engine Start
These are Engine Start System Fault Indicator symbols. They can appear in yellow/amber or red and indicate a fault in the electronics. If it is red, it is suggested that the engine NOT be switched off, if its running, and a service center be contacted and headed for immediately. If it is amber, a service facility should still be contacted as soon as possible.
- Before continuing, is one of these truly your symbol?? If yes, continue on read on below.
- Otherwise, you can return to our main Picture Symbols page and scan again!
And there’s still more …
The symbols appear as a physical key with or without its associated keyhole, even though an actual physical key is not used. We included it with routine indicators because, as electronics takes over everything, these symbols will indeed become routine due to any problems with starters, start/stop systems and other associated electronics.
Do not confuse these with other automotive trouble symbols that make use of the image a key. Click here or here, right to left, for more information.
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Remember that only proper service and repair procedures will ensure the safe and reliable operation of your car. In addition, proper safety procedures and precautions, such as the use of safety goggles, the right tools and the equipment should be followed at all times to eliminate the possibility of personal injury or improper service which could damage the vehicle or compromise its safety.
These posts are for information sharing purposes only, and should not be used in lieu of an OEM service manual or factory authorized service procedure. We are not in the auto repair business nor do we publish automotive service manuals. Nothing we include on these pages and posts has been reviewed, approved or authorized by any vehicle manufacturer.
Technology is always changing and what is current and accurate today may be literally out-of-date and inaccurate tomorrow. And when it comes to the current state of flux in the auto industry, nothing is more true.
The author has 25 years of automotive experience and has assembled the most extensive collection of symbols and warning lights anywhere (over 1,000!) and can help you open and start any keyless start car with a dead key fob battery. BA, St. Joseph’s College, ME: MS, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, NY
These symbols, which will appear in 
Its important to distinguish the first symbol above from 
This is an Electronic Brake Force Distribution (
These two combinations of warning lights used by manufacturers also warn of a fault in the system. The first is already a combination of what is more typically seen as three separate brake system warnings, and the second indicates a fault with the 
These are Night Vision Assist Indicator symbols. The first is a gray scale image of lane markers (broken and straight lines) and a quarter or half moon. Depending on the manufacturer, it will simply indicate that the system is on and functioning or that the system is unavailable! You will need to check your owner’s manual. If it is seen in 
The red indicators feature an image inside the somewhat familiar triangle. Those images are either a running deer or a walking man and are meant to indicate either a wild animal or a pedestrian has been detected. They appear in 
An infrared camera is used to detect the presence of a warm blooded animal or person. The system is dependent on a temperature differential and becomes unusable above about 75 degrees F. The system is deactivated in these conditions as well as in daylight.
Check this post — 
These are versions of a Sport Differential or Dynamic Drive Control Warning Indicator 
Do not confuse them with the all wheel drive symbols noted above and shown to the right. 
These are is a All Wheel Steering Systems Indicator 
This image belongs to another manufacturer using All Wheel Steering, but has the wheels turned in opposite directions. The line struck through denotes that the vehicle is in CrabWalk mode (click for more and see below) or a fault in the system if CrabWalk is not active. To the driver, either may look like random lines in a stick figure.
CrabWalk mode allows the driver to turn the rear wheels at the same angle as the front wheels, which enables the vehicle to move diagonally. Normal All Wheel Steering is then unavailable. Note the image to the right and 
This is a Sway Bar Disconnected Indicator symbol. It indicates that the sway bar has been disconnected electronically. If this was not intended, the disconnect switch may have been activated inadvertently.
A vehicle may have the capability to have the sway bar disconnect electronically. This allows greater front suspension travel in for off-road applications and should only be used (disconnected) in these applications. The process is controlled by the Sway Bar switch on the dashboard. A fault in the control of this feature will result in the same symbol, with the added exclamation point.