Tag: dashboard symbol

Dusk Sensor or Automatic Headlight Malfunction Indicator

Dusk Sensor

This is a Dusk Sensor or Automatic Headlight Malfunction Indicator symbol. Automatic headlights turn on or off depending on the amount of ambient light detected. This in turn is dependent on a properly functioning light sensor.

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The image in the symbol looks more like a standard household incandescent light bulb than anything automotive. It includes an exclamation point to highlight a problem and the text AUTO to point to the automatic headlight system. The symbol is shown in amber/yellow.

Lamp Out SymbolHeadlamp Out IndicatorThese symbols to the left are generally reserved as headlight out indicators, whether in green or yellow/amber. The exclamation point or the X indicate a light out. However, at least one manufacturer uses them to indicate a light sensor problem. Text in the vehicle’s message center will state this explicitly.

Note that in many cases, the sensor may simply be blocked or dirty. It will generally be found near the top center of the windshield. If this area is clean, a qualified service shop will be needed.

Similar Symbol

Auto Headlamp Dimmer IndicatorDon’t confuse the first symbol with this one to the right. Click here for more.

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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Technology is always changing and what is current and accurate today may be literally out-of-date and inaccurate tomorrow.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.

Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2019/01/dusk-sensor-or-automatic-headlight-malfunction-indicator/

Windshield Wiper Failure Indicators

Wiper Failure

These are Windshield Wiper Failure Indicator symbols. The yellow/amber images of the windshield and wiper, one with the added exclamation point, means that the either the front or rear windshield wipers are inoperative, but does not help with additional diagnosis.

  • Before continuing, are you sure one of these is your symbol?? If yes, then read on below.
  • Otherwise, you can return to our main Picture Symbols page and scan again!

The fault could lie in the windshield wiper switch, the wiper motor, or within the wiring or connectors. Each component will need to be checked individually by your dealer or a qualified repair shop.

Similar Symbols

Rain sensor indicatorAuto wiper indicatorWindshield Washer Fluid Low IndicatorDo not confuse the symbol with any of these similar symbols to the right. Click here for more on the first one, and click here for more on the last two.

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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.

Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2019/01/windshield-wiper-failure-indicator/

Automatic Windshield Wiper Fault Indicator Symbols

Auto Wipers

Auto wiper indicatorRain sensor indicatorRain sensor twoAuto windshield wiper indicatorRain sensorUnless they appear in green or black and white, all of these symbols are various forms of an Automatic Windshield Wiper Fault Indicator symbol. Each is meant to point to a problem that has caused the automatic wipers to shut down. In white or green, they simply indicate that the system is active.

  • Before continuing, are you sure one of these is your symbol?? If yes, then read on below.
  • Otherwise, you can return to our main Picture Symbols page and scan again!

Lane keep and rain sense indicatorOne manufacturer has chosen to combine the second symbol with the lane keeping indicator. They are shown in white or gray. In white, both the lane keeping and rain sensing systems are on. In gray, both systems are on but no lane markers are detected.

Light or rain sensor fault indicatorThere is also this one from Audi which for some reason they use as an Automatic Headlight Dimmer Indicator as well.  This looks like a hat or a lid open on one side with beams coming out of it to an oval shape.

All the images are in yellow/amber, which indicates a problem. Note that in all cases, the windshield wipers will continue to work, but will have to be operated manually. The automated systems work by sensing water on the windshield.

Starting on the top left, the image depicts a windshield with the wiper blade extended to one side. The word AUTO appears at the top. This offers easily the clearest message of the three, that there is a problem with the system that may or may not include a problem with the rain sensing gear.

The middle image also includes the windshield and wiper blade, but adds a water droplet on one side. It is also in yellow/amber, which, along with it being illuminated, is the only indication of a problem. The message here is that the rain or moisture sensor is likely dirty or blocked.

The last one is a puzzle. An exclamation point is shown next to what is a cloud with rain falling from it. One could imagine a driver believing that this is a weather forecast, given the sophisticated nature of today’s cars. Sadly, it too is meant only to indicate a problem with the rain sensor(s).

Similar Symbols

Windshield Washer Fluid Low IndicatorDo not confuse any of these symbols with this one. Click here for more about the first image and click here for more on the last one.

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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.

Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2019/01/automatic-windshield-wiper-fault-indicator-symbols/

Alfa Steering Torque Failure Indicator

Alfa Steering Torque

AST failure indicatorThis is the Alfa Steering Torque (AST) Failure Indicator symbol. It will be found exclusively in models made by Alfa Romeo, hence the name, and is a system that automatically helps corrects steering slightly when the vehicle’s stability control system is active.

  • Before continuing, are you sure this is your symbol?? If yes, then read on below.
  • Otherwise, you can return to our main Picture Symbols page and scan again!

The symbol appears in red with the acronym AST beneath the steering wheel. An exclamation point is seen as well. A problem with the system will limit the effectiveness of the overall stability control system in extreme or slippery conditions. The steering system itself is unaffected. Proceed carefully and have the system serviced by a qualified service shop as soon as possible.

AST is related to the vehicle’s Dynamic Steering Torque (DST) system and works to give the driver a hint as to the correct  steering direction. The system will not steer the vehicle on its own. The driver remains in control of the vehicle.

Similar Symbol

Steering Trouble IndicatorIts important not to confuse the symbol with the one to the right. More information on it is available here.

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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.

Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2018/12/alpha-steering-torque-failure-indicator/

SOS Feature Malfunction Indicators

SOS Feature

SOS IndicatorSOS malfunction indicatorThese are SOS Feature Malfunction Indicator symbols. The symbol, in red or yellow/amber/orange, is likely accompanied by a text message in the instrument panel that states that the service is either limited or unavailable. The message will show one or the other. When restricted, an emergency call may be limited to a data transmission. The symbol is nothing more than the letters SOS with the image of an old-style telephone receiver right side up or upside down.

  • Before continuing, are you sure this is your symbol?? If yes, then read on below.
  • Otherwise, you can return to our main Text Symbols page and scan again!

SOS not ready indicatorThis version, SOS NOT READY, would be seen in black and white in the the information screen. It is also a malfunction indicator telling the driver the system is not available, with no indication as to why.

SOS battery faultFinally, this version, a household-looking battery looking image with the letters SOS inside and an exclamation point, indicates that the battery necessary to power the SOS system is not available. Unfortunately, this may include the moments after a crash, where the power may be severed. This scenario makes it difficult to image what will power the warning light, but the manufacturer wishes to cover all bases…

SOS is a roadside assistance service that must be subscribed to in most cases. It may be available for free for a limited time in new vehicles. And of course, the vehicle must be equipped to accommodate it. A problem with the SOS feature may be as simple as a lack of signal or as serious as an electronics failure. In the latter case, a qualified service shop will be needed.

Emergency assist faultEmergency assist indicatorDon’t confuse the symbols above with these two to the left. It is a related but distinct system. Click here for more.

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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.

Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2017/08/sos-feature-malfunction-indicator/

AdBlue Indicator Symbols

AdBlue

AdBlue fill indicatorAdBlue indicatorThese are AdBlue Indicator symbols, which references a fluid that is necessary to the Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system. SCR is an emissions control technology used by some diesel engine manufacturers. The indicators may appear in yellow/amber or red, depending on the severity of need.

  • Before continuing, are you sure this is your symbol?? If yes, then read on below.
  • Otherwise, you can return to our main Text Symbols page and scan again!

So, what to do?

Both indicators include the text AdBlue, or Blue, which is a fluid used in the system. The first indicator includes the image of a downturned bottle of fluid. Another has the same words shown above a wavy line, meant to show the fluid’s level. When seen in yellow/amber, it indicates that fluid is low. If it appears in Red, the system must have fluid added, or engine emissions will be excessive.

AdBlue Maintenance IndicatorAnother adds a wrench or spanner to the AdBlue text. In yellow/amber, it indicates an issue with the system. In red, the system needs immediate attention or damage may be done to the engine and/or its emissions control systems. Only a qualified service shop or dealer will be capable of repairing the system.

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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.

Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2017/06/adblue-indicator-symbols/

Rear Cross Traffic Alert Indicators

Rear Cross Traffic

Rear Cross Traffic Alert IndicatorThese is a Rear Cross Traffic Alert Indicator (RCTA) symbol. It appears as its acronym on the instrument panel in green when the system is available. Any trouble indications in the vehicles examined are displayed with text and images in the Information Display.

  • Before continuing, are you sure this is your symbol?? If yes, then read on below.
  • Otherwise, you can return to our main Text Symbols page and scan again!

RCTA uses radar sensors to detect vehicles behind your vehicle as they  approach from the right or left. It will alert the driver by flashing additional indicators in the outside rear view mirror or on the display screen and by sounding a buzzer.

In amber/yellow with the word off, it indicates that the system is unavailable either because the sensors are dirty or a malfunction. A car wash may resolve the issue, but if the sensors are clean and the warning light persists, have the system repaired by your dealer or a qualified service shop.

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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.

Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2017/06/rear-cross-traffic-alert-indicator/