So, what is that light on your dashboard? What follows is easily the most complete list available of symbols and warnings that may appear in and on your car’s dashboard or instrument cluster.
The following are warning lights and indicators found in vehicles built by Ford. Click the link to the right of each one learn more.
How They Are Presented
They are roughly ordered by importance, which tends to be by color (red, amber, yellow, orange, green, blue, gray). There are nearly 90 of them, so search carefully!
Models examined include EcoSport, Edge, Escape, Expedition, Explorer, F-150, F-250, Fiesta, GT, Fusion, Mustang, Mustang Mach E, Ranger, Taurus, and Transit.
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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Technology is always changing and what is current and accurate today may be literally out-of-date and inaccurate tomorrow.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
We want to dive a little deeper into what is one of our main concerns here at DashboardSymbols.com, and that is the continued proliferation of symbols appearing on instrument panels in vehicles from across the industry. And specifically with those associated with electronic systems.
We now host nearly 350 image and text symbols on the website, and estimate, rather conservatively, that 25% of them are directly connected to electronically controlled systems.
Narrowing this down, we are ignoring the 15 odd symbols we have that belong exclusively to electric and hybrid cars. We’re also staying away from a dozen or so indicators related to lighting systems. Most of this last group have been around for a while.
What we want to focus on are primarily systems related to driver assist functions as well as those that lean towards drive by wire. This last group covers systems like braking and steering that are now electronic or moving in that direction.
The warning light system got its start in an era when cars were essentially mechanical devices, and three systems required monitoring. By the driver! Oil or oil pressure, temperature and battery. These all had gauges, gauges that have now pretty much disappeared.
Lights Ignored
Now all of us are guilty of getting comfortable behind the wheel and ignoring the dashboard or more properly the instrument panel, and so, warning, or in the ultimate act of disrespect, idiot lights were developed to get a driver’s attention.
At that time, if a light came on, there was a plan of action — add some oil to the crankcase, add some water or antifreeze to the radiator, even add some water to the battery.
In todays world, the lights are essentially meaningless. What does a driver do if the Electronically Controlled Brake System symbol comes on? Or the symbol for Electric Park Brake? They are both fault indicators, but there is no fluid to top off of or reset switch to hit.
Although in point of fact, sometimes these problems can actually resolved by restarting the car.
There’s lots more of these that frankly have no user friendly solutions, just repair shop solutions. And we’ve come to believe that the warning light system has become essentially outdated and useless. And imagine the distraction these lights can cause in an era where driving distraction is all the rage. This, somehow, has slipped through the cracks.
We’ve advocated for years that vehicles to be given the capability to talk to their drivers and we’ll do it again now. In fact, our Talking Dashboards YouTube series is a tongue-in-cheek nod to the idea. There is simply no reason why a vehicle cannot talk a driver though one of these problems, right down to the problem code, if that’s what the driver requests. Being told whether or not the car is drivable and for how long at minimum would be extremely useful.
The computing power exists. Most new cars can be asked to find the nearest restaurant and take a vehicle straight to it or even schedule a service. From where we stand, a new vehicle can damn sure also provide useful information on a fault it has encountered in itself.
——————————————————————-
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
We had the opportunity recently to browse through the owner’s manual of a high-end European SUV. As is our duty, we scanned the segment listing the various warning lights and indicators that may reside on the car’s instrument panel. We were frankly floored.
For many years an Asian model SUV held the record (as recorded only by us) for the most lights available on an instrument panel at 43. This includes everything from the turn signals to axle locks.
100 Symbols??
With our latest model entry, we stopped counting at 100. One hundred!
If this were a joke no one would believe it. This number includes the fact that multiple indicators can appear in multiple colors and combinations depending on circumstance. That said, the weight of information to be distilled at any given time by a driver is simply beyond comprehension. Should he or she be driving or staring at the latest change?
The majority of the indicators are associated with the growing list of available driver assist systems – truly ironic titling under the circumstances. The need for assistance feeds on itself.
Roll Away Without Warning!
We then came across an exchange between an editor from the St. Lawrence News and a reader discussing a roll away issue in a newer model push button start car. That story itself is worth a click over.
The reader wonders why there isn’t a warning indicator or buzzer to note that his vehicle was not in park when he walked away with the car shut off. In the end, editor Brian Turner notes “But in the big picture how reliant are we becoming on warning systems for basic vehicle operations? It’s almost approaching the ‘caution-hot’ labels on disposable coffee cups. There is concern among industry analysts and observers that we may be approaching warning-chime overload with all the things in our vehicles that go ding. The fears are that this will lead to drivers ignoring certain warnings and that can’t lead to anything good.”
Count us among those who are concerned.
Seriously, the advances being made in voice technology, why couldn’t the car simply speak the words “Park is not Engaged”? We are numb to the constant buzzers and lights. Ultimately, they all sound a look alike. Some plain language is just plain needed.
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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 are all variations of of Keyless Ignition Key Fob Detection indicators. A number of picture symbols are used to indicate the presence of an electronic key in a push button or, ironically, keyless start, or keyless ignition, vehicle. These systems will allow a vehicle to be started without turning a key in an ignition switch but only when an electronic key is present in, and detected by, the vehicle.
Before moving on, need help getting in or started?? Click here!!
Also, are you sure one of these is your symbol?? If yes, then continue on below.
The image seen as an open padlock with lines radiating away in yellow/amber as well as the black and white image with a padlock are used to indicate that the proper key fob has not been detected. Its internal battery may be dead or the fob is actually missing.
Many More Versions
The flashing redElectronic Keysymbol on the left indicates that the key is not detected. If the Key is in the vehicle, its internal battery is likely dead and needs to be replaced. The same Electronic Key symbol shown in green indicates that the key is found and the vehicle can be started. The last one in yellow/amber is yet another style indicating a problem. But, there’s more…
This one, which is an image of a key with a line drawn through it in yellow/amber, indicates that the key fob is not present or is malfunctioning. So, if the key fob is present, have your dealer or a locksmith repair or replace it.
Note that some manufacturers will have the light flash in green to indicate a weak fob battery. Thus, any time an electronic key indicator is seen to flash, consult your manual or your dealer for clarification. And the image in actuality is shown by its vehicle manufacturer when the system is in use. Nothing more.
These are Key Fob Indicatorsymbols and are meant to resemble the driver’s hand-held remote control, or fob. The one on the left indicates that the fob is not detected or has been removed from the vehicle. If the fob is in the vehicle, it is not detected and its battery is likely dead. The symbol to its right with the added lighting bolt indicates that the fob is detected but that the battery in the fob is low and should be replaced.
These symbols are Low Key Battery Indicators. The images of a key are shown above or alongside the image of what most resembles a AA or AAA battery with its level low. One adds the letter E for empty to the right. Replace the battery as soon as possible. They do NOT use AA or AAA batteries!
Electronic keys, key fobs, remote controls, smart keys, intelligent keys, advanced keys are all terms used by manufacturers and drivers to describe the same device. You get to get into and start your vehicle only if the correct device is present, has a working battery and is not interfered with by other electronics (actually rare). All the images include the representation of a key and depending on the manufacturer, may include an exclamation point, a question mark or even a lightning bolt.
Similar Symbols
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 are variants of Exhaust Particulate Filter Warningsymbol indicators. Initially used only for diesel powered vehicles, filters have been added to exhaust systems in direct injected gasoline powered vehicles as well. They are Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) and Gasoline Particulate Filter (GPF), respectively.
But first, is one of these truly your symbol?? If yes, then continue on below.
This is an emissions control system and the filters exist to trap soot before it can be emitted to the atmosphere. Under normal driving conditions, the exhaust becomes hot enough to burn off the soot, regenerating the filter.
The light will be green during DPF of GPF regeneration. A yellow/amber light means that regeneration is needed, which is done automatically while driving. A manual regeneration procedure is generally available and involves driving at 50 mph (80 kph) long enough for the light to resolve. There are also recommendations to hold the rpm above 2,000, so a lower gear may be needed, and another that calls for intermittently releasing the accelerator for a few seconds.
More Versions
A red light indicates that the DPF requires regeneration immediately, so follow the procedure above. If the filter is not attended to, the check engine or service engine soon light will come on and engine power will be reduced. Check out some similar symbols below, which apply to diesel powered vehicles only.
The symbols to the left indicates that the Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) (AdBlue) is low. The fluid creates a catalytic reaction that removes particles from the exhaust. When low, the fluid must be topped off. The fluid will need to be replaced if it is contaminated. To the right is another particle filter symbol. It may appear with an exclamation point in it indicating a failure of the system or that engine emissions are too high. Contact your dealer or authorized service center in order to properly address any failures.
All of these odd looking images are meant to indicate exhaust flow through a pipe. Lots of wavy lines, pipe openings and what could even be interpreted as flames are used.
Note that the diesel symbols seen to the right may be in play as well. Click here for more.
——————————————————————-
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
What the Hell is that Light on My Dashboard? Automotive service departments across the country are inundated with questions like this on a daily basis. So, what IS that light? That new acronym? What do they mean? Do you know?
Here at DashboardSymbols.com, we will show you, to help you understand what is happening to your vehicle at the first sign of trouble — a new warning light illuminated on your instrument panel. And, with this site, we put the tools you need to get the proper service in the palm of your hand.
Cars are changing, and among those changes is the growing number of symbols and indicators that will invariably show up on your instrument panel. Every year, new features are added to vehicles, each of which is accompanied by a new symbol or acronym. Drivers are frustrated, afraid and sometimes even angry at the growing number of these seemingly senseless symbols. Known as tell-tales in the industry, we are dedicated to keeping them sorted out for you.
On this site you will find pictorial representations of all the little warning lights, symbols and signs that show up from time to time on your instrument panel, including the text versions. We can’t fix a problem for you. What we can do is give you enough information to know what you need to do and perhaps let you breath a little easier.
The intent of DashboadSymbols.com is show you what the symbol is and supply a summary of the function it describes as well as what, if anything, you can do. Certainly we can tell you what the manufacturer expects you to do. For the full function of any feature of your vehicle, refer to your owners manual or contact your dealer.
The point is to help you relax — and keep moving if at all possible — rather than leave you fretting whenever one of these lights shows up. And ultimately to create information tools you can keep with you for use 24/7.
——————————————————————-
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
More Electronics Makes for More Useless Symbols
More Useless Symbols
We want to dive a little deeper into what is one of our main concerns here at DashboardSymbols.com, and that is the continued proliferation of symbols appearing on instrument panels in vehicles from across the industry. And specifically with those associated with electronic systems.
We now host nearly 350 image and text symbols on the website, and estimate, rather conservatively, that 25% of them are directly connected to electronically controlled systems.
Narrowing this down, we are ignoring the 15 odd symbols we have that belong exclusively to electric and hybrid cars. We’re also staying away from a dozen or so indicators related to lighting systems. Most of this last group have been around for a while.
What we want to focus on are primarily systems related to driver assist functions as well as those that lean towards drive by wire. This last group covers systems like braking and steering that are now electronic or moving in that direction.
The warning light system got its start in an era when cars were essentially mechanical devices, and three systems required monitoring. By the driver! Oil or oil pressure, temperature and battery. These all had gauges, gauges that have now pretty much disappeared.
Lights Ignored
Now all of us are guilty of getting comfortable behind the wheel and ignoring the dashboard or more properly the instrument panel, and so, warning, or in the ultimate act of disrespect, idiot lights were developed to get a driver’s attention.
At that time, if a light came on, there was a plan of action — add some oil to the crankcase, add some water or antifreeze to the radiator, even add some water to the battery.
In todays world, the lights are essentially meaningless. What does a driver do if the Electronically Controlled Brake System symbol comes on? Or the symbol for Electric Park Brake? They are both fault indicators, but there is no fluid to top off of or reset switch to hit.
Although in point of fact, sometimes these problems can actually resolved by restarting the car.
There’s lots more of these that frankly have no user friendly solutions, just repair shop solutions. And we’ve come to believe that the warning light system has become essentially outdated and useless. And imagine the distraction these lights can cause in an era where driving distraction is all the rage. This, somehow, has slipped through the cracks.
We’ve advocated for years that vehicles to be given the capability to talk to their drivers and we’ll do it again now. In fact, our Talking Dashboards YouTube series is a tongue-in-cheek nod to the idea. There is simply no reason why a vehicle cannot talk a driver though one of these problems, right down to the problem code, if that’s what the driver requests. Being told whether or not the car is drivable and for how long at minimum would be extremely useful.
The computing power exists. Most new cars can be asked to find the nearest restaurant and take a vehicle straight to it or even schedule a service. From where we stand, a new vehicle can damn sure also provide useful information on a fault it has encountered in itself.
——————————————————————-
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