Tag: ESC

New entry to our Acronym Page

Acronym Page Update

We added a new set of indicators for a new system called Lane Following Assist (LFA). This resulted in a new entry to our acronym page.

Sometimes, a symbol or indicator seen on an instrument panel and hosted here on the site is in the form of a three or four letter Acronym or Abbreviation, as with the example. Auto manufacturers assume that any given driver knows exactly what these acronyms stand for.

ESC Sport indicator

This is almost never the case. The example to the right, ESC plus the word SPORT, is a new image we made to accommodate a new Hyundai warning light we had to make at the same time as the new Lane Following Assist post that was added.

So when we set up DashboardSymbols.com, one of the very first things we did was add a page of acronyms and the translations as a useful resource for drivers. Further, if the acronym is hosted as a separate entry, we provide a link to it.

Cars are changing, and among those changes is the growing number of symbols and indicators that will invariably show up on your dashboard or instrument panel. Every year, new features are added to vehicles, each of which is accompanied by a new symbol or symbols and likely a new acronym.

At DashboardSymbols.com, our aim is 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. Its all here on this website. Our first intention is to bring the latest technologies down to earth and understandable for everyday drivers.

The acronym page currently hosts some 230 acronyms, including LFA. The page is 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/2024/09/new-entry-to-our-acronym-page/

Stability Control Off Indicators

Stability Control

Slip Control Off IndicatorESP off indicatorThese are Stability Control Off Indicator symbols. One of these lights, or one of the text versions below, tell you that the stability control system is deactivated. Your vehicle’s manufacturer may call this AdvanceTrac, Automatic Stability Control (ASC), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Dynamic Stability and Traction Control (DSTC), Electronic Stability / Stabilization Control (ESC) …

  • And there’s still more. But first, is it truly your symbol?? If yes, continue on below.
  • Otherwise return to our main Picture Symbols page and scan again!

… Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Interactive Vehicle Dynamics (IVD), Precision Control System (PCS), StabiliTrak, Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), Vehicle Dynamics Control Systems (VDCS), Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), Vehicle Stability Management (VSM), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), etc.

Regardless of the system’s name, the light means the same thing. The system is currently off. The vehicle will operate normally – that is, without the stability control enhancement – with the advanced system off. Note that the second image, with a sideways car on a wavy line with a tree next to it may illuminate in green! Every other version comes on in yellow/amber when the system is turned off.

Many More Versions

MDM IndicatorNote that BMW uses what it calls M Dynamic Mode (MDM) in their M-Series vehicles. When M Dynamic Mode is in use, the stability control system is turned off and the Stability Control Off indicator is illuminated. In most but not all of these models, a corresponding MDM indicator will appear.

ESC not ready indicatorThe image to the left is very, very similar to an “OFF” indicator, except it is a NOT READY indicator. The indicator will most commonly be seen only on start up and should go out in a few seconds. It may stay on longer in cold conditions and will go out once the vehicle is warmed up. However, if it persists, there is clearly a problem that should be addressed as soon as possible.

Stability control is a sophisticated electronically-controlled system that uses sensors in tandem with other systems to identify when there is lateral slip in the tires during cornering and responds by adjusting the brakes, throttle, differential and/or suspension to help keep you on track. Thus, the system is automatically turned off when the Check Engine Light is activated in order to prevent inaccurate readings sending incorrect instructions to the system. The image of  a skidding car is overly disconcerting.

VDC Off IndicatorDSC Off IndicatorVSC Off IndicatorESC OFF indicatorelectronic stability program offASC OFF indicatorThese text symbols, or one matching one of the other acronyms, will be seen in some early model vehicles that use the system. Newer vehicles are more likely to use the picture symbol above.

Here’s a video describing when and how these lights may appear.

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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/2024/03/stability-control-off-indicators/

Slip Indicator, Stability Control and Fault Symbols

Slip Indicators

Slip Indicator SymbolTraction Control IndicatorStability system indicatorThese are all Slip Indicator and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) or Fault symbols. When a vehicle detects slippery conditions, its stability or traction control system is activated. The light will flash, irregularly in some vehicles, indicating that the system is doing its work, which is to help keep the vehicle in control (next paragraph).

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

These systems work by applying brake action to individual wheels when a loss of steering control is detected. Braking may be applied to an outer front wheel to counter oversteer, or an inner rear wheel to counter understeer. Its important to note that some systems, depending on the manufacturer, may reduce engine power until control is reestablished.

If the same light remains lit or flashes for an extended period when starting your vehicle, it indicates a fault in the stability control system. The vehicle will operate normally, but without the advanced control system. You may continue driving, but do so with caution, particularly in poor weather.

Many More Versions

Slip IndicatorDSTC Sport IndicatorESC Sport indicatorVSA Indicator Symbolvsc fault indicatorThe indicators may also be in text form. Some manufacturers also include an intermittent beep while the system is active. Your dealer or authorized service center will be best equipped to address problems with the system.

Low trac indicatorTrac on indicatorTraction control indicatorElectronic stability programBut again, for the most part, these images appear when the system is functioning properly and doing its job! There are no other warning lights that will appear on your instrument panel when a vehicle’s system is doing what its supposed to do. They are frankly an unnecessary distraction, particularly given that road conditions are likely slippery.

Note that Traction Control evolved to Active Traction Control, finally evolving to Stability Control Systems. Warning lights for these systems are more commonly seen as variations of the image of a car with skid marks behind it, but all of them are doing essentially the same job.

Stability Control Fault IndicatorStabilty Control Fault IndicatorStability control faultThe image with its squiggly or wavy lines behind a car, is unfortunately that of a car in a skid, which can be more than a little unnerving, particularly to drivers unfamiliar with the symbol’s meaning. It is seen whether the system is working to keep the vehicle in control and when the system is off, which the strike through line indicates. The addition of the wrench also indicates that the vehicle has detected a fault in the system. Again, the vehicle will operate normally, but without the advanced control system.

Amber Master Warning Light SymbolThe last image to include is the triangle with an exclamation point inside. Some older vehicles that were first to offer stability control use this as a Slip Indicator or as a Fault Indicator. That is, it is seen when the system is doing its job and keeping the vehicle in control when a slip or skid is sensed, as was noted above.

Unfortunately, the symbol is more commonly seen in red as the Master Warning symbol. It is used to get a driver’s attention so that he or she would take notice of a message in the instrument panel’s information center. Learn more here.

Too Many Names

Due to a lack of standardization, stability control systems go by names chosen by individual vehicle manufacturer. It may be:

  • AdvanceTrac
  • Automatic Stability Control (ASC)
  • Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
  • Dynamic Stability and Traction Control (DSTC)
  • Electronic Stability / Stabilization Control (ESC)
  • Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
  • Interactive Vehicle Dynamics (IVD)
  • Precision Control System (PCS)
  • StabiliTrak
  • Traction Control System (TCS)
  • Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)
  • Vehicle Dynamics Control Systems (VDCS)
  • Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA)
  • Vehicle Stability Management (VSM)
  • Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), etc.

But the lights and the words mean exactly the same thing.

When illuminated, this text indicator, DSTC SPORT, does not indicate a problem. Rather it says that the Dynamic Stability and Traction Control (DSTC) system’s Sport Mode has been selected by the driver. The manufacturer states that the actual function is to provide maximum traction in sand, snow or while driving with snow chains, which would seem completely counter to a “Sport Mode”.

DSTC includes a number of functions: Traction Control (TC), Active Yaw Control (AYC), Spin Control (SC), and Trailer Stability Assist (TSA), all of which sound too much like an attempt at winning an acronym competition. The end game is helping you keep your vehicle safely on the road.

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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/2018/11/slip-indicator-symbol/

Lights Out: Where to Turn if a Warning Light Fails??

What if a Warning Light Fails?

This is not a new problem, but with the increased reliance on electronics and the increased number of warning lights, it is one that will likely be seen more and more.

Cadillac is recalling its sleek ELR (Electric Long Range) coupe (2014) because of a software problem in the car’s electronic stability control (ESC) system. All electronic systems undergo a diagnostic during start up, and in this case, the system software may inhibit certain diagnostics. This means that some fault conditions would not be detected if they occurred, which further means that the ESC malfunction indicator light will not illuminate.

In the case of the ELR, there are but a few hundred cars to be concerned about (656 vehicles from the 2014 model year not equipped with adaptive cruise control) and fortunately GM discovered the problem in house, not after crashes. But the larger concern remains: an increased reliance on electronics across the board and more importantly in safety systems and the reliance of those systems on electronic self-diagnosis and electronic warning lights.Indicator Failure

What warning exists for the failure of a warning light itself? The answer of course, is that there is none. The indicator to the right is a fake we made up only for this piece.

For the record, many, many years ago, an oil sender failed on a personal car. The sender itself leaked all the oil out of the car, rather quickly it might be added, but never once activated the low oil pressure warning light. In this case, a mechanical failure in an electronic sender cost an engine, but in today’s vehicles, a warning light failure could cost a whole lot more.

To correct the ELR’s problem, GM will only need to recalibrate the electronic brake control module. An electronic fix to an electronic problem. Not very satisfying or confidence building, and reflects on the industry as a whole, not simply GM.

GM’s recall letter to NHTSA can be seen 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/2014/03/lights-out-where-to-turn-if-a-warning-light-fails/