Tag: exclamation point

Fuel Shut Off and Shut Off Fault Indicators

Fuel Shut Off

Fuel Cut OffThis is a Fuel Shut Off Indicator symbol. It is essentially the same symbol long used as a low fuel indicator, but with a line crossed through it. The symbol indicates that the fuel has been cut off automatically due to an accident.

  • 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!

If an accident has not occurred, then roadside assistance will be needed, as it now indicates a problem with the shutoff system, as does the next symbol.

This version, with the added exclamation point, is a Fuel Shut Off Fault Indicator. It indicates that the shut off system has failed. A qualified service shop will be needed to address the safety system.

Low Fuel IndicatorLow Battery WarningDo not confuse this symbol with either of these two. Click here for information on the first one and click here for the second.

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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Technology is always changing and what is current and accurate today may be literally out-of-date and inaccurate tomorrow.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/fuel-shut-off-indicator/

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.

  • Before continuing, is this truly your symbol?? If yes, continue below.
  • Otherwise return to our main Picture Symbols page and scan again!

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/

Warning Light Image Fails

A New Image Please!

We are going to have a little fun here, pretty much at my expense.

We have long railed about the images chosen for warning lights. They are intended to be easily interpreted by the average driver, but nearly across the board are a total fail. Follow along to see why!

EngineCheck engineFor instance, the check engine light uses the image of an engine configuration that is rarely if ever seen anymore. A belt driven fan on the front and an air cleaner on the top.

An entire generation of drivers have never seen an engine like this, but they are supposed to understand and recognize the check engine light as an engine problem.

Oil can tooOil light largeThe oil light uses an image of an oil can that hasn’t been seen in 50 years. We went looking for images of this style oil can and found one — literally old and rusted. Drivers interpret warning lights through the filters of their own experience, and this one is more easily associated with a Aladdin’s lamp. Thank the movies and tv.

TPMS largeAnd then there’s the tire pressure warning or TPMS light. Again, it is meant to be easily recognized and understood, but its a slice of a tire! Who’s ever seen a slice of tire? Using their own experience, drivers calling service departments I’ve worked in have called this an exclamation point in parenthesis or brackets, an exclamation point in a horseshoe, flames – destined to be a classic! Remember, the light is a yellow amber color.

A wishbone, an exclamation point in a fish bowl. That even accounts for the lip. An exclamation point in a cup, And finally, my personal favorite, a candle in a glass!

Not a single caller ever described the light as an exclamation point in a slice of a tire.

So here’s the fun part. I paid a visit to a local Audi car dealer recently, and well here it is.

Tire sliceAn Actual Slice of a Tire!

I flipped it over to take the picture to be sure the tread was visible, because it wasn’t sitting the other way around on the shelf.

The dealer the piece to be able to point out reinforcement in the tread near the edges for cornering, certainly something Audi prides itself on. And they have a list of manufacturers who make sure their tires can be recommended by the company.

So, now we’ve seen a slice of tire and so too any number of customers getting service at this particular store. But having seen this, the warning light does not immediately become recognizable. Note the low profile nature of the tire that was sliced. This type of profile is seen on damn near everything today, again adding to the obsolescence of the warning light.

So we get to keep our reasoning. The typical warning light simply doesn’t reflect not only the real life experiences of drivers, they don’t even reflect the reality of today’s cars!

The upshot is this experience allows us to repeat a call to the industry to let the car talk to the driver. Its time for plain language explanations for what is wrong and should or needs to be done. Period.

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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/2018/08/warning-light-image-fails/

Sway Bar Disconnected Indicator Symbols

Sway Bar

Sway BarThis 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.

  • 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!

Sway bar faultA 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.

A sway bar is vital to the control of any vehicle in normal driving conditions. If it does not re-engage, the sway bar indicator will flash continuously. Do not attempt to drive the vehicle above 15 miles per hour and have the system serviced as soon as possible.

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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/2016/05/sway-bar-disconnected-indicator-symbol/