Lane Departure
These are all Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS), Lane Departure Mitigation (LDM), Lane Departure Prevention (LDP), Lane Keeping Assist/Aid (LKA), Lane Keeping Assistant System (LKAS), Lane-keep Assist System (LAS), LaneSense Indicator, Lane Change Assist (LCA), Emergency Lane Keeping (ELK) symbols, or are part of a Driver Alert System. Assuming there are detectable lane markers, and the system is active, these indicators will light and will blink yellow/amber if the vehicle is traveling close to either the left or the right of the traveling lane.
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This symbol, with the line drawn through it, indicates that the lane keeping system has either been turned off or has a fault. If the system cannot be switched back on, please find your dealer or a good repair center.
Note that with some manufacturers, that these systems are moving to active rather than simple warning status. This is to say that vehicles properly equipped will actually turn the steering wheel enough to remain in the proper lane (LDP above). Seen in green, it indicates that the system is on a ready and that both lane lines have been detected.
A warning chime may also be heard. The symbols look like a car in a lane or leaving a lane (or breaking through a fence!), or like lane markers with arrows pointing at them or just the markers. A steady black and white light indicates that lane keeping is not ready; green indicates the system is ready and may gently turn the steering wheel if the vehicle approaches a lane marking; and is seen in yellow/amber and flashes as a lane departure warning when a lane marking has been unintentionally crossed.
We now have a manufacturer who is using the first symbol to the left and seen above as well as a fault indicator. But more importantly, it is using the next two images in red to indicate that the vehicle is close to the left lane’s edge or the right lane’s edge, respectively. The fact that the car’s steering wheel is likely vibrating or being actively steering to maintain the lane is not enough.
One manufacturer has chosen to combine the symbol on the left with the rain sensor 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.
Another has added the Hands on Steering Wheel Indicator, but remains intended for the lane keeping system. The driver’s hands should, in fact, be on the wheel. In yellow/amber, it indicates a problem with the system. In green or black and white, it indicates the systems is on.
Images seen in shades of black and white are seen in the vehicle’s center information display. Here yet another manufacturer uses the lane lines simply to indicate the system is active. Another uses the image to indicate the system is active and lane lines are detected. It goes gray if lane lines are not detected. The last one, white on black, says the system is on, but no lines are detected. Only the particular manufacturer’s owner’s manual will determine what any given light indicates.
The addition of a star indicates that a particular driver’s preferences have been activated. As above, a steady black and white light may also be used to indicate that lane keeping is not ready; green indicates the system is ready and may gently turn the steering wheel if the vehicle approaches a lane marking; and is seen in yellow/amber and flashes as a lane departure warning when a lane marking has been unintentionally crossed.
In this case, the manufacturer displays the lane lines and turns one side red when the vehicle crosses the line without having used a turn signal. The steering wheel will also vibrate to further alert the driver. Both lines are shown in red here, but only one will in practice.
The light is green if the system is simply on. Most manufacturers who offer the system or systems make use of the larger Information Displays (see here) to indicate the system’s operation, and others offer a text symbol like the one to the left. If the system is turned off, you may see one of the symbols to the right, which may include the word OFF. One even adds an arrow pointing outside the line and a star meant to indicate a collision for really no good reason.
These are Lane Change Assist (LCA) indicators, part of a Highway Driving Assist system. We’re showing two colors here, but in fact the system moves through four colors depending on the circumstance. In white, the system is off. In gray, the system is on stand by. In green, it is safe to change lanes.
A yellow/orange light indicates a malfunction in the system. Lane Change Assist does not change lanes for the driver, but simply informs on whether changing lanes is safe or not. It can be used only on highways with clear lane markings, above 40 miles per hour, and only in concert with the use of the turn signals.
And there is this variation, called Lane Centering, which features indicators with either arrows on either side of lane markings and a car or one that replaces the arrows with a steering wheel (right). This last point indicates the need to keep both hands on the wheel.
The indicator’s color of the denotes system status. Gray indicates the system is on but inactive. In green, the system is active and applying steering torque assistance input to keep the vehicle centered in the lane. Yellow/amber indicates a system problem or with an audible tone and then gray indicates automatic cancellation.
These versions, an LDW light, blinks if the system is active and the lane markers are approached. If any of these lights remain on in yellow/amber without blinking, including another that adds inward pointing arrows below the car image, there may be a fault in the system.
The picture symbol on the right, which adds the exclamation point to the image of a car leaving a lane, is also used by some manufacturers to indicate a fault.
In all cases, the vehicle is still drivable, but the system will need to be serviced by your dealer or authorized service center.
With the use of LKAS acronym, the amber light comes on for a few seconds when the ignition is turned on. If the light stays on, it also indicates a problem with the system. The light comes on in white when the system is active and operating.
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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 Blind Spot Monitor (
System problems are generally indicated by a separate alert and text message in the instrument panel. These may include the Blind Spot Alert Malfunction
This version displays only the sensors used for blind spot detection. If seen in black and white, as shown here, the system is unavailable, likely because the sensors are dirty. A text message will be seen with the symbol in the information screen. If the system is working properly, the symbol will be displayed in 
Alternatively or in conjunction with the symbols above, text symbols with the 
This one is used by Audi. It may be the clearest concept, in that it is the image of a car in a mirror! It is the Audi Side Assist Indicator, and, if seen, points to a fault in the system. When the light is on, the assist system is inoperative and will not detect vehicles alongside your car. Find a dealer or authorized repair station soon.
Some manufacturers use an indicator in gray scale is seen when the system is activated. It uses large triangles on either side of an image of a vehicle to show the area covered by sensors. If there is a system problem, a text message will appear. Both are seen in the center information display.
These are Tow or Haul Mode and Fault Indicator 
In more advanced models, the second image above with the trailer is used to indicate that a Trailer Merge Assist system has been activated. It is tied directly to the vehicle’s 
The image with arrows above the trailer is no more than a Trailer Connected indicator. It illuminates when a trailer is connected and will go out when it is disconnected. The same is true of the image of the trailer hitch ball and the trailer, both shown in 
These versions however, are trailering fault warnings. The exclamation point in the triangle above the trailer in the first image is the give away. If illuminated, check all electrical connections as well as the physical trailer connection(s). Otherwise, the issue may involve the main vehicle’s suspension or stability control systems and a qualified service shop will be needed.
Some vehicles offer Sway Control for use while towing, a system that works in in conjunction with the Stability Control System. And like that system, the Sway Control Indicator will flash when sway is detected and being corrected.
These are All-wheel Drive (AWD) Disabled Indicator 
If a wrench (or spanner) or exclamation point is shown alongside the caricature of a vehicle’s undercarriage, it indicates a fault and nothing else, as does the text message asking for service. Malfunctions may be indicated by the system before a real problem is obvious, but don’t waste time. See your dealer or authorized service center soon, as AWD repairs are expensive and continued use will increase the likelihood of serious damage.
These text symbols are found in an Electric Vehicle (EV) and become an excuse to add the word electric to the AWD or 4WD acronyms. The first light is yellow/amber when the electric four-wheel drive (e4WD) system is limited, and will turn off when the system is working normally. If this light is red, there is likely a malfunction. But as with all electronic systems, restart the vehicle to see if the system resets.
The text symbols to the right are very much related. 
These are Suspension Setting and Malfunction Indicator 
If neither setting is selected, the shock absorber damping will be “Normal” and no indicator will be shown. Note that most vehicle manufacturers require that the vehicle be stopped in order to change these settings.
The ability to control settings are likely electronically controlled. Other manufacturers use the same type of system to control the suspension response automatically depending on road conditions. If a failure occurs, an 
This acronym, IDS+, translates to Interactive Dynamic Driving System Plus. The manufacturer associates it with their Continuous Damping Control (CDC) and Sport Mode settings. It too indicates a fault in the system if it is seen while driving.
The 
This version shows a vehicle, SUV or van on an uneven line, meant to be the ground. It too indicates a active suspension issue that needs to be checked. This version is called an Active Damper System (
This is yet another version of an Air Suspension system, shown as a rectangle pinched in the center with arrows above and below and an exclamation point inside, which denotes a malfunction. In any of these cases, if the advanced system fails, the suspension will default to an average and perfectly safe response mode and the car will be safe to drive. Have the advanced system checked out by you dealer or authorized repair shop as soon as possible.
This is another version of an indicator for an Air Suspension system. It is seen as arrows pointing both up and down in black and white in the information screen. The arrows will fill in as the ride height is adjusted up or down.
A 
These are Air Suspension Fault Indicators. It will illuminate in the event of a problem with the air suspension system. Reducing the vehicle’s speed would be prudent under this condition as vehicle control could be compromised.
A similar set of images are shown here for a pick up truck or SUV. The first will be seen when the suspension system air in this case is raised (up arrow) or lowered (down arrow) changing the ground clearance. It will flash 
The indicator light with the padlock and two arrows comes on when the air suspension is in Service or Alignment Mode. Three lines below a down arrow indicates the vehicle has been lowered for easy entry or exit.
And then we move to a set of eight, yes eight symbols from Jeep, all associated with its air suspension system. The first two are Air Suspension Active Indicators, which will be on when the system is actively adjusting the ride height up or down.
Next are a series of mode settings in 
Then we have the OFF RD (road) 1 and OFF RD 2 settings. As might be expected, the 
These are actually earlier versions of the Air Suspension Indicators. They simply show up and down arrows in what are likely supposed to be air bladders. They look more like hats and are of course intended to indicate where the vehicle’s height is set.
This is an Air Suspension Payload Protection Indicator and is part of an air suspension system. It will be on when the maximum payload may has been or is close to being exceeded or load leveling cannot be achieved at its current ride height. Protection mode will automatically be selected in order to protect the air suspension system. Air suspension adjustment is limited due to payload. The image is that of a pick up truck with both up and down arrows and a line drawn through showing the system is unavailable for adjustment.
These four Air Suspension Indicators include a bit of text description, which identifies the function. Up or down arrows are added as well. The first two indicate that the vehicle is being Lowered or Raised. The third, Alt, or alternate, Height, is used when hauling a trailer and automatically keeps the vehicle level. Finally, Bed Low is a simple reminder that the bed has been lowered.
These are Suspension Setting Indicators associated with the Ford Bronco 
Since these systems are likely be tied to the vehicle’s Stability Control System (as well as the steering system), a second light, similar to the one to the right, may appear as well, indicating that the System has been turned off. 
These are all versions of Differential Lock Indicator 
This version, an AWD LOW indicator, also says that the vehicles axles are locked together in low gear. All the wheels will turn at the same rate, and should only be operated at low speed in slippery conditions, which is also why this indicator and all the others are shown in 
If this system is accidentally engaged, your vehicle will hitch and buck and feel like it is going to tear itself apart at normal speeds. Come to a stop and look for the symbol on your dash or console and disengage the system. Drive forward or backward a few feet to complete the disengagement.
This version, seen in black and white, is seen in the information display and will be accompanied by a text explanation. The open circle in the center indicates a malfunctioning differential lock. Again, a helpful explanation will be seen with the warning light, although resolving the problem will likely require a qualified repair shop.
The indicator may turn up as symbols in all text, like the Diff (differential) Lock or All Wheel Drive (AWD) Lock Indicators shown here to the left. They mean the same as the images above.
These are Rear Differential Lock indicators. The versions on the left features a large closed circle or a pad lock between the two rear (bottom) wheels. The version to the right uses an X in place of the closed circle and is an Electronic Rear Differential Lock indicator. Both versions indicate that the two rear wheels have been locked to rotate together. Like the center lock options above, a button or dial on the dashboard or center console has been engaged locking the wheels and can be turned off.
As with above, this is a Front Differential Lock indicator. All of the same rules and concepts apply. The two front wheels are locked and will turn (rotate) together. In an electronic system, the symbols will go gray if the speed is excessive, meaning the differential is automatically unlocked.
The exclamation point indicates a malfunction on the differential lock system. It is likely electronic, so try restarting the vehicle. If the vehicle is equipped with an Information Display and a CHECK DIFFERENTIAL or DIFFERENTIAL MALFUNCTION message is shown, contact your dealer. If the vehicle hitches and bucks like a bronco at speeds above 20 MPH and the Lock cannot be disengaged, reduce speed and go straight to your dealer or service center, or have the vehicle towed.
There are now options to lock either or both of the front and rear axles electronically from some manufacturers. These padlock images are Front and Rear Axle Lock Indicator symbols. The image with the double locks indicate that both front and rear locks have been engaged.