Tag: instrument cluster light

Park Assist Systems Indicator Symbols

Park Assist

These are Park Assist Systems Indicator symbols. The green version will be visible when the system is activated and working. The manufacturer may refer to this as Intuitive Parking Assistance, Park Distance Control (PDC), etc. The gray scale version represents a more advanced system discussed below.

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

A problem in indicated If the symbols is seen in yellow/amber. See below. And that’s not all…

The systems use ultrasonic sensors on the front and rear to detect how close the vehicle is to surrounding objects. The first symbol itself is meant to show a “beam” detecting an object (the “traffic cone”) to help you park “P”. The cone is often been described by drivers as a sail.

More Versions

If the first symbol is illuminated or flashes in yellow/amber, there is a malfunction in the system or the sensors are dirty. The symbol may include an exclamation point. A good car washing may be all that is needed. The system has no impact on driving, so you may continue on your way, but do add extra care parking.

With the word OFF added, the system may simply have been turned off. If this is not intended, look for a switch with a matching symbol on it. If either of these indicators also flash, there is a malfunction in the system, which has turned it off.

A more advanced version offers the ability to actually find a parking space. When activated, the blue icon with the letter P inside will be seen. This Park Assist system then maneuvers the vehicle in to parallel and perpendicular parking spaces. The system controls the vehicle movement during a maneuver using the steering, acceleration, gear selection, and braking. The lamp illuminates blue when the park assist system is searching for a valid parking space, and can only be active when the vehicle’s speed is less than 18 mph (30 km/h).

Once again, this gray-scale version functions very much like the one above and is called Simple Advanced Parking Guidance System (S-APGS). It does not find spaces, but will control parking maneuvers once a spot is chosen. The system can handle parallel or back in parking.

If more than one valid space is displayed in the park assist screen, multiple icons will appear with an arrow to one side or the other. Touch the preferred parking space to change from the pre-selected parking space.

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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.

Marc Favreau

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

Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2024/03/park-assist-systems-indicator-symbols/

Stability Control Off Indicators

Stability Control

These 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

Note 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.

The 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.

These 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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Marc Favreau

Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2024/03/stability-control-off-indicators/

Dynamic Stability Control / Electronic Stability Program

Stability Control

This is a Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) or Electronic Stability / Stabilization Program (ESP) symbol. These are electronic suspension control systems combining elements of braking, steering and suspension to keep the vehicle under control. If an exclamation point is seen next to the symbol, it indicates a system failure.

But first, is one of these truly your symbol?? If yes, continue on below.
And check out the video.
Otherwise return to our main Picture Symbols page and scan again.

These are a unique set of symbols that are part of the main group of Stability Control indicators. It will have an on off switch, and will most often be lit if the system is turned off. Some manufacturers use the symbol to denote systems that they call Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR) (meaning traction control) and Electronic Differential Lock (EDL), which is disabled if a fault in the ASR is detected.

Note that Stability Control 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.

A flashing symbol likely means the system requires service. The inclusion of the ‘4 x 4’ is a variation in the appearance of the symbol used in 4-wheel drive vehicles.

Remember that these advanced systems come into play in extreme driving conditions, such as poor weather or rounding a curve excessively fast. Your vehicle is safe to drive with them disabled under most conditions. Contact your dealer or authorized service center for repairs.

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

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Marc Favreau

Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2024/03/dynamic-stability-control-electronic-stability-program/

Supplemental Restraint System Air Bag Indicator Symbols

Supplemental Restraint

These are the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) Air Bag Indicator symbols. Either of these warning lights indicate that a problem exists with one of the many airbags in the vehicle, which should be taken to the dealer or authorized service center as soon as possible. The picture symbol has been described as a beach ball on a lap.

But first, is one of these truly your symbol?? If yes, continue on below.
Otherwise return to our main Picture Symbols page and scan again!

In most later-model vehicles, the picture symbol replaces the original text symbol, SRS, shown to the above right. This was likely done to help non English-speaking motorists. Older vehicles used the simple Supplemental Restraint System acronym (SRS). And there’s still another…

Yet another version, used by some European manufacturers, is a simple Air Bag text symbol, as shown at left. All versions warn of a failure in one of the air bags, which can only be repaired by your dealer or authorized service center.

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Marc Favreau

Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2024/03/supplemental-restraint-system-air-bag-indicator-symbols/

Active or Advanced Cruise Control Indicators

Active Cruise Control

These are Active or Advanced Cruise Control (ACC) Indicator symbols. The first symbols add a car to the speedometer (the dial) and arrow (pointer) found in another symbol. Again, unfortunately it is not immediately clear to the average driver just what it is trying to say. The car indicates that the system is responding to traffic ahead and the arrow indicates a speed has been set. Note also that some manufacturers may call these systems Smart or Intelligent Cruise Control. The manufacturer using the blue image with the numbers 999 below the speedometer calls the system Drive Control. It is essentially Active Cruise Control.

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

There are lots more related symbols shown below. Over time, these indicators have evolved so that it is nearly impossible to distinguish one from another. Each manufacturer takes liberties with very similar images while using them to mean very different things. Please consult the manual from your manufacturer to know exactly why a particular indicator is being displayed in your vehicle.

Many More Variations

More variations of the symbol shows a car seemingly being followed by a double arrow, the back one of which is open. It may also appear as simply lane lines around broken lines or broken lines alone. It will show in green when the system is turned on and amber when actually adjusting the distance to a vehicle ahead. They will appear as well when a distance is being set in the system by the driver. And depending on the manufacturer, a specific Follow Mode can be turned OFF and the indicator seen in gray. Other symbols may appear in gray scale as well, showing the relative chosen distance between vehicles.

These additional indicators may or may not appear to have lines radiating like heat waves from the roof. They are meant intended to imply a forward looking radar. The system is active if this indicator is shown. The color is up to the manufacturer, so do check your manual. If it is seen in white, it generally means that the system is on but a speed has not been chosen.

Another variation has the first image above adding a vehicle in front indicating a vehicle has been detected ahead. The images above may simply go from green and turn to yellow/amber or red when a vehicle detected ahead is too close. An image of a foot on a pedal may also be shown, which is a warning to use the brakes. Again, consult you manual to learn what your manufacturer has chosen for color.

In the case of these images, also in green, the vehicle is seen “open” in the first image. That is, the color is not filled in, indicating that there is no vehicle ahead. In the second, the vehicle is colored in, indicating a vehicle is in fact ahead. The third image adds a distance control feature. The number of lines indicates the distance that will be maintained. The more lines, the greater the distance.

Once again, please consult your vehicle manufacturer’s manual to know exactly why one of this wide array of lights is on.

This indicator version attempts to show just the top of a speedometer with an arrow indicating where the speed is set. It doesn’t appear to offer any additional information, useful or otherwise. It appears in gray scale in the vehicle’s information display.

Variously called Radar Controlled, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Advanced Smart Cruise Control (ASCC) or even Distance Control Assist (DCA), the systems operate the same way. It is not warning of an imminent collision, but rather showing that the cruise control system will maintain the speed needed to maintain the proper distance between your vehicle and the one ahead of you. The text symbol ACC in yellow/amber indicates a fault in the system.

More advanced systems have the added capability of adjusting a vehicle’s speed to account for an approaching curve in the road. The symbols shown are variations that may appear on the instrument panel indicating that the speed is being adjusted, likely down.

All these symbols indicate a problem with the system. The symbols on the far left add the exclamation point to the car and speedometer in yellow/amber/orange. Your dealer or good service center will be needed to resolve the issue. The same is likely true of the next gray scale images, as they would appear in the message area on the instrument panel. These will be accompanied by text describing the problem, which may be as simple as dirty sensors resolved by a car wash. Your vehicle will otherwise operate normally.

These symbols are meant to indicate that the system’s radar or camera is blocked. To the left is one showing an arrow pointing the front of the vehicle (or a rectangle or box with two lines in it!) and to the right is one with the familiar exclamation point next to a car with lines in front of it (or behind it). The same is true of the gray scale image on the right as it would appear in a message area on the instrument panel.

Cameras or more commonly radar are used to detect another vehicle in front of yours, and so long as they are blocked, the advanced cruise control system cannot function. If cleaning the front of the car does not clear the symbol, there may be a malfunction, which your dealer will need to address. Standard cruise control can continue to operate, if you choose to use it the vehicle itself is fine.

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Marc Favreau

Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2024/03/active-or-advanced-cruise-control-indicators/

Cruise or Speed Control Indicators

Cruise Control

This first image is the Cruise Control Indicator light in text form. The light is illuminated when the cruise control is engaged. It is perfectly straightforward, as opposed to the many image symbols below that are now often used in its place.

First, are you sure one of these is your symbol?? If yes, then continue reading below.
Otherwise return to our main Text Symbols page and scan again!

Note that some manufacturers use this light in yellow/amber when the system is on but not engaged. The indicator will also be yellow/amber if there is a system malfunction.

Alternatively, some manufacturers use the Text Symbol to the left, Cruise Main, to indicate that the cruise control system is turned on. Once a speed is set, it reverts to the Text Symbol to the right, Cruise Control.

Alternate Cruise Control Indicator symbols. This is a new symbol that sometimes replaces the simple Text Symbols that remain in use. Unfortunately, it is not immediately obvious to most what this symbol represents, until it is explained. Which itself may explain the combination symbol, also in use. Seen in black and white simply means a speed has not been chosen.

It is, of course a representation of a speedometer (the dial), with a pointer (arrow) indicating a speed. A second version in more advanced systems is even more confusing.

And last but not least, the Active Cruise Control Indicator symbol. This symbol adds a car to the speedometer and arrow in the previous symbol. Again, unfortunately it is not immediately clear to the average driver just what it is trying to say.

Variously called Radar Controlled or Adaptive, the systems operate the same way. It is not warning of an imminent collision, but rather showing that the cruise control system will maintain the speed needed to maintain the proper distance between your vehicle and the one ahead of you. Click this link for more.

These are a Set Indicator symbol and a Set Speed symbol. Some manufacturers use Set to indicate that a speed has been chosen. The second and third will include the chosen speed, while the first may be used to indicate a system problem. It will blink if that is the case.

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Marc Favreau

Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2024/03/cruise-or-speed-control-text-indicators/

Tail or Stop Light Out Indicators

Tail Lamps

This symbol is a Tail or Stop Light Out Indicator symbols. The replacement of a light bulb or two will restore order. Some manufacturers add a text message in the instrument panel noting exactly which light is out. The symbol is often described as eyelashes coming out of the back of a car! The lines or eyelashes pointing out are meant to represent light.

But first, is one of these truly your symbol?? If yes, continue on below.
Otherwise return to our main Picture Symbols page and scan again!

And there’s still another…

These two versions are a Stop Light or Brake Lamp Out Indicator. They specifically point to a burned out brake light bulb. Again, the eyelashes pointing back are part of the equation, and the words STOP or BRAKE are there for obvious reasons. There may be a further message in the instrument panel noting the exact bulb. Again, have the light bulb replaced.