Tag: instrument panel light

High, Low, or Main Beam On Indicators

High Beams

These symbols are versions of the High, Low, or Main Beam On indicator. The light is active only when the high beams are active (turned on) and has been a standard in vehicles for decades is one of only a select few presented in a blue color and features what is supposed to be the image of an old-style headlamp with lines coming out from it.

Are you sure one of these is your symbol??
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This next one is used by only a few manufacturers and is a Low or Dipped Beam On indicator. The image is in green and now shows the lines coming out from the headlamp pointing down indicating that the lights are aimed down. The same symbol with the A inside is part of a Auto Low Beam system, similar to auto high beam systems.

The terms low and high beam are commonly used in North America, while dipped and main beam are in more common use in Europe.

Finally, these are, respectively, Low and High Beam Fault Indicators. They appear in yellow/amber/orange. Like the on lamps above, the lines point down for the low beam warning light and straight out for the high beam warning light.

Similar Symbols

Do not confuse the light with these. Follow these links, left, center and right 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Technology is always changing and what is current and accurate today may be literally out-of-date and inaccurate tomorrow.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.

M 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/high-low-or-main-beam-on-indicators/

Fog Lamp Indicator Symbols

Fog Lamps

This the Fog Lamp Indicator symbol. The indicator in green is active only when the fog lamps are activated. The wavy line crossing straight ones pointing down is meant to indicate light passing through the fog.

Are you sure this is your symbol?? If yes, then continue on below.
Otherwise return to our main Picture Symbols page and scan again!

Do you have one that looks like the reverse of this one??

And, yes, there is a Rear Fog Lamp Indicator symbol, in yellow/amber. This indicator also is only active when the lamps are actually on. The lines point to the right in this symbol, indicating a rear-facing beam. They are rare in North America but required in Europe. They make a vehicle more visible in poor weather to trailing drivers.

Either are switched on, so look for a similar symbol on the light switch or switches if you wish to turn the lights off.

Similar Symbols

Do not confuse these lights with the indicator lights to the right. They are linked here, here and here, left to right. Click for more.

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M Favreau

Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2024/03/fog-lamp-indicator-symbols/

Lamp Out Indicator Symbols

Lamp Out

These are Lamp Out Indicator symbols. One or more of the headlamp bulbs or other bulbs is burned out or malfunctioning. This is another symbol that may utilize an exclamation point, which always indicates a problem, even if its in the green color. The third symbol to the right, in yellow/amber only, is an alternative Lamp Out indicator.

Are you sure this is your symbol?? If yes, then continue on below.
Otherwise return to our main Picture Symbols page and scan again!

In green, it indicates that the lights are on, but one lamp is not working. In yellow/amber, it simply means that a lamp is out.

Note right here that the light to the left if seen in black and white on a Polestar instrument panel means that Trailer Lights are under test. It looks exactly like the first two images above but does not indicate a fault!

Modern LED (Light Emitting Diode) headlamps evidently require a new warning symbol variation. The shining headlamp, represented by a rounded triangle with lines emanating from it, with an exclamation point inside indicates a malfunction in an LED headlamp. The lines angle downward, likely indicating that the problem is with a low (dipped) beam light.

However, the problem here is more likely with circuitry or wiring rather than the bulb, or bulbs, itself or themselves.

Polestar is using the image to the left to indicate a lamp malfunction. However, it should not be confused with the image to the right, which bears a strong resemblance. It is an Active, Adaptive or Cornering Light Malfunction Symbol! Follow the link for more.

Some vehicles may include a very helpful message in the instrument panel noting exactly which bulb has malfunctioned. In this case, and assuming it is a headlamp, it will also likely add whether it is low (dipped) beam, or high (main) beam. The terms low and high beam are commonly used in North America, while dipped and main beam are in more common use in Europe.

Regardless, service the lights as soon as possible.

Even with older, non-LED lighting, there is the outside possibility of a bad fuse or a broken wire or some other electrical issue affecting the headlamps. Also note that in most cases, it will be a low (dipped) beam that will likely be affected, as these spend the most time illuminated.

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M Favreau

Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2024/03/lamp-out-indicator-symbols/

Headlamp Indicator Symbol

Headlamp

This is the Headlamp Indicator Symbol. Some auto manufacturers use this symbol when the headlamps are turned on. In vehicles equipped with automatic headlamp operation, the symbol will appear when the light switch is set to “Auto”.

Are you sure this is your symbol??
If not, return to our main Picture Symbols page and scan again!

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M Favreau

Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2024/03/headlamp-indicator-symbol-2/

Active, Adaptive and Cornering Light Malfunction Symbols

Cornering Lights

The acronyms AFS and AFLS in these symbols or indicators stand for Active Front-lighting System or Adaptive Front or Cornering Light System. The difference is very subtle and is the result of a manufacturer choice only.

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

If it includes the word OFF, it indicates that the system has been turned off with an available switch. Look for the switch, which may have been tripped accidently. It may also be tucked nearly under the dashboard where it can be hit by the driver’s knee in a Toyota or Lexus.

More Versions

The acronym SRH changes the reference to Steering Responsive Headlights, but is exactly the same type of system. If any of the OFF lights flash or remain lit, they indicate a fault in the system, and your dealer will be needed for a repair.

Another indicator of a malfunction are the picture symbols to the left, a curved arrow, indicating movement, above or split by a headlight beam, one adding the exclamation point. The beam is represented by the closed rounded triangle with lines above it. The last one is seen on its side with a bent arrow in one corner.

The symbol is used by manufacturers who call the system Adaptive Forward Lighting (AFL), Active Bending Light System (ABL), Static Bending Light System (SBL) or Cornering Headlights. Another example of multiple industry names for the same basic system and again, your dealer will be needed for repairs.

Either headlight system move the direction of the headlights left or right – the arrow – in concert with the steering. When the system is off, the headlights work as they have for a century, so there is no need to be concerned.

Note that these active systems often have an on/off switch that may have been accidentally been tripped on the dashboard (as noted) or inside a menu found in an instrument panel display. Look for the same acronym on a switch or in the menu.

If you drive a Polestar, note that they have begun using the symbol to the right to indicate that a lamp has malfunctioned. Follow the link here for more.

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M Favreau

Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2024/03/active-adaptive-and-cornering-light-malfunction-symbols/

Power Steering or Electronic Power Steering Trouble Light

Power Steering

These are Power Steering or Electronic Power Steering warning lights or symbols. The exclamation point is used here, a common sight with newer warning lights, alongside the image of a steering wheel. This is a warning, indicating a problem with the steering system. Depending on the manufacturer, it may appear in red or yellow/amber.

There may be hope, but first, are you sure this is your symbol?? If yes, then continue below.
Otherwise return to our main Picture Symbols page and scan again!

The red indicators are failure lights here and the yellow/amber/orange version is a fault light. In any case, if as an electronic system, there is a chance it can be “reset”. Pull over as soon as possible and shut down the engine and restart it. If the warning light does not go out you will need to take the vehicle to your dealer or authorized repair facility quickly.

The good news is that the vehicle can be driven with a power steering failure. However, the steering will lack the power assist and will be more difficult to steer. So if you choose to proceed, please do so with caution.

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M Favreau

Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2024/03/power-steering-or-electronic-power-steering-trouble-light/

Drivetrain, Shift or Powertrain Trouble Symbols

Powertrain

These are Drivetrain, Shift or Powertrain trouble symbols or lights, and will be red or yellow/amber if it comes up. This same symbol is also used as an Electric Shift Control System Warning Indicator. It indicates a problem has been detected generally in an automatic transmission or transaxle, or its shift system. This part of the drivetrain should be serviced as soon as possible.

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

This version in black and white will be seen in the vehicle’s information display. It may indicate that the transmission is overheated or there is a park lock malfunction or a major transmission malfunction. Fortunately, a text description will be seen as well.

This version is also seen in black and white. It accommodates all of the shift positions with their first letter, D, P, R, etc. If all are seen together and is found to be blinking, there is an issue with the transmission the will need service as soon as possible.

There is little that is user-serviceable in these systems, so you will need the help of your dealer or authorized service center. Some manufacturers also use these to indicate an engine problem, but the Check Engine light is generally reserved for this.

More Versions

While the exclamation point is a recurring motif in automotive instrument panel symbols, the wrench is a bit more rare. Neither is it very informative unless, a) the driver is already familiar with it or, b) the driver stops and reads the owners manual. It often indicates a transmission problem, particularly if seen in red, but it also is used for other purposes. Do consult your manual.

Do not confuse the first image with the Settings Indicator symbol on the left. It is nearly identical to the bumpy circle used when referring to the transmission, but lacks any addition in the center and is shown in gray scale. The settings indicator will most generally be seen in the separate Information Display and is the what we have become used to seeing on our phones and computers.

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M Favreau

Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2024/03/drivetrain-shift-or-powertrain-trouble-symbols/