Tag: instrument panel light

Master Dashboard Warning Light and Attention Indicators

Master Light

Master Warning Light SymbolThese are both Master Dashboard Warning Light and Attention symbols, in red. If this light is on, there will likely be text displayed as well on the instrument panel, or another warning light. Look for text in particular. It could very well point out something as serious as low oil pressure. However, despite the serious look to the symbol, it is generally associated with simple reminders such as a door ajar or that it is time to change the oil.

  • First, are you sure this is your symbol?? If yes, then read on below!
  • Otherwise return to our main Picture Symbols page and scan again!

So, what’s up with the next one??

Amber Master Warning Light SymbolThis same symbol, an exclamation point in a triangle, in yellow/amber has been used by European and Asian vehicle manufacturers in two ways. First, it indicates a fault in the vehicle’s Stability Control System, as well as a slip indicator. Click here for more. The vehicle can be driven with caution, but without the benefit of the advanced electronic control system.

Second, it is used in many cases to indicate that a text warning is available in the vehicle’s Information Display. It may involve a malfunction in any system. A Check Control message will likely require changing screens to discover the root problem.

Related Symbols

Attention indicatorAttention indicatorAnd then there are these, which feature a lower case letter “i” in a square. It too is meant to alert the driver to look for a message in the information center, but the message will not involve a serious drivability issue. The manufacturer uses the red triangles for this. It may be seen in yellow/amber or black and white.

If you’re seeing red, see your dealer or authorized service center 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/2024/03/master-dashboard-warning-light-and-attention-indicators/

Low Brake Pad Warning Lights

Low Brake Pad

Brake Pad Wear Warning SymbolThis a Low Brake Pad warning light. Some vehicle manufacturers include this symbol, which is intended to notify you that your vehicle’s brake pads are worn, or low, and need servicing. The dashed lines are meant to represent the pads themselves, with the circle representing the brake disk. Your brakes may also pulse or squeak as a warning when the brake pads are low.

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

Break wear indicatorThis version uses a simple and very easy to understand text symbol, BRAKE WEAR, in red. As with other warnings, there may also be an audible squeak or a physical pulse when applying the brakes. Do not ignore any of these warnings. Have your brakes checked and relined as soon as possible.

CCB indicatorThis one includes the acronym CCB inside the traditional brake components symbol (see the note below).  CCB stands for Carbon Ceramic Brake, a  material not typically used in brake pads. The lines around the circle are not broken, but the light still indicates that the pads are worn and need to be replaced.

Please be aware that if the brake pads are allowed to wear too much, damage will be done to the brake rotors, which are the metal component of the brake system that the pads contact when pressing the brake pedal. The light will not give you an indication as to how long you can drive before this occurs, so contact an authorized service center or your dealer as soon as possible. Damage aside, good brakes are essential to your safety!

Note that the symbol of a circle with “brackets” on either side, broken or otherwise, represents brake components. What is shown inside and the details of the “brackets” and/or color specify the nature of the problem.

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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/low-brake-pad-warning-lights/

Antilock Braking System Dashboard Trouble Lights

Antilock Brakes

ABS Trouble Indicator USABS Trouble Indicator CanadaThis text symbol, ABS, stands for Antilock Braking System. The second symbol is the Canadian version, and those that follow below are older versions. The ABS system helps to keep the car from skidding out of control during braking in slippery or extreme braking conditions by limiting your wheels from locking up.

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

ANTILOCK Indicator SymbolAntilock Warning IndicatorIf any of these lights come on during normal driving, the system is likely malfunctioning and the vehicle should be brought to your dealer or authorized service center  as soon as possible. Some manufacturers combine the TEXT BRAKE indicator when a problem arises.

The vehicle can be driven, but at your own risk. The brakes will function as normal, without the benefit of the anti-lock system. This means that in slippery conditions, the driver must control any tendency for the wheels to lock during braking.

European ABS Warning IndicatorThe symbol to the left is a European version of the ABS warning indicator. A skidding vehicle is shown inside the circle and brackets traditionally used to denote ‘brake components’, also seen in the symbol above with the ABS acronym inside.

Note that in some vehicles you can turn off the ABS (or the traction control system), in which case the light will remain on.

ABS 4x4 indicatorThis version includes the 4×4 designation beneath the more routing ABS indicator in the circle and brackets. This may indicate a problem with the 4- or All-wheel Drive system as well as the ABS System. If this is the case, one or more additional indicators will be present. Have the vehicle checked as soon as possible by a competent shop.

ABS active indicatorFinally, one manufacturer has opted to have this warning light, ABS ACTIVE, come on when the ABS system is simply doing its job . It does not indicate a fault.

This use of a warning light has only otherwise ever been seen with Stability Control systems, and serves only to distract a driver when, in fact, full attention should be on the road. This is always true, but since the ABS activates in slippery conditions, it is all the more true.

Related Symbols

Brake Trouble IndicatorBrake force dist indicatorNote that if any of the ABS warning lights are seen with either of these warning lights (right), they indicate a problem with the Brake Force Distribution System. 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/2024/03/antilock-braking-system-dashboard-trouble-lights/

Brake Trouble Dashboard Symbols

Brake Trouble

This symbol, and the Canadian version below, is a Brake Trouble Indicator symbol. Either symbol could indicate a serious problem with the brakes, but the light will also be on when the hand, or emergency, brake is engaged.

  • 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!

So, if you are sure the hand brake, or emergency, brake is released, bring your vehicle to a stop as soon as possible and contact your dealer or competent repair shop. To continue driving could very well be dangerous!

Brake Trouble Indicator CanadaThis is the Brake Trouble Indicator symbol in Canada, and other areas, but has an additional use elsewhere (below). The look of this symbol as well as others involving brakes are supposed to resemble the physical appearance of brakes. They do, but primarily only to people who have had the opportunity to take them apart. The word ‘brake’ may appear at the top of the image.

In Australia and New Zealand, the same symbol is used to indicate that the brake or clutch fluid is low. Check the proper reservoirs.

The same image is also used in Europe for the failure of an advanced system, Dynamic Brake Control (DBC). In this case, conventional brake action remains unaffected, but your dealer will be needed to repair the advanced system. These vehicles use the text symbol BRAKE shown above to indicate a problem with the basic or conventional brake system.

Electronically Controlled Brake WarningFinally, the image is used by some manufacturers to indicate a problem with the Regenerative Brake System in electric vehicles (EVs). It may appear in yellow/amber/orange (right) alongside the red brake symbol shown simultaneously. This is potentially serous and should be checked by a competent shop immediately. The operation of the brake pedal may be more difficult than normal and the braking distance may increase.

Click here to learn more about regenerative braking.

More Versions

Brake fault indicatorBrake fault warningBrake fault indicatorAnd of course someone had to combine the two and then a third as a traditional trouble light, I suppose just to add yet more symbols. The word BRAKE is place below the circle and exclamation point. And above the same indicator plus that with a “P” inside, for parking brake.

Brake Temperature IndicatorThis version that includes a thermometer inside the circle is meant to indicate that the brake disk and therefore brake pads are overheated. The car should be pulled over as soon as possible to allow them to cool. If they stay hot, the brake fluid will get hot and boil, at which point brake pressure will be non existent.

Note that the symbol of a circle with “brackets” on either side, broken or otherwise, represents brake components. What is shown inside and the details of the “brackets” and color can specify the nature of the problem.

Similar Symbols

Brake Trouble Indicator

ABS Trouble Indicator Canada

Note also that if these two warning lights (right) are seen together, they indicate a problem with something called the Brake Force Distribution System. Click here for more information.

Brake System IndicatorBrake Pad Wear Warning SymbolLow Brake Fluid IndicatorAre you seeing one of these symbols? Click here, here or here, associated with the images, left to right.

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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/brake-trouble-dashboard-symbols/

Engine Stop Dashboard Indicators

Engine Stop

Stop engine indicatorEngine stop indicatorThese are Engine Stop Indicator symbols. They indicate a serious engine issue that requires the engine be shut down. This could be an overheat problem, a lack of oil pressure, a loss of electrical power, or any number of serious emission control issues.

  • 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!

The word STOP alone would be seen in red. The same word seen inside the engine symbol is seen in yellow/amber. Likely as not an additional warning light will be seen. Likely candidates are an oil warning, temperature warning or charge warning. Click the links for more. In any case, servicing will be needed from a qualified service shop.

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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/2020/10/engine-stop-indicators/

Rear Door Lock Isolation Switch Indicator

Isolation Switch

Rear door lock isolatorThis is a Rear Door Lock Isolation Switch Indicator symbol.  When activated, it locks the rear doors of a van or panel truck to prevent them from being opened from the inside. If the switch is activated in error, it can be found on the door panel with the other lock and window switches.

  • 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 image is shown as what appears to be an open book with a rod or paddle beneath it in yellow/amber. Press the switch again to release the lockout.

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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/2020/10/rear-door-lock-isolation-switch-indicator/

Check Engine Light Symbols

Check Engine

Check Engine Light SymbolThese are all versions of the dreaded Check Engine Light symbols, some of the oldest and easily the most common and recognizable of the symbols that you may see. The word “Check” may appear inside the image, or below, or not at all.

The main image is that of an older style engine seen from the side. It includes a fan blade on its front and an air cleaner looking like a helmet mounted on the top. This arrangement is rarely seen in modern automobiles and hasn’t been seen in decades.

Where the word “Check” is missing, descriptions can be all over the map. We’ve heard it called a movie camera light, a personal underwater exploration vehicle, where the fan becomes a propeller, and a helicopter, where the fan and air cleaner both become propellers or blades.

We’ve also had it described as “three elongated circles with some lines connecting them.” We can’t see that no matter how hard we try.

More Versions

Check Engine Light TextThe possible reasons for it coming on number in the hundreds and only your dealer or authorized service center can properly address them. However, remember that a loose or missing gas cap will cause the light to come on. This is the only solution available to the average driver, so do check that the gas cap is installed and properly tightened (make sure it clicks at least once).

Service Engine Soon IndicatorIn older vehicles, this Text version, the Service Engine Soon Indicator, indicates a fault in an emissions related electronic system. The Picture Symbol with the lightning bolt in it means the same thing. Your dealer will be needed to properly assess the problem. Some version of the Check Engine Light is now universal and covers these and other engine-related faults.

Malfunction Indicator SymbolCheck Engine ElectricalElectrical system fault indicatorSymbols with lightning bolts, while still being basic Check Engine Indicators, also are meant to convey a likely issue with the engines electrical system. The symbol featuring a drawing of a car with an X through it, is specifically meant to be an Electrical System Fault Indicator. A visit to a qualified service shop is in order.

System check indicatorThis oddity, a System Check Indicator, makes little or no sense, as it simply adds an exclamation point to the original Check Engine Light. It may appear in yellow/amber, as shown or in red. Seen in yellow/amber, a minor engine fault has been detected. Seen in red, a major engine fault has been detected. The recommendation in when seen in red is to stop the engine and get help immediately, which may be the most useful advice available. In truth, any of the these symbols require attention as soon as possible to prevent real damage.

Check Engine TextIf other symbols are also active, note that the Check Engine is your first concern. In some cases, other systems in the car may be shut down until the reason the Check Engine light is active is addressed, and the symbols associated with those symbols may be activated. Be sure to check our Multiple Symbols page 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.

Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2018/11/check-engine-light-2/