Tag: instrument panel light

Collision Warning and Collision Intervention System and Malfunction Indicators

Collision Warning and Intervention

Collision warning and intervention systems in the news. In August of 2022, six leading organizations that are committed to consumer safety and education — AAA, Consumer Reports, J.D. Power, National Safety Council, PAVE, and SAE — came together to develop the standardized naming conventions for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) technologies.

This post addresses Collision Warning and Collision Intervention System and Malfunction Indicators, a subset of ADAS. We address them directly below.

The newly recommended naming conventions are simple, specific, and based on system functionality. We have advocated for these changes for years and welcome them, but we will continue to include the old names where necessary.

Unfortunately the absolutely outlandish number of indicators used are not addressed! And the list continues to grow…

Further, it is important to note that the organizations are only asking automakers to adopt the standardized terminology, a move that would go a long way in reducing reduce consumer confusion about the intent and functionality of these systems. We’ll do our best to help here and in other posts.

Pre_collision_system_indicatorCollision Mitigation Brake System IndicatorForward Collision Warning OffPre-safe Seat BeltPCS stands for Pre Collision, or Crash, System. FCW stands for Forward Collision Warning System. Another is CMBS or Collision Mitigation Brake System. Yet another is the very awkward sounding Pre-safe Seat Belt (PSB) system. This one has a warning image in the message center in gray scale, like the seated figure shown to the right, along with a text warning. How about Panic Brake Assist (PBA), Forward Emergency Braking (FEB), Predictive Forward Collision Warning (PFCW) or Smart Brake Support (SBS)? They play in the same ball park, but don’t have their own text symbols!

  • Before continuing, is one of these truly your symbol?? If yes, then read on below. 
  • Otherwise, you can return to our main Text Symbols page and scan again!

Forward collision warningAutomatic emergency braking indicatorFollowing distance warning indicatorThe end result is yet another advanced system that has managed to resist finding a standardized name. The systems discussed here use radar while others use cameras, which can be found here.

These systems, and those that follow, are all moving in the direction of automatic braking, which all manufacturers have promised to install in all passenger vehicles by roughly 2020.

Regardless of name or acronym, the systems, if fitted, minimize the risk of injury if a crash becomes unavoidable. The vehicle will alter its suspension and brake settings (apply the brakes) and the front seat belts are tightened. If one of these indicator symbols is shown on your instrument cluster, it indicates a problem with the system and the vehicle should be taken to your dealer or authorized repair facility.

Emergency steering warningA more recent addition is this Emergency Steering Warning Light indicator, and is part of Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA). The system is intended to assist steering — and hence the steering wheel — to aid in avoiding a collision with an oncoming vehicle from the front or the side or if a pedestrian or other obstacle is detected. It will be seen in yellow/amber/orange when all or part of FCA is disabled or malfunctioning. It will blink in red when steering assistance is required.

Pre collision assist indicatorPre-collision assist malfunctionAnother recent (2024) addition is this Pre-Collision Assist indicator. Pre-collision assist detects and warns of approaching hazards in the road and provides multiple levels of assistance to help avoid a collision if you are rapidly approaching another stationary vehicle, a vehicle traveling in the same direction, or a pedestrian or cyclist in your path. The system offers an alert first, then brake support and automatic emergency braking, if needed.

The image with the line drawn through it says that the system is malfunctioning. Continue on for additional information regarding system problems.

Many More Versions

Collision warning activeCollision warning off indicatorThe images here are of a Collision Warning System active and another with the word OFF added, meaning the system has been deactivated. They are seen as a car in a lane with wavy lines radiating away in four directions. And the word OFF in the one case, all in red.

It is important to note that many systems can only warn of a potential collision audibly and take no active measures to protect you. Check your owners manual carefully. And regardless of whether the system is active or not, it should never be relied upon to avoid a collision without the driver’s help!

Rear collision warning indicaorThis symbol is a Rear Collision Warning indicator. While it resembles many of the symbols already seen on this post, it is specifically used to warn of a possible collision from behind. The difference is that the car in front is seen in full and the one behind is only partially visible. The roles are reversed in collision warnings with a car in front.

Intersection collision warning leftIntersection collision warning rightThese two are Intersection Collision Warning symbols and warn of a possible collision from the side. They are always seen in red. Oddly, the first image is of the right side of a vehicle and warns of a possible collision on the left. And conversely the second indicator is of the left side of a vehicle and warns of a collision from the right!

Sensor Blocked Indicator SymbolA common problem is dirt on the sensors or cameras in the front of the vehicle and often a simple car wash or cleaning will resolve the issue. The symbol to the left showing an arrow piercing the top side of a car is used by manufacturers for what they call the City Safety System to indicate that sensors mounted in the windshield are blocked by dirt or debris.

Camera blocked indicatorThe first symbol in this set also points to debris blocking the camera at the front of the vehicle, and again a car wash is likely all that is needed. This, and the next two symbols, are the only ones to attempt a representation of seeing. They are also in black and white and will be displayed in the information screen along with a text description of the problem. The image, unlike the next two gives no indication itself of a problem.

Camera fault indicatorCamera unavailable indicatorThese next two do indicate a problem. The first to the left adds an exclamation point and indicates a fault with the forward facing camera. A qualified service shop will be needed. The second, with the line drawn through the car and the radiating lines, indicates that the camera is temporarily unavailable due to its temperature being too high or too low. Camera function will return when the proper temperature range is restored.

Collision WarningForward Collision Warning OffAuto braking off indicatorSmart brake support offThese symbols indicate that the Forward Collision Warning system has been turned off. Some manufacturers use the picture symbol with the word OFF, while others add OFF to the system’s acronym. The image symbols are intended to look like cars crashing into each other, and does the job.

Auto Braking Indicator SymbolThe symbol to the left, which adds the exclamation point in the triangle alert and an arrow indicating the direction of travel, illuminates when the brakes are applied automatically, which would be an obvious distraction to the driver at a clearly bad time.

Forward Collision System Fault IndicatorForward_Collision Warning IndicatorAuto braking fault indicatorAutomatic emergency brakingAutomatic emergency brakingIf any of these lights remain illuminated, it indicates a problem with the system that will require your dealer or authorized service center to resolve. The light to the left is a trouble light only. See your favorite service center. And note that if there are any additional illuminated warning symbols, most likely they will need to be addressed first.

Front End Collision Warning IndicatorAuto emergency brakeThese indicators to the left are Front-end Collision Warning indicators, although the symbols show the back-end of a car. The manufacturers use the same symbol for both a warning that the system has a problem or if a collision is imminent. We’ve shown them d, which is used when a potential collision is detected. It may flash red as the condition worsens and/or when the relative speed between the two vehicles is large.

It will illuminate in yellow/amber when associated with the Active Cruise Control system and a vehicle driving ahead is detected. The indicator will flash if the system is not operating properly. In this case, the active cruise control will be deactivated and the brakes will be applied until the driver resumes control by either pressing on the brake or accelerator pedal.

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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/pre-collission-system-indicator/

Slip Indicator, Stability Control and Fault Symbols

Slip Indicators

Slip Indicator SymbolTraction Control IndicatorStability system indicatorThese are all Slip Indicator and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) or Fault symbols. When a vehicle detects slippery conditions, its stability or traction control system is activated. The light will flash, irregularly in some vehicles, indicating that the system is doing its work, which is to help keep the vehicle in control (next paragraph).

  • Before continuing, is one of these truly your symbol?? If yes, then read on below.
  • Otherwise, you can return to our main Picture Symbols page and scan again!

These 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.

If the same light remains lit or flashes for an extended period when starting your vehicle, it indicates a fault in the stability control system. The vehicle will operate normally, but without the advanced control system. You may continue driving, but do so with caution, particularly in poor weather.

Many More Versions

Slip IndicatorDSTC Sport IndicatorESC Sport indicatorVSA Indicator Symbolvsc fault indicatorThe indicators may also be in text form. Some manufacturers also include an intermittent beep while the system is active. Your dealer or authorized service center will be best equipped to address problems with the system.

Low trac indicatorTrac on indicatorTraction control indicatorElectronic stability programBut again, for the most part, these images appear when the system is functioning properly and doing its job! There are no other warning lights that will appear on your instrument panel when a vehicle’s system is doing what its supposed to do. They are frankly an unnecessary distraction, particularly given that road conditions are likely slippery.

Note that Traction Control evolved to Active Traction Control, finally evolving to Stability Control Systems. Warning lights for these systems are more commonly seen as variations of the image of a car with skid marks behind it, but all of them are doing essentially the same job.

Stability Control Fault IndicatorStabilty Control Fault IndicatorStability control faultThe image with its squiggly or wavy lines behind a car, is unfortunately that of a car in a skid, which can be more than a little unnerving, particularly to drivers unfamiliar with the symbol’s meaning. It is seen whether the system is working to keep the vehicle in control and when the system is off, which the strike through line indicates. The addition of the wrench also indicates that the vehicle has detected a fault in the system. Again, the vehicle will operate normally, but without the advanced control system.

Amber Master Warning Light SymbolThe last image to include is the triangle with an exclamation point inside. Some older vehicles that were first to offer stability control use this as a Slip Indicator or as a Fault Indicator. That is, it is seen when the system is doing its job and keeping the vehicle in control when a slip or skid is sensed, as was noted above.

Unfortunately, the symbol is more commonly seen in red as the Master Warning symbol. It is used to get a driver’s attention so that he or she would take notice of a message in the instrument panel’s information center. Learn more here.

Too Many Names

Due to a lack of standardization, stability control systems go by names chosen by individual vehicle manufacturer. It may be:

  • AdvanceTrac
  • Automatic Stability Control (ASC)
  • Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
  • Dynamic Stability and Traction Control (DSTC)
  • Electronic Stability / Stabilization Control (ESC)
  • Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
  • Interactive Vehicle Dynamics (IVD)
  • Precision Control System (PCS)
  • StabiliTrak
  • Traction Control System (TCS)
  • Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)
  • Vehicle Dynamics Control Systems (VDCS)
  • Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA)
  • Vehicle Stability Management (VSM)
  • Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), etc.

But the lights and the words mean exactly the same thing.

When illuminated, this text indicator, DSTC SPORT, does not indicate a problem. Rather it says that the Dynamic Stability and Traction Control (DSTC) system’s Sport Mode has been selected by the driver. The manufacturer states that the actual function is to provide maximum traction in sand, snow or while driving with snow chains, which would seem completely counter to a “Sport Mode”.

DSTC includes a number of functions: Traction Control (TC), Active Yaw Control (AYC), Spin Control (SC), and Trailer Stability Assist (TSA), all of which sound too much like an attempt at winning an acronym competition. The end game is helping you keep your vehicle safely on the road.

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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/slip-indicator-symbol/

Electric Power Steering (EPS) Indicator Symbols

Electric Power Steering

EPS Indicator SymbolThese are Electric Power Steering (or Electronic or Electronically controlled) (EPS) Indicator symbols. If equipped, the light will come on when the vehicle is first started. If it comes on while driving, it indicates a problem with the system.

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

The good news is that there may be a way around it…

Power Steering Trouble LightAs an electronic system, there is a chance it can be “reset”. Pull over as soon as possible and shut down the engine for a short period of time (on the order of 10-20 seconds) and restart the vehicle. If the light does not go out you will need to take the vehicle to your dealer or authorized repair facility as soon as possible.

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

Related Symbol

Steering Trouble IndicatorNote that there is a picture symbol, right, in use as trouble lights as well for Electric Power Steering. 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/2014/01/electric-power-steering-eps-indicator-symbol/

Automotive Warning Lights: Scrap the Useless System

Is There Any Value in Current Dashboard Symbols?

Recent discussions in the automotive press (since deleted) have railed on the uselessness of the check engine light or called for an outright ban of the light and other automotive warning lights.

And they’re on to something. Lets face it. Scrap the useless system. The current and growing crop of automotive warning lights, including the check engine light, without the associated fault code or codes says nothing, to the driver in particular. However, in point of fact, the entire warning and indicator light system suffers from the very same problem:

  • What is an oil light without an oil gauge?
  • What is a charging system light without a volt or amp meter?
  • What is an ABS light without a fault code?
  • What are any of the hundreds of other lights without more information?

What Should We Do Instead?

Of course, fault codes, gauges and meters are only of use to those with the ability to interpret them, which is the source of the ‘idiot light’ system in the first place. But the plain fact is that today’s vehicles have the capability to display not only an indicator light and fault code, but also an explanation of what is actually wrong in plain language AND what needs to be done at that moment:

  • Can the car be driven under the condition?
  • Does the car need to be towed?
  • Is there a REAL danger of loss of control?
  • Etc., etc., etc.

Unfortunately, it is not likely that any manufacturer will step up and risk giving more detailed information to lay people out of liability fears. But the system as it exists now runs the real risk of needlessly frightening drivers with the circus of indicator and warning lights that can pop up at the drop of a gas cap. And sometimes two and three lights at a time.

Further, with 20, 30 and even more indicators on instrument panels today, is there not a risk of saturation? The 2017 Audi Q7 has over 100 lights or combinations of lights that may be shown!

When is enough enough? Every new system added to a vehicle is met with a new indicator and or acronym that, despite the best industry efforts, remain a mystery to the average driver. Seriously, most drivers need to get the kids to school and get themselves to their jobs. They are not car people and simply have too much on their plate as it is.

Even experienced service personnel have to search their memory banks to correctly identify the meaning of some of the more obscure acronyms (AFS does NOT start with ‘Automatic’… ). Should the industry expect more from drivers?

Seriously, before someone freaks out behind the wheel let’s stop throwing new lights at every new vehicle add-on and consider some alternatives. At the very least, new and existing lights should be accompanied by real and useful information.

And since drivers should NOT be reading while driving, how about having the vehicle talk to the driver by voice? With all the discussion surrounding driver distraction and the integration of Siri and other voice command systems into infotainment systems, we are not so far from this ‘Eyes Free’ solution. It’s just a little to the left, in the instrument panel…

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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/2012/07/automotive-warning-lights-scrap-a-useless-system/

Automotive Warning Lights: Multiple Light Syndrome

Multiple Light Syndrome

This has been a difficult topic to write about. My goal is always to explain an automotive issue so that an average driver can follow along and understand. But I have been over and over and over this article, and I’m still not sure if I’m conveying the message properly. We devoted an entire page to the issue, linked here, and have struggled to present the information logically. That difficulty truly speaks to the direction the industry is taking.

A new phenomenon has developed over the last several years. You are driving down the road, the vehicle feels normal and seems to be running properly. And then, not one or two but as many as three warning or indicator lights suddenly flare up on your instrument panel. Now what?? It is a very difficult topic to explain verbally – and even more difficult in writing! See our full layout here.

The original concept of warning and indicator lights, tell-tales, idiot lights or whatever you care to call them, was to put the driver’s attention on a potentially serious problem. And while that remain true, the very fact is that, in today’s advanced automobiles, some systems depend on the proper operation of several others. Thus, a fault in one system will result in the shut down of others that depend on the first.

Thus an instrument panel will show a multitude of illuminated tell-tales, the secondary ones effectively telling a driver only that these systems are shut off. A bad case of Multiple Light Syndrome, and, for the average driver, a potentially frightening time indeed.

ABS Trouble Indicator USAdvanced stability control and traction control systems are the primary culprits, or more to the point, the electronics that they depend on. And they are the least likely to actually fail. These systems rely on signals from the electronics controlling the operation of the engine, transmission, anti-lock brakes (ABS), and suspension systems. A single glitch in any one of these systems effectively means that that system can no longer be trusted. So, a fault in the ABS illuminates the ABS light, the traction or stability control system light, and the skid warning light.

Tell-tales, as we noted, were originally designed to help drivers who didn’t understand how to read a gauge. Today’s advanced systems are not likely to have a gauge associated with them, so all a warning light can hope to do is get a driver’s attention. And in multiples, they are guaranteed to do just that.

The automotive industry turns a blind eye to the fact that the average driver is not a technician, and the circus of tell-tales lit up at once is, bluntly, a frightening sight. The first question is always “is my car safe to drive”? In truth, the answer is nearly always “yes”!

The Bottom Line

VDC Off IndicatorMultiple lights rarely, if ever, mean multiple system faults. A fault in the engine (Check Engine), ABS or drive train will result in its associated fault light coming on. That one fault will shut down the traction and/or stability control systems, and those “off” lights will be illuminated to tell you that they are shut down. It is perfectly safe to drive a vehicle with the advanced systems off, as they are designed to kick in only in the most extreme conditions.

Should the problem be addressed? Yes, and as soon as possible. So long as the vehicle seems to be running normally, you have time to reach your dealer for service at minimum. Just add a little more caution to your drive.

However, if the vehicle is not running properly, do not attempt to drive it. Call for roadside assistance right away!

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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/2012/02/automotive-warning-lights-multiple-light-syndrome/

EV, Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid Battery Charge and Warning Symbols

EV Battery Warnings

Hybrid Battery Trouble IndicatorEV Battery Charge stateEV charge warningThese are the EV (Electric Vehicle), Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid Battery Charge and Warning symbols. The first light indicates a malfunction in an electrified vehicle’s main battery, which must be serviced by your dealer or authorized service center as soon as possible. It is distinguished from the Charging System Warning symbol with the addition of the word Main under the image of a more typical battery, or by the addition of the exclamation point, and points to a system failure rather than a charging failure. Seen in yellow/amber/orange and as a household battery or as the triple car battery, its time to charge.

  • Before continuing, is one of these truly your symbol?? If yes, read on below.
  • Otherwise, you can return to our main Picture Symbols page and scan again!

Many, Many More Versions

Traction battery cut offThis version essentially points to a total system failure, unless it is seen in yellow/amber. The battery image with the line running through it indicates that the hybrid battery will not take a charge and the entire propulsion system will be shut down. The vehicle will need a qualified service shop and require a tow. However, in yellow/amber, the manufacturer suggests to make see a qualified shop “if the problem persists!”

Battery charging symbolThis version, shown in the vehicle’s information display, will be seen when the Mild Hybrid System is charging its battery. a Mild Hybrid System uses a 48-volt battery to assist the drive train, much lower capacity than the majority of hybrid systems. It appears as a double A battery with a lightning bolt inside.

Hybrid battery chargingHybrid battery holding chargeThese two will also to be seen in the vehicle’s information display. The first indicates the hybrid battery is charging. The other indicates that the battery is holding its charge. We surmise that this means that everything is functioning as expected.

Charge mode indicatorThis is a hybrid Charge Mode indicator. The light in the instrument cluster comes on when Charge Mode is switched on. While a hybrid charges its high-voltage battery automatically, with this system from Mazda, the vehicle can be told to charge the battery only and not using its power while the gasoline engine is running. Power is generated to a preset target amount, and when reached, power is generated to maintain it.

High Voltage System FaultThis is a High Voltage System Fault Indicator symbol for a Plug-in hybrid. An exclamation point is shown in a drawing of what looks like a D battery, which is meant to invoke the system’s battery. It could also be described as a box or a rectangle. It is likely that only the vehicle dealer can correct a problem with this system.

Hybrid Warning IndicatorHybrid battery fault indicatorTraction battery warningWe found this one in the owner’s manual for two hybrids, and only one made clear that this is a hybrid battery malfunction. It was also found in an EV and also in fact indicates a main battery or system malfunction. Also, there will likely be an additional message on the instrument panel. Look for it and please check with your dealer or qualified service shop! Do not continue driving!

Hybrid battery charge indicatorHybrid battery charge indicatorFinally, this version is used as a Battery Charge Indicator. It is shown in conjunction with a gauge that shows the actual charge level. It is seen in gray scale and does not indicate any trouble with the 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/2011/12/hybrid-battery-warning-symbol/

Attention Assist Indicator Symbols

Attention Assist

Attention Alert Indicator SymbolAttention indicatorDriver alert indicatorThe image of a steaming hot cup of coffee is an Attention Assist Indicator symbol. For some manufacturers the symbol is part of a Driver Alert System. If the vehicle is equipped with the option, the symbol will be shown after a pre-set period of time suggesting a break from driving. It will be accompanied by a warning tone and a text message on the instrument panel’s display.

  • Before continuing, is one of these truly your symbol?? If yes, continue on below.
  • Otherwise you can return to our main Picture Symbols page and scan again!

The color of the symbol is not really relevant, but may be seen in black and white, red or yellow/amber/orange. It does not indicate a fault in the car, it is simply used to alert the driver that he or she has been behind the wheel an extended period of time.

Driver alert system fault indicatorAnd immediately after saying that color does not indicate a fault in the alert system, we find this symbol, in yellow/amber/orange. It does indeed indicate a fault in the system, which should be addressed as soon as possible. Consult the your car’s owner manual to determine if it is a fault light, particularly if you have not been driving long.

More Versions

Alert Time Indicator SymbolAnother manufacturer adds the exclamation point, as seen in the symbol to the right, if the vehicle detects that it is being driven erratically. An audible tone is also added and likely a text message. The tone and message will be repeated if the driving pattern continues.

Sleep detected indicatorFinally, we have this version. Updated systems are able to detect a driver nodding off at the wheel! And so this symbol, which is a bell with three letter Zs, is shown and accompanied by a warning tone. This will continue until the driver turns it off. This part of the system is also limited by the ability to see the driver’s eyes. See more on this subject here.

If you see any of these symbols, it would be wise to take a break!

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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/2011/08/attention-assist-indicator-symbol/