Tag: instrument panel

Heads Up Display Dashboard Indicator

Heads Up

Heads up display indicatorThis is a Heads Up Display Indicator symbol. Looking more like a caterpillar than anything automotive, it will be seen when the vehicle is started indicating that the Heads Up Display is working, and when using adaptive cruise control or the collision warning system.  It can appear in any color depending on the system availability.

  • Before continuing, are you sure this is your symbol?? If so, continue on.
  • If not, you can return to our main Picture Symbols pages and scan again!

When in use, the Heads Up Display uses lasers to paint an image on the windshield. It can contain information ranging from the vehicles speed to the distance to a vehicle ahead or even a navigation map.

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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Technology is always changing and what is current and accurate today may be literally out-of-date and inaccurate tomorrow.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/2021/04/heads-up-display-indicator/

Natural Gas Operation Indicator

Natural Gas Operation

Natural gas operation indicatorThis a Natural Gas Operation Indicator symbol. In a vehicle equipped with the added natural gas fuel source, the indicator, shown in green, will illuminate when the vehicle changes to the use of natural gas from traditional gasoline. The image is that of a gas or fuel pump with the letters CNG, for Compressed Natural Gas, shown beneath it in green.

  • 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 switch to CNG occurs automatically when gasoline runs low. It will also illuminate when fuel in the tank runs low and after natural gas refueling and the system determines the quality of the fuel.

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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/2020/09/natural-gas-operation-indicator/

Driver’s Door Malfunction Indicator

Door Malfunction

Door malfunction indicatorThis is a Driver’s Door Malfunction Indicator symbol. It is seen as the outline of a car with an open padlock seemingly embedded in the vehicle’s roof. The symbol may be seen in red or yellow/amber.

  • 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!

This is likely a lock and latch malfunction that could result in the door swinging open while driving. Have a qualified technician or your dealer repair the problem as soon as possible.

If it is seen in red, the manufacturer recommends parking the vehicle and having it towed to the dealer.

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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/2020/02/drivers-door-malfunction-indicator/

MDM Mode Indicator

MDM Mode

MDM IndicatorThis is the MDM Mode Indicator (M Dynamic Mode) text symbol. Quite simply, it refers to a drive mode available in one model, the M, from one Manufacturer, BMW. M Dynamic Mode makes it possible to “drive on a dry roadway with high longitudinal and transverse acceleration but with limited driving stability”. This is automotive tech speak for transferring near full control to the driver.

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

Slip Control Off IndicatorM Dynamic Mode  is activated by pressing the stability control off button. This results in the illumination of both the MDM and the stability control OFF symbols. The use of MDM actually shuts off the stability control system. According to BMW, stability control will only be activated when the absolute limit of stability is reached. This is pretty much impossible to define.

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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/2020/01/mdm-mode-indicator/

Fuel Shut Off and Shut Off Fault Indicators

Fuel Shut Off

Fuel Cut OffThis is a Fuel Shut Off Indicator symbol. It is essentially the same symbol long used as a low fuel indicator, but with a line crossed through it. The symbol indicates that the fuel has been cut off automatically due to an accident.

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

If an accident has not occurred, then roadside assistance will be needed, as it now indicates a problem with the shutoff system, as does the next symbol.

This version, with the added exclamation point, is a Fuel Shut Off Fault Indicator. It indicates that the shut off system has failed. A qualified service shop will be needed to address the safety system.

Low Fuel IndicatorLow Battery WarningDo not confuse this symbol with either of these two. Click here for information on the first one and click here for the second.

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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/2019/01/fuel-shut-off-indicator/

Dusk Sensor or Automatic Headlight Malfunction Indicator

Dusk Sensor

This is a Dusk Sensor or Automatic Headlight Malfunction Indicator symbol. Automatic headlights turn on or off depending on the amount of ambient light detected. This in turn is dependent on a properly functioning light sensor.

  • Before continuing, is this truly your symbol?? If yes, continue below.
  • Otherwise return to our main Picture Symbols page and scan again!

The image in the symbol looks more like a standard household incandescent light bulb than anything automotive. It includes an exclamation point to highlight a problem and the text AUTO to point to the automatic headlight system. The symbol is shown in amber/yellow.

Lamp Out SymbolHeadlamp Out IndicatorThese symbols to the left are generally reserved as headlight out indicators, whether in green or yellow/amber. The exclamation point or the X indicate a light out. However, at least one manufacturer uses them to indicate a light sensor problem. Text in the vehicle’s message center will state this explicitly.

Note that in many cases, the sensor may simply be blocked or dirty. It will generally be found near the top center of the windshield. If this area is clean, a qualified service shop will be needed.

Similar Symbol

Auto Headlamp Dimmer IndicatorDon’t confuse the first symbol with this one to the right. 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/2019/01/dusk-sensor-or-automatic-headlight-malfunction-indicator/

More Electronics Makes for More Useless Symbols

More Useless Symbols

We want to dive a little deeper into what is one of our main concerns here at DashboardSymbols.com, and that is the continued proliferation of symbols appearing on instrument panels in vehicles from across the industry. And specifically with those associated with electronic systems.

We now host nearly 350 image and text symbols on the website, and estimate, rather conservatively, that 25% of them are directly connected to electronically controlled systems.

Narrowing this down, we are ignoring the 15 odd symbols we have that belong exclusively to electric and hybrid cars. We’re also staying away from a dozen or so indicators related to lighting systems. Most of this last group have been around for a while.

Smart Cruise Control Radar Warning IndicatorWhat we want to focus on are primarily systems related to driver assist functions as well as those that lean towards drive by wire. This last group covers systems like braking and steering that are now electronic or moving in that direction.

The warning light system got its start in an era when cars were essentially mechanical devices, and three systems required monitoring. By the driver! Oil or oil pressure, temperature and battery. These all had gauges, gauges that have now pretty much disappeared.

Lights Ignored

Now all of us are guilty of getting comfortable behind the wheel and ignoring the dashboard or more properly the instrument panel, and so, warning, or in the ultimate act of disrespect, idiot lights were developed to get a driver’s attention.

At that time, if a light came on, there was a plan of action — add some oil to the crankcase, add some water or antifreeze to the radiator, even add some water to the battery.

Electric Park Brake IndicatorIn todays world, the lights are essentially meaningless. What does a driver do if the Electronically Controlled Brake System symbol comes on? Or the symbol for Electric Park Brake? They are both fault indicators, but there is no fluid to top off of or reset switch to hit.

Electronically Controlled Brake WarningAlthough in point of fact, sometimes these problems can actually resolved by restarting the car.

There’s lots more of these that frankly have no user friendly solutions, just repair shop solutions. And we’ve come to believe that the warning light system has become essentially outdated and useless. And imagine the distraction these lights can cause in an era where driving distraction is all the rage. This, somehow, has slipped through the cracks.

We’ve advocated for years that vehicles to be given the capability to talk to their drivers and we’ll do it again now. In fact, our Talking Dashboards YouTube series is a tongue-in-cheek nod to the idea. There is simply no reason why a vehicle cannot talk a driver though one of these problems, right down to the problem code, if that’s what the driver requests. Being told whether or not the car is drivable and for how long at minimum would be extremely useful.

The computing power exists. Most new cars can be asked to find the nearest restaurant and take a vehicle straight to it or even schedule a service. From where we stand, a new vehicle can damn sure also provide useful information on a fault it has encountered in itself.

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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/2018/08/more-electronics-makes-for-more-useless-symbols/