Information Gallery...!: Car Indication Symbols

Concentrate on Color

For the most part, a symbol in red indicates a potentially serious problem or safety issue. It is also used to indicate an important reminder. Yellow/orange mean something needs to be serviced or repaired soon. If the symbol is flashing, it is truly important that you contact your dealer. A green or blue symbol is for information only, telling you that a system is on or is operating.

We start with the most serious of the symbols and move in a rough descending order of importance. This is somewhat subjective, particularly if you are seeing something you don’t recognize!

Serious of Warning Symbols

If you see any of the following symbols on your dashboard, take no chances. Stop you vehicle immediately and find an authorized repair facility. We start with a text symbol here, because it cannot be ignored in this set as it indicates a brake issue.

Brake Warning Indicators, U.S. and Canada (r),

Engine Coolant Temperature Indicator Symbols,

Engine Oil Level or Oil Pressure Warning Light Symbol,

Engine Oil Sensor and Level Indicators,

Charging System Warning Light Symbols,

Safety and Trouble Indicators & Symbols

If you see any of these next few symbols, contact your dealer as soon as possible. They are sorted in what could be an order of importance. Note the links with additional information.

Master Warning Light,

SRS Air Bag Indicator Symbols,

Side Airbag Off Indicator,

Security and/or Immobilizer Symbols,

Drivetrain or Powertrain Trouble Lights,

Electronic Shift Malfunction,

Transmission Warning Indicator Symbol,

Transmission Temperature Warning,

Power Steering Trouble Light,

Parking Brake Indicators,

Low Brake Fluid Indicator Symbol,

Antilock Brake System Trouble Lights,

Low Brake Pad Warning Light,

Electronically Controlled Brake System Symbol,

Electric Park Brake Fault Indicator,

Automatic Shift Lock (ASL) Indicator Symbol,

Tire Pressure Monitoring System Lights,

Check Engine Light Symbols,

Check Engine Electrical Indicator,

Reduced Engine Power Indicator,

Engine Fault Indicator,

Lambda (Oxygen) Sensor Indicator Symbol,

Check Gas Cap Indicator Symbol,

Message Indicator Symbol,

Owner Manual Indicator Symbol,

Catalytic Converter Warning Symbol,

Low Coolant Lights,

More Low Coolant Lights,

Electronic Throttle Control Indicator Symbol,

Service Reminder Indicators,

Clogged Air Filter Indicator,

Seat Belt Reminder Indicator Symbol,

Second Row Safety Belt Indicator Symbol,

Control Assist System Symbols and Indicators

The latest vehicle advances combine features old, such as Anti-lock Brakes (ABS), and new, like Stability Control, into Assist Systems. They have their own unique symbols and indicators, some of which, unlike ABS, use different terminologies to describe exactly the same thing.

Note that if additional lights, such as the Check Engine and ABS light, are on, they should be addressed first. See our Multiple lights page for more information. Note as well that some specialty systems will also shut down associated advanced systems. Thus, for example, if Low Speed Assist is in use or you have locked the differential for additional traction, Stability Control will be unavailable. Etc.

Traction Control Indicators,

Low Speed and Grade Assist Indicators,

Turn Assist Indicator,

Stability Control Indicators and Symbols

Stability Control Off Indicator(s),

Various Stability Control Off Text Indicators,

Dynamic Stability Control Indicator or Electronic Stability Program,

Brake Assist and Anti-Slip Regulation Fault Indicator,

Slip Indicator and Fault Indicator Symbols,

Advanced Feature Symbols and Indicators

The symbols and indicators in this next group are associated with special and advanced automotive features. What used to be accessories in many cases. The symbols generally are shown on the instrument panel in green when the systems are active. Other symbols are shown when there is a problem with the system, and will be yellow or red.

Power Top Trouble Indicator Symbol,

Keyless Ignition Key Detection Indicators,

More Keyless Ignition Key Detection Indicators,

Frost Warning or Snow Mode Indicator Symbol,

Attention Alert Indicator Symbols,

Distance Warning Indicator Symbol,

Easy Access Indicator Symbol,

Cruise Control Indicator Light,

Cruise Control Indicator Symbol,

Active/Adaptive Cruise Control Indicator Symbols,

Smart Cruise Control Warning Indicator Symbols,

Brake Hold Indicator Symbol,

Suspension Setting Indicator,

Haul (towing) Indicators,

Park Assist Indicator Symbols,

Lane Departure Warning Symbols,

Pre Collision System Indicators,

Blind Spot System Indicators,

Fuel Economy Aid Indicator Symbols

Start/Stop System Function Indicators,

Start/Stop Trouble Indicator,

Economy Operation Indicator,

Economy Mode Indicator,

Up Shift Light Symbols,

Sport Mode Indicator,

4-Wheel and All-Wheel Drive Feature Symbols

All Wheel Drive (AWD) On Mode Indicators,

4 Wheel Drive Indicators,

Differential Lock Indicators,

Rear Differential Lock Indicators,

All-wheel Drive Disabled and Fault Indicators,

Low Speed and Grade Assist Indicator Symbols,

Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles Symbols and Indicators

A whole new series of symbols have been created just for the new generation of hybrid vehicles. For the most part, they tell a driver when a particular system is operating and/or in what mode. Remember that a flashing light likely indicates a problem that your dealer should address.

Hybrid or Plug-in Hybrid Battery Trouble Indicators,

EV System Warning Indicator,

High Voltage Battery Charge Level Indicator,

Low Battery Warning Indicator,

Power Limitation Indicator,

Charging Indicator Symbols,

Electric Vehicle (EV) Operation Indicator Symbol,

Hybrid Ready Indicator Symbols,

EV Mode Indicator Symbol,

External Sound System Fault Indicator Symbols,

Diesel-powered Vehicle Symbols

The following are symbols used only in diesel powered vehicles. They vary somewhat by manufacturer but all generally refer to starting and fuel quality and filtration.