How to decipher the symbols on the instrument panel

In total, there are over a hundred different indicators for the instrument panel. Each icon provides specific information about the state of the main components of the car, warns and informs the driver. How not to get confused in such a variety of data, which indicators you need to monitor constantly - then let's talk about everything in order.

Meaning of icons and how to react to them

Instrument panel symbols may differ for different vehicle types.... But there are dozens of standard signs that warn of critical malfunctions, low oil pressure, no fuel, no brake fluid, and no battery charge.

Manufacturers have tried to display the maximum amount of information on the dashboard, the lamps inform the driver in real time about the state of the car. In addition to information about the state of the systems and components of the car, the illuminated icons on the “tidy” prompt the driver:

• what equipment is currently working (headlights, air conditioning, heating, etc.);
• inform about driving modes (four-wheel drive, differential lock, etc.);
• show the work of stabilization systems and driver assistants;
• indicate the mode of operation of the hybrid installation (if available).

Color indication of signal lamps

Newbie drivers need to remember right away that the red indicator always signals danger. The icons are placed on a separate line, often labeled "Warning" - a warning. Indicator sensors monitor oil level and pressure, generator operation and engine temperature. The symbols also light up in red if the car's ECU detects malfunctions in the brake system, engine, stabilization system, etc. When the red icon is activated, it is recommended to stop and check the system is working properly.

The yellow warning light color can be correlated with the yellow traffic light. The illuminated icon warns the driver that there is probably a malfunction in the vehicle's control systems. The car needs to be diagnosed.

Green indicates to the driver that the units and systems are on and running.

What groups can be divided into icons

You can classify the icons on the dashboard into categories:

• warning;
• permissive;
• informative.

Depending on the configuration of the car, the pictograms can signal the parameters of the following systems:

• special designations for the operation of security systems;
• auto stabilization system indicators;
• light bulbs for diesel and hybrid power plants;
• sensors for the operation of automotive optics;
• signals about active additional options.

Full decryption of icons

The cost of repairing a car is often higher than it could be due to the driver's carelessness or ignorance. Understanding and responding correctly to the dashboard signals is another way to extend the life of your vehicle.

Indicators indicating malfunction

If the red icon on the dashboard lights up, it is not recommended to operate the machine:

• "BRAKE" or exclamation mark in a circle. The signal may indicate a faulty brake system: worn out pads, leaking brake hoses, low pressure. Also, the sign may light up if the handbrake is on.
• The thermometer icon is red. The coolant temperature indicator shows that the unit is overheated. Blue color indicates that the engine is cold, it is too early to start driving. In some vehicles, a tank-type pictogram is used along with the thermometer image. If the reservoir lights up yellow, the coolant level is low.
• Red oiler or "OIL LEVEL". The most famous pictogram that indicates a critically low oil pressure level. In some car models, to monitor pressure, the oiler first glows yellow, warning the motorist that the pressure in the lubrication system has decreased, and it is time to add oil.
• The battery icon has multiple images. If the icon turns red, there is no signal from the generator. This may be a break in the electrical wiring in the car, a malfunction in the generator circuit, or a signal about a discharged battery. For hybrid cars, in addition to the battery icon, the inscription "MAIN" is also used, indicating the main battery.

Meaning of car safety and control system icons

• An exclamation mark in a red triangle indicates that the doors are open. Often accompanied by a buzzer signal.
• The ABS sign has several images for different modifications, but it always signals one thing - a malfunction in the ABS system.
• ESP, flashing yellow or red, indicates a breakdown in the stabilization system. Most often, the steering angle control sensor fails, the braking system malfunctions.
• Motor pictogram or check injector sign. The most common emergency sign, the light of which comes on for any problems with the power unit. This may relate to failures in the fuel supply system, failure of the parameters of the working cycles of the cylinders, malfunction of the control sensors. Sometimes on the dashboard, along with a burning engine icon or the inscription "Check Engine", an error code is lit, which immediately helps the driver to determine the breakdown node. In other cases, it is possible to find out what exactly is faulty in the power unit only after diagnostics.
• The icon with the image of the steering wheel is lit in red, next to the exclamation mark is a breakdown in the power steering system. On some models, steering problems are indicated by a yellow steering wheel icon.
• A lightning bolt in a yellow circle indicates a broken electric handbrake.
• The motor icon and the black arrow pointing down - signals a decrease in motor power for some reason. In some cases, restarting the engine will correct the problem.
• An adjustable wrench against the background of the car - has a fairly broad interpretation associated with malfunctions in the transmission electronics, malfunctions of the fuel supply system. A similar emblem has a signal about the need to undergo scheduled maintenance.
• The pictogram of the inverted letter "U" on a yellow background - the breakdown signal is transmitted by the oxygen sensor, the second name is the lambda probe. It is necessary to diagnose the fuel and exhaust system of the car.
• An icon depicting a catalyst with steam rising above it - the catalyst has used up its cleaning resource by 70%, it needs to be replaced. The indicator, as a rule, lights up when the element is already completely defective.
• Yellow lightning between inverted brackets - Electronic throttle valve (ETC) assembly malfunction.
• Burning yellow abbreviation BSM - the tracking system for "blind spots" does not work.

Passive safety indicators

• SRS symbols turn red - airbag problems. The same malfunction can be indicated by a pictogram with a man and an airbag or a red inscription "AIR BAG". If the indicators are yellow, the airbags are inoperative.
• Illuminated yellow icon "RSCA OFF" - Indicates a malfunction of the side airbags.
• Yellow PCS LED - Pre Collision or Crash System (PCS) error.

Diesel Vehicle Warning Symbols

• Yellow spiral. Glow plug symbol for vehicles with diesel internal combustion engines. The spiral always glows yellow after the engine is started. After 20-30 seconds, after the engine warms up, the glow plugs are turned off and the icon should go out, if this does not happen, there is a malfunction in the power unit.
• EDC lights up yellow - a breakdown in the fuel injection system.
• The muffler icon is yellow or red - the DPF needs to be replaced.
• Droplet pictogram - a high amount of water was found in the diesel fuel.

Transmission operation

• The adjustable wrench flashes red - there is a malfunction in the transmission system, most often it is a lack of transmission fluid, failures in the automatic transmission ECU.
• The dashboard in cars with automatic transmission has the "Transmission diagram" icon. If the icon is yellow, the sensor is sending incorrect signals from the transmission. Specifically, what kind of malfunction can be found out only after a complete diagnosis of the gearbox. It is not recommended to operate the car.
• Yellow AT icon; ATOIL; TEMP - transmission fluid overheating;
• Signal icon yellow box image. The pictogram lights up at low oil pressure, if the sensors have detected interruptions in the operation of the electronics, etc. When the icon is activated, an automatic transition to emergency mode occurs.

Information indicator icons

• А / TP - transfer of the selector lever to the "Stop" mode for cars with automatic transmission, four-wheel drive and lower gear.
• The icon on the panel "Yellow arrow" - there is an opportunity to save fuel, it is recommended to switch to a higher gear for the automatic transmission.
• For cars with the start-stop system, the green end A-stop indicator is a signal that the engine is off, yellow lights up in case of a malfunction.
• Tire pressure tracking icons depict the tread section with an exclamation mark or arrows in the middle. Depending on the vehicle configuration and year of manufacture, one general error icon or a complete information display may light up on the dashboard.
• Open fuel tank icon - you forgot to tighten the cap.
• The letter "i" in a yellow circle - the sign means that not all control and safety indicators are displayed on the dashboard.
• An image of a car on a stand, a car with the signature "service" means that it is time to undergo scheduled maintenance.

Useful video

Check out the video below for more information on the main dashboard signals:

The driver does not need to learn all the symbols on the dashboard of the car on the first day. You can immediately mark for yourself ten decryptions of safety icons, the meanings of all other icons will be remembered as the car is operated.