Instrument panel symbols
Content
Every year, manufacturers install the latest systems on cars, as well as functions that have their own indicators and indicators, it is quite difficult to understand them. In addition, on vehicles from different manufacturers, the same function or system may have an indicator that is completely different from the indicator on a car of another brand.
This text provides a list of indicators that are used to warn the driver. It is not difficult to guess that the green indicators indicate the operation of a particular system. Yellow or red usually warn of a breakdown.
And so consider all the designation of icons (light bulbs) on the dashboard:
Warning indicators
The parking brake is engaged, there may be a low level of brake fluid, and the possibility of breakdown of the brake system is also possible.
Red is high cooling system temperature, blue is low temperature. Flashing pointer - a breakdown in the electrics of the cooling system.
The pressure in the lubrication system (Oil Pressure) of the internal combustion engine has dropped. can also indicate low oil level.
Oil level sensor in the internal combustion engine (Engine Oil Sensor). The oil level (Oil Level) has fallen below the permissible value.
Voltage drop in the car network, lack of battery charge, and there may also be other breakdowns in the power supply system. The inscription MAIN is typical for cars with a hybrid internal combustion engine.
STOP - emergency stop signal lamp. If the STOP icon on the instrument panel is on, first check the oil and brake fluid levels, since on many cars, namely the VAZ, this signal indicator can notify precisely these two problems. Also, on some models, Stop lights up when the handbrake is raised or the coolant temperature is high. usually lights up in tandem with another icon indicating the problem more specifically (if so, then further movement with this breakdown is undesirable until the exact cause is clarified). On old cars, it can often catch fire due to the failure of a sensor of some kind of technical fluid (level, temperature pressure) or a short circuit in the panel contacts. On those cars where the ICE icon with the inscription “stop” inside is on (may be accompanied by an audible signal), then for safety reasons you need to stop moving, because this indicates serious problems.
Indicators that inform about malfunctions and are related to security systems
A warning signal to the driver, in the event of an abnormal situation (a sharp drop in oil pressure or an open door, etc.), is usually accompanied by an explanatory text message on the instrument panel display.
Deciphering the meaning of the red triangle with an exclamation point inside, in fact, is similar to the previous red triangle, the only difference is that on some cars it can signal other malfunctions, which may include: SRS, ABS, charging system, oil pressure, TJ level or violation of the adjustment of the distribution of braking force between the axles and also some other malfunctions that do not have their own indication. In some cases, it burns if there is a bad contact of the dashboard connector or if one of the bulbs burns out. When it appears, you need to pay attention to possible inscriptions on the panel and other indicators that appear. The lamp of this icon lights up when the ignition is turned on, but should go out after the engine is started.
Failure in the electronic stabilization system.
failure of the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) airbag.
The indicator informs about the deactivation of the airbag in front of the seated passenger (Side Airbag Off). The indicator responsible for the passenger airbag (Passenger Air Bag), this indicator will turn off automatically if an adult sits on the seat, and the AIRBAG OFF indicator reports a breakdown in the system.
The side airbag system (Roll Sensing Curtain Airbags - RSCA) does not work, which are triggered when the car rolls over. All rollover prone vehicles are equipped with such a system. The reason for turning off the system may be off-road driving, large body rolls can trigger the operation of the system's sensors.
The Pre Collision or Crash System (PCS) has failed.
Immobilizer or anti-theft system activation indicator. When the yellow “car with a key” light is on, it says that the engine blocking system is activated and it should go out when the correct key is installed, and if this does not happen, then either the immo system is broken or the key has lost connection (not recognized by the system). for example, a number of icons with a typewriter lock or key warn of malfunctions of the anti-theft system or a malfunction in its operation.
this red ball icon on the central display of the instrument panel (often on Toyotas or Daihatsu, as well as other cars), just like the previous version of the indicators, means that the immobilizer function has been activated and the internal combustion engine has been anti-theft blocked. The immo indicator lamp starts blinking immediately after the key has been removed from the ignition. When you try to turn it on, the light is on for 3 seconds, and then it should go out if the key code was successfully recognized. When the code has not been verified, the light will continue to blink. Constant burning may indicate a breakdown of the system
The red gear light with an exclamation mark inside is a signaling device for a breakdown of the power unit or automatic transmission (in case of a faulty electronic transmission control system). And the icon of the yellow wheel with teeth, speaks specifically about the failure of parts of the gearbox or overheating, indicates that the automatic transmission is operating in emergency mode.
The description of the meaning of the red wrench (symmetrical, with horns at the ends) must be viewed in the car manual additionally.
The icon indicates a clutch problem. Most often found on sports cars and indicates that there is a breakdown in one of the transmission units, as well as the reason for the appearance of this indicator on the panel may be overheating of the clutch. There is a danger that the car will become uncontrollable.
The temperature in the automatic transmission has exceeded the allowable temperature (Automatic Transmission - A / T). It is highly discouraged to continue driving until the automatic transmission has cooled down.
Electrical breakdown in the automatic transmission (Automatic Transmission - AT). It is not recommended to continue moving.
The automatic transmission lock mode indicator (A / T Park - P) in the “P” position “parking” is often installed on vehicles equipped with all-wheel drive and having a lower row in the transfer case. The automatic transmission is blocked when the four-wheel drive mode switch is in the (N) position.
The icon on the panel in the form of a drawn automatic transmission and the inscription “auto” can light up in several cases - low oil level in the automatic transmission, low oil pressure, high temperature, sensor failure, electric failure. wiring. Often, as a rule, in such cases, the box goes into emergency mode (incl. 3rd gear).
The shift up indicator is a light bulb signaling the need to shift to an upshift for maximum fuel economy.
breakdown in the electric or power steering.
Handbrake activated.
The brake fluid level has dropped below the permissible level.
failure in the ABS system (Antilock Braking System) or this system is disabled intentionally.
Brake pad wear has reached its limit.
The brake force distribution system is faulty.
Failure of the electric parking brake system.
When the ignition is on, it informs about the need to press the brake pedal in order to unlock the automatic transmission gear selector. On some automatic transmission cars, signaling to depress the brake pedal before starting the engine or before shifting the lever can also be done with a boot on the pedal (no orange circle) or the same icon only in green.
Similar to the previous yellow indicator with the image of a leg, only without additional rounded lines on the sides, it has a different meaning - press the clutch pedal.
Warns of a drop in air pressure of more than 25% of the nominal value, in one or more wheels.
When the engine is running, it warns of the need to diagnose the engine and its systems. It may be accompanied by the shutdown of some vehicle systems until the breakdowns are fixed. The EPC power control system (Electronic Power Control -) will forcibly reduce the fuel supply when a breakdown is detected in the engine.
The green indicator of the Start-Stop system indicates that the internal combustion engine is muffled, and the yellow indicator indicates a breakdown in the system.
Reduced engine power for any reason. Stopping the motor and restarting after about 10 seconds can sometimes solve the problem.
Malfunctions in the electronics of the transmission or the operation of the internal combustion engine. It can inform about the breakdown of the injection system or immobilizer.
The oxygen sensor (lambda probe) is dirty or out of order. It is not advisable to continue driving, since this sensor has a direct effect on the operation of the injection system.
Overheating or failure of the catalytic converter. Usually accompanied by a drop in engine power.
you need to check the fuel cap.
Informs the driver when another indicator light comes on or when a new message appears on the instrument cluster display. Signals the need to perform some service functions.
Informs that the driver must refer to the car's operating instructions in order to decipher the message that appears on the dashboard display.
In the engine cooling system, the coolant level is below the permissible level.
The electronic throttle valve (ETC) has failed.
Disabled or faulty tracking system (Blind Spot - BSM) behind the invisible zones.
The time has come for scheduled maintenance of the car, (OIL CHANGE) oil change, etc. In some vehicles, the first light indicates a more serious problem.
The air filter of the internal combustion engine intake system is dirty and needs to be replaced.
The night vision system has a breakdown (Night View) / burned out infrared sensors.
The overdrive overdrive (O / D) in the automatic transmission is turned off.
Crisis Assistance and Stabilization Systems
Traction control indicators (Traction and Active Traction Control, Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), Traction Control System (TCS)): green informs that the system is working at this moment; amber - the system is offline or has failed. Since it is connected to the brake system and the fuel supply system, breakdowns in these systems can cause it to turn off.
Emergency braking assistance systems (Electronic Stability Program - ESP) and stabilization (Brake Assist System - BAS) are interconnected. This indicator informs about problems in one of them.
Breakdown in the kinetic suspension stabilization system (Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System - KDSS).
The exhaust brake indicator signals the activation of the auxiliary braking system. The switch for the auxiliary brake function when descending a hill or ice is located on the stalk handle. Most often, this feature is present on Hyundai HD and Toyota Dune cars. The auxiliary mountain brake is recommended to be used in winter or during a steep descent at a speed of at least 80 km/h.
Indicators for hill descent/ascent, cruise control, and start assist.
The stability control system is disabled. it is also automatically deactivated when the "Check Engine" indicator is on. any manufacturer calls the stabilization system differently: Automatic Stability Control (ASC), AdvanceTrac, Dynamic Stability and Traction Control (DSTC), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Interactive Vehicle Dynamics (IVD), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), StabiliTrak, Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), Precision Control System (PCS), Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), Vehicle Dynamics Control Systems (VDCS), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), etc. When wheel slip is detected, using the brake system, suspension control and fuel supply, the stabilization system aligns the car on the road.
Electronic Stability Program (ESP) or Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) stabilization system indicator. On vehicles from some manufacturers, this indicator indicates Electronic Differential Lock (EDL) and Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR).
The system needs diagnostics or four-wheel drive is involved.
Failure in the emergency braking assistance system Brake Assist System (BAS). this failure entails the deactivation of the Electronic Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR) system.
The Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA) system is deactivated, this system is able to independently apply the brake system before a collision if an obstacle is encountered dangerously close to the car. If the system is turned on and the indicator is lit, then the laser sensors of the system are dirty or out of order.
An indicator that informs the driver that a vehicle slip has been detected and the stabilization system has started working.
The stabilization system is not functioning or is defective. the machine is controlled normally, but there is no electronic assistance.
Additional and special systems indicators
Missing / present electronic key in the car.
The first icon - the electronic key is not in the car. Second, the key is found, but the key battery needs to be replaced.
Snow Mode is activated, this mode supports upshifts when starting off and driving.
An indicator that prompts the driver to take a break from driving. On some vehicles, accompanied by a text message on the display or an audible signal.
Informs about a dangerous reduction in the distance to the car in front or that there are obstacles on the way. On some vehicles it may be part of the Cruise Control system.
The indicator of easy access to the car is equipped with a system for adjusting the height of the body position above the road.
The adaptive cruise control (Adaptive Cruise Control - ACC) or cruise control (Cruise Control) is activated, the system maintains the necessary speed in order to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front. A flashing indicator informs about a system failure.
Lamp-indicator of inclusion of heating of back glass. The lamp is on when the ignition is on, indicating that the rear window is heated. Turns on with the corresponding button.
The brake system is activated (Brake Hold). Release will occur when the gas pedal is pressed.
Comfort mode and sport mode of shock absorbers (Sport Suspension Setting / Comfort Suspension Setting).
On vehicles equipped with air suspension, this indicator indicates the height of the body above the road. The highest position in this case is (HEIGHT HIGH).
This icon indicates a breakdown of the vehicle's dynamic suspension. If the air shock absorber indicator with arrows is on, it means that the breakdown is determined, but you can move, though only in one suspension position. Often, the problem can lie in the breakdown of the air suspension compressor due to: overheating, short circuit on the winding of the electric internal combustion engine, electro-pneumatic valve, suspension height sensor or air dryer. And if such an icon is highlighted in red, then the breakdown of the dynamic suspension is serious. Drive such a car carefully and visit the service in order to get qualified assistance. Since the problem may be as follows: hydraulic fluid leakage, failure of the valve body solenoids of the active stabilization system, or breakdown of the accelerometer.
Check Suspension - CK SUSP. Reports possible malfunctions in the chassis, warns of the need to check it.
The Collision Mitigation Brake System (CMBS) is faulty or disabled, the cause may be contamination of the radar sensors.
Trailer mode activated (Tow Mode).
Parking assistance system (Park Assist). Green - the system is active. Amber - A malfunction has occurred or system sensors have become dirty.
Lane Departure Warning Indicator - LDW, Lane Keeping Assist - LKA, or Lane Departure Prevention - LDP. A yellow flashing light warns that the vehicle is moving left or right out of its lane. Sometimes accompanied by an audible signal. Solid yellow indicates a failure. Green The system is on.
A breakdown in the “Start / Stop” system, which is capable of turning off the engine in order to save fuel, when stopping at a red traffic light, and starting the internal combustion engine by pressing the gas pedal again.
Fuel saving mode is activated.
the machine is switched to economical driving mode (ECO MODE).
Tells the driver when it is better to shift to a higher gear in order to save fuel, it is present on cars that have a manual transmission.
The transmission has switched to rear-wheel drive mode.
The transmission is in rear-wheel drive mode, but if necessary, the electronics automatically turn on all-wheel drive.
The indicator of two yellow gears can be seen on the Kamaz dashboard, when they are on, this indicates that the upper range of the demultiplier (reduction gear) is activated.
All-wheel drive mode is enabled.
All-wheel drive mode is activated with a lowering row in the transfer case.
The central differential is locked, the car is in the "hard" all-wheel drive mode.
The rear cross-axle differential is locked.
Four-wheel drive is deactivated - the first indicator. A breakdown was found in the all-wheel drive - the second.
When the internal combustion engine is running, it can inform about problems with the all-wheel drive system (4 Wheel Drive - 4WD, All Wheel Drive - AWD), it can report a mismatch in the diameter of the wheels of the rear and front axles.
breakdown of the all-wheel drive system (Super Handling - SH, All Wheel Drive - AWD). The differential is probably overheated.
The oil temperature in the rear differential has exceeded the permissible (Rear Differential Temperature). It is advisable to stop and wait for the differential to cool.
When the engine is running, it informs that there is a breakdown in the active steering system (4 Wheel Active Steer - 4WAS).
a breakdown associated with the Rear Active Steer (RAS) system or the system is deactivated. a breakdown in the engine, suspension or brake system can cause the RAS to shut down.
The high gear pull-off function is activated. Often used on vehicles with automatic transmission, when driving on slippery road surfaces.
this indicator lights up for a few seconds after the ignition has been turned on, installed on vehicles that are equipped with a variator (Continuously Variable Transmission - CVT).
Steering failure, with a variable gear ratio (Variable Gear Ratio Steering - VGRS).
Indicators of the driving mode switching system "SPORT", "POWER", "COMFORT", "SNOW" (Electronic Throttle Control System - ETCS, Electronically Controlled Transmission - ECT, Elektronische Motorleistungsregelung, Electronic Throttle Control). Can change the settings of the suspension, automatic transmission and internal combustion engine.
The POWER (PWR) mode is activated on the automatic transmission, with this upshift mode occurring later, which allows you to maximize the engine speed to higher, respectively, this will allow you to get more power output. Can change fuel and suspension settings.
Indicators on EVs/Hybrids
failure of the main battery or in the high voltage circuit.
Reports a breakdown in the vehicle's electric drive system. The meaning is the same as that of "Check Engine".
Indicator informing about the low charge level of the high-voltage battery.
Batteries need to be recharged.
Informs about a significant reduction in power.
Batteries in the process of charging.
Hybrid in electric driving mode. EV (electric vehicle) MODE.
The indicator informs that the machine is ready to move (Hybrid Ready).
The system of external sound warning of pedestrians about the approach of the car is faulty.
An indicator indicating that a critical (red) and non-critical (yellow) failure has been detected. Found in electric vehicles. Sometimes it has the ability to reduce power, or stop the internal combustion engine. If the indicator glows red, it is strongly not recommended to continue driving.
Indicators that are equipped with diesel vehicles
Glow plugs activated. The indicator should go out after warming up, turning off the candles.
Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) particulate filter indicators.
Lack of liquid (Diesel Exhaust Fluid - DEF) in the exhaust system, this liquid is necessary for the catalytic reaction of exhaust gas purification.
a breakdown in the exhaust gas purification system, too high an emission level may cause the indicator to light up.
The indicator reports that there is water in the fuel (Water in Fuel), and may also report the need for maintenance of the fuel cleaning system (Diesel Fuel Conditioning Module - DFCM).
The EDC lamp on the instrument panel indicates a breakdown in the electronic fuel injection control system (Electronic Diesel Control). the machine may stall and not start, or it may work, but with much less power, depending on what kind of breakdown occurred due to which the EDC error caught fire. Most often, this problem appears due to a clogged fuel filter, a faulty valve on the fuel pump, a broken nozzle, vehicle airing and a number of other problems that may not be in the fuel system.
An indicator of a breakdown in the electronic systems of a car or the presence of water in a diesel fuel.
Timing belt replacement indicator. It lights up when the ignition is turned on, informing about the serviceability, and goes out when the engine starts. Informs when the milestone of 100 km is approaching, and signals that it is time to change the timing belt. If the lamp is on when the engine is running, and the speedometer is not even close to 000 km, then your speedometer is twisted.
External Light Indicators
Outdoor lighting activation indicator.
One or more outdoor lamps do not work, the cause may be a breakdown in the circuit.
High beam is on.
Informs that the system of automatic switching between high and low beam is activated.
breakdown of the system for auto-adjusting the angle of inclination of the headlights.
The adaptive front-lighting system (AFS) is disabled, if the indicator flashes, then a breakdown has been detected.
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) is active.
failure of one or more stop/tail lamps.
The marker lights are on.
Fog lights are on.
The rear fog lights are on.
Turn signal or hazard warning activated.
Additional indicators
Reminds you that the seat belt is not fastened.
Trunk/hood/door not closed.
The hood of the car is open.
Convertible convertible top drive failure.
fuel is running out.
Indicates that the gas is running out (for cars equipped with a LPG system from the factory).
Windshield washer fluid is running out.
