No Stress!!
The very first rule of thumb when any symbol is activated on your instrument panel in your car is Don't Panic! In most cases, the car is still running fine and while there may be a problem to attend to, it is best to proceed with confidence and patience and attend to the matter as soon as possible or take it to a garage.
What is the colour?
If the symbol is red or flashing it indicates a potentially serious problem or safety issue notify your garage. It is also used to indicate an important reminder. Yellow or orange mean something needs to be serviced or repaired soon. 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!
Warning Symbols - the Truly Serious Ones
If you see any of the following symbols on your dashboard, take no chances. Stop you vehicle immediately and find an authorised repair facility.
Acronym or abbreviations are used also find out what they are!
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Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Symbol / Indicator |
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Charging System Warning Light Symbol |
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Engine Oil Level or Oil Pressure Warning Light Symbol |
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Master Warning Light Symbol |
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Drivetrain or Powertrain Trouble Symbol |
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Power Steering Trouble Symbol |
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SRS Air Bag Indicator Symbol |
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Security Indicator Symbol |
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Check Engine Light Symbol |
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Reduced Engine Power Symbol |
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Antilock Brake System Trouble Lights Symbol |
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Electronically Controlled Brake System Symbol |
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Low Brake Pad Warning Light |
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Tyre Pressure Monitoring System Lights |
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Low Coolant Light Symbol |
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Electronic Throttle Control Indicator Symbol |
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Blind Spot Warning System Symbol |
Various Stability Control Indicators and Symbols |
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Stability Control Off Indicator |
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Various Stability Control Off Text Indicators |
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Dynamic Stability Control Indicator or Electronic Stability Program |
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Slip Indicator Symbol |
Special and Advanced Feature Symbols and IndicatorsThe 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.
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Cruise Control Indicator Symbol |
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Active Cruise Control Indicator Symbol |
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Distance Warning Indicator Symbol |
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Brake Hold Indicator Symbol |
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Parking Assistance Symbol |
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Lane Departure Warning Symbol |
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Suspension Setting Indicator |
Multiple Light Syndrome The Check Engine light is included here because if this indicator light is on, one or another of the driver assist systems will be deactivated and its associated light will be on. For instance, the Stability Control Systems take information from the engine and the brakes, therefore if the Check Engine or ABS trouble lights are active, the Stability Control Off (DSC) indicator lights will also be illuminated. |
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Check Engine Light Symbol |
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ABS Trouble Indicator |
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Traction Control Indicator |
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We are finding that manufacturers are creating new symbols on a regular basis, if you think that we should have a certain symbol listed above then please contact us and let us know.
