It is worth noting that higher end vehicles have more exotic systems and associated symbols. Look for Control Assist and Special features deeper in the page.

Traffic Jam or Congestion Assist Indicator, Gray, Green, Amber or Red,more here

Drivetrain or Powertrain Trouble Lights,more here

Check Engine Light Symbols,more here

Fuel or Low Fuel Indicator Symbol,more here

Attention Alert Indicator Symbols,more here

Frost Warning or Snow Mode Indicator Symbol,more here

Door Ajar and Other Indicators,more here

Security and/or Immobilizer Symbols,more here

High Voltage Battery Charge Level Indicator,more here

Service Reminder Indicators,more here

Economy Operation Indicator,more here

Note that if additional lights, such as the Check Engine and ABS light, are on, they should be addressed first. See ourMultiple Lightspage 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.

Fog Lamp Indicator Symbol,more here

Special Feature Symbols and Indicators

pages, where they are shown in alphabetical order, over 3 pages.

Tail Light Indicator Symbol, Canada,more here

More Lane Departure Warning Symbols,more here

Slip, Stability Control, and Fault Indicator Symbols,more here

Low Speed and Grade Assist Indicator Symbols,more here

Also, if the symbol you see contains an acronym or whole word in text, you can find an alphabetical list byclicking here.

Predictive Efficiency Assist Indicator,more here

Dynamic Stability Control Indicator or Electronic Stability Program,more here

Rear Fog Lamp Indicator Symbol,more here

Despite seeing a new tell-tale on your instrument panel, unless it is

mean something needs to be serviced or repaired soon. If it is

More Adaptive Cruise Control Indicator Symbols,more here

To Use or Not to Use Cruise Control in the Rain

Start/Stop System Function Indicators,more here

Forward Alert Indicator Symbol,more here

Traction Control Indicators,more here

Low Battery Warning Indicator,more here

Diesel Particulate Filter Warning Symbol Indicators,more here

Headlamp Indicator Symbol,more here

More Particulate Filter Warning Symbol Indicators,more here

All-wheel Drive Disabled and Fault Indicators,more here

The symbols and indicators in this next group are associated with special and unique 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.

What follows is easily the most complete list available of symbols and warnings that may appear in and on your cars instrument cluster. There areof them here, so scroll carefully until you find an image that matches. We looked at cars built by well over 30 of the worlds largest manufacturers from roughly 2005. They are listed below, but if you dont see one that looks exactly like yours, rest assured that there is enough overlap that you will find what you are looking for here.  Find one that looks similar, and youre likely on the right track.

Easy Access Indicator Symbol,more here

Engine Oil Level or Oil Pressure Warning Light Symbol,more here

High Beam on Indicator Symbol,more here

Charging System Warning Light Symbols,more here

More Collision Warning System Indicators,more here

Note that if you are seeing something new on your instrument panel that appears to be informational only, check to see that a display button has not been hit accidentally and thus changing what you are typically used to seeing.

Owner Manual Indicator Symbol,more here

Pedestrian Warning Indicators,more here

Tail or Stop Light Out Indicators,more here

Low Brake Pad Warning Light,more here

Active/Adaptive Cruise Control Indicator Symbols,more here

SRS Air Bag Indicator Symbols,more here

Cornering Headlight System Malfunction Indicator,more here

EV System Warning and Hybrid Service Indicators,more here

Seat Belt Reminder Indicator Symbol,more here

More Suspension Setting and Malfunction Indicators, green, amber or red,more here

And More Keyless Ignition Detection Indicators,more here

Automatic Headlamp Dimmer and Malfunction Indicator Symbols,more here

Collision Warning System Indicators,more here

As we move inexorably towards self driving cars, individual systems are being developed to aid drivers maintain control of their vehicles. Some systems can even take control of braking and steering functions temporarily if an emergency situation is detected.

Information Displays and Message Centers

Tire Pressure Monitoring System/Flat Tire Monitor Symbols,more here

GM Gets Kudos for Landfill-free Facilities

Driver Assist Systems Symbols and Indicators

Electronic Shift Malfunction,more here

Power Steering Trouble Light,more here

Power Limitation Indicator,more here

Daytime Running Lights Symbol,more here

Engine Coolant Temperature Indicator Symbols,more here

Night Vision Assist Indicator Symbols,more here

Precision-All-Wheel Steer (P-AWS) System Indicator,more here

Engine Start System Fault Indicators, Amber or Red,more here

is only telling you that a system is on or operating.

Sport Differential Warning Indicator Symbol,more here

Check Engine Electrical Indicator,more here

EPC Warning Indicator, amber or red,more here

Keyless Ignition Detection Indicators,more here

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 atext symbolhere, because it cannot be ignored in this set as it indicates a brake issue. Click the links for more information.

Suspension Setting and Malfunction Indicators, green, amber or red,more here

Park Assist Indicator Symbols,more here

it is likely the car is still running fine and while there may be a problem to attend to, proceed with confidence and patience.

Distance Warning Indicator Symbol,more here

Haul (towing) and Fault Indicators,more here

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 dont recognize!

Antilock Brake System Trouble Lights,more here

Automatic Shift Lock (ASL) / Engine Start Operation Indicator Symbols,more here

AdBlue Indicator Symbols, Red or Amber,more here

The following are all related to your vehicles lighting system. Many you have seen before, and most will be green or blue.

Various Stability Control Indicators and Symbols

Symbols Found in Diesel-powered Vehicles

Lambda (Oxygen) Sensor Indicator Symbol,more here

Catalytic Converter Warning Symbol,more here

Brake Hold Indicator Symbol,more here

Automatic Speed Limiter (ASL) Indicator Symbol,more here

Headlamp Out or Malfunction Symbols,more here

Lane Departure Warning Symbols,more here

Brake Assist and Anti-Slip Regulation Fault Indicator,more here

in your mind? Try our search function at the top of the page. It could save looking over all the entries.

Engine Oil Sensor and Level Indicators,more here

Why Do People Keep Flashing Their Lights??

Control Assist System Symbols and Indicators

Start/Stop Trouble Indicators,more here

Check Engine Light Symbols,more here

Seat Belt Reminder Indicator Symbol,more here

Water in Fuel Symbol Indicators,more here

External Sound System Fault Indicator Symbols,more here

In what is a very, very useful trend, vehicle manufacturers are using more and more information displays to inform drivers of what features are in use, how they are operating, and what maintenance, if any, may be needed. What are shown are examples only. There are simply too many possibilities and iterations.

More Keyless Ignition Detection Indicators,more here

Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid Vehicle Symbols and Indicators

Tire Pressure Monitoring System/Flat Tire Monitor Symbols,more here

Routine and Common Indicators and Symbols

Electronically Controlled Brake System Symbol,more here

The following symbols are intended to point out routine needs for your vehicle. For instance, the need to fill your windshield washer fluid, or close a door. They may show up as larger images in message centers. We also added the Tire Pressure Warning and Check Engine symbols, since these are simply seen the most often.

Vehicles examined include those from Acura, Audi, BMW, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat, Ford, Fisker, Honda, Hyundai, Infiniti, Jaguar, Jeep, Kia, Lexus, Lincoln, Mazda, Mercedes, Mercury, Mini, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Opel, Saab, Saturn, Smart, Subaru, Tesla, Toyota, Vauxhall, Volkswagen, and Volvo.

Rear Differential Lock Indicators,more here

More Smart Cruise Control Warning Indicator Symbols,more here

Differential Lock Indicators,more here

Electronic Throttle Control Indicator Symbol,more here

Electronic Steering Lock Indicator, Amber or Red,more here

indicates a potentially serious problem or safety issue. Attend to it!

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 or authorized repair shop should address.

Blind Spot System and Malfunction Indicators,more here

Front and Rear Axle Lock Indicators,more here

Headlamp Levelling System Symbols,more here

Electric Park Brake Fault Indicator,more here

Power Top Trouble Indicator Symbol,more here

Check Gas Cap Indicator Symbol,more here

Second Row or Rear Seat Safety Belt Indicator Symbols,more here

Glow Plug Indicator Symbol,more here

All Wheel Drive (AWD) On Mode Indicators,more here

, it is important that you contact your dealer or trusted repair shop.

Transmission Temperature Warning,more here

Various Stability Control Off Text Indicators,many more here

Transmission Warning Indicator Symbol,more here

Electric Vehicle (EV) Operation Indicator Symbol,more here

Hybrid Ready Indicator Symbols,more here

Various 4-Wheel and All-Wheel Drive Feature 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.

Charging Indicator Symbols,more here

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.

Reduced Engine Power Indicator,more here

Various Fuel Economy Aid Indicator Symbols

Low Brake Fluid Indicator Symbol,more here

Hybrid or Plug-in Hybrid Battery Trouble Indicators,more here

Clogged Air Filter Indicator,more here

The latest vehicle advances combine features old, such as Anti-lock Brakes (ABS), and new, like Traction 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.

may also indicate an important reminder.

Side Airbag Off Indicator,more here

Windshield Washer Fluid Low Indicator,more here

Low Speed and Grade Assist Indicators,more here

Stability Control Off Indicator(s),more here

Cruise Control Indicators,more here

Smart Cruise Control Warning Indicator Symbols,more here

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