Designations of indicators on the dashboard of a car

Useful tips

On the dashboard of any car there are signal icons that inform the driver about the operation of certain mechanisms, as well as about malfunctions.

These icons help you always know what's going on with your vehicle.

Over the past few years, indicators have evolved from ordinary light bulbs to various glowing icons that are simple to understand, easy to see, and generally these indicators have become much more informative.

Different indicators have different colors.

What do the colors of the icons on the dashboard mean?

Red

Typically, red indicates a serious problem or some unresolved security issue. The color red is also used to indicate important reminders.

Yellow orange)

Typically, icons are colored yellow or orange to indicate that a particular part of the car requires repair or needs servicing. However, if the icon of this color begins to blink, then you should contact the workshop as soon as possible.

Green or blue

Icons of this color are used exclusively to provide the driver with additional information about the stable operation of the system.

Useful tips

* After one red or yellow indicator lights up, you should not wait for others to light up, since the longer you delay visiting the workshop, the greater the risk of an even more serious breakdown of the car increases, which can, in turn, lead to very unpleasant consequences.

* Try to carry out regular technical inspections, which will help avoid unexpected malfunctions. Always pay attention to the dashboard icons and you will be aware of the operation of all vehicle systems.

Electronic (virtual)

The development of the electronic or virtual instrument panel has been gradual. This is the result of modern technology. At first, on-board computer displays were placed among the analogue dials, then it became completely virtual. The program simulates the usual arrangement of devices on the screen.

This panel has its advantages:

The developers of digital panels are many leading automakers (AUDI, Lexus, Volkswagen, BMW, Cadillac and others. The most progressive is the Audi Virtual Cockpit virtual panel. A liquid crystal display with high graphic resolution, which displays a lot of information, including the infotainment complex. Manage the system and settings can be done from the steering wheel.

Also, many modern cars are equipped with a function for projecting the dashboard onto the windshield. The head-up display shows the main indicators (speed, navigation, etc.). The driver does not need to take his eyes off the road and be distracted.

The dashboard is a communicator through which the car communicates with the driver. The more informative and truthful the information is, the safer and more convenient the trip will be. Modern panels are distinguished not only by their information content, but also by their bright design. Various solutions add individuality to the interior, but the main thing is that the driver can see the information he is interested in at any time while driving.

Source

Dashboard icons

Warning symbols

1. Front fog lights are on.

2. Such an indicator may mean: a malfunction in the electric power steering or power steering.

3. Rear fog lights are on.

4. Low level indicator for windshield washer fluid.

5. The brake pads are worn out and need to be replaced.

6. An indicator indicating that the constant speed control system is turned on (cruise control).

7. Indicators of working turn signals.

8. Indicator of active rain and light sensor.

9. An indicator indicating that the outside temperature is below zero.

10. Information message.

11. Glow plug indicator.

What do the icons on the dashboard mean?

26. Towbar warning indicator.

27. Air suspension warning indicator.

28. Lane change indicator.

29. Indicator indicating catalyst overheating.

30. Indicator indicating that the seat belt has not been fastened.

And such an indicator warns that the seat belts of the rear passengers are not fastened.

31. If the handbrake icon turns on, it can mean one of three things:

* The handbrake lever is raised.

* Brake pads are worn out.

* Low brake fluid level - it needs to be topped up or replaced.

If the car is equipped with an electronic handbrake, then this indicator informs about a problem with the limit switch or sensor.

You can also find an indicator that informs you that the brake fluid level is below normal.

32. Battery charge indicator.

33. Parking assistance system indicator.

34. Indicator indicating the need for maintenance.

35. Adaptive headlights are on.

36. Problems with the automatic headlight leveling system.

37. Problems associated with the rear spoiler.

38. This indicator can be found in convertibles and signals a problem with the car's roof.

39. There is a problem with the airbag.

Optitronic

Among the varieties of analog panels, the so-called optitron model is distinguished. The name comes from the English “Optitron”, but this is not a technical term, but a trademark of Toyota. With the ignition off, it is almost impossible to see the instruments. They are activated when the ignition is turned on. The arrows light up, then the speedometer, tachometer, fuel level, and parking brake.

It is characterized by increased darkness. Thanks to the backlight, the main indicators are visible on the panel, while other indicators are almost invisible. They light up when needed. It looks original and beautiful.

Dashboard indicators

40. The red exclamation point can have several explanations, and it looks different:

* If the sign is in a circle, there is a problem with the brake system. It is better to stop and not continue driving.

*Handbrake activated.

* Brake pads are worn out.

* Low brake fluid level. This is the most annoying problem as the brake hose may have been damaged.

Quite often this indicator lights up if the float (level sensor) is faulty.

In some cars, this indicator is accompanied by the word “BRAKE”, but its essence remains the same.

41. Water was detected in the fuel filter.

42. Side Airbag Off - translated as “the side airbag is turned off.” The same icons may indicate that the front airbag is disabled.

43. Fault detected.

44. Low beam headlights are on.

45. The indicator indicates that the air filter is dirty.

46. Fuel saving mode activated. This indicator looks different on different cars.

Symbols on the dashboard

47. Assistance and safety system indicators

These indicators show the activity of the hill descent assist system or the safety system while driving uphill.

48. Red - the temperature of the cooling system is higher than normal.

The same blue indicator indicates that the cooling system temperature is below normal.

49. ABS - Antilock Braking System.

This indicator lights up when:

* Malfunctions in the ABS system

*ABS has been intentionally disabled.

50. An indicator indicating water in the fuel system or other problems associated with this system.

51. The indicator lights up when the door is open.

52. The indicator lights up when the hood is open.

53. Low fuel level indicator.

54. Indicator indicating a problem with the automatic transmission. The automatic transmission or other parts of the transmission may overheat.

55. Automatic Speed Limiter (ASL) is turned on.

56. Suspension shock absorber indicator.

57. This icon can mean:

* The pressure level in the engine lubrication system (Oil Pressure) has dropped.

* Oil level is below the permissible value.

58. Indicator that the windshield heating is on.

59. Indicator informing about an open trunk.

Features of the Lada (VAZ) car

The Lada car is a product of the Russian AvtoVAZ, the largest manufacturer of passenger cars. Previously, the plant produced such models as Zhiguli, Niva, Sputnik, Samara and Oka. Lada is one of the most successful creations of the Tolyatti company.

The first Lada cars were produced in 1972. Since the cars were intended for export, they received a more euphonious name than “Zhiguli”. The prototype of the car was the Italian Fiat. Even some of the symbols on the dashboard were repeated. The difference was good adaptation to Russian climate conditions and roads.

Today, many models of cars from the Togliatti automobile plant are produced under the Lada brand. Modern cars are equipped with an automatic transmission and an on-board computer. Many models are manufactured jointly with foreign manufacturers of passenger cars. In particular, the Lada Largus, released in 2012, is the product of an alliance between AvtoVAZ and the French company Renault.

There are several interesting facts associated with the Lada brand. For example, in Brazil, Russian cars, along with Ford and Volkswagen, are used as taxis. And in 1991, the Chilean football club Colo-Colo, sponsored by Lada, won the Libertadores Cup. Today Lada cars enjoy great success both abroad and among their compatriots. The designations of the icons on the dashboard of Lada (VAZ) cars are almost identical to those in other cars.

What do the different signs on the dashboard mean?

60. Stability Control is disabled.

*If the Check Engine light is on, this system will automatically turn off.

Different manufacturers have their own names for this system: Automatic Stability Control (ASC), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and others.

If the knees begin to slip, the system will begin to level the vehicle using the brake systems, suspension control system, and fuel delivery system.

If the icon blinks, there is an electrical problem with the cooling system.

61. The rain sensor is turned on.

62. When the engine is running, this indicator warns that the engine and its system require diagnostics. This may cause some vehicle systems to shut down and stop working until all problems have been properly corrected.

63. The indicator informs you that the rear window heating is on.

64. Automatic windshield cleaning is activated.

Vector W8

The interior looks out of format. There are a lot of toggle switches, all sorts of buttons, switches, there is a color digital display instead of the usual dials. A cosmic picture is created inside. Of course, you will be attracted by the luxurious leather seats and the unusual steering wheel, equipped with and distinguished by a huge core. It seems that its middle is like a diamond in a ring... And the overall picture of the interior resembles the interior of a fighter-bomber.

Description of other important dashboard indicators

Engine Oil Sensor - engine oil level indicator.

An icon with the inscription MAIN usually appears in hybrid models, and it informs about a problem in the power supply system.

The following indicators indicate malfunctions. They are part of the car's security systems.

This indicator lights up along with a warning message on the instrument panel screen.

In European cars, a similar yellow indicator indicates a malfunction of the stability control system.

SRS - Supplemental Restraint System. If this icon lights up, the passive safety system informs you that the airbag is faulty.

Porsche Panamera Mansory

Bright interior in blue and yellow tones, everything seems stylish. Wood, carbon fiber and leather are mixed here. The result is an impressive setting, but not for everyone. True, few people will like such a poisonous combination of colors that it hurts the eyes. I think driving every day in such a salon is just brutal.

Vehicle system malfunction sensors and safety warnings

RSCA - Roll Sensing Curtain Airbags. This indicator turns off automatically when an adult gets into the car. If the message AIRBAG OFF is on, then a malfunction has been found in the system.
The indicator, which is responsible for the passenger airbag, informs about the status of the passenger airbag.
If this icon lights up, it means that the side airbag system, which should be activated when the car overturns, is not functioning. The system can be turned off when the driver is about to drive off-road, as due to large body rolls, the system sensors can be activated.

PCS - Pre Collision (Crash) System. This indicator informs you that the pre-collision safety system is not working.

Anti-theft immobilizer icon. This indicator informs about the activation of the immobilizer (anti-theft system). When this indicator lights up, there may be problems with the anti-theft system.

This type of indicator is typically found on sports cars. It can warn about:

* Transmission overheating. There is a danger that the vehicle will become uncontrollable.

* Clutch problem.

* Faults in one of the transmission units.

Transmission oil temperature is too high.

(A/T - Automatic Transmission)

This icon indicates that the temperature in the automatic transmission is above the permissible level. In this case, it is not recommended to continue driving. You should wait until the automatic transmission cools down.

Electrical fault in the automatic transmission. Also, don't keep moving.

Automatic transmission lock mode indicator in the “parking” position.

P - parking

A/TP - Automatic Transmission Park

As a rule, such an indicator can be found in cars that are equipped with all-wheel drive, and also contain a reduction range in the transfer case.

The transmission locks when the all-wheel drive mode switch is in position (N).

If your indicator is on, which shows an automatic transmission, and under the picture there is the inscription “auto”, then this may mean:

* The oil level in the box is too low.

* Low oil pressure.

* Fever.

* Sensor malfunction.

* Electrical wiring fault.

It is worth noting that in such cases the box goes into emergency mode (i.e. 3rd gear is activated).

This indicator is called "shift up". It informs you that for the greatest fuel economy you should switch to a higher gear.

Malfunction in the brake force distribution system.

Problems with the electric parking brake system.

Start-Stop system indicator.

The green indicator indicates that the car's engine is turned off.

The yellow indicator informs about a malfunction in the system.

This indicator indicates a decrease in engine power. This problem can sometimes be solved by turning off the engine and restarting it after 10 seconds.

This indicator lights up in 4 cases:

* Problems in the transmission electronics.

* Problems with engine operation.

* Malfunction of the injection system.

* Malfunction of the immobilizer (electronic anti-theft device).

Lambda probe icon.

This indicator lights up if the oxygen sensor is dirty or faulty.

Further movement is not recommended, as this sensor has a direct impact on the operation of the injection system.

When this indicator comes on, it means the catalytic converter is overheating or malfunctioning. In addition to the activation of this icon, engine power usually drops.

This light tells you to check your fuel cap.

If this indicator is on, it may mean the following:

* Another indicator turned on.

* A new message has appeared on the instrument panel.

* Certain service functions must be performed.

Please refer to your vehicle's owner's manual.

Low coolant level in the engine cooling system.

Problems with the Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) system.

BSM - Blind Spot - this is the designation for the blind spot monitoring system.

1. The system is disabled.

2. The system is faulty.

Icon meaning:

1. It's time to do scheduled maintenance, change the oil, etc.

2. Serious problems that need to be fixed.

The intake system air filter needs to be replaced as it is dirty.

Night View - this is the designation for the night vision system. This icon means that:

1. An error has occurred in the system.

2. Infrared sensors have burned out.

Overdrive - O/D (“overdrive”) - overdrive gear. This indicator indicates that the overdrive gear in the automatic transmission is turned off.

Meanings of the assistance and stabilization system icons on the dashboard

The traction control indicator may be indicated differently:

TRAC - Traction and Active Traction Control

DTC - Dynamic Traction Control

TCS - Traction Control System

Green indicator - informs about the operation of the system.

Yellow indicator - the system is turned off or an error has occurred in its operation.

* It is worth noting that this system is connected to the braking system as well as the fuel supply system, and therefore faults in one (or both) of these two systems may cause the traction control system to disable.

ESP - Electronic Stability Program - this is the designation for the emergency braking assistance system

BAS - Brake Assist System - this is the designation for the stabilization assistance system. Both of these systems are interconnected, and this indicator indicates problems in one of these systems.

KDSS - Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System - this is the designation for the kinetic suspension stabilization system. This indicator indicates a malfunction in this system.

Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) stabilization system indicator icon.

For some car manufacturers, this icon denotes an electronic locking differential, in short EDL (Electronic Differential Lock), as well as an anti-traction system, briefly designated ASR (Anti-Slip Regulation).

This indicator can indicate that:

1. The system needs diagnostics.

2. All-wheel drive is engaged.

BAS - Brake Assist System - assistance system in case of emergency braking.

ASR - Electronic Anti-Slip Regulation - electronic traction control system.

If this indicator lights up, it means that there has been a failure in the BAS system, which in turn leads to the deactivation of the ASR system.

IBA - Intelligent Brake Assist - intelligent assistance system in case of emergency braking. This system automatically activates the braking system if an obstacle appears dangerously close to the vehicle.

This indicator indicates that the IBA system is deactivated. But if the system works and the indicator is on, then there is a problem with the system's laser sensors.

This indicator indicates that the car is slipping, which means that the stabilization system has turned on.

This indicator informs you that the stabilization system is malfunctioning or that it is not functioning.

In this case, you can continue to drive the car, but the electronics will not help you stay on a slippery road.

Spyker

Feel like the captain of a ship at such a helm! You can conquer the whole world with this. Maybe this was intentional, like a new steering system. Besides being amazingly maneuverable, it's also style for some. Would you like to turn this steering wheel? Probably, such a steering wheel is not difficult to control, which cannot be said about the bulky structures of real ships. In general, the interior is pleasantly unusual: it is leather, so cozy. There is something about this that amazes us and at the same time attracts us to the car.