What do the icons on the car dashboard mean. Dashboard, sensors and signs

Each motorist should be able to decipher the designation of the icons on the instrument panel, as these or those indicators can indicate the inoperability of systems and nodes. Accordingly, the ability to decrypt will allow, if necessary, to timely repair or test the operation of the main units of the car. You can read more about decoding and purpose of indicators in this article.

Appointment of icons on the instrument panel

On the dashboard can be many different signs, indicators and lights, and many symbols are typical only for certain car models. For more information on what all the icon symbols on the control panel can indicate, you can find out from the operation manual for the machine. In this article, we will introduce you to the most common indicators. All of them are used to warn the driver about possible malfunctions, as well as the activation of one or another equipment.

Color

All warning lights can be divided into several groups according to the colors that they burn:

1. Reds. Usually these are indicators designed to indicate malfunctions or to remind. For example, that the hand brake lever is raised.
2. The yellow or orange icons are used to alert the driver that some units or machinery in the vehicle require service. In some cases, their appearance is due to the need for repairs.
3. Blue and green lamps. As a rule, their indication on tidy is due to the fact that all equipment is functioning in normal mode. For example, in many cars, blue indicators mean the inclusion of distant lighting.

Key characters

Security light bulbs

Displays and Messages

The vehicle can be equipped with not only one tidy with icons, but also a display. On the screen, which can be located both inside and outside of it, the main messages regarding the functionality of certain units are indicated. For example, if there is a need to replace engine fluid, the corresponding message will be displayed. It can be displayed both in English and in Russian if the control unit is reflashed.

Everyone can deal with the display, there is nothing complicated. It will simply display messages - warning or informing - that the car is operating in normal mode or that some of the nodes needs to be checked. The display can also show the main parameters - the temperature in the cabin and overboard, the speed, mileage, etc. (the author of the video is the channel melvladimir).

Bulbs of control and management systems

Volkswagen car control indicators

For hybrid cars

Photogallery “Indicators of diesel cars”

1. Diesel glow plugs, a red icon indicates a diagnosis 4. Yellow or red color - the computer detected condensation in the fuel system 2. Clogged particulate filter indicator 3. Symbol for malfunctions in the exhaust gas treatment system

Lighting devices

If you notice that the indicators do not just light up, but begin to blink, or at least one of them, this indicates a malfunction in the electrical circuit. For example, the reason may be due to burnout of light sources or a breakdown of the controller or sensor. In any case, such problems require surgical intervention.

Video "How to replace bulbs in the dashboard yourself?"

If the indicators stopped working due to burnout, they should be changed, the video below provides detailed and clear instructions for replacing the car Lada Kalina as an example (the author of the video is the KalinaAutoChannel channel).

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Car manufacturers in each new model are trying to implement the most modern systems and functions. As a result, the instrument panel is constantly “expanding” and already resembles the panel of an airplane or even a spaceship. To help novice car enthusiasts to understand all of these indicators, bulbs and intricate icons, in the presented article we prepared a detailed decoding of them.

1 Warning indicators cannot be ignored

All the icons on the dashboard can be divided into several categories. Let's get acquainted with the so-called warning indicators. The most important of these are icons that indicate problems in the engine's lubrication system. In modern cars, there can be two such indicators:

• Oil pressure;
• Oil Sensor.



The Oil Pressure indicator reports a drop in oil pressure, sometimes the same icon can signal a critically low level if the indicators are combined. It always glows red and looks like a watering can with a drop of oil. Engine Oil Sensor reports a drop in oil levels below normal. This icon can glow both red and orange, depending on the brand of car. The icon usually shows the same watering can, but with waves below it.



If the oil pressure indicator goes out after a second or two after turning on the engine, this is normal. But if the icon lights up when the engine is running, it is necessary to take immediate measures, as as a result of low oil pressure the engine may fail. True, sometimes the cause of its operation is a breakdown of the oil pressure sensor, which does not affect the operation of the power unit. If the light indicates a low oil level, it is necessary to stop the car and immediately add oil to the required level.



Another important group of icons is the indicators of the cooling system. Most often there are two

• blue - indicates a critically low temperature;
• red - indicates a critical high temperature.



These icons usually show water in the form of waves in which the thermometer is immersed. While the blue icon is on, let the engine idle at low speed until it warms up. If the red icon lights up, it is advisable to turn off the engine and allow it to cool. At the same time, check the coolant level, if necessary, pour it into the radiator. If the situation repeats, problems may have occurred in the cooling system or electronics.



The group of warning indicators also includes the low battery icon, which also has a red color. It is easy to recognize by the painted battery with plus and minus. If it lights up, first of all check the terminals on the battery, perhaps one of them has a bad contact. If the contact is good, then the problem is in the generator or other electrical equipment. Keep in mind that the car will not be able to continue driving for a long time: when the battery runs out, the engine will stall and you will not be able to start the car.



A canister with an arrow pointing down, a fan or waves inside indicates a critically low level of fluid in the radiator. Accordingly, the liquid must be added immediately. The indicator can be either red or orange. If you notice that the icon with the image of the windshield and the fountain has caught fire, then you need to add water to the glass washer reservoir.

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The last icon from the warning group is the brake indicator, which glows red and has the inscription "BRAKE", or a circle with an exclamation mark. It can report several events simultaneously:

• the hand brake is applied in the car;
• brake fluid level fell below a critical level;
• there are malfunctions in the brake system.

If the reason for the operation of the indicator is not related to the use of the parking brake, you must immediately stop moving and take measures. If a similar icon lights up, i.e. A circle with an exclamation mark, but orange, means a system failure has occurred that distributes the brakes.



The same circle, but with a lightning inside indicates the failure of the electric parking brake. The circle with the image of the foot inside reminds you to unlock the gearbox by depressing the brake. An empty circle with dashed brackets on the sides indicates the wear of the brake pads, respectively, they must be replaced as soon as possible.

2 Fault and event indicators for various systems

The first icon of this group, which is available in most modern cars, is a warning signal that notifies the driver of an emergency situation. Most often, it shows a red triangle with an exclamation mark.

There are many reasons for the operation of this light bulb: it may be an open door, the oil pressure in the engine has dropped sharply, one of the light bulbs has blown, etc. So that the driver does not have to guess what the problem is, the triggering of this icon is usually accompanied by a text decryption on the dashboard display. A similar icon, but orange in some cars, reports problems in the electronics of the stabilization system.



If the car is equipped with airbags, it may have an indicator that alerts about problems in the operation of this system. The badge can schematically depict a passenger in front of whom an airbag is deployed, and there may also be the words "AIR BAG" or "SRS".

If the car has side airbags, referred to as the RSCA system, a separate icon may signal a malfunction. As a rule, he has the signature "RSCA off". Often, the passenger airbag automatically turns on when an adult sits in the front seat, and automatically turns off when the passenger stands up. These events can also be reported by a separate indicator with the corresponding signature.

"Event" indicators usually glow orange, as they are of secondary importance.

Lexus and Toyota cars often feature PCS - a pre-security system. In the event of a malfunction in its operation, the icon with the inscription PCS lights up. Similar systems began to appear in cars of other manufacturers, but they are called differently.

If an anti-theft system is installed on a car from the factory, a separate group of icons reports events and malfunctions in its operation. Different car models have badges that look different, most often they show keys and locks. A green icon indicates that the immobilizer is activated. A yellow icon indicates engine lock. When installing the key, this light should go out. If the system was unable to recognize the key, a red light with a thematic image may light up on the dashboard.



If you notice that the red indicator light has come on with the gear, inside of which there is an exclamation mark, then there are problems in the engine or automatic transmission, or rather in its electronic part. A similar orange icon indicates that problems have occurred in the gearbox and it is operating in emergency mode. Sometimes in the event of a malfunction in the electrical part of the automatic transmission, a separate indicator may light up with the inscription "A / T", which means "automatic transmission". In this case, it is better to stop the car so as not to aggravate the condition of the "box".



Many modern cars have an automatic transmission heating temperature sensor. If the gearbox overheats, the red gear symbol with a thermometer inside lights up. In some vehicles, the word “A / T Oill Temp” lights up. When this indicator is triggered, you must immediately stop the movement and allow the "box" to cool.

Some car models may have a single icon responsible for various automatic transmission malfunctions:

• the oil pressure has dropped or its level has dropped below a critical level;
• sensors have stopped working;
• there are problems with the wiring;
• Automatic transmission overheated.

As a rule, it glows red or orange, has the inscription "auto" and a schematic representation of the gearbox. Its operation is usually accompanied by a shift in automatic transmission to emergency mode, usually this is the third gear.

An all-wheel drive car may have a “A / T Park” sign, which indicates that the automatic transmission is locked, i.e. the switch is in the parking position. In this case, the four-wheel drive switch must be in the "N" mode. Otherwise, turning on the lock will fail. Another sign associated with the automatic transmission is the “shift up”, which, as a rule, looks like an arrow pointing up. It does not need to be frightened, since its value is absolutely harmless - he recommends changing the gear to reduce fuel consumption.

On a car with a power steering, regardless of its type, an icon with a steering wheel and an exclamation mark may be on the instrument panel. It usually lights up red, as it informs about problems in the operation of the amplifier. In this case, it is necessary to stop the car immediately, since malfunctions of the power steering can lead to emergency situations.

Any signs with the inscription "ABS" or "ANTILOCK" indicate either problems in the operation of this system or its temporary shutdown. Icons labeled "CHECK", "CHECK ENGINE", "SERVICE ENGINE SOON" or "EPC" indicate the need to diagnose all powertrain systems. At the same time, the electronics responsible for power control can forcefully reduce the supply of the fuel mixture or even turn off some systems.

If the indicator lights up with a schematic image of the engine and an arrow down, then the power of the power unit has dropped. To solve this problem, it is often necessary to turn off the engine and then start it after 15–20 seconds. Sometimes the power drop icon illuminates along with the overheat icon of the catalytic element. In this case, power problems are associated specifically with the catalyst.

An orange ASR icon or a triangle inscribed in a round arrow with an exclamation mark illuminated in orange indicates a malfunction of the traction control system. It usually works in conjunction with an anti-lock braking system. An indicator labeled BSM or BSM OFF indicates a malfunctioning system that monitors dead zones. An indicator with the word ETC or a lightning located between two concave brackets indicates a breakdown of the electronic throttle, which controls the fuel supply.

A similar icon with the inscription Night View warns of burned-out infrared sensors or other problems of the night vision system. Some vehicles are equipped with air filter control sensors. If it is dirty, an icon with a schematic image of the filter and arrows simulating the passage of air through the filter lights up on the dashboard.



A sign with a car on a flyover or the inscription "OIL CHANGE" or "service" does not indicate breakdowns in any system, but the need for scheduled maintenance or planned replacement of engine oil. The sign with the image of a car with the gas tank cap removed or the inscription "Check gas cap", as you might guess, reports that the neck of the gas tank is not closed.

The on indicator with a circle and the letter "i" inscribed in it indicates a new message. In this case, a description of the event or the problem that has occurred is displayed. If a similar indicator lights up, but the letter "i" is written in the opened book, and not in a circle, then the instruction manual for your car will help to decrypt the message.

3 Help system indicators

A separate group includes indicators that report on various events and problems in the operation of driver assistance systems in critical situations. So the traction control system (TCS or DTC) can have a whole group of indicators. As a rule, they are indicated by inscriptions or abbreviations of the name of the system.



A green LED indicates DTC activation. The yellow or orange indicator may light up due to its deactivation or malfunction. Since the DTC is associated with braking and fuel supply systems, in the event of problems in its operation, it usually automatically turns off.



The indicator with the inscription "KDDS" informs about breakdowns in the stabilizing suspension system. A separate group of icons has a system of assistance when lowering and raising a car, as well as when starting off on a rise. This also includes a system that maintains a constant speed. When the system is triggered, the icon with the corresponding image of the car lights up.

In case of problems with the stabilization system, the icon with the abbreviation for the name of this system usually lights up on the instrument panel. Since different manufacturers call it differently, the designation may be as follows:

• VSC etc.

Recall that this system contributes to the alignment of the car in case of sliding wheels on a slippery road. For this, a braking and fuel supply system is used. I must say that this system also includes the icon of a sliding car, which works when the wheels slip.

An icon with the inscription "4x4" indicates that all-wheel drive is activated. If the icon shows a triangle and an exclamation mark, then the system requires diagnostics, or there were problems in its operation. The indicator with the inscription "4x2" informs that the transmission is working in rear-wheel drive mode. If the icon "4x4 auto" lights up, the system automatically turns the four-wheel drive on and off. A similar icon but with the inscription "low" informs that the transmission is operating in four-wheel drive mode, but the transfer case is switched on in the lowering row mode.

An indicator with the inscription "BAS ASR" or a drawn wheel with two arrows indicates that the system that helps the driver with emergency braking is not working. Moreover, this failure led to disabling ASR, i.e. traction control system. The “4WD” or “AWD” icon indicates either that the diameter of the wheels from the front to the rear does not match, or about problems in the rear-wheel drive system.




An orange indicator labeled “IBA” or “IBA off” indicates that the system is deactivated, which applies brakes in the event of a collision. Sometimes the indicator may light when the IBA system is running, this indicates that the obstacle detection sensors are dirty or a malfunction has occurred in their operation.

An icon with the inscription "4WAS" indicates that a fault has been found in the steering system as a result of the diagnosis. For some models, the rear wheel steering system has a separate indicator, which has the inscription "RAS". Its highlight indicates the deactivation or failure of this system.

The disconnection of the RAS can occur due to breakdowns in the engine, brake system or suspension.

The indicator with the inscription "2rid strt" reports on the inclusion of the starting function with high gear. This feature allows you to get started on slippery roads without the risk of slipping. As a rule, it has a green color. Another green indicator that may be present on the dashboard of your car is "VGRS". It informs about the inclusion of the late shift function of increased automatic transmission, which allows the engine to develop more power, respectively, the car can gain speed faster.

The last icon from this group is "VGRS". It glows red, as it signals a breakdown of the steering, which has a variable gear ratio. If this light comes on, stop moving.

4 Diesel car indicators

Since diesel cars have their own systems that gasoline analogues do not have, they also have their own icons on the priority panel. So, a glowing yellow spiral indicates the activation of glow plugs. This indicator goes out after warming up the engine, when it ceases to need the work of candles.

An icon with waves, droplets and an exhaust pipe informs you of a decrease in the liquid level in the gas cleaning system. This liquid is responsible for the catalytic reaction, which results in the purification of exhausts. The same icon, but without waves and drops indicates another malfunction in the gas purification system.



An icon depicting a gas station or fuel filter indicates the presence of water in the fuel. Also, his work may be related to the need to maintain a system that cleans fuel.

A red light with the inscription "ЕDC" indicates the problems of the electronic fuel injection system. As a rule, the car at the same time noticeably loses power or generally stalls, does not start. The most common cause is a clogged fuel filter, but there may be more serious problems. For example, the valve of the fuel pump often fails.

A red indicator with the inscription T-Blet indicates the wear of the timing belt (the belt connects the crankshaft to the camshaft and other auxiliary systems). When this indicator lights up, immediate action must be taken, since a broken belt leads to serious engine damage.

5 Lighting indicators

Finally, we consider the indicators informing the driver about the operating mode of headlights and other lighting devices. When external lighting is activated, the icon in the form of a green luminous bulb lights up. If an orange crossed-out light bulb or a green one with an exclamation mark lights up instead, then one of the outdoor lamps has burned out.

The blue luminous headlight informs about the operation of the headlight in high beam mode. The same green headlamp with the letter "A" or the inscription "auto" indicates the automatic switching of the headlights between the high and low beam modes. A headlight with oblique light and rounded up and down arrows indicates a malfunction of the headlight beam angle adjustment system.



An indicator with the inscription AFS OFF or the image of a headlight pointing up with two arrows informs about the deactivation of the adaptive headlight system. An icon in the form of a car with luminous taillights indicates a malfunction in the rear dimensions or brake lights.

Two green headlights deployed in opposite directions indicate the operation of the marker lights. A green headlamp with a slanting light crossed out by a wave means that the fog lights work. The same orange headlight, facing right, informs about the operation of the rear fog lamps. The indicator with left and right arrows indicates the operation of the turn signal.

That's all the most important indicators that you can see on the dashboard of your car. In addition to them, there may be additional icons informing about open doors or the hood, driving mode with a trailer, an unfastened belt, etc. They have a clear graphic designation, so they do not need to be decrypted.

As you can see, knowing the designation of the icons is extremely important, since the indicators on only the most important systems are concentrated on the instrument panel.

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dashboard volkswagen meaning indicators

Instrument cluster Polo sedan
  1 - tachometer electronic type. Shows the engine speed. The scale has divisions from 0 to 8, the division price is 0.2. To find out the crankshaft rotation speed in min ’, you need to multiply the tachometer reading by 1000. The red zone of the scale indicates a dangerous engine operation mode.

2 - signal lamp for overheating of the coolant in the engine cooling system (with a red filter). When the lamp lights up, stop, allow the engine to cool and eliminate the cause of overheating dashboard volkswagen.

3 - signal lamp for emergency drop in oil pressure (with a red filter). It lights up when the ignition is turned on and warns that the pressure in the engine lubrication system is below normal. The lamp should go out immediately after starting the engine.

4 - control lamp for switching on the rear fog lamp (with a yellow filter). Lights up when the rear fog lamp is on.

5 - a control lamp of inclusion of a high beam of headlights (with a blue filter). Lights up when the headlights are on. Dashboard volkswagen

6 - control lamp for turning on the left direction indicator (in the form of an arrow with a green filter). Lights up with a blinking light when the left direction indicator is turned on (synchronously with it). The flashing of the control lamp with doubled frequency or its constant burning indicates that the lamp burns out in any left turn indicator. Dashboard volkswagen

7 - information display. The display shows the readings of the electronic total mileage counter (odometer) in kilometers. After a run of 1 km LLC LLC, a new odometer countdown cycle begins. On the same display, by successive pressing of the B key, the mode switches on lever 9 (see Fig. 1.7) turn on the daily mileage counter or display information from the trip computer, and by sequentially pressing the buttons 20 (see Fig. 1.8) and 21 set the time in the mode clock display.
  In addition, the fuel level indicator with an electronic scale is constantly displayed on the display after turning on the ignition.

8 - signal lamp of the state of the brake system and the inclusion of the parking brake (with a red filter). It lights up when the ignition is switched on in case of excessive decrease in the brake fluid level in the reservoir of the brake master cylinder, when the parking brake lever is raised or a malfunction in the brake force distribution system. In the latter case, simultaneously with this lamp, the lamp 10 of the anti-lock brake malfunction lights up.

9 - control lamp for turning on the right direction indicator (in the form of an arrow with a green filter). Lights up with a blinking light when the right direction indicator (in synchronization with it) is turned on. The flashing of the control lamp with doubled frequency or its constant burning indicates that the lamp burns out in some right-hand direction indicator.

10 - signal lamp of malfunction of the anti-lock brake system (with a yellow filter). Lights up when the ignition is on for 3 s. When the starter is turned on, the lamp is constantly on. After starting the engine, the lamp should go out. In the event of a system failure, the lamp remains on

11 - a signal lamp of a control system of the engine (with a yellow filter
go color). Lights up when the ignition is turned on and lights up during engine start. The lamp should go out immediately after starting the engine. A lamp on when the engine is running indicates a malfunction in the engine control system. In this case, the control unit switches to the backup program, which allows you to continue moving. If the lamp lights up, it is necessary to check the electronic control unit on the diagnostic equipment and eliminate the malfunction.

12 - speedometer. Shows how fast the vehicle is currently moving. The scale is calibrated from 0 to 240 km / h, the division price is 5 km / h.

13 - a signal lamp of malfunction of a control system of the engine (with the yellow filter). Lights up when the ignition is turned on and burns during engine start

14 - a signal lamp of an unfastened seat belt of the driver (with a red filter). It lights up when the ignition is turned on and goes out after fastening the driver's seat belt.

15 - warning light reminding you to press the brake pedal (with a green filter). It functions if the car is equipped with an automatic transmission. Lights up when the ignition is turned on, reminding the driver to press the brake pedal before moving the gear selector lever from the “P” (parking) position to the driving position.

16 - signal lamp of the minimum fuel reserve in the tank (with a yellow filter). Constantly burns when there is fuel remaining in the tank for approximately 80 km.

If possible, avoid driving on the remaining fuel reserve. The operation of the gasoline pump in the absence of a continuous supply of fuel with air entering the system will lead to failure of the pump!

17 - a signal lamp of malfunction of airbags (with a yellow filter). Lights up when the ignition is switched on if there is a malfunction in the airbag system.

If the warning light comes on, contact a service center immediately. In addition to a possible failure in an emergency, the pillow can suddenly work during movement, which will lead to serious consequences.

18 - the signal lamp of the open side door (with a red filter) lights up if one of the side doors is not closed (or not tightly closed) when the key is in the ignition switch.

19 - signal lamp of malfunction of the system of exchange rate stability (ESP) with a yellow filter (if the system is installed). Lights up for a few seconds when the ignition is turned on. If the lamp is constantly on while the engine is running, it means that the system is malfunctioning. A blinking lamp while driving indicates that the system has been triggered.

If the warning light is constantly on, call for service, as the Polo Sedan is controlled without the help of the stability control system.

20 - reset button for daily run counter and clock settings. To reset the readings, press the key for a few seconds with the ignition on. To set the clock by successive pressing this key, the time is set in hours and minutes after activating the hours or minutes on the display by pressing key 21.

21 - clock settings key. By successive pressing the key, on the display 7, the hours or minutes are activated to set the time.

22 - a signal lamp of malfunction of the amplifier of a steering (with the yellow filter). Lights up for a few seconds when the ignition is turned on. If the lamp is on while the engine is running, the amplifier is malfunctioning. If after stopping the engine and restarting the lamp the lamp does not light up, this means that the amplifier has restored its functionality.

If the power steering failure lamp is constantly on, call for service immediately, as sudden failure of the power steering while driving can lead to serious consequences.
  23 - signal lamp discharge of the battery (with a red filter). Lights up when the ignition is turned on. The lamp should go out immediately after starting the engine. Eating a lamp or its glow when the engine is running indicates a lack of charging current caused by a malfunction of the generator or voltage regulator, as well as a weak tension (or break) of the generator drive belt.

  Polo Movement Sedan   with a burning lamp is prohibited, because, in addition to a complete discharge of the battery, this may indicate a short in the charging circuit, which even leads to a fire.

24 - a control lamp of the mode of shutdown of the exchange rate stability (ESP) system with a yellow filter (if the system is installed). Lights up for several seconds when the ignition is turned on, as well as during a forced shutdown of the system.

The dashboard sparkles with numerous bulbs, arrows and pointers, which can make a person who sees all this beauty for the first time confused. Meanwhile, it is necessary to navigate the indicators for their purpose, because they inform the driver about the condition of the car and its main systems. In this article we will talk about what information can be gleaned from the fact that certain lamps on the dashboard are on or off.
All dashboard indicators are divided into three groups:
Reds. These are warning lights that signal system malfunctions, fraught with big troubles.
Yellow. These indicators usually perform an information function. There are exceptions that relate to, for example, the inclusion of four-wheel drive.
All the rest are blue, violet, green, etc.

Indicators, their purpose and operation

To begin with, we note that this instruction on instrument bulbs is relevant for the Mazda Tribute and many other cars. After all, similar symbols are used everywhere. The designations of indicators on the Kia Spectra instrument panel, for example, will not differ much. Or seeing the Security indicator on the instrument panel of the Lexus RX330, anyone can easily recognize it on other machines.

This is an emergency oil pressure lamp. In good condition, it lights up when the ignition is turned on and goes out a few seconds after starting the engine. If the lamp does not turn off in ten seconds, then you must turn off the engine and check the oil level. After making sure that everything is in order, start the engine again. In the case when the lamp continues to burn, it is necessary to contact a car service. The lamp should also not blink while the motor is running - if this happens, then check the oil level and bring it to normal. Operating the machine with a flashing or flashing emergency oil pressure lamp can cause serious engine damage. The designation on the dashboard of the Gazelle is the same as on other cars.

Serviceability lamp of the generator. This designation is found on the dashboard of the Chrysler Concorde, for example. It lights up when ignited and goes out after the engine starts - it means that everything is in order with the generator. If the light bulb does not go out on time, then it is not recommended to hit the road - first check that the alternator belt is in place; if everything is in order with the belt, you will have to visit a car service. In the event that the paw caught fire on the way, stop and check the belt. If there is no way to fix the malfunction right on the spot, then proceed further, remembering that the less power consumers are turned on (music, lights, rear window heating, etc.) and the newer the battery, the farther you can get.

Airbag Service Lamp (Air Bag). If the system is operational, the bulb lights up when the ignition or ACC is turned on and turns off after 3-5 seconds. If the indicator does not light up or go out, then the system has problems. Unscrupulous sellers can set a timer on the light bulb that will turn it on even if the system fails. You can check by turning on the diagnostic mode.

Oil overheating lamp in automatic transmission. Usually sports cars and SUVs are equipped with this light bulb. The working lamp lights up when the ignition is turned on and turns off when the engine starts. The light serves to inform the driver about the approach of the oil temperature to a critical value. In this case, you need to stop and allow the oil to cool. The engine does not need to be turned off.

Service lamp anti-lock braking system (ABS). Lights up when the ignition is turned on and goes off after a few seconds. If the system is working, then you will hear the sound of an electric motor that turns on for one second. If the light continues to light, it is recommended to visit a car service center; you can ride with a burning light, remembering that the ABS does not work, and the wheels will be locked when you press the brake pedal to the floor. Also, the lamp may light up in the event of an absolute malfunction of the brake light bulbs.

Lights up when one of the doors is open or not tightly closed. May not be available on some cars.

Check engine lamp, CHECK ENGINE or MIL (Motor Inspect Lamp). If it is lit when ignited, it means that the bulb is working; if it goes out when the engine starts, then the engine management system is working. If the bulb does not go out on time or lights up when the engine is running, that is, a malfunction in the electronic system. You need to go to the service.

Timing Belt Reminder Lamp. A working lamp lights up when ignited and goes out when the engine starts. The lamp reports that the car's mileage is approaching 100,000 km, and it is time to change the timing belt. If the light is on, and up to 100 thousand is still far away, then this means that the speedometer is twisted. It is usually installed on diesel engines.

Lamp for water in the fuel filter. In good condition, it turns on when ignited and goes out when the engine starts. If it continues to burn, then you refuel at a bad refueling - there is water in the fuel filter. It is advisable to drain the water, and do not visit this gas station anymore. Installed on diesel engines.

Cold and overheated engine lamp. They are ignited simultaneously (to check serviceability) or in turn (red, and then blue) when ignited. Called to inform the driver about engine temperature, if there is no pointer; if everything is in order, then none of the lamps is on.

Automatic gearshift lamp. The lamp informs you of the possibility of upshifting. If the lamp is off, the car rides in four gears, if lit - in three. If the light is on all the time and in any position of the O / D switch, then the automatic transmission control unit has detected an error. It's time to go to the service.

Service lamp rear dimensions and stops. Lights up when ignited and turns off when the engine starts. If it lights up when you press the brake or turn on the dimensions, then one of the lamps has burned out - you need to replace it. In modern cars, this function can perform ABS.

Indicators of temperature, fuel and automatic transmission mode. As a rule, fuel shows constantly - this is not a malfunction and cause for concern. As for temperature, when the engine is warmed up, the arrow is in the middle of the scale, when overheated, it is higher. If the arrow is in the red zone - this is very bad; bring to this is not worth it. Some models are not equipped with a dial gauge, and two lamps replace it. A series of lamps with letters shows in which position the gear selector is, and not which gear is engaged. The letter P means parking, R is reverse, N is neutral, D is forward movement in all gears, 2 is the use of the first two gears, L is the movement in first gear.

Direction indicator lamps. A blinking lamp indicates which direction the turn indicator is on. When the alarm is on, both lights flash. If the lamp blinks at double the frequency, then this means that the external direction indicator has burned out.

Lamp of emergency level of brake fluid. Lights when ignited, turns off when the engine starts. If it remains on, check the amount of fluid in the brake reservoir. If the brake pads are worn, the fluid level will decrease and the light will come on, so first check the pads. If you do not pay attention to this light bulb, then you can stay without brakes. Sometimes combined with a hand brake indicator.

Parking brake lamp. With the ignition on, it always lights when the handbrake is raised. Warns the driver that it is necessary to remove the parking brake, otherwise the car will not accelerate well and consume a lot of fuel.

The seat belt lamp is not fastened. Lights up when ignited and does not go out until the belts are fastened. If there are airbags, it is better to buckle up to weaken the blow on the pillow if it is deployed.

Fluid level lamp in the wiper reservoir. The working lamp lights up when ignition and goes out when the engine starts. Informs about the need to add fluid to the tank.

The lamp of inclusion of the winter mode of automatic transmission. It should light up after pressing a special button. A light bulb shows the driver that the car is moving away, bypassing the first gear - immediately from the second. This is necessary to avoid slippage during heavy snowfall or in icy conditions. If the road is treated with anti-icing substances, then there is no need to use this mode.

Front fog light indicator. Lights when the dimensions, dipped and main beam are on. The light is on - fog lights are on.

Rear fog light indicator. Lights up after pressing the corresponding button and notifies that the rear fog lamp is on. Not available on most right-handed cars.

Rear window heating indicator. It functions when the ignition is switched on, it is switched on from the button and shows that the rear window heating mode is on.

A catalyst overheat lamp. When the ignition is turned on, it lights up, when the engine starts, it goes out. A lamp that illuminates during engine operation indicates overheating of the catalyst due to some engine malfunction. If along with it the battery indicators and the faults of the rear lamps also light, then the generator probably does not work.

It only seems that if the car is iron, then he cannot talk and he does not have any emotions. He can cheerfully play with the load that you did not fix, rattling them on all the bumps, sadly creaking with all his hinges, making his way through the mud and off-road, or tiredly snapping a well-worked engine when he got home. And there is also a car dashboard, on which its current state is always visible.

Why dashboard signs

According to the classical definition, a dashboard is a place where measuring and control devices are assembled. Not too long ago there were not too many different meters, indicators and pointers on the dashboard, and it was not difficult to deal with them. However, as the car improved, new sensors appeared, followed by new signs on the dashboard, and over time, for many drivers, all these symbols turned into a real Chinese letter.

However, don’t be upset, even if you can’t immediately remember the icons and symbols on the dashboard, some of which are given above. In many respects, this process is complicated by the fact that each car has its own set of symbols displayed on the dashboard, associated with its design features, the presence of certain devices () on it and the sensors installed.

You can, of course, remember all the indicators and pictograms, and this, of course, is the most correct approach, allowing you to navigate in the current state of your iron horse. However, there is another, fairly simple option that allows you to assess the condition of the car without knowing the contents of the designation of each icon.

Icon color matters

In this case, you need to pay attention to the color of the displayed icons on the dashboard. Before starting the car engine, turn the ignition key, but do not start the engine. At the same time, the designations of numerous indicators, pictograms and symbols of a very different color - red, yellow and green - will flash on the dashboard. This indicates that the indicators are all operational and the self-diagnosis in the car is working.

When the engine starts, the illumination of all the icons on the dashboard, especially the red color, should stop. Luminous indicators and red symbols are used to indicate an emergency or a situation close to it. In this case, the most optimal way out is to get to the service station, if possible, then on your own. The symbol of oil pressure should deserve special attention on the dashboard, its image is shown below:

When it appears, it is imperative to check the engine oil level in the engine, to make sure there are no signs of oil leakage, and in cases where oil is in the system, you can risk taking your own power to the service station. If there is a supply of oil, then you can add it, but still you only need to go to a car service. No, actually you can go wherever you want, but when the loss of oil pressure is not eliminated, you can, if you don’t say goodbye, then part with your car for a long time.

It is the red color of the indicators on the dashboard that indicates an emergency on board the car. Another color that should cause your attention is yellow. An example is the well-known yellow CHECK symbol on the dashboard.

In this case, the situation is not so critical that immediate inspection and repair of the machine is required. If a similar symbol is lit on the dashboard, then it indicates the presence of non-critical injector injuries, for the elimination of which timely measures must be taken.

All other indicators usually serve as information and reference ones and are most often green, in extreme cases - some other color, for example blue, as a indicator for switching on the main beam. And although their sudden ignition, when the engine is running, does not bode well, the glow on the panel of such indicators is not fatal, and in the case of indication of light devices (dipped, main beam, fog) simply informs about their inclusion.

A few words about indicating other troubles

The general list of troubles, the presence of which is warned by signs on the instrument panel, is given above, but it is best to remember at least two more indicators, and both are red.

The appearance of such a sign on the panel, indicates primarily the wear of the brake pads, although there may be other reasons that caused its appearance. It is clear that there is nothing good in this, the brakes are such a thing that it’s better not to joke. If the sensors say that the pads are worn out, most likely it is.

And this symbol indicates the status of the generator / battery. Its appearance indicates either a low battery voltage, or the absence of charging from the generator and its malfunction. That, in general, can serve as a harbinger of imminent troubles if timely measures are not taken to eliminate them.

Regardless of whether you know or not what the indicators on the dashboard symbolize, the appearance of luminous yellow and especially red symbols should lead to the establishment of the reasons for the appearance of these symbols and, at least, to a visit to the service station.

The dashboard is designed to:

• inform the driver about the operation of devices;
• report the fault on time.