Warning lights indicating activation of various systems
Modern cars are equipped with numerous electronic systems, each with its own warning indicators. In total, there are over a hundred indication symbols in a car. Here we’ll explain them all in detail. Let's start with the signs indicating whether a system is switched on or off.
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The "Exterior Lights On" indicator informs the driver that the vehicle's exterior lights, including headlights, taillights, and license plate lights, are activated. |
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The "Higher Gear Start Mode Activated" indicator signals that the vehicle's transmission is set to start in a higher gear, typically for improved fuel efficiency or smoother acceleration. |
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The "Side Lights On" indicator illuminates when the vehicle's side lights, also known as parking lights or position lights, are switched on. |
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The "Overdrive Deactivated" indicator alerts the driver that the overdrive mode of the automatic transmission, typically used for towing or driving in hilly terrain, is turned off. |
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The "High Beam Activated" indicator illuminates when the vehicle's high beam headlights are turned on for enhanced visibility during night driving or in low-visibility conditions. |
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The "Turn Indicators/Hazard Lights On" indicator signals that the vehicle's turn signals or hazard lights are activated to indicate a turn or warn other drivers of a hazard. |
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The "Rear-Driven with Front Axle Engagement" indicator informs the driver that the vehicle is rear-driven, but the front axle engages as needed for additional traction or stability. |
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The "Parking Assist Activated" indicator illuminates when the vehicle's parking assist function is activated to aid in parking manoeuvres, typically using sensors or cameras to detect obstacles. |
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The "Rear Window Defroster On" indicator alerts the driver that the rear window defroster is activated to clear fog or frost from the rear window for improved visibility. |
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The "Front Fog Lights On" indicator signals that the vehicle's front fog lights are switched on to enhance visibility in foggy or misty conditions. |
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The "Rear Fog Light On" indicator illuminates when the vehicle's rear fog light is turned on to improve visibility for vehicles behind you in adverse weather conditions. |
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The "Hill Start Assist Deactivated" indicator alerts the driver that the hill start assist function, which prevents the vehicle from rolling backward on an incline when starting from a stop, is deactivated. |
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The "Automatic Transmission Locked in Park" indicator informs the driver that the automatic transmission is locked in the park position, typically when the vehicle is stationary and the engine is off. |
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The "4WD Deactivated" indicator signals that the vehicle's four-wheel drive system, typically used for driving on paved roads or in normal driving conditions, is deactivated. |
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The "Vehicle Stability Control Engaged" indicator illuminates when the vehicle's stability control system is actively assisting in maintaining control during cornering or slippery road conditions. |
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The "Glow Plugs On" indicator is specific to vehicles with a diesel engine and informs the driver that the glow plugs are activated to assist with cold starting. |
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The "Engine Torque Transferred to Rear Wheels" indicator signals that the engine's torque is primarily being transferred to the rear wheels. |
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The "POWER Mode Activated" indicator alerts the driver that the power mode of the automatic transmission is engaged, typically providing enhanced throttle response or performance. |
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The "Start-Stop System Activated/Deactivated" indicator informs the driver that the vehicle's start-stop system has shut down the engine to conserve fuel, with a yellow warning light indicating a system failure. |
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The "Emergency Brake Assist Deactivated/Warning" indicator signals that the emergency brake assist function is deactivated, or if active, warns of dirty collision avoidance sensors that may affect its operation. |
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The "Side Airbags Deactivated" indicator signals that the vehicle's side airbags are deactivated, often done before driving off-road to prevent accidental deployment. |
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The "Switching to Electric Mode" indicator illuminates when the vehicle transitions to electric mode, typically found in hybrid or plug-in hybrid vehicles. |
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These signs display the selected shock absorber stiffness mode, indicating the driver's chosen setting for the vehicle's suspension system. |
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The "High-Range Four-Wheel Drive Activated" indicator signals that the vehicle's high-range four-wheel drive mode is engaged, commonly used for driving on rough terrain or slippery surfaces. |
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The "Electric or Hybrid Car Charging" indicator illuminates when an electric or hybrid vehicle is being charged, whether through a charging station or outlet. |
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For hybrid vehicles, the "Car Ready to Drive" indicator signals that the vehicle is ready to be driven, often indicating that the hybrid system is active and operational. |
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These lights show that the "Tow/Haul Mode" is on, typically used when towing heavy loads to optimise vehicle performance and transmission shifting. |
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Four-wheel drive mode is activated in low range. This signals that the vehicle operates in a gear suitable for rough terrain or steep inclines. |
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The differential locking mechanism has engaged the wheels. Used off-road, this improves traction and manoeuvrability. |
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Automatic headlights or daytime running lights are currently active. This enhances visibility and safety during operation. |
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High beam headlights adjust automatically based on conditions and oncoming traffic. The system is currently engaged. |
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The anti-theft alarm system or engine immobiliser is active. It provides security against unauthorised access or theft. |
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Winter mode is engaged, which starts the car in a higher gear to increase traction. Ideal for slippery or icy conditions. |
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For safety, the front passenger airbag is currently deactivated. Typically used when a child or lightweight passenger occupies that seat. |
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Fuel economy mode optimises efficiency while driving. This setting is presently activated. |
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The "Centre Differential Locked" light signals that the vehicle's centre differential is engaged. This feature enhances traction for off-road conditions with four-wheel drive systems. |
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When illuminated, the "Auto Hold Function Activated" indicator shows the auto hold is active. The vehicle stays stationary without pressing the brake pedal – useful in traffic or on inclines. |
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These indicators display your selected driving mode: sport, eco, normal, etc, tailoring vehicle operation to your preferences. |
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The "Parking Brake Applied" light signals that the parking brake is engaged. If flashing or staying on unexpectedly, it may indicate a brake system fault. |
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When the "Vehicle Stability Control Deactivated" light is on, the stability control system is off. This allows more aggressive driving but could reduce stability in certain situations. |
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The "Hill Start Assist Activated" indicator shows that hill start assist is enabled. It prevents the vehicle from rolling backward when starting on an incline. |
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The "Lane Departure Warning System Operation" indicator shows the lane departure warning system status. Green means active, yellow indicates a fault, and flashing yellow warns of unintended lane departure. |
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Illuminated steady lights for "Adaptive Cruise Control Activated" indicate normal operation. Flashing lights signal a potential cruise control fault. |