Special and additional systems
We continue to study the meaning of various indicators on the car dashboard. Now you should study those signs of the shield that are responsible for special and additional systems. They are not on all vehicles, so here you can rely on the presence of specific emblems on your vehicle.
- Key and exclamation point. It comes in red and green. Depending on this, it indicates the absence or presence of an electronic key;
- Yellow vertical key. There may be a lightning icon nearby. In the first case, the electronics reports that the electronic key is in place. In the second situation, the key battery is dead and needs to be replaced;
- Snowflake or SNOW inscription. The icon is relevant for automatic transmissions that have a driving mode on snow and ice. When the lamp lights up, the mode is activated;
- A cup of coffee. Some modern cars have a special indicator that monitors the time the driver spends behind the wheel. It is recommended to stop and rest. Sometimes the lamp is accompanied by a voice message;
- Car in a red triangle. If cruise control is turned on, the indicator indicates the presence of an obstacle ahead;
- A man gets into a car. There are some cars equipped with a body position adjustment function, which makes getting into the car more comfortable. When the system is active, this signal is on;
- SET, ACC, speedometer with arrow, Cruise. These lamps are used on cars with adaptive cruise control. Their appearance indicates activation of the system. If the light flashes, then the cruise is faulty or there are errors;
- Rectangle with wavy arrows. An informative icon indicating that the rear window heating mode is activated;
- Auto H or Hold. Informs about activation of the brake system. To turn it off, the driver must press the gas pedal;
- Sport and Cpmfort. Two lamps are responsible for the selected operating mode of the shock absorbers;
- Height High. Relevant for cars with air suspension. This illuminated icon indicates that the suspension is as high as possible above the road;
- CK SUSP. There are problems with the chassis. It is necessary to carry out diagnostics;
- CMBS. Lights up in cars that have a collision avoidance system installed, which have errors or the sensors are simply dirty;
- TOW or trailer image. Activating a mode that allows you to transport trailers;
- The P icon and the pyramid are nearby. This is the parking assistance indicator. When lit green, the system is activated. If the lamp is yellow, there is a problem;
- LKA and LDW. Automatic lane keeping lamps. If the icon is yellow and blinking, then the car is pulling to the side and you need to steer. There is a fault when flashing. A green sign indicates that this system is activated;
- Green ECO indicator. Informs the driver that the fuel economy system has been activated;
- A gear with a plus inside or the inscription Shift with an up arrow in green. Both signs advise the driver to shift to a higher gear in order to use fuel more economically;
- 4x2. Cars with rear-wheel drive and front-wheel drive indicate that the transmission has switched to rear-wheel drive mode;
- 4x4 AUTO. The lamp reports that the gearbox is operating in rear-wheel drive mode, but if necessary, it will automatically switch to all-wheel drive mode;
- 4HI or 4x4 High. Information icon indicating that all-wheel drive is turned on;
- 4LO or 4x4 LOW. All-wheel drive operates in low gear;
- AWD or 4AWD yellow. Problems have arisen in the operation of the car's all-wheel drive system. It also informs you that the wheel diameters on both axles do not match;
- SH AWD. Most likely the differential is overheated or there are other malfunctions in the all-wheel drive system;
- RDIFF TEMP. The cross-axle differential has overheated or the oil temperature has risen to a critical value;
- 4WAS. If such a lamp comes on, then problems have arisen in the operation of the steering system;
- RAS. The steering is not working or is currently not functioning properly;
- CVT. An information sign that lights up on the car panel when the power unit is started, and then goes out. Confirms that everything is fine with the variator.
Different vehicles may also have some additional indicators, it is best to consult your official owner's manual to find out what they mean.
Basic symbols
Indicator | What does it mean |
The purpose of this light is to warn the driver that the parking brake lever is up. It always lights up when the lever is raised. If the image appears while driving, this most likely indicates a possible malfunction in the brake system. | |
Depending on the car model, this symbol may have either a red or blue tint. In the first case, it indicates that the temperature of the power unit is too high; in this case, the driver must turn off the engine and make sure that the internal combustion engine is not boiling. Perhaps due to a breakdown in the cooling system, the antifreeze began to boil. A blue sign indicates that the engine is not warmed up. If the image blinks, this indicates a problem in the electrical circuit. | |
Always lights up when the ignition is turned on. If the image appears when the internal combustion engine is running, this indicates that the oil pressure in the system has decreased; as a rule, this indicates a lack of fluid. Depending on the car, the message about lack of oil may be supplemented with the inscription Oli Min. | |
The battery indicator symbol indicates that the voltage in the machine's electrical network has decreased. It can also report a low battery, inoperability of the generator unit, as well as the presence of other malfunctions in the operation of the on-board network. |
Vehicle system errors on the instrument panel.
If your Airbag light comes on, you need to diagnose the airbag module. The fact is that the pillows are controlled by special modules. The modules give the command to fire the airbags in an emergency. These modules can be flashed or installed from another car, in which case the error on the dashboard may appear after some time. Therefore, when buying a car, carefully check the body for impacts.
If engine errors are indicated, the check light comes on. There can be many situations when the engine error light comes on. Car enthusiasts often report that the Chek lights up after going to the car wash, with the dashboard light coming on intermittently or constantly. An engine error lights up when the vehicle control unit detects deviations or a malfunction in the operating device.
What is the danger of a non-functioning dashboard in a car?
If the instrument panel in the car does not work completely or partially, then the driver will not be able to receive complete data on speed, temperature, amount of gasoline, and so on. Of course, if a person is sure that he will not exceed the speed limit and create an emergency situation, then he can drive for some time with the panel not working. However, it is better to fix it as quickly as possible.
If the driver does not violate traffic rules while driving, then traffic police representatives will not stop you and make claims. However, if the speed is exceeded, the traffic police will stop you and fine you. Therefore, it is better not to take risks, because you can end up in an emergency situation.
Find out whether it is legal for a traffic police officer to film a violation on a phone camera.
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Checking fuses
When the backlight of the VAZ 2110 instrument panel does not light up, all the indicator lamps actually go out, and the arrows drop to zero, then motorists should check the main fuses. Fuse links responsible for the instrument panel are limited to 15 amperes. Traditionally, in VAZ models they are marked “F6”. It is advisable to have this element in stock so as not to end up in an undesirable situation.
To identify a burnt-out insert, you will need to open the fuse panel. On the “tens” of 2003, it is also necessary to check the condition of the connector into which the “F19” protective plug is inserted. “Six” and “nineteen” are located in the same row through several slots. When removing, special plastic tweezers mounted under the lid help.
The culprit for failure of fuses is most often a short circuit. Triggering can be seen by the burned out torn part inside the plastic fuse housing by looking into the light. The test can also be carried out, if desired, with a multimeter.
Why is the glow plug on the dashboard flashing?
At the moment when the car is started in the morning (when it is cold), especially in winter, the glow plug may work longer than usual. From 20 to 40 seconds in winter is a completely normal reaction. This recommendation is even more suitable for older diesel cars, when the car’s spark plugs are based on the old system and, accordingly, the indicator lights up exactly as long as the heating process continues, sometimes even a little longer.
There are a huge number of reasons for indicating the glow plug is working! And we will now tell you about the main ones.
Malfunction of the glow plug system
For example, in a Mercedes car, if one of the glow plugs in the car does not work, the spiral will burn exactly until the car engine warms up. But this is only a signal that the engine heating actuator is faulty.
Basically, the period of such malfunctions occurs in winter, when it is time for the preheating system. That’s when drivers often start going to service stations with a flashing spiral icon in their car.
Turbine (supercharging system) malfunction
If the charging system malfunctions, the spiral on the diesel engine may also flash. Main reasons:
- turbine breakdown
- turbine control system malfunction
- system leakage (damaged pipe or intercooler)
- turbine geometry adjustment
- breakdown of the pressure sensor in the intake manifold
Fuel system failure
In a modern car, any malfunction of diesel fuel equipment can cause the spiral on the dashboard to blink. This could be a fuel injection pump, a pressure sensor, etc. For example:
- The injectors are drained into the return line;
- The fuel pressure regulator on the pump is not working well
EGR malfunction
A breakdown of the exhaust gas recirculation system, whether mechanical or electronic, can be manifested by loss of traction and errors on the instrument panel, including blinking of the spiral.
Throttle valve malfunction
On modern diesel vehicles that are equipped with an electronically controlled throttle valve, the spiral icon on the instrument panel may light up when the throttle valve fails.
Malfunction of sensors and other systems
In the modern world, diesel cars are equipped with a huge number of electronic systems that are designed to optimize the emissions, power and efficiency of a diesel car. If any component of at least one of the systems fails, the computer informs the driver of the malfunction, the spiral often flashes and the check light lights up. To 100% determine the problem, it is better to contact specialists.
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Signs indicating serious danger
These signals are of great importance. Their presence indicates serious malfunctions in which it is not recommended to operate the vehicle. We advise you to pay more attention to this section.
- This sign indicates that the brake fluid level is below the permissible level. It can also signal a malfunction of the brake system as a whole, wear of the pads or depressurization. And also check the handbrake, perhaps it is on and that is the reason.
- Coolant temperature sensor. If the signal is red, then the temperature has increased and the engine may overheat. A blue glow means a low temperature, which means the engine is not warmed up and it is not advisable to operate it yet.
- A red watering can with a drop indicates critically low pressure in the engine lubrication system. The oil pump has failed or the technical fluid level is low.
- If one of the presented icons appears on the instrument panel, it means that oil should be added to the mechanism; its level has reached critical levels.
- This signal indicates problems with the battery. Lack of charging of the generator, problems with the electrical network.
If you receive such alerts, you should first correct the problem before operating the vehicle.
Security lights
Icon | What means |
When such a lamp is turned on, text should also appear on the dashboard. As a rule, this icon is used to remind, for example, about an open door or the need to change the engine fluid. | |
This indicator is rarely used, but it indicates incorrect operation of the vehicle stability control system. It is advisable to take the car to a service station as quickly as possible. | |
The airbag light indicates a possible lack of contact or failure of the seat belt pretensioner device. When this icon appears, you can expect the airbag to deploy at any moment, so the problem must be resolved quickly. | |
The indicator indicates that the side airbag system is not active. | |
A green or red key appears when the immobilizer is turned on. The key also appears after the alarm is turned on. If the key does not light up after turning on the anti-theft system, you need to check its functionality. | |
The wrench appears when faults in the transmission are detected. Usually the key disappears after an oil change. But sometimes the key indicates really serious problems. | |
Alarm failure. | |
The following symbol may appear instead of the key. This icon is more relevant for sports cars; it indicates incorrect operation of one of the gearbox mechanisms. Sometimes the lamp appears when the temperature of the transmission fluid is elevated. | |
Power steering or power steering fault. A more thorough diagnosis needs to be made. | |
Insufficient brake fluid level, need to be topped up. | |
Incorrect operation of the ABS system or its complete shutdown. If it appears when you turn on the ignition and disappears after starting the engine, then everything is fine with the system. | |
Indicates that the brake pads are worn. | |
This icon appears when a problem with the car’s engine is detected. This could be engine torque, ignition problem, engine fuel composition, etc. In any case, it is better to check the car engine again. | |
Reducing engine power level. Usually you can restore engine power by turning it off and starting it after a minute. | |
There is a problem with the engine catalytic converter. Most likely, the engine catalyst is overheated. | |
The engine antifreeze level is too low; diagnostics and topping up are needed. | |
The need to replace the engine fluid or scheduled maintenance. | |
The car's air filter needs to be changed. | |
Talks about not wearing a seat belt. | |
Overheated transmission fluid. | |
Lack of gear oil in the system. | |
Breakdowns or incorrect operation of some automatic transmission components. | |
The automatic transmission is blocked for certain reasons. | |
It is necessary to clean or replace the oxygen regulator (lambda probe). | |
Problems with operation or shutdown of the tracking system. | |
The night vision system does not work. | |
Overdrive mode disabled. |
More information about replacing the light bulbs on the tidy is described in the video (the author of the video is Big Ben 87).
Description and location of indicators and instruments on the panel
In accordance with the diagram, the description and designation of the icons on the new combination in Priora is as follows:
- Tachometer. This controller is used to display the number of revolutions of the power unit (crankshaft) per minute. The red zone of the sensor indicates speeds that it is better not to reach and which should not be exceeded in order to avoid damage to the crankshaft.
- Left turn indicator. When the turn signal is turned on, this symbol flashes, and the sound signal also turns on when it is on.
- One of the main sensors - the speedometer - allows you to determine the speed at which the car is moving.
- Right turn signal. Both left and right turn signals are activated when the hazard lights are turned on and light up synchronously.
- This sensor on the Lada Priora dashboard shows the temperature of the engine warming up or antifreeze in the cooling system. The controller arrow should not rise to the specified limit, otherwise this may indicate overheating of the power unit. In case of such a problem, you need to immediately turn off the engine and allow it to cool, and also identify the cause of the problem.
- In accordance with the pinout, this sensor on the dashboard with or without navigation determines the volume of the fuel level in the tank. It is advisable not to allow the indicator arrow to move towards the red zone, this will indicate the need to refuel the car. In any case, sediment collects at the bottom of the tank, no matter how high-quality fuel you use. When the fuel pump tries to produce this fuel, it clogs faster and may fail.
- This indicator indicates that the fuel pump has started pumping reserve fuel; the icon is shaped like a column. If it appears, then the tank needs to be refilled urgently.
- A button used to reset the daily mileage information.
- Light signaling. When this function is activated, the left and right turn signals on the dashboard will flash.
- Indicator light indicating that the EUR is not working. The icon always appears when the ignition is activated, at this time the instrumentation and amplifier are tested, when the engine is started, the indicator will disappear.
- The high beam activation indicator lights up blue.
- The next icon on the Priora control panel is the activation of the parking brake, which appears when the driver lifts the lever. If the handbrake is raised, the icon will light up even when the engine is running.
- The icon for activating the headlights, in particular, we are talking about side lights or low beams. The indicator lights up green.
- Functional airbag indicator light. If the indicator continues to light after starting the engine, then most likely there are problems with the security system. First of all, you need to check the condition of the sensors.
- Symbol of critical engine oil pressure. The indicator always lights up when testing the device, but if it appears while driving, the car owner should check the lubrication system. First of all, you need to make sure that the volume of oil in the engine corresponds to the norm - if the volume is insufficient, the fluid must be added. The reason for the appearance of the lamp may also be due to a failure of the pressure sensor or its poor contact with the on-board network.
- The immobilizer symbol lights up orange. This icon is intended to alert the driver that the anti-theft system has been activated.
- A display showing the car's mileage over the past 24 hours. Also in the middle of the screen are indicators of the main options.
- The seat belts not fastened icon, lights up red, always lights up during self-testing of the shield. If you are not using seat belts, an audible signal should also sound.
- Battery icon. It also always appears when the ignition is turned on, so the dashboard tests all indicators. If the icon continues to light after starting the engine, this indicates that there is something wrong with the battery. The reason for its appearance may be related to either the battery being discharged due to the inoperability of the battery itself (shedding of the plates, boiling off of the electrolyte, etc.), or to problems with the operation of the generator. In particular, we are talking about a worn assembly belt or its damage; sometimes the reason lies in the wear of the brushes.
- Brake system condition controller. This indicator lights red and indicates a malfunction in the above system. There may be several reasons; the fault can only be determined through diagnostics.
- Symbol of problems with the electronic brake force distribution system. It should not light up when the power unit is running.
- Airbag deactivation or inoperability symbol. In this case we mean the front airbags.
- If this symbol appears, then we can conclude that the ABS does not work or is not functioning correctly. It is necessary to carry out detailed diagnostics of the system to identify the malfunction. In some cases, the reason lies in a malfunctioning sensor.
- Check Engine is an indicator that appears if the control unit has detected problems with the operation of the power unit. Problems can be very different; it is unlikely that it will be possible to determine the problem at random, so most likely you will need computer diagnostics (the author of the video is the Automotive Diagnostics channel).
Check Engine Error. Remove in 1 minute.
If your car shows a “Check Engine” error, then this article is for you.
The translation of the expression “check engine” in Russian literally sounds like “check the engine.” The “check” icon is on the dashboard of most modern cars, but its meaning remains unclear to many. So if this icon is a yellow or orange engine icon
- appears and does not disappear (or simply blinks), an inexperienced driver has a natural question: “what does this mean?” Next, we’ll try to find out the reasons why the check engine light came on on the dashboard of your car, as well as how to get rid of it.
- Reasons for activating the indicator
- How to remove Check Engine
- What should I do next
Initially, this light indicated problems with the carburetor, but now that cars are equipped with full-fledged on-board computers, the message may indicate various malfunctions. For example, a “check engine” error may indicate problems with the quality of the air-fuel mixture
or ignition malfunctions, as well as much more. Messages can be caused by both minor and critical failures.
Thus, when the “check engine” light is on, it is only clear that the ECU has detected a malfunction in one of the car’s systems. Only diagnostics can give a complete picture. Next, we will look at the main reasons why the check engine light is on and what needs to be done about it.
For hybrid cars
Indicator | Designation |
The on-board computer reports problems with the battery. For some reason the battery does not recharge, the car owner must carry out a more detailed check of the battery. | |
The ECU has detected a low charge. This indicator may light up if the charge of the high-voltage battery is low; this does not apply to the battery. | |
Charging warning symbol. | |
A light bulb in the shape of a turtle indicates a decrease in engine power in a hybrid car. | |
The horn has stopped working, you need to look for the cause, often it is a blown fuse. | |
Indicator of the need to check the main components of the car, analogous to the Check Engine in gasoline cars. Detailed diagnostics required. | |
An information light indicates that the vehicle is ready for use, all units and mechanisms are functioning normally. | |
High-voltage battery charge indicator, car operation is not recommended, you need to wait until the device is fully charged. | |
The on-board computer detected malfunctions in the performance of the car's electric drive. |
Signing up for a test drive: optional or necessary?
In many showrooms, dealers, in order to lure customers, advertise that you can take a test drive any day, even without an appointment.
But in reality everything happens differently. Often, if a client comes without an appointment, he is denied a test ride for one reason or another. Therefore, it is best to sign up for a test drive in advance.
If you are not sure how to book a test drive, then please consider the following points:
- When you call the salon, be sure to ask whether the required car model is available for testing or not. If so, arrange a time for a test drive with the dealer.
- Find out what documents you will need to present. Often the client is asked to show his driver's license and passport.
- Find out how many people you have and whether you can take companions (you may want to ride with family members).
- Find out the length of the route. If the dealer offers to take a “lap of honor” around the salon, then refuse. Salons with a good reputation prepare a route that lasts at least 15 minutes.
- Be sure to check whether the car is insured. If they say yes, but in fact they ask you to sign a document stating financial responsibility for any damage to the vehicle during the test drive, then do not continue the experiment, but immediately go to another salon.
the spiral icon lights up
Topic closed. If you still need help, sign up for our car service for diagnostics and repair of a Mercedes by calling: (495) 381-21-87,.
Ask your question in a separate topic
This light indicates a faulty spark plug or a faulty glow plug relay.
In my case, is this serious or can I travel for now?
If it starts up normally, it’s okay to drive, but if possible, find the reason and fix it.
Ahhh damn yesterday I tried to start it for 15 minutes, today it starts normally all day - they said it’s time to change the spark plugs or the relay - is this true and if so, how much will this pleasure cost me - approximately?
If you know where the spark plug relay is located (if not, it’s located above the headlight on the driver’s side), then look, the red wire goes to this relay from below, check it, see how reliable the contact is, otherwise I had a situation where the wire went there, but the contact itself simply rotted, and the filament was burning on the display. It’s simple there, you buy a new crimp contact, strip the wire, insert the contact, and crimp it; if you don’t have a special tool, you can crimp it with pliers. And immediately you pull out the plug from this plug, and through this plug, with the help of a tester, you can check your glow plugs, check them simply for the “short” one end to the engine, the other into the plug, and so on all four plugs. Good luck.
I don’t know how much the relay costs, but they say it’s expensive, but for the relay to fail is a very, very rare case, most likely it’s spark plugs, and before the New Year I bought candles from BERU for 400 rubles. a piece.
I had: when I turned the key, the spark plugs lit up and went out, and immediately after starting they turned on (the glow on the instrument panel) for 1 minute and turned off, and so on at each start, the reason: 1 spark plug died and 1 bad contact to the spark plug itself
replacing all spark plugs
8 euros each.
Or maybe this reason - 1 spark plug died - will affect the starting of the car, i.e. It either starts or doesn’t start for me, I mean the first time, by the way, it always starts the first time in the morning.
If the light is on and then goes out after 15 minutes, then one spark plug is faulty (It heats, but it’s bad). You can unscrew them and check directly from the battery, a good spark plug turns red immediately. It’s bad when the light is on constantly, then it’s either a burnt-out relay , or a break in the supply wire to the relay!
As I understand it, we are talking about a diesel engine. One of the reasons may be poor fuel quality, especially if the fuel filter has not been changed for a long time. Especially “vile” fuel can “kill” a new filter. When the “spiral” is burning, the car begins to “stupid”, especially when accelerating sharply and moving uphill, and in especially severe cases the engine may stall! If the problem is in the fuel, then in some cases it is enough to add good quality fuel to the tank; if this does not help, then you need to completely change the fuel and fuel filter (the latter applies to the winter period of operation).
It’s interesting what kind of device is used to check candles more accurately; through a light bulb, you can only determine a completely dead candle, and the one that doesn’t heat well is not shown by the light bulb, or burns a little dimmer, almost not noticeable.
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Instrument panel test
Restoring factory settings - instrument panel. On ignition (without starting), reset ODO TRIP -A and B. Off. ignition, press the TRIP button while holding the button on. ignition (without starting) and quickly press and release the button 3-4 times. The device will go into test mode and the computer will restore factory settings; tachometer, speedometer, fuel level and sensors. In short, you will see everything for yourself. This information may be useful to someone.
interesting, let's take note! I had to reset it when I bought it, with our shaky roads, the car still looked like it was made from scratch
Nissan Bassara.2001.4wd.ka24de.JNU-350031.111000 from Japan.now 210,000.tenure: 8 years
Damn, where is the body in the signature? Or is that all?
Turrus...where did the signature go? :))) I didn’t understand something, do you mean that the kilometers on the speedometer will also be reset???????? (total mileage?)
Nissan X-Trail T31 2010 Were-Nissan Presage X 2.5,2WD,TU31,2005 Nissan Presage C2 2.4,2WD,U30,1999
No, the mileage will remain. This is a feature for Nissans. The computer will simply restore the settings. I did this on Presa and Liberty. So the gas level readings on Presa changed. ABS and door sensors are checked. The arrows jump up - they align and return to their place. Diagnostics. Do it for prevention. Turrus...where did the signature go? :))) - who the hell knows where it went, I’ll take a look now. Happy holiday!
I don’t understand something, do you mean that the kilometers on the speedometer will also be reset????????
(total mileage?) It’s much worse if all those that were wound up before the sale are added :))Nissan Bassara, KA24DE, FF, JU-30, 2001 Landi Renzo Omegas LPG. Webasto.
I don’t know, I held it for about 20 minutes, with or without the ignition, no one twitched or moved.
NISSAN BASSARA JU30 KA24 2WD LPG was VW Tiguan 2012 in 1.4 TSI was VW Tiguan 2015 in 2.0 TDI 4WD
And somehow it worked out for me...))) The tachometer and speedometer needles jumped up, the fuel gauge needle dropped a little. And all eights appeared on the odometer. Turned off the ignition and everything is OK.
Nissan Presage, 1998, YD25DDTi, had 4WD, VNU30401603, 169,000 – my 84,000
I also checked it on the owl. The needles didn't move, but the fuel level needle fell completely down. All the elements on the odometer lit up. Until I turned off the ignition everything was fun. Haven't noticed any difference yet