Car Dashboard Symbols And Meanings (White, Gray, And Blue Indicators)

You’re cruising down the highway, listening to your favorite playlist, and suddenly there is a dashboard light pops up.

And you wonder:

• What does it mean?
• What if one stays on? 
• Am I worrying over nothing?

When one of the dashboard lights comes on, an issue may need your attention.

If you choose to ignore them, you could risk your safety or end up with an expensive car repair bill.

So what should you do?

This comprehensive guide will give you the different meanings of each warning light and indicator you may be seeing in your car.

Let’s take a look at these illuminated symbols in detail.

One thing to remember is that:

Even when you don’t know the meaning of the dashboard lights, the lights’ color themselves can tell you a lot about the severity of your car’s problem. 

• Red: Urgent issue. These are for problems that cause an immediate serious danger to you or the car. If a red light appears, stop immediately. 
• Yellow: Non-urgent issue. These are fine problems with which to continue driving, but they should be fixed soon. 
• Green/White/Gray/Blue: Non-issue, just a notification.

The dashboard lights listed below can be found on the brands, including:

So before you panic, scroll down and find the lights on your car’s dashboard.

White Indicator Lights

INDIVIDUAL Mode Indicator

Comes on when you set the drive mode to INDIVIDUAL.

COMFORT Mode Indicator

Comes on when you set the drive mode to COMFORT.

+R Mode Indicator

Comes on when you set the drive mode to +R.

Cruise Mode Indicator

Lights up in white when you change to cruise mode.

Auto Idle Stop Suspend Indicator

It is also called Auto Start Stop OFF Indicator.

Comes on while Auto Idle Stop is temporarily suspended in the following situations:

• Brake pedal is not fully pressed. Depress the brake pedal firmly.
• The transmission is in a position other than “D”.
• System charging is prioritized.
• Climate control system is prioritized.
• Engine coolant temperature is not in operating range.
• SPORT mode is selected.
• The battery temperature is too low.
• Auto Idle Stop does not activate for some reason.

Auto Start Stop Indicator

Start-stop available. Automatic engine stop is active.

Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) Indicator

After the vehicle is started, this light turns off and stays off if LKA has not been turned on or is unavailable. If equipped, this light is white if LKA is turned on, but not ready to assist.

Active Lane Management Indicator Light

It is also called LaneSense Indicator.

When the LaneSense system is ON, but not armed, the LaneSense indicator light illuminates solid white. This occurs when only left, right, or neither lane line has been detected. If a single lane line is detected, the system is ready to provide only visual warnings if an unintentional lane departure occurs on the detected lane line.

Intelligent Traction Management Indicator

Comes on when pressing the Intelligent Traction Management button. The mode you select appears on the driver information interface. When the vehicle is turned off and restarted, Intelligent Traction Management mode will revert to Normal.

Normal Provides balanced driving performance on most road surfaces.

Snow Use when driving on snowy road surfaces.

Mud Use when driving on muddy road or offroad surfaces.

Sand Use when driving on soft, sandy road or off-road surfaces.

Shift Position Indicator

It is also called Gear Position Indicator.

The position of the frame on the shift position indicator changes in accordance with the current shift position.

When a shift position other than D or B is selected, the arrow toward B and B position indicator disappear from the shift position indicator.

When selecting the shift position, make sure that the shift position has been changed to the desired position by checking the shift position indicator provided on the instrument panel.

M (sequential mode/7-speed manual shift mode) Indicator/ Gear Selection Indicator

Comes on when the sequential mode/7-speed manual shift mode is applied.

Transmission System Indicator

The current shift position blinks if the transmission system has a problem. Avoid sudden starts and acceleration and have your vehicle checked by a dealer immediately.

The indicated current shift position blinks if you cannot put the transmission into “R” due to a transmission system failure. Avoid sudden starts, sudden acceleration, and high speed, and have your vehicle checked by a dealer immediately.

The indicated current shift position blinks if the transmission system has a problem and the performance of the vehicle is reduced. Avoid sudden starts, sudden acceleration, and high speed, and have your vehicle checked by a dealer immediately.

The indicated current shift position blinks if the transmission system has a problem and the paddle shifters cannot be used. Have your vehicle checked by a dealer immediately.

The current shift position or all the shift positions blink if there is a problem with the transmission and the vehicle is no longer able to run. Immediately park your car in a safe place. Have your vehicle checked by a dealer.

The current shift position or all the shift positions blink if there is a problem with the transmission and it is not possible to select “P”.

• Depending on the circumstances, you can set the power mode to ON as an emergency measure.
• While the vehicle is stopped, apply the parking brake.
• Have your vehicle checked by a dealer immediately.

Models with paddle shifters: Blinks if the transmission system has a problem and the paddle shifters cannot be used. Have your vehicle checked by a dealer immediately.

Deceleration Paddle Selector Indicator

Comes on when the selector is pulled.

Blinks when the rate of deceleration does not change while pulling the selector.

Comes on with M when SPORT mode is selected and pulling the selector.

Gear Position Indicator

Indicates 1st to 6th gear position. If you shift gears very slowly, a different gear position may be displayed for a moment. The display can be turned ON/OFF in customized features in driver information interface or audio/information screen.

Under the following conditions, gear positions and frame borders are not displayed.

• The select lever is in “R” position.
• The display of gear position indicator is turned OFF in customized features.

Under the following conditions, gear positions are not displayed.

• The vehicle is stopped (approximately less than 2 mph or 3 km/h).
• The select lever is in “N” position.

Dynamic Lift Mode Indicator

Comes on when the suspension is being adjusted or Dynamic Mode is set to LIFT.

• The current height of the vehicle is shown using the bars. The number of bars will increase and decrease depending on the height of the vehicle.
• The target height of the vehicle is shown using the arrows.

SPORT Indicator

Assists acceleration response by controlling the transmission, engine and steering. Suitable for when precise handling is desirable, for example when driving on mountain roads. When not in Sport mode and the driving mode select switch is turned to the right, the “SPORT” indicator comes on in the multi-information display

CUSTOMIZE Indicator

The customized mode is selected by pressing the driving mode select switch. Each time the switch is pressed, the driving mode changes between normal mode and customized mode. When customized mode is selected, the “Customize” indicator will be illuminated.

Low Outside Temperature Indicator

When the outside temperature is approximately 3°C (37°F) or lower, this indicator will flash for approximately 10 seconds, then stay on.

Active Damper System Indicator

Comes on for a few seconds when you change the power mode to ON, then goes off.

Comes on if there is a problem with the Active Damper System. The speed of the vehicle will be limited.

Stays on constantly – Have the vehicle checked by an authorized dealer. With this indicator on, your vehicle has normal damping ability without the active damper feature.

Child Safety Lock Indicator

The indicator light in the button turns on/blinks when you activate and deactivate the child safety lock (door handle and power window switch) for the rear door.

High Beam Assistant Indicator (White)

The indicator light will appear in the instrument cluster display and the high beams will be switched on or off automatically.

Convenience Key Indicator

The battery in the vehicle key may be drained or there may be a malfunction. To start the vehicle, you must also hold the vehicle key against the location shown. If the malfunction remains, drive immediately to an authorized dealer to have the malfunction corrected.

Transmission Indicator

“Clutch: check pedal. You can continue driving”

The clutch is not transferring all of the engine torque. If necessary, remove your foot from the clutch pedal.

Electromechanical Parking Brake

“Parking brake: warning! Vehicle position too steep”

The braking force may not be enough to secure the vehicle from rolling away. Park the vehicle in a place with less of an incline.

“Parking brake: applied”

The parking brake is set. Press and hold the brake pedal to release the parking brake.

Hold Assist Indicator

The vehicle cannot be held in place automatically. Press the brake pedal to secure the vehicle from rolling away unintentionally.

Speed Warning System Indicator

Manually set XX mph (km/h) warning threshold exceeded. The stored speed was exceeded.

Camera-based Traffic Sign Recognition Indicator

“Traffic sign recognition: unavailable. Camera view limited due to environmental conditions”

The camera’s visual field is covered. Clean the windshield.

“Traffic sign recognition: currently limited. See owner’s manual”

This message appears if navigation system data is not available, for example on newly-constructed roads. The speed limit display will be temporarily limited, which increases the risk of an incorrect display. If this message continues to appear, drive immediately to an authorized dealer to have the malfunction repaired.

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Light

ACC switched on. No vehicle has been detected ahead.

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low Speed Follow Interval Indicator

Comes on when Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low Speed Follow indicator comes on.

Cruise Control System Indicator

The light is displayed when there is a malfunction, the cruise control system functions may be unavailable or limited. A message that indicates the cause and possible solution may appear with some displays. The weather conditions may be too poor or a sensor may be covered. Clean the area in front of the sensors and try to turn the system on again later. If the malfunction remains, drive to an authorized dealer immediately to have the malfunction corrected.

Cruise Control Ready Indicator Light (White)

This indicator light will illuminate when the cruise control is ready, but not set.

This indicator light will illuminate when the Cruise Control is set.

Cruise Control SET Indicator Light

This light will turn on when the cruise control is set.

Cruise Control Malfunction Light

ACC is not currently available. Stop the car when it is safe to do so and turn off the engine. Restart the car and check the radar for obstructing dirt, ice, etc. If the warning light remains illuminated, please visit your nearest authorised repairer for assistance.

Speed Limiter Indicator

Press the “ON-OFF” button to activate the speed limiter. Then, this light will illuminate.

Distance Warning Indicator

The light is displayed when there is a malfunction, the distance warning functions may be unavailable or may be limited. A message that indicates the cause and possible solution may appear with some displays. The weather conditions may be too poor or a sensor may be covered. Clean the area in front of the sensors and try to turn the system on again later. If the malfunction remains, drive to an authorized dealer immediately to have the malfunction corrected.

Front Assist Distance Indicator Light

Increase the distance between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead.

Adaptive Cruise Assist Indicator

Adaptive cruise assist: please take over! This message appears if the vehicle rolls back when starting on a slight incline, even though the systems are active. Press the brake pedal to prevent the vehicle from rolling or starting to move.

Lane guidance is switched on but not active. This may occur due to the following system limits or situations:

• The necessary lane marker lines have not been detected (for example, in a construction zone or because the lines are obstructed by snow, dirt, water, or lighting).
• The lane is too narrow or too wide.
• The curve is too narrow.
• Visibility is obstructed by a rise or dip.
• The driver’s hands are not on the steering wheel.
• The turn signal was activated.

When approaching a vehicle driving ahead, the adaptive cruise assist brakes to the set speed and then maintains the set distance. If the vehicle driving ahead accelerates, then the adaptive cruise assist will also accelerate up to the speed that you have set.

The newly-set distance will be shown briefly, for example with the indicator light.

Lane Departure Warning Indicator

The light is displayed when there is a malfunction, the lane departure warning and lane guidance functions of the adaptive cruise functions may be unavailable or limited. A message that indicates the cause and possible solution may appear with some displays. The weather conditions may be too poor or the camera may be covered. Clean the area in front of the camera and try to turn on the systems again later. If the malfunction remains, drive to an authorized dealer immediately to have the malfunction corrected.

The lane departure warning is switched on but not ready to provide warnings.

LTA Indicator

The illumination condition of the indicator informs the driver of the system operation status. Illuminated in white: LTA system is operating.

Side Assist, Exit Warning

The light is displayed when there is a malfunction, the side assist and exit warning system functions may be unavailable or may be limited. A message that indicates the cause and possible solution may appear with some displays. The weather conditions may be too poor or a sensor may be covered. Clean the sensor area at the rear corners of the vehicle and try to turn the systems on again later. If the malfunction remains, drive to an authorized dealer immediately to have the malfunction corrected.

Rear Cross-Traffic Assist Indicator

If the indicator light is displayed when there is a malfunction, the rear cross-traffic assist functions may be unavailable or may be limited. A message that indicates the cause and possible solution may appear with some displays. The weather conditions may be too poor or a sensor may be covered. Clean the area of the sensors at the rear corners of the vehicle and try to turn the system on again later. If the malfunction remains, drive to an authorized dealer immediately to have the malfunction corrected.

Parking System Indicator

If the indicator light is displayed when there is a malfunction, the parking aid functions may be unavailable or may be limited. A message that indicates the cause and possible solution may appear with some displays. The weather conditions may be too poor or a sensor may be covered. Clean the area in front of the sensors and try to turn on the systems again later. If the malfunction remains, drive to an authorized dealer immediately to have the malfunction corrected.

Park Assist Indicator

If the indicator light turns on, the park assist is not available or was interrupted. A message that indicates the cause and possible solution may appear with some displays. The weather conditions may be too poor or a sensor may be covered. Clean the area in front of the sensors and try to turn the system on again later. If the malfunction remains, drive to an authorized dealer immediately to have the malfunction corrected.

Emergency Assist Indicator

If the indicator light is displayed when there is a malfunction, the emergency assist functions may be unavailable or may be limited. A message that indicates the cause and possible solution may appear with some displays. The weather conditions may be too poor or a sensor may be covered. Clean the area in front of the sensors and try to turn the system on again later. If the malfunction remains, drive to an authorized dealer immediately to have the malfunction corrected.

Emergency Call System Warning Lamp

Emergency call system is malfunctioning. Consult a qualified specialist workshop.

High Beam Control Warning Light

It is also called Adaptive Highbeam Assist Light.

If Adaptive Highbeam Assist is activated, the indicator lamp will light up on the driver’s display.

Service Reminder Light

Service reminder display.

Phone Charge Level Indicator

Charge level of the mobile phone battery. Applies only to models with a factory-installed mobile phone package.

Frost Warning Indicator

Outside temperature colder than +39 °F (+4 °C).

Economy Operation Indicator

Fuel-efficient driving display.

Consult Owner’s Manual Indicator

Refer to the Owner’s Manual

Extended Traffic Jam Assistant (White)

Indicator light is illuminated: the system is ready.

Up-Shift Light

The vehicle may have an up-shift light. When this light comes on, shift to the next higher gear if weather, road, and traffic conditions allow.

Traffic Sign Assist Warning Lamp

The Traffic Sign Assist warning lamp is lit. Traffic Sign Assist is malfunctioning. Note the messages on the driver’s display.

Rear Seat Backrest Not Latched

It is also called Rear Left Backrest not Latched/ Rear Right Backrest not Latched.

Sedan with through-loading feature in the rear bench seat: The backrest in the rear is not engaged on the left-hand and/or right-hand side. A warning tone also sounds. Push the backrest back until it engages.

Hill Descent Control (HDC) Indicator Light

This indicator shows when the HDC feature is turned on. The lamp will be on solid when HDC is armed. HDC can only be armed when the transfer case is in the “4WD LOW” position and the vehicle speed is less then 20 mph (32 km/h). If these conditions are not met while attempting to use the HDC feature, the HDC indicator light will flash on/off.

Gear Shift Indicator

The Gear Shift Indicator display is a guide to help the driver achieve improved fuel economy and reduced exhaust emissions within limits of engine performance.

Gear Shifting Light

If equipped, this light will display when Performance Algorithm Liftfoot (PAL) is activated.

Four Corner Air Suspension Light

This light comes on when the air suspension is raised to maximum ground clearance height.

This light comes on when the air suspension is raised to increased ground clearance height. It will flash green and give an alert to indicate that the vehicle is changing to a higher ride height.

This light comes on when the air suspension is lowered for easy entry and exit from the vehicle. It will flash green and give an alert to indicate that the vehicle is changing to a lower ride height.

This light comes on when the air suspension is in Service Mode or Alignment Mode.

Trailer Sway Control Light

This light will flash when Trailer Sway Control is active.

Automatic Brake Hold Indicator Light

This light illuminates to show the status of the automatic brake hold system. When the automatic brake hold system is on standby, the indicator will illuminate white. When the automatic brake hold system is operating, the indicator will illuminate green.

Automatic Transmission Position Indicator Light

When the ignition switch is pushed to the “ON” position, the indicator shows the automatic selector position. In the manual shift mode, when the transmission does not shift to the selected gear due to a transmission protection mode, the AT position indicator light will blink and a chime will sound.

Active Driving Assist On Indicator Light

This light will turn on when the system is turned on, but is not actively providing steering to the vehicle.

Rear Seat Unoccupied Indicator Light

This light indicates when the rear passenger seats are unoccupied, and will illuminate in the upper right portion of the instrument cluster display, momentarily replacing the configurable corner information.

Occupant Presence Reminder Warning Lamp

The white occupant presence reminder warning lamp is lit.

The occupant presence reminder is deactivated. Switch on the occupant presence reminder.

2WD High Indicator Light

This light alerts the driver that the vehicle is in the Two-Wheel Drive High mode.

Selec-Speed Control Indicator Light

This light will turn on when Selec-Speed Control is activated. To activate Selec-Speed Control, assure the vehicle is 4WD Low and push the button on the Instrument Panel.

Idle Coasting Indicator Light

The Idle Coasting feature saves fuel by allowing engine speeds to drop to idle. When Idle Coasting is active, the Idle Coasting Indicator Light is shown in the Instrument Cluster Display.

Speed Warning Indicator Light

When Set Speed Warning is turned on and when the set speed is exceeded, a single chime will sound along with a pop-up message of “Speed Warning Exceeded.” Speed Warning can be turned on and off in the instrument cluster display. The number “55” is only an example of a speed that can be set.

Light Sensor Failure Light

This light illuminates when there is light sensor failure. If this light illuminates, have an authorized dealer inspect it.

Driving Assist Information Indicator

Illuminates when the safe exit assist is turned off. At this time, “Safe Exit Assist OFF” will be displayed on the multi-information display.

Stop Light Indicator

This light comes on when the stop lights are illuminated by the operation of the brake pedal or the driving assist system.

Trail Mode Indicator

Press the Trail Mode switch, to turn the Trail Mode on. The Trail Mode indicator light will come on the multi-information display.

AGC Indicator

When Auto Glide Control operates, the AGC indicator light will illuminate.

Inappropriate Pedal Operation Warning Light

When a buzzer sounds:

• Brake Override System is malfunctioning;
• Drive-Start Control is operating;
• Drive-Start Control is malfunctioning

Follow the instructions displayed on the multi-information display.

When a buzzer does not sound: Brake Override System is operating. Release the accelerator pedal and depress the brake pedal.

Steering Control Indicator

When the steering wheel assistance of the steering assist function is operating, the indicator illuminates and the operation display on the multi-information display is turned on.

Active Steering Assist

Active Steering Assist has reached the system limits. You have not steered independently for a considerable period of time. Take over the steering and drive on in accordance with the traffic conditions.

S-IPA Indicator

Displayed when the assist mode can be changed and the system can be turned off or on using the S-IPA switch.

i-ACTIVSENSE Status Symbol – System Stand-by Status

If none of the systems are activated or if there is a problem with the system, the i-ACTIVSENSE status symbol (warning/risk avoidance support system) (white) is displayed.

Active Brake Assist Warning Lamp

The Active Brake Assist warning lamp is on.

Due to dirty sensors or a malfunction, the system is not available or the range of functions is restricted. Note the messages on the instrument display.

The system is switched off or the range of functions has been automatically restricted. This may be the case if another driving system has been activated. Observe the notes on Active Brake Assist.

After you drive off, the system’s range of functions will be restricted due to the teach-in process. Depending on the ambient conditions, the teach-in process may take a few minutes. Observe the notes on Active Brake Assist

X-MODE Indicator (Outback/ Subaru Outback Wilderness)

This indicator appears while X-MODE is activated. It will disappear when X-MODE is deactivated.

Depress Brake Indicator Light

This light illuminates if the brake pedal is not depressed in the following conditions.

• The Auto Vehicle Hold switch is pressed to deactivate the Auto Vehicle Hold function while the vehicle is stopped by the Auto Vehicle Hold function.
• The electronic parking brake is released.

AUTO HOLD Indicator Light

When you activate the auto hold system by pressing the AUTO HOLD button.

AUTO EV

This mode provides an automatic use of high voltage battery power during the drive, staying in electric mode when possible and running the engine when needed.

EV Charge

This mode uses your vehicle’s engine to charge the high voltage battery versus plugging the vehicle into a utility grid. The electric range gained through the EV Charge allows you to switch to Auto EV or EV Now for full electric operation later in your drive. The battery cannot completely charge to 100% when in EV Charge mode. This is to allow for full operation of the regenerative braking system.

When the battery reaches its EV Charge limit, the vehicle remains in EV Charge mode and maintains that charge level, until you select another EV Mode, or until you switch your vehicle off. When you enable EV Charge, a white EV Charge icon appears in the information display. EV Charge resets to Auto EV when you switch off your vehicle. You may select EV Charge again using the EV button during your next drive.

EV Later

In EV Later, your vehicle runs on the engine as needed and saves most of the available electric range for later use in Auto EV or EV Now mode. When you enable EV Later, a white EV Later icon appears in the information display. EV Later resets to Auto EV when you switch off your vehicle. You may select EV Later again using the EV button during your next drive. When you select EV Later with the vehicle fully charged or near fully charged, some electric-only driving range is used to discharge the battery. This is to allow for full operation of the regenerative braking system.

EV Now

This mode provides an electric only driving experience. Do not use EV Now when towing a trailer. The electric drive system is not designed for towing. An EV Now information on demand screen appears. This screen allows you to enable your engine while in EV Now mode. When you enable EV Now mode, a blue EV Now icon appears in the information display. If your vehicle is in Engine Enabled mode, the EV Now icon is amber. EV Now exits when your available electric range reaches zero.

Mud/ Ruts Mode Indicator

It illuminates when the drive mode is selected.

Slippery Mode Indicator

It illuminates when the drive mode is selected.

Gray Indicator Lights

Safety Support Indicator

Lights up in green and gray when the Road Departure Mitigation system, CMBS, Low-Speed Braking Control, and Blind Spot Information system or any two or three of these systems are off.

Lights up in gray when the Road Departure Mitigation system, CMBS, Low-Speed Braking Control, and Blind Spot Information system are off.

Active Cruise Control with Stop&Go Function

Indicator light is illuminated: the system is interrupted.

Indicator light flashes: the conditions are not adequate for the system to work or the system has been deactivated.

Steering Assistant Indicator

Indicator light is illuminated: the system is ready.

Extended Traffic Jam Assistant Indicator (Gray)

Indicator light is illuminated: the system is interrupted.

Night Vision Suppressed Indicator Light

This light alerts the driver that the Night Vision Warning System status is Suppressed.

Cruise Control Ready Indicator Light (Gray)

This light will turn on when the Cruise Control has been turned on, but not set.

Blind Spot Assist Indicator

Blind Spot Assist or Active Blind Spot Assist enabled.

Blue Indicator Lights

High Beam Headlight Indicator

The indicator light will turn on if the high beams are off or headlights flash.

High Beam Assistant Indicator (Blue)

The indicator light will turn on if the high beams are switched on.

Low Temperature Indicator

Comes on while the engine coolant temperature is low, then goes off once the engine reaches normal operating temperature. If the indicator stays on after the engine has reached normal operating temperature, there may be a problem with the temperature sensors. Have your vehicle inspected by a dealer.

Drive Power Indicator

Reduced drive power due to a cold drive‐train.

What’s Next?

Now that you’ve read this post, you know exactly what your dashboard lights mean.

The warning lights and indicators are designed to make driving safer and prevent roadside emergencies. So make sure to pay attention to them when they show up.

Have questions about a specific dashboard light you don’t see shown above?

Let me know by leaving a comment below right now.