Complete Guide To Subaru Dashboard Symbols And Meanings
While our Subaru of Naples team will happily diagnose and fix any issue you have with your vehicle, knowing what Subaru dashboard symbols mean can save you time, money, and worry. What do all of these icons mean, and should you schedule an appointment to fix them? Let's touch on the main Subaru dashboard lights you may see and what you can do about them.
Subaru Dashboard Signs: A Color Overview
- If Subaru warning lights are green, flash only during ignition, or have an "OFF" indicator, they are functioning properly. Please refer to your owner's manual if you're unsure how to turn a feature back on.
- If your Subaru warning symbols are yellow or remain illuminated during driving, there is likely a problem with your Subaru model. In most cases, it's okay to continue driving, but please exercise caution. Turning, braking, and performance could be affected.
- If the indications are red or flashing while driving, an urgent issue has occurred. When possible, please slow to a stop and, in most cases, have your Subaru model towed to a trusted dealership, like Subaru of Naples.
Subaru Dashboard Symbols and Meanings
Seatbelt Warning Light
This light is symbolized as a person with a seatbelt on and will show in the instrument display or on the front console. If you've fastened the seatbelt, or if there is no cargo or heavy pet on the seat, and it beeps, it may be malfunctioning.
SRS Airbag System Warning Light
If this light is on or flickering after engaging the ignition, or does not show on during ignition, please talk with a Subaru dealer as quickly as possible.
Front Passenger's Frontal Airbag ON and OFF Indicator Lights
These lights show up as a passenger sitting with a seatbelt, next to either a filled-in circle (indicating "ON") or a blank circle with an "X" over it (indicating "OFF"). These are usually on the front console, then one stays on, depending on the condition of your SRS airbags. If both stay on, please contact your Subaru dealership.
Check Engine Warning Light/Malfunction Indicator Light
If either the check engine or unique malfunction indicator lights are illuminated while you drive, these typically mean that there is an issue with your exhaust or emission systems. Quickly check that your fuel cap is properly tightened and see if the system resets. If the light is blinking, then there was an engine misfire. Please reduce your engine speeds, remove any items you can from the vehicle, and avoid hard acceleration to reduce other potential issues.
Charge Warning Light
If this battery-like light turns on and stays on while driving, there may be an issue with your drive belt or another charging system element.
Oil Pressure Warning Light
The oil pressure warning light looks like a traditional oil can, and if it stays on while driving, this likely means your oil pressure is low and your lubricating system is not functioning properly.
Engine Low Oil Level Warning Light
If your oil reaches a lower limit, you'll see a similar symbol as the oil pressure warning light, but with a wavy line underneath it. You can check the oil level by opening your oil container, wiping off the dipstick, and reading the oil level on it. If you get an oil change at our shop, you may notice the oil light stays on for a short while as your engine warms up.
AT OIL TEMP Warning Light
If the words "AT OIL TEMP" illuminate on your dashboard, your transmission fluid is running too hot. Please find a safe place to pull over and let your engine idle and cool. However, if you notice it flashing after your engine starts, then your transmission control module has likely malfunctioned, and you'll need to bring your model in for work.
Rear Differential Oil Temperature Warning Light
This light may come on as "R. DIFF TEMP," which indicates that the fluid is running too hot. Please park the car in the nearest safe location to let it cool. You can continue driving afterward if it turns off. This light may come on more often if your tire pressures aren't correct or if your tires are misaligned.
Low Tire Pressure Warning Light
The tire pressure warning should turn on for a moment during ignition, then go off while driving. If it stays on, the TPMS has found a problem with one or more tires. If the pressure is correct and the light is still turning on, this could be a sign of a flat or a fast-leaking tire. Otherwise, a Subaru dealership should check your TPMS module.
ABS Warning Light
If the symbol with the letters "ABS" inside of a circle doesn't turn on during ignition, or it stays on after a short amount of driving, your Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) system could be malfunctioning. Alternatively, you may be driving with insufficient battery voltage. Please reduce your speed and get an appointment as soon as possible, or check your battery.
Brake System Warning Light
The Brake System Warning Light will usually be indicated by an exclamation point inside a circle, and if it stays on after ignition or during driving, a major component of your braking system has broken. Please have your vehicle towed to your trusted Subaru dealership for a thorough inspection.
Electronic Parking Brake Indicator Light
If this symbol is on, you will see the letter "P" inside of a circle, meaning that your parking brake is on. If it is flashing without you operating the brake, it may be damaged and require a trip to our repair bay.
Auto Vehicle Hold Indicator
This light comes on when you activate Auto Vehicle Hold. If it does not, please contact our dealership for further instructions.
Windshield Washer Fluid Warning Light
When a symbol that looks like a windshield with water spraying upward appears, this indicates that your windshield washing fluid is low.
All-Wheel Drive Warning Light
Your tires are of different diameters, which may cause strain to the powertrain. If the letters "AWD" begin flashing, please park in a safe location and check your vehicle's wheels.
Power Steering Warning Light
This light means that a malfunction was detected with the electronic steering system. It is theoretically safe to drive, but you may notice more resistance while turning. This feature may temporarily deactivate if you turn often or at extreme angles while at low speeds.
Vehicle Dynamics Control Warning Light
This symbol could mean your Vehicle Dynamics Control system is currently inoperative. While it is safe to drive, your traction in specific weather conditions, as well as some brake power, may be reduced. If it is flashing, your vehicle is using the system to prevent skidding and provide extra traction.
Vehicle Dynamics Control OFF Indicator Light
This light illuminates when you deactivate your Vehicle Dynamics Control system. However, if it doesn't turn on during the system check or doesn't turn off two seconds after ignition, you may want to have a Subaru dealership have a look.
Keyless Access Warning Chimes and Warning Indicator
If you do not have the key fob or you are attempting to lock a door while the key fob is inaccessible, an inside warning indicator light or outside warning chime may fire. The warning light may show as a key with three lines above it.
Security Indicator Light
A warning light with a key and lock may appear to show the status of security systems. If you do not see this light blink for 60 seconds after the ignition switch is turned from "ON" to "ACC" or "LOCK," or immediately after the key is removed, your immobilizer may be malfunctioning.
SI-DRIVE Indicator
This light illuminates if you are in Sport and Intelligent mode. Sport (S) mode is for responsive performance, Intelligent (I) is for better MPG ratings, and Sport Sharp (S#) is for handling curves.
Select Lever/Gear Position Indicator
This is where your gear shifter knob is located, and serves as a guide if you are currently in manual mode.
High Beam Indicator Light
This symbol resembles a headlight with lines extending forward, and it also illuminates when the headlight flasher is operating.
High Beam Assist Indicator
This symbol means your High Beam Assist is functional and your high beams may switch on and off without input.
Automatic Headlight Beam Leveler Warning Light
When this headlight symbol appears, this indicates that the automatic headlight beam leveler is not operating correctly.
LED Headlight Warning Light
If you see an exclamation point over the headlight symbol, your LED headlights may need to be checked out to continue working properly.
Steering Responsive Headlight OFF
When your Steering Response Headlight function has been switched off, a light will illuminate with the letters "SRH OFF."
Steering Responsive Headlight Warning Light
When your Steering Responsive Headlight is not working properly, it can result in the letters "SRH" showing up on your dashboard.
Front Fog Light Indicator
Turning on your fog lights will also switch on a headlight symbol on your dashboard with lines extending forward, but with a squiggly line over them.
Auto Start Stop Warning Light
This yellow light may appear as an "A" with an arrow around it, which means your Auto Start Stop system may be malfunctioning, or the engine hood is open while Auto Start Stop was activated.
Auto Start Stop OFF Indicator Light
An "A" with an arrow and the word "OFF" will show on the dash when your Auto Start Stop system is currently off due to pressing "Auto Start Stop."
Auto Start Stop Indicator
Similar to the Auto Start Stop Warning Light, but the symbol is green, which means your engine has been temporarily stopped.
Auto Start Stop No Activity Detected
The operating conditions of Auto Start Stop are not currently met. You can expect to see an "A" with an arrow crossed out.
X-MODE Indicator
This indicator will let you know which terrain mode your vehicle is in: DEEP SNOW/MUD and SNOW/DIRT on the left and right sides. It will disappear when X-MODE is no longer active.
Hill Descent Control Indicator
This light looks like a vehicle on an incline with arrows pointing up. It turns on when Hill Descent Control is on standby, and flashes while operating.
BSD/RCTA Warning Indicator
If you see a light that shows an aerial view of two cars, this indicates that your Subaru Blind Spot Detection and Rear Cross Traffic Alert may be malfunctioning.
BSD/RCTA OFF Indicator
Similar to the BSD/RCTA Warning Indicator, but with the word "OFF." This means you have deactivated these features through the button on the console.
Icy Road Surface Warning
When your vehicle detects a cold environment and potential slippery roads, a symbol of a snowflake will show on your dashboard.
EyeSight Warning Indicator
One or more EyeSight features have encountered a malfunction.
RAB Warning Indicator
If the Reverse Automatic Braking has malfunctioned, you will see "RAB Disabled" in front of you. Please be careful when backing up and visit a Subaru dealership when possible.
RAB OFF Indicator
Your Reverse Automatic Braking system has been turned off or suspended.
Sonar Audible Alarm OFF Indicator
The Sonar Audible Alarm, a beeping sound for when you reverse, has been turned off.
Driver Monitoring System Operation Indicator
When you see this light, and it's green, your Driver Monitoring System is working correctly.
Driver Monitoring System Warning Light
When yellow, Driver Monitoring is currently malfunctioning.
Driver Monitoring System OFF
When your Driver Monitoring System has been turned off temporarily through the central display, the symbol will appear with the word "OFF" underneath.
Driver Monitoring System Temporary Stop Indicator
The Driver Monitoring System has been temporarily stopped, which is typically due to a heating issue.
Visit Subaru of Naples Today
If any of the above Subaru dashboard symbols or warnings concern your vehicle or you'd like to get your car inspected, please contact our team here at Subaru of Naples. We can point you toward trusted towing services or assist you in booking a service appointment as soon as possible!
