Decoding Your Dashboard

With vehicle computer systems rapidly evolving, if you’ve driven a newer vehicle lately, chances are there were unfamiliar icons and maybe even warning lights to decipher. The last thing you want is to be confronted with a strange dashboard alert just as you’re enjoying the open road with your trailer this summer. Taking a few moments to learn the various dashboard icons and their degree of urgency can help put your mind at ease on the road.

Color coding

The basic rule of thumb is that a red dashboard light means a critical warning. If possible, you should pull over before proceeding with your trip to resolve the issue. Orange or yellow icons can generally wait until your next planned stop before addressing.

Towing icons

Some vehicles are equipped with trailer indicators that appear when the vehicle is towing. These include:

• Trailer turn signals: when you connect your trailer’s signal lights to your vehicle, the dashboard may light up with an outlined trailer icon when you first start the ignition, and when you use your turn signals.
• Tow mode: If your vehicle has a “tow mode” option, it will switch to a shifting and driving method that is more efficient for heavy loads, and this light will indicate it’s on.

General system symbols

• When stability control is off, you’ll see an illuminated vehicle icon with skid marks behind it. You can drive normally with this alert on, but turning traction and balance may not be optimal.  
• When the vehicle’s system detects a change in tire pressure or a flat tire, a U-shaped icon with an exclamation point will come on. For those unacquainted with this icon, it often causes confusion, most likely because the image doesn’t resemble a tire. Seasonal temperature changes can affect tire pressure and cause this light to come on.
• Your grade and terrain assist icon, a green SUV depicted on a hill or rocky surface, will come on when your 4-wheel drive vehicle is registering throttle and braking control on hills and slippery terrain.

For a full list of icons and their meanings, click here.

Since 1986, Terry's Autobody has been selling and servicing vehicles and trailers in Riceville, Iowa. Conveniently located on E. Main St/Highway 9, Terry’s sells PJ Trailers, American Hauler, Zimmerman truck beds, and trailer parts, as well as services all your trailer repair needs. Please visit our site or call (641) 985-2536 to learn more!