32:
988:
1008:
998:
20:
185:, the light has two stages: it illuminates steadily to indicate a minor fault such as a loose gas cap or malfunction with the vehicle's emissions controls, and it flashes when a severe condition is detected to alert the driver that continued driving may cause severe damage to the engine or catalytic converter emission control system. The MIL can present a legend, such as
167:
110:
Different tell-tales can convey different kinds of information. One type lights or blinks to indicate a failure (as of oil pressure, engine temperature control, charging current, etc.); lighting and blinking indicate progression from warning to failure indication. Another type lights to alert the
217:
is not properly charging the battery. The battery will then discharge, disabling the car. The light normally appears when the vehicle ignition is turned on, but the engine is not running, as it detects that no power is coming from the alternator (the alternator is powered off the engine so only
114:
Colour may also communicate information about the nature of the tell-tale, for example red may signify that the vehicle cannot continue driving (e.g. oil pressure).) Many older vehicles used schemes which were specific to the manufacturer, e.g. some
British Fords of the 1960s used green for oil
250:, such as the LTD Crown Victoria, without the instrument option, had only this light, which indicated low oil pressure, overheating and carburetion problems without distinguishing among them. This usage of the "engine" light was discontinued in the mid-1980s to prevent confusion with the MIL.
338:(usu. with a buzzer) – Appears when the engine is switched and the driver's and/or passenger's seat belt is not buckled. A pressure sensor in the passenger seat prevents the passenger warning light from activating if the seat is unoccupied. Usually shaped like a person wearing a seat belt.
178:. It is found on the instrument console of most automobiles. In the United States, an MIL with specified functions is required by environmental protection regulations. Unlike other types of idiot light, an MIL does not correspond to a condition that would have been read out on a gauge.
204:
In hybrid and electric cars, a fault with the hybrid/EV system shows the pictogram of the vehicle with the exclamation point to indicate a fault with the electric motor and/or hybrid/EV battery (in fuel cell cars, it is also to determine a fault with the hydrogen fuel cell)
152:, red) engine temperature. A single light usually indicates only an overheat condition in engine. In electric cars, it is usually to monitor the EV battery temperature and indicate the EV battery is overheating or is too cold to operate. One example is in a Nissan Leaf EV.
319:" indicator is displayed usually shaped like a turtle with a outline circle when the EV battery is critically low. In a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) when the battery is depleted and vehicle runs low on fuel, both indicators may show indicating to recharge and to refuel.
131:
not operating (the oil pump is powered off the crankshaft, so only operates when the engine is running). It normally turns off a few seconds after engine start as the oil pump starts working and building up oil pressure. This tell-tale can bear the legend
332:(most diesel engines) – Appears when the engine is switched on to indicate the engine glow plugs are operating, and the driver should wait for the light to extinguish before starting the engine. Usually shaped like a coiled cord.
315:, or a light next to "E" on the fuel gauge, and (most later cars) a buzzer. In an EV when the battery runs low, usually shaped with the EV charger symbol or the EV battery symbol and in most cases a buzzer or chime. Sometimes a "
296:
Dashboard indicator lights or tell-tales are provided for turn signals, high beam, transmission mode in automatic transmission vehicles, and similar devices. These indicate running status and are not an indication of a fault.
218:
generates when the engine is running). It subsequently extinguishes as soon as the engine starts and the alternator starts generating electricity. This light presents a pictogram of a battery, or it presents the legend
300:
As automobiles became increasingly complex, more dashboard indicator lights have been added for the status of safety and convenience systems. Lights can indicate many conditions including:
127:
pressure drops below a predetermined level. The light normally appears when the vehicle ignition is turned on, but the engine is not running, as it detects no oil pressure due to the
266:. This tell-tale in most cases bears the ISO symbols for a parking brake and for a braking system emergency. In the past, US regulations required this tell-tale to bear the legend
174:
A "malfunction indicator lamp" (MIL) or "check engine light" (CEL) illuminates, usually in red, amber, or yellow, to indicate malfunction or a service requirement detected by the
66:
operation is not possible via an idiot light, which lights only when a fault has already occurred – thus providing no advance warnings or details of the malfunction's extent. The
432:
557:
288:
are often mandated by law. As a cost-saving measure, individual readouts for each tire are often substituted with a single tell-tale indicator for all tires.
62:, so a troublesome condition could be detected and corrected early. Such early detection of problems with, for example, engine temperature or oil pressure or
246:; this was not a Check Engine Light, but a catch-all warning light to indicate trouble that was serious enough to portend an imminent breakdown. Early 1980s
144:
The engine temperature tell-tale is usually installed singly, but has less commonly been installed in pairs. A pair of lights indicate insufficient (
516:
83:
58:
light" terminology arises from popular frustration with automakers' use of lights for crucial functions which could previously be monitored by
531:
51:, is an indicator of malfunction or operation of a system, indicated by a binary (on/off) illuminated light, symbol or text legend.
70:
automobile company was the first to use lights instead of gauges for oil pressure and the voltmeter, starting in the mid-1930s.
602:
541:
128:
533:
Code of
Federal Regulations, Title 40, Protection of Environment, PT. PT. 85-86 (SEC. 86.599-99), Revised as of July 1, 2010
86:
Federal Motor
Vehicle Safety Standard 101 includes tell-tales in its specifications for vehicle controls and displays. In
136:
or a pictogram of an oil can. Some cars illuminate the light red or yellow, depending on the action needed to be taken.
963:
500:
285:
418:
459:
675:
111:
need for specific service after a certain amount of time or distance has elapsed (e.g., to change the oil).
1001:
635:
1032:
917:
761:
807:
685:
595:
323:
274:
67:
640:
446:
1037:
381:
EV light (hybrids/PHEVs) to determine if vehicle is in electric operation and engine shut off.
214:
822:
588:
571:
470:
182:
59:
8:
175:
404:
670:
650:
247:
161:
115:
pressure warning, while many other makes of the same era used amber for oil pressure.
375:
Cruise control on (shaped like a gauge with an arrow on the needle in most later cars)
1007:
927:
881:
845:
537:
496:
78:
Automotive tell-tales are regulated by automobile safety standards worldwide. In the
886:
817:
384:
Eco light (newer cars) indicates that vehicle is in efficient/fuel-saving operation
91:
558:"Federal Register - Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards; Controls and Displays"
471:
ECE R48, "Installation of lighting and light-signalling devices on motor vehicles"
372:
Modes of the heating/air conditioning system (defrost, recirculation, and others)
99:
912:
786:
781:
771:
756:
700:
695:
312:
95:
387:
Eco/comfort/sport mode - Driving modes to drive economically or for excitement
1026:
991:
958:
932:
776:
725:
645:
259:
79:
55:
741:
311:– Appears when vehicle's fuel tank is nearing empty. Usually shaped like a
1011:
942:
891:
876:
832:
812:
705:
655:
433:"Directory Index: Hudson/1933_Hudson/1933_Hudson_Super-Six_Owners_Manual"
31:
24:
155:
968:
871:
766:
715:
710:
680:
124:
63:
973:
937:
922:
896:
827:
802:
166:
850:
690:
665:
866:
861:
751:
660:
580:
87:
19:
746:
447:"FDsys - Browse Code of Federal Regulations (Annual Edition)"
263:
405:"Idiot Light - Definition of idiot light by Merriam-Webster"
360:
Anti-theft alarm/engine immobilizer active (most later cars)
139:
620:
258:
Many vehicles have a red tell-tale to indicate that the
262:
is engaged or that there is a fault with the vehicle's
156:
Malfunction indicator (check engine/hybrid/EV system)
201:; or it also can present a pictogram of an engine.
530:Register, Office of the Federal (7 October 2010).
277:(ABS) have a lamp to indicate a detected failure.
1024:
213:An idiot light can indicate that the vehicle's
486:
484:
482:
480:
478:
98:and throughout most of the rest of the world,
84:National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
596:
238:Some vehicles had a single indicator labeled
460:Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 101
357:), or trunk lid open (usually with a buzzer)
16:Light that indicates malfunction of a system
475:
341:Traction control anti-skid system operative
603:
589:
23:A group of tell-tales showing lights for "
140:Engine temperature/EV battery temperature
123:The oil pressure idiot light lights when
529:
453:
439:
165:
92:Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 101
30:
18:
490:
1025:
550:
584:
176:computerized engine management system
102:specify various types of tell-tales.
997:
336:Fasten driver or passenger seat-belt
233:
572:"Cruise (Speed) Control Indicators"
350:Water in fuel (most diesel engines)
347:Air-bag system malfunction detected
13:
464:
378:Autopilot/self driving mode active
208:
14:
1049:
964:Automobile auxiliary power outlet
421:. Hearst Magazines. January 1984.
27:", "stop lamp" and "check engine"
1006:
996:
987:
986:
619:Part of a series of articles on
610:
353:Door open (usually indicated as
291:
286:Tire pressure monitoring systems
280:
564:
118:
536:. Government Printing Office.
523:
509:
425:
411:
397:
1:
676:Electronic instrument cluster
391:
73:
636:Automotive navigation system
366:Automatic transmission fault
170:A malfunction indicator lamp
7:
762:Electronic throttle control
344:Low windshield washer fluid
10:
1054:
808:Automatic vehicle location
181:On vehicles equipped with
159:
982:
951:
905:
841:
795:
734:
628:
616:
275:anti-lock braking system
253:
105:
641:Automotive night vision
215:alternator or generator
148:, blue) and excessive (
491:Erjavec, Jack (2005).
171:
43:, sometimes called an
36:
28:
823:Remote keyless system
493:Automotive Technology
169:
34:
22:
363:Speed radar detected
35:Graphical tell-tales
419:"Popular Mechanics"
199:service engine soon
1033:Display technology
671:Check engine light
651:Blind spot monitor
172:
162:Check engine light
37:
29:
1020:
1019:
928:Glove compartment
882:Child safety lock
543:978-0-16-086040-9
519:. September 1957.
517:"Popular Science"
369:Low tire pressure
317:power low warning
309:re-fuel/re-charge
234:Trouble indicator
1045:
1010:
1000:
999:
990:
989:
887:Rear-view mirror
818:Power door locks
605:
598:
591:
582:
581:
576:
575:
568:
562:
561:
554:
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269:
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90:, the analogous
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1044:
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1042:
1023:
1022:
1021:
1016:
978:
947:
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855:
837:
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730:
686:Head-up display
624:
612:
609:
579:
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305:Low fuel/charge
294:
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256:
243:
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227:
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219:
211:
209:Charging system
198:
194:
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133:
121:
108:
100:ECE Regulations
76:
64:charging system
17:
12:
11:
5:
1051:
1041:
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1018:
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918:Center console
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906:Other elements
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815:
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805:
799:
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789:
787:Steering wheel
784:
782:Power steering
779:
774:
772:Manettino dial
769:
764:
759:
757:Cruise control
754:
749:
744:
738:
736:
732:
731:
729:
728:
723:
718:
713:
708:
703:
701:Radar detector
698:
696:Parking sensor
693:
688:
683:
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673:
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658:
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648:
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279:
273:Vehicles with
264:braking system
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252:
235:
232:
210:
207:
160:Main article:
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154:
141:
138:
120:
117:
107:
104:
75:
72:
15:
9:
6:
4:
3:
2:
1050:
1039:
1038:Vehicle parts
1036:
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1031:
1030:
1028:
1013:
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1005:
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962:
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944:
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936:
934:
933:Molded carpet
931:
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926:
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919:
916:
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911:
910:
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904:
898:
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809:
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777:Parking brake
775:
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765:
763:
760:
758:
755:
753:
750:
748:
745:
743:
740:
739:
737:
733:
727:
726:Trip computer
724:
722:
719:
717:
714:
712:
709:
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697:
694:
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689:
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679:
677:
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672:
669:
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664:
662:
659:
657:
654:
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649:
647:
646:Backup camera
644:
642:
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633:
631:
627:
623:
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615:
606:
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599:
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583:
573:
567:
559:
553:
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512:
504:
502:1-4018-4831-1
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396:
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371:
368:
365:
362:
359:
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352:
349:
346:
343:
340:
337:
334:
331:
330:wait to start
327:
325:
321:
318:
314:
313:gas dispenser
310:
306:
303:
302:
301:
298:
292:Other systems
289:
287:
281:Tire Pressure
278:
276:
271:
265:
261:
260:parking brake
251:
249:
231:
216:
206:
202:
191:power limited
184:
179:
177:
168:
163:
153:
137:
130:
126:
116:
112:
103:
101:
97:
93:
89:
85:
81:
80:United States
71:
69:
65:
61:
57:
52:
50:
49:warning light
46:
42:
33:
26:
21:
742:Bowden cable
720:
618:
611:Car interior
566:
552:
532:
525:
511:
492:
466:
455:
441:
427:
413:
399:
354:
335:
329:
322:
316:
308:
304:
299:
295:
284:
272:
257:
237:
212:
203:
187:check engine
180:
173:
143:
122:
119:Oil pressure
113:
109:
94:applies. In
77:
53:
48:
44:
40:
38:
952:Convenience
943:Vehicle mat
892:Rumble seat
877:Bucket seat
833:VIN etching
813:Immobiliser
706:Speedometer
656:Boost gauge
629:Instruments
45:idiot light
25:brake fluid
1027:Categories
969:Cup holder
913:Boot liner
872:Bench seat
796:Anti-theft
767:Gear stick
716:Telematics
711:Tachometer
681:Fuel gauge
392:References
125:engine oil
74:Regulation
974:Car phone
938:Sun visor
923:Dashboard
897:Seat belt
828:Smart key
721:Tell-tale
355:door ajar
326:operating
324:Glowplugs
41:tell-tale
992:Category
735:Controls
691:Odometer
666:Carputer
129:oil pump
1002:Commons
867:Armrest
851:Seating
240:trouble
1012:Portal
862:Airbag
846:Safety
752:Clutch
661:Buzzer
540:
499:
244:engine
195:engine
183:OBD-II
96:Europe
88:Canada
68:Hudson
60:gauges
959:Audio
803:Alarm
747:Brake
268:brake
254:Brake
248:Fords
197:, or
106:Types
56:idiot
54:The "
621:cars
538:ISBN
497:ISBN
224:batt
146:cold
328:or
307:or
242:or
228:gen
226:or
222:or
220:amp
150:hot
134:oil
47:or
1029::
495:.
477:^
270:.
230:.
193:,
189:,
82:,
39:A
604:e
597:t
590:v
574:.
560:.
546:.
505:.
449:.
435:.
407:.
Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License. Additional terms may apply.
