Freightliner Dash Symbols: What Do They Mean? A Comprehensive Guide For Understanding

Are Freightliner dash symbols important to know? That’s a question that many truck drivers and fleet managers ask. The answer is yes. They are essential.

Freightliner dash symbols are important because they provide critical information about the truck’s systems and components. They can alert the driver to potential problems and help them troubleshoot issues.

As a commercial truck driver, you will inevitably come into contact with Freightliner trucks. While you may not need to know every single dash symbol on a Freightliner, it’s still helpful to have a basic understanding of the most common ones. This article will examine the most common Freightliner dashboard symbols and their meaning.

Freightliner Dash Symbols

Many different symbols may appear on your car’s dashboard. These symbols provide essential information about the status of your vehicle and can help you keep track of its overall condition. As a truck driver, it’s crucial to understand your dash’s various symbols and indicators.

Most people don’t think twice about the meanings of different symbols on their car’s dashboard. However, ignoring Freightliner dash symbols warning lights can be a costly mistake. Here are the most common Freightliner dashboard signals and their meanings:

ABS Light

One such symbol is the Freightliner dash symbols triangle with an exclamation point inside of it. This particular symbol indicates an anti-lock braking system (ABS) problem. If you notice this indication on the dashboard of your vehicle, you must take action immediately.

ABS problems can cause issues with your brakes and make it more difficult to stop your vehicle. You should acquire a technician’s opinion as soon as feasible. In the meanwhile, there are things you may do to assist lessen the situation. First, avoid sudden braking if at all possible. This will help to prevent your ABS from engaging and potentially causing further issues.

If you must brake, do so gently and smoothly to give your system time to respond appropriately. This is one of the most seen Freightliner Cascadia dash symbols.

Brake Warning Light

While there is a problem with the vehicle brakes, this indicator light will illuminate. You need to stop right away and contact help from the nearest roadside assistance station. You may find it in the list of the most common Freightliner Cascadia dash symbols.

Check Engine Light

There is a problem with the truck’s engine, which is indicated by this light. Your vehicle has to be examined by a mechanic right away so that the issue can be identified and fixed. You may find it in the list of the most common Freightliner Cascadia dash symbols.

Temperature Coolant Warning Light

This warning light will illuminate when there is not enough coolant in the system. You should pull over immediately and add coolant to the truck’s radiator. You may find it in the list of the most common Freightliner Cascadia dash symbols.

This warning light will turn on when the combustion temperature gets too high. In the situation that this occurs, you need to immediately come to a stop and stop the car to prevent any further harm.

Tire Pressure Warning Light

This warning light will come on whenever the truck tires run low on air pressure. Check the pressure in each tire as soon as possible by pulling over to the side of the road. If tires are low, add air until inflated to the proper level. You may find it in the list of the most common Freightliner Cascadia dash symbols.

Cruise Control Off

When you disengage the cruise control, this indicator light will illuminate. This is not an indicator of a problem but means that cruise control is not currently engaged.

Electric Power Steering

This light comes on when the truck’s electric power steering system is engaged. This is one of the popular Freightliner M2 dash symbols. However, this is not an indicator of a problem but means that the power steering system is working as it should.

Fog Lights On

This light comes on when the truck’s fog lights are turned on. Fog lights are on, but it doesn’t mean anything’s wrong.

Headlight High Beam

This light comes on when the truck’s headlights are in the high beam setting. This is normal and indicates the headlamps are on.

Low Fuel Warning Light

When the gasoline level in the truck is getting low, this indicator light will illuminate. You must quickly stop and fill up the gas tank as soon as possible. This is one of the popular Freightliner truck dash symbols.

Seat Belt Reminder

This light comes on when the truck driver or passengers are not wearing seat belts. You should ensure that everyone in the truck wears their seat belt before driving. This is one of the popular Freightliner M2 dash symbols.

Oil Pressure Light

This is another popular Freightliner M2 dash symbol. This warning light illuminates whenever the vehicle’s oil pressure is lower. It can be a severe problem, so you should check the oil level as soon as possible and add more if needed.

Traction Control Light

When a problem is detected with the traction control system, this indicator illuminates. Here comes another one of the popular seen Freightliner M2 dash symbols. You really ought to get a technician’s opinion on it.

Different Color Of Freightliner Truck Dash Symbols Meaning

You can mainly see three colors in thedash symbols of Freightlines, which are red, green, and amber colors. You will see multiple signs with one color. In detail, let’s check out all the dashboard symbols of the Freightliner trucks.

Red Circle With 3 Arrow Keys

These warning lights Freightliner dash symbols generally mean a low air pressure in the reservoir of your truck. It shows up when the secondary or primary reservoir air pressure has almost dropped below 70 pounds per square inch. This symbol can also indicate a brake pad sensor warning.

Green Engine Light

One of the most common 2015 Freightliner dash symbols, the green engine light symbol, indicates that the jake brake has been enabled. The jake brake is situated in the vehicle’s engine, and it uses the vehicle’s engine to aid in reducing your speed. It is designed to keep your truck’s brakes from wearing out very quickly. This light will turn off when you press the accelerator again.

If it does not, then it could indicate other issues that are occurring under the hood. One example could be the coolant system. The engine monitors the temperature and coolant levels, and the light will go on if anything is wrong.

Also, the light can show up when the engine can’t do a proper regen. A red stop engine light and several check engine lights indicate the real issues. When that occurs, the oil pump might go out, and you may need to replace the part. The best thing to do in such cases is to take your truck to a mechanic.

Amber T Symbol

The T symbol is one of the most common 2020 Freightliner dash symbols. It generally indicates the warning that the TV antenna is up from its usual location. This symbol comes on when the antenna of your Freightliner truck doesn’t come down after you rotate it for better reception.

Amber Or Red Triangle With An Exclamation Point

red triangle with an exclamation point light — Red Triangle With An Exclamation Point Symbol

These Freightliner dash symbols triangle with an exclamation point indicates a roll stability warning. Momentary flashing means that a stability incident has occurred. It can happen when your truck hits a bump or dip in a corner, or possibly you are driving a little too fast.

Freightliner trucks equipped with ATC can also get this code, indicating that the ATC has been deactivated. You might have accidentally pressed the ATC button to allow wheels to slip. In this case, you can press the ATC toggle button to remove the symbol.

Green Engine Light With Fan Kenworth

If you want to know the most common 2013 Freightliner dash symbols, this is one of them. Symbols like this one can signify a wide range of issues. One problem could be the light, and the AC shows an issue with the wiring or switch. Other problems are the temperature sensor might not function well, an inappropriate charge in the air conditioning system, ECM software problems, and so on.

You can check out the Dodge Ram warning light symbol guide for better concept.

In addition, there might be no airline moving to the mounting bracket where the hub sits. It is tough to say which problem it would be as several possibilities can have the same symptoms. When this light shows up, and to reduce your fears, you should talk to a professional mechanic. They will know well what to do in such circumstances.

Red Circle With An Exclamation Point And The BRAKE Symbol

When you see this symbol, you must know that it indicates the hydraulic brake ﬂuid pressure is low, or the parking brake is engaged. An audible alert activates once your vehicle moves over two miles per hour with the vehicle’s parking brake set. It is one of the most common 2016 Freightliner dash symbols.

Red Color CHECK ECAS Symbol

This symbol is mainly found on the 2019 Freightliner dash symbols. It indicates that you should check your truck’s electronically controlled air suspension (ECAS). This symbol indicates an active fault in your truck’s electronically controlled air suspension (ECAS).

Green Right Arrow

The green right arrow symbol flashes to indicate the left turn signal of your truck. It means the exterior right-turn signal lights of your vehicle are activated. It is the most common one for every Freightliner truck’s dash symbol, including the 2018 Freightliner dash symbols.

Green Left Arrow

This symbol flashes to indicate the left turn signal of your Freightliner truck. It means the exterior left-turn signal lights of your vehicle are activated. You can find this symbol in almost every Freightliner truck like you can find it inside the 2021 Freightliner dash symbols.

Amber Circle ABS Light

This symbol is found in almost all the Freightliner Business Class M2 series trucks. Therefore, it is among the most widespread Freightliner M2 dash symbols. Momentary flashing of the ABS light indicates that the vehicle’s antilock braking system is engaged.

However, solid flashing of the ABS light indicates an issue with the vehicle’s antilock braking system. You must immediately repair the antilock braking system in such cases to ensure complete braking capability.

Amber Color NO CHARGE Symbol

This amber color symbol means the alternator isn’t properly powering the electrical system of your Freightliner truck. An alternator is generally a generator whose goal is to disperse electricity to the car and recharge the battery.

Amber WHEEL SPIN Symbol

If this symbol is flashing, your vehicle’s automatic traction control system is active. It can also indicate that the automatic traction control button has been pushed to allow wheel slip.

On the other hand, a solid flashing of the WHEEL SPIN symbol indicates an issue with the automatic traction control system. You must immediately repair the automated traction control system to ensure braking capability.

Amber SUSP AIR Symbol

This symbol means your Freightliner truck’s outside average ride height is incorrect. In detail, the SUSP AIR light shows up when the existing rear suspension height isn’t at the usual ride height. This light will shut off once your truck returns to the average ride height.

While this guide covers the most common Freightliner dash symbols, it is not exhaustive. If you see a sign on your dash that you do not recognize, consult your truck’s owner’s manual or contact a Freightliner dealer for assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What does the engine light mean on a Freightliner?

The engine light can mean a variety of things, but most of the time, it indicates something is wrong with how the engine is running. There could be fuel or air flow problems, or a sensor might have failed. The light may also come on when there are problems with other truck parts such as the transmission, brakes, or even tires.

What is the interrupt switch in a Freightliner?

The interrupt switch is a safety feature that is found in the Freightliner. It is a device that interrupts the power flow from the battery to the starter. This switch is typically found in trucks and other commercial vehicles. It contains two terminals, one positive and one negative, which are connected by a metal contact bar.

What does stability control light mean?

A stability control light is a light that activates when the stability control system is activated. Vehicles using stability control systems are protected from rolling over and losing control while suddenly performing unexpected moves like swerving or braking. It will remain on for as long as the system is engaged.

Conclusion

In the end, we can say that symbols are shorthand for several instructions and warnings. Modern trucks have so many symbols that a truck driver might require a college course to know what they all mean. Freightliner trucks are not much dissimilar, and when the symbols show up, you need to know what you should do next.

However, it can be hard to learn the definition of these symbols and how they function. Don’t worry! We have developed a complete guide on the Freightliner dash symbols, which will help you to know them well. As a result, we wish to express our sincere gratitude for the time and effort you put into reading this article.

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A S Pattinson

Pattinson used to be a mechanic in his early life. And most of his life was spent working in a garage next to his house. That is where he finds his interest in working with motor vehicles and their parts. Pattinson does the core part of Motor Mav write-ups that plays the part of keeping your reading flow in track by proofreading all the articles and ensuring the proper use of words and tune. Apart from this, he nowadays enjoys his retirement by maintaining his yard with landscaping tools.