What does an I in a square mean on my car?

In most cases, a square with an I inside is the information icon, signaling there is a message or help screen in your vehicle’s information system. It is not typically a fault light.

On many modern dashboards you’ll see an “I” inside a square or a small information badge. The symbol is used by different brands to point you toward the car’s driver information center or infotainment help. Because meanings vary by maker and model, the exact interpretation depends on your vehicle. If you see it lit, check the information display or central screen for a message and follow the guidance in the message or your owner’s manual.

Common explanations for the I-in-a-square icon

These are typical ways automakers deploy the icon; the precise meaning should be verified in your manual, as symbols can differ between brands and generations.

• Information or help indicator: The icon usually means there is a message or help note in the vehicle’s information display that you should read.


• Driver information center message: It often accompanies a readout in the MID/driver information screen with details about maintenance, settings, or status.


• Infotainment system reference: In some cars the icon is tied to the infotainment system’s “Info” or “Help” section.


• Brand-specific variation: Some manufacturers use a similar symbol to denote their information function; check your model’s labeling to be sure.

If you see this icon, your best first move is to pull up the car’s information display and read any associated message. If there’s no message or the symbol remains on after you’ve addressed the message, consult the owner’s manual or contact a dealer.

Model-specific variations

Because automakers differ in how they present icons, what you see can depend on the make, model, and year of your vehicle. A few notes:
- Toyota, Hyundai, Ford, and Volkswagen often use an information symbol to guide you to the info screens, though the exact look can vary.
- If the symbol appears with other warning lights, treat it as a prompt to check the related system description on the display; the issue may be informational rather than a fault.

What to do next

Below are steps you can take to address the symbol and any message it accompanies.

1. Access the instrument cluster or central display and navigate to the Information or Messages section using the steering wheel controls or touchscreen.


2. Read any text or description displayed; note any recommended actions (e.g., service reminder, software update, door ajar).


3. Follow the guidance in the message. If it’s a maintenance reminder, schedule the service; if it’s an alert about a system status, take the indicated action (like closing a door, checking fuel, or updating software).


4. If you cannot read the message or the icon stays on after taking the suggested steps, consult the owner’s manual or contact your dealer or a qualified mechanic for a precise interpretation for your model.

Addressing the information/icon promptly helps ensure you understand the car’s status without assuming it signals a fault. A quick check in the information display is usually enough to clarify the icon’s meaning. If you’d like, you can share your car’s make, model, and year and I’ll look up the exact interpretation for your vehicle.

Summary

The I-in-a-square symbol on a car dashboard is generally an information icon, guiding you to read messages in the vehicle’s information/infotainment display. It’s not typically a fault light, but the accompanying text or a message will tell you what action to take. Since meanings vary by brand and model, check your owner’s manual or the vehicle’s information screen to confirm the exact meaning and recommended steps.

What does an I with a square around it mean on a car?

“i” in a Square Light
The message indicator lets you know that you have a text information message available to provide further details. If you see a red light, you should investigate the problem immediately.

What is the i symbol on my dashboard?

The "i" symbol on your dashboard is an information indicator that signifies a message is available on your vehicle's information display. It is often a non-critical alert for things like low fuel, low washer fluid, a service reminder, or an issue with the tire pressure monitoring system. Check the display screen using your vehicle's controls to find the specific alert and learn how to address it. 

• What it means: The light indicates that the car's sensors have detected a condition you should know about, and there is a corresponding message waiting for you to view. 
• What to do: Use your steering wheel or dashboard controls to navigate to the multi-information display or message center on your dashboard to read the details of the alert. 
• Common alerts: Common messages associated with this light include:
  • Low fuel 
  • Low washer fluid 
  • Tire pressure warning 
  • Maintenance reminders 
• If the light is red: A red "i" light can indicate a more urgent warning that requires immediate attention, and you may also see a "STOP" message. 
• If no message appears: If the light is on but you don't see a message on the screen, try checking related sensors or consult your owner's manual for a more detailed explanation. 

What does (!) mean in my car?

The meaning of the "!" on your car's dashboard depends on its surrounding symbol, but it generally indicates a warning that requires attention. Common meanings include a low tire pressure warning, often an exclamation mark inside a tire symbol or a general triangle; a master/general warning light, which appears as an exclamation mark in a triangle and signifies a general problem like a bulb failure; or a brake system warning, shown as an exclamation mark inside a circle, which could mean the parking brake is engaged or there is a more serious issue with the brakes. 
Low tire pressure 

• Symbol: An exclamation mark inside a symbol that looks like a tire or a "claw". 
• Meaning: One or more of your tires have low air pressure. 
• Action: Check and inflate all tires to the recommended pressure. The light should turn off after driving a short distance. 

Master or general warning 

• Symbol: An exclamation mark inside a triangle.
• Meaning: This is a "master warning light" that indicates a general issue somewhere in the vehicle, such as a bulb being out.
• Action: Check your owner's manual to see what other lights are on with it, as this will help pinpoint the exact problem. 

Brake system warning 

• Symbol: An exclamation mark inside a circle with brackets on the sides.
• Meaning: The parking brake is engaged or there is a problem with your braking system, possibly low brake fluid or worn brake pads.
• Action: If the light comes on, check that the parking brake is fully released. If it stays on, do not drive and have your braking system inspected immediately. 

What to do next

1. Check the surrounding symbol: Look at the symbol that surrounds the exclamation mark to identify the specific warning. 
2. Note the color: Red lights indicate an immediate, serious safety risk and you should pull over as soon as it's safe and turn off the vehicle. Yellow or amber lights mean you should address the issue soon, but you can likely continue driving with caution. 
3. Consult your owner's manual: Your car's owner's manual will have the most accurate information for your specific model and can tell you exactly what each symbol means. 

Can I drive with the (!) light on?

Yes, you can continue to drive your car if the engine warning light comes on. However, you should visit a local garage or call a mobile mechanic as soon as possible. If the light is accompanied with other issues, stop immediately and call your local garage or breakdown provider.