Navigating the Dashboard

Modern vehicle dashboards are packed with complex indicators, from lane-keep assist lights to intricate infotainment menus. With millions of drivers heading out on road trips, it is easy to overlook some of the most practical features built into your instrument cluster. One such feature is a tiny, often-ignored arrow located right next to the fuel gauge icon.


Identifying Your Fuel Tank Position

Many motorists are aware that the fuel pump icon alerts them when their tank is low, but the small triangle positioned next to it serves a much more specific purpose: it points to the side of the vehicle where the fuel filler door is located. This simple visual cue prevents the common frustration of pulling up to a gas pump only to realize you are on the wrong side.


As Steve Haney, a corporate technical trainer at the automotive supplier Bosch Mobility Aftermarket, explains:


«If you've ever made the mistake of pulling up to a fuel pump on the wrong side of your vehicle, you can quickly glance at your gas gauge and remind yourself which side of the pump to go to.»

The Origins of the 'Moylan Arrow'

This helpful indicator is often referred to as the 'Moylan Arrow,' named after Jim Moylan, a former Ford engineer. According to industry lore, Moylan conceived the idea after a frustrating experience where he arrived at a gas station in a company car during a downpour, only to realize he had pulled up on the incorrect side of the pump. He subsequently submitted the design to Ford’s internal suggestion team. The feature first appeared in production models like the 1989 Ford Escort and Mercury Tracer.


Are There Exceptions?

While the arrow is a standard inclusion in the vast majority of modern automobiles, there are exceptions. Notable points include:

  • Electric Vehicles: Naturally, vehicles without traditional combustion engines and fuel tanks do not require this indicator.
  • Manual Reference: If your vehicle lacks this marker, the owner's manual remains the best resource for clarifying all dashboard symbols and their specific meanings.

Understanding this small feature not only makes your time at the service station more efficient but also serves as a lasting nod to the practical innovation introduced by Moylan, who passed away in late 2025.