Power and Sport Mode Indicators

Power, Sport Mode

These are Power and Sport Mode Indicator symbols. The abbreviation PWR stands for Power. The ‘S’, for sport, is in a bumpy circle , which is meant to be a transmission ring gear.

• But first, is one of these truly your symbol?? If yes, then continue on below.
• Otherwise return to our main Picture Symbols page and scan again!

Whether it is from an electronically controlled transmission or throttle (ECT) or in a hybrid vehicle, any of the symbols indicate that the selected mode is active. The option controls the transmission electronically, and is chosen by buttons featuring the same symbol. The result is to keep the transmission in a lower gear longer for more powerful acceleration.

This one, from Porsche, stands out because Race Track Mode, when active, taps into the vehicle’s tire pressure control system!  However, this does not control the actual tire pressure, but rather the allows the tire pressure monitoring system to “track” a lower pressure. Tire pressure can be reduced to enhance performance.

And just for fun, this is the a clearly a bad English translation, but exactly what is found in the manual: “The race track mode is allowed in public road traffic not be used.”

Another group of symbols are shown here. These are displayed in gray scale. The modes allow for additional power to be extracted from the high voltage battery, are found in instrument panel in a curved shape along the bottom of the circular portion of the information display. Seen as Sport, Sport S and Sport S+, they indicate the level of change applied to the vehicle’s suspension.

In electric or hybrid vehicles, featuring more powerful acceleration. Both the text symbol SPORT and the flag image are used. The flag image may be shown in gray scale in the instrument panel’s information center. LC in the last image is Launch Control.

In more rare cases, the option may indicate control of the throttle in order allow more powerful or deliberate acceleration. There will likely be additional text with the abbreviation PWR. See the Acronyms page if it is not a whole word.

Do not confuse the second image featuring the letter S with the Settings Indicator symbol on the right. It is nearly identical to the bumpy circle used when referring to the transmission, but lacks any addition in the center and is shown in gray scale. The settings indicator will most generally be seen in the separate Information Display and is the what we have become used to seeing on our phones and computers.

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The information on this website is provided for information sharing purposes only, and should not be used in lieu of an OEM service manual or factory authorized service procedure. We are not in the auto repair business nor do we publish automotive service manuals. Nothing we include on these pages and posts has been reviewed, approved or authorized by any vehicle manufacturer.

Remember that only proper service and repair procedures will ensure the safe and reliable operation of your car. In addition, proper safety procedures and precautions, such as the use of safety goggles, the right tools and the equipment should be followed at all times to eliminate the possibility of personal injury or improper service which could damage the vehicle or compromise its safety.

Technology is always changing and what is current and accurate today may be literally out-of-date and inaccurate tomorrow. And when it comes to the current state of flux in the auto industry, nothing is more true.