Marc Favreau

The author has 25 years of automotive experience and has assembled the most extensive collection of symbols and warning lights anywhere (over 1,000!) and can help you open and start any keyless start car with a dead key fob battery. BA, St. Joseph's College, ME: MS, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, NY

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Author's posts

Start a Fisker with a Dead Key Fob

How to Start a Fisker with a Dead Key Fob

Starting the Karma

  • But first, if you are still locked out, click here for help getting inside!
  • Finally, if you need another manufacturer, click here.

Fisker Karma startTo activate the push button ignition in your Karma, place the key fob against the side panel near the driver’s left foot with the buttons facing the pedals. The panel is marked (right). The vehicle will recognize the key and display a message on the instrument panel. Hold the key fob against the panel until you have depressed the brake pedal and the Start / Stop button. This is an awkward move but it puts the vehicle in drive mode.

Starting the Ocean

Ocean back up startStarting the Ocean is a little easier, as the back up position is easier to reach. Look for what looks like an interlocked FJ on the panel to the left of the steering wheel (right). You might be able to feel the location as well. Place the back of the fob against the mark. The instrument panel will announce that the fob has been recognized, but you will need to continue to hold the fob against the mark while starting the vehicle.

Engine Start Operation IndicatorNote: If you have made an attempt to start the vehicle without success, there may be residual pressure in the brake system and a new warning light may appear (left) or text message to Step on the Brake. Press the brake pedal very, very hard when trying to start the vehicle again to be sure that the release switch behind the pedal is engaged. Or wait a few minutes and try again.

Smart Keys or Intelligent Keys, or Access Keys – or whatever the manufacturer of your chooses to call them – that let you into your car and start it with just a touch use up their internal batteries at alarming rates, catching busy drivers unawares – even though the car had tried to warn you.

Our goal is to help you feel safe – and keep you moving or get you moving if at all possible – rather than leave you fretting whenever your key fob stops working. The instructions for getting into and starting most keyless start cars can be found on our pages – without roadside assistance.

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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.

These posts are 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.

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.

Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2024/07/start-a-fisker-with-a-dead-key-fob/

Fisker Dashboard Symbols and Warning Lights

Fisker Symbols

So, what is that light on your dashboard? What follows is easily the most complete list available of symbols and warnings that may appear in and on your car’s dashboard or instrument cluster.

The following are warning lights and indicators found in vehicles built by Polestar. Click the link to the right of each one to learn more.

How They Are Presented

They are roughly ordered by importance, which tends to be by color (red, amber, yellow, orange, green, blue, gray), but there are over 60 of them so be patient!

Need the symbols for another manufacturer? Click here!

Serious trouble or fault indicators
Master Warning Light SymbolAttention indicator -- click for more
High Voltage Battery LowHigh voltage battery charge low indicator -- click for more
Charging System Trouble Indicator Symbol12 volt battery fault -- click for more
Oil Trouble Indicator SymbolLow oil pressure -- click for more
Temperature Warning Light SymbolHigh coolant temperature -- click for more
Brake fault indicatorBrake trouble indicator -- click for more
Parking Brake Engaged IndicatorPark brake indicator -- click for more
Low Brake Fluid IndicatorBrake fluid level low -- click for more
SRS Air Bag Indicator SymbolAir bag warning indicator -- click for more
Common or routine indicators
Seat Belt Reminder SymbolSeat belt reminders -- click for moreRear seat unoccupied indicatorSeat belt fastened indicator
Windshield Washer Fluid Low IndicatorLow windshield washer fluid -- click for more
Hood ajar indicatorDoor, hood or trunk ajar indicators -- click for moreDoors ajarTrank ajar indicator
Shift Lock IndicatorShift lock indicator -- click for more
Low Fuel IndicatorLow fuel warning -- click for more
Check Gas CapCheck fuel cap indicator -- click for more
EV system indicators
EV system fault indicatorEV system fault indicator -- click for more
Power Limitation IndicatorPower limitation indicator -- click for more
Ready Mode IndicatorReady indicator -- click for more
Charging Indicator SymbolCharge cable connected -- click for more
External Sound System Fault IndicatorExterior sound fault -- click for more
Trouble or fault indicators
Anti-theft system faultSecurity system fault indicator -- click for more
Check engineCheck engine light -- click for more
Steering fault indicatorSteering system fault -- click for more
Stability, traction control and fault indicators -- click for moreStability system indicator
Slip Control Off IndicatorStability control off indicator -- click for more
Tire Pressure Monitor SymbolTire pressure monitor indicators -- click for moreTire pressure warning highlight indicator
ABS Trouble Indicator CanadaAnti-lock brake system fault indicator -- click for more
Suspension system faultSuspension system fault indicator -- click for more
Key Fob in Vehicle IndicatorKey fob warning indicators -- click for moreKey Fob Battery Low Indicator
Driver assist systems indicators
ADAS fault indicatorDriver assist system fault indicator -- click for more
FiPilot active indicatorFi-Pilot indicators -- click for moreFiPilot available indicator
Steering assist activeSteering assists system indicators -- click for moreSteering assist off indicatorDrowsy driver alert
Lane Departure WarningLane keeping indicators -- click for moreLane Departure System Off
Forward collision warningAuto brake indicators -- click for moreCollision Warning
Collision warningVehicle detected ahead -- click for more
Auto brake indicatorAuto brake hold on indicator -- click for more
Drive control active indicatorActive cruise control indicator -- click for more
Special feature and accessory indicators
Cruise Control Indicator SymbolCruise control indicator -- click for more
Grade Assist IndicatorGrade assist indicator -- click for more
Grade Assist IndicatorGrade assist indicators -- click for moreGrade assist fault indicator
Trailer mode active indicatorTow mode active indicator -- click for more
Hitch not locked indicatorTrailer hitch not locked indicator -- click for more
Lighting indicators
Headlamp outLamp out indicator -- click for more
Fog Lamp Indicator SymbolFog lamp indicators -- click for moreRear Fog Lamp Indicator
Turn Signal IndicatorTurn signal indicator -- click for more
Adaptive high beamActive high beam indicator -- click hereAuto high beam off
High Beam On IndicatorHigh or low beam indicators -- click for moreLow beam indicator

Models examined include the Karma and Ocean.

Cars are changing, and among those changes is the growing number of symbols and indicators that will invariably show up on your dashboard or instrument panel. Every year, new features are added to vehicles, each of which is accompanied by a new symbol or symbols and likely a new acronym.

At DashboardSymbols.com, our aim is to help you understand what is happening to your vehicle at the first sign of trouble – a new warning light illuminated on your instrument panel. Its all here on this website. Our first intention is to bring the latest technologies down to earth and understandable for everyday drivers.

——————————————————————-

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.

These posts are 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.

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.

Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2024/07/fisker-dashboard-symbols-and-warning-lights/

Reflections on Whether to Lease or Not to Lease Your New Car

To Lease or Not to Lease

I am two months away from turning in my leased Polestar 2 and I have been reflecting on leasing. Hopefully the return process won’t mar this post.

Note that this was my first experience with a lease. And note that it turned out that I was both right and wrong to have leased.

Polestar 2What I Got Right

I was right in that I got three years behind the wheel of a new EV at a far better monthly price than if it had been purchased.

Second, I had had a sneaky suspicion that, in a relatively new market, resale values might be an issue a few years down the road. I got this right as well. The residual value of the Polestar is well above current asking prices for equivalent used models. This is currently true across the used EV market, and as I had suspected, there is a reasonably strong supply of good used EVs available for purchase at reasonable prices.

What I Got Wrong

I missed on two counts. First of all, I seriously overestimated how many miles I would put on the car, which means I paid more than I needed to for the lease. There will be no refund…

The second wrong, if you will, has to do with psychology. I have come to understand that I am poorly suited to leasing. This is to say that I never felt fully comfortable with driving what is essentially someone else’s car! I initially thought that my discomfort surrounded the idea of it being new car — also a first for me. But the discomfort never completely went away. I eventually concluded it was about it not truly being mine.

So if you’re considering a lease, its always been true that a lease is more affordable on a monthly basis. Of course, when you’re done, you’ll need new wheels.

But ask yourself whether you are truly suited to being a lessor. I’m unlikely to do it again. If you decide a lease is right for you, do some math on mileage expectations as well.

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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.

These posts are 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.

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.

Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2024/07/reflections-on-whether-to-lease-or-not-to-lease-your-new-car/

I drowned my key fob and saved it! Maybe yours can be saved too!

I Drowned My Key Fob

Fourth of July 2024 I managed to do what to do what so many others have done. I took my key fob for a swim — literally. Took off the sunglasses, took off the shirt, took off the shoes and jumped in for about 10 minutes — forgetting my keys were in the swimsuit pocket!

The fob survived and I will detail what I did to save it and how its construction likely helped. So while I describe here may not work with yours, it will definitely be worth a try.

Important! Don’t push any buttons until the key fob is dried!!

The fob is from a Polestar, which is a duplicate of the latest Volvo fob. Once I realized the fob had been possibly compromised, I immediately moved to take it apart. You should do the same as quickly as possible. The video that takes you through the process for this fob is linked at the end of the video. And we likely have one for whatever make and model you have.

A Cover and an O-ring

This particular fob features the cover that had to be removed to get at the battery, as you see. Behind the cover is a rubber O-ring that likely saved this fob. Regardless, I wiped down all the pieces and set them on a windowsill that had full sun and left them for an hour. Waiting was the hardest part. Do the same, drop the pieces in rice, use a hair drier or anything you can think of to dry yours out. Wait long enough for the fob to be completely dry!

Don’t touch any electronics with your fingers. Skin oils will lead to corrosion eventually negating the drying work.

Afterwards, I reassembled the fob — and I now had a photographer. Once assembled, we stepped out to the car. The video below shows the car responding to the fob and me announcing it was time to celebrate!

Hopefully this helps rescue your fob.

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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.

These posts are 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.

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.

Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2024/07/i-drowned-my-key-fob-and-saved-it-maybe-yours-can-be-saved-too/

Emergency Assist Indicator

Emergency Assist

Emergency assist indicatorEmergency assist faultThese are Emergency Assist Indicator symbols. The emergency assist system monitors the driver and is activated when the driver is inactive. In black and white the symbol indicates the system is working, while a yellow/amber/orange indicator points to a system fault.

  • Before continuing, are you sure this is your symbol?? If yes, then read on below.
  • Otherwise, you can return to our main Picture Symbols page and scan again!

If the system is activated, it first asks the driver to take over steering. If the driver does not respond, emergency assist assumes control of the vehicle and automatically brakes it to a standstill in its own lane. In a real world test, the seat belt tightened, the emergency flashers came on, the car braked to a stop and actually called 911!

Beware of Similar Symbols

SOS battery faultSOS not ready indicatorSOS IndicatorDon’t confuse the symbols above with these to the right. Click here for more on these symbols.

Cars are changing, and among those changes is the growing number of symbols and indicators that will invariably show up on your dashboard or instrument panel. Every year, new features are added to vehicles, each of which is accompanied by a new symbol or symbols and likely a new acronym.

At DashboardSymbols.com, our aim is to help you understand what is happening to your vehicle at the first sign of trouble – a new warning light illuminated on your instrument panel. Its all here on this website. Our first intention is to bring the latest technologies down to earth and understandable for everyday drivers.

——————————————————————-

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.

These posts are 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.

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.

Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2024/06/emergency-assist-indicator/

Child Safety Lock Malfunction Indicators

Child Safety Locks

Child safety lock malfunctionChild safety lock malfunctionThese are Child Safety Lock Malfunction Indicator symbols. If the vehicle is equipped with a button on the driver’s door that activates the system, press it again. If the warning light or lights persist, have the system serviced as soon as possible.

  • But first, are you sure this is your symbol?? If yes, then continue on below.
  • Otherwise return to our main Picture Symbols page and scan again!

Child lock indicatorThis version indicates that the Child Safety Lock is on. If the letter L or R is seen with it, it indicates which door is locked. When turned on, the Child Safety Lock system disables the function of both the inner door handles and power window switches for the rear doors. It is an important safety feature designed to protect curious children from injury while passengers in a vehicle.

Cars are changing, and among those changes is the growing number of symbols and indicators that will invariably show up on your dashboard or instrument panel. Every year, new features are added to vehicles, each of which is accompanied by a new symbol or symbols and likely a new acronym.

At DashboardSymbols.com, our aim is to help you understand what is happening to your vehicle at the first sign of trouble – a new warning light illuminated on your instrument panel. Its all here on this website. Our first intention is to bring the latest technologies down to earth and understandable for everyday drivers.

——————————————————————-

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.

These posts are 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.

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.

Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2024/06/child-safety-lock-malfunction-indicators/

Rivian Dashboard Symbols and Warning Lights

Rivian Symbols

So, what is that light on your dashboard? What follows is easily the most complete list available of symbols and warnings that may appear in and on your car’s dashboard or instrument cluster.

The following are warning lights and indicators found in vehicles built by Rivian. Lacking an internal combustion engine, their models use fewer warning lights then most. Nevertheless, those that are used are here. Click the link to the right of each one to learn more.

How They Are Presented

They are roughly ordered by importance, which tends to be by color (red, amber, yellow, orange, green, blue). There are only a bit more than 40 of them, but search carefully anyway!

Need the symbols for another manufacturer? Click here!

Cars are changing, and among those changes is the growing number of symbols and indicators that will invariably show up on your dashboard or instrument panel. Every year, new features are added to vehicles, each of which is accompanied by a new symbol or symbols and likely a new acronym.

At DashboardSymbols.com, our aim is to help you understand what is happening to your vehicle at the first sign of trouble – a new warning light illuminated on your instrument panel. Its all here on this website. Our first intention is to bring the latest technologies down to earth and understandable for everyday drivers.

Serious trouble or fault indicators
Brake Trouble IndicatorBrake trouble indicator -- click for more
Electronically Controlled Brake WarningBrake booster fault indicator -- click for more
Text symbolsParking brake indicators -- click for moreService Electric Parking Brake
SRS Air Bag Indicator SymbolAir bag warning indicator -- click for more
Common or routine indicators
Seat Belt Reminder SymbolSeat belt reminder -- click for more
Doors ajarDoor, hood, tailgate open indicators -- click for moreTailgate openHood open
Windshield Washer Fluid Low IndicatorWindshield washer fluid low -- click for more
Frost warningFrost warning indicator -- click for more
Trouble or fault indicators
Tire Pressure Monitor SymbolTire pressure monitor indicator -- click for more
ABS Trouble Indicator CanadaAnti-lock brake system fault indicator -- click for more
Stacility controlStability control indicator -- click for more
Slip Control Off IndicatorStability control off indicator -- click for more
Traction Control System Warning LightTraction control off indicator -- click for more
Driver assist systems and accessory indicators
Auto brake hold indicatorBrake hold indicators -- click for moreAuto brake hold malfunction
Blind Spot IndicatorBlind spot warning indicator -- click for more
Automatic emergency brakingAuto braking off or malfunction -- click for moreAutomatic emergency braking
Lane Departure WarningLane departure indicator -- click for more
Rear window defrost indicatorRear window defog indicator -- click for more
Electric vehicle indicators
Power Limitation IndicatorPower limitation indicator -- click for more
EV system indicator EV system failure indicator -- click for moreEV system indicator
EV battery lowState of charge indicators -- click for moreEV battery very lowEV battery drained
Regenerative braking limitedRegenerative braking limited -- click for more
Conserve mode indicatorConserve mode indicator -- click for more
Frost Warning IndicatorCold weather indicator -- click for moreBattery temperature indicator
Lighting indicators
Lamp out indicatorLamp out indicator -- click for more
Cornering Headlamps Malfunction IndicatorAdaptive front lighting system malfunction indicator -- click for more
Auto high beam indicatorAutomatic high beam indicators -- click for more
Fog Lamp Indicator SymbolFog lamps on indicator -- click for more
Rear Fog Lamp IndicatorRear fog lamp indicator -- click for more
Tail Light Indicator CanadaPark lamps on indicator -- click for more
Turn Signal IndicatorTurn signal indicator -- click for more
High Beam On IndicatorHigh or low beam indicator -- click for moreLow beam indicator

Models examined include the R1T and R1S.

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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.

These posts are 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.

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.

Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2024/06/rivian-dashboard-symbols-and-warning-lights/