M 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

Most commented posts

  1. Information Displays and Message Centers — 10 comments

Author's posts

New entry to our Acronym Page

Acronym Page Update

We added a new set of indicators for a new system called Lane Following Assist (LFA). This resulted in a new entry to our acronym page.

Sometimes, a symbol or indicator seen on an instrument panel and hosted here on the site is in the form of a three or four letter Acronym or Abbreviation, as with the example. Auto manufacturers assume that any given driver knows exactly what these acronyms stand for.

ESC Sport indicator

This is almost never the case. The example to the right, ESC plus the word SPORT, is a new image we made to accommodate a new Hyundai warning light we had to make at the same time as the new Lane Following Assist post that was added.

So when we set up DashboardSymbols.com, one of the very first things we did was add a page of acronyms and the translations as a useful resource for drivers. Further, if the acronym is hosted as a separate entry, we provide a link to it.

The acronym page currently hosts some 230 acronyms, including LFA. The page is here.

——————————————————————-

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Technology is always changing and what is current and accurate today may be literally out-of-date and inaccurate tomorrow.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/2024/09/new-entry-to-our-acronym-page/

Lane Following Assist indicators

Lane Following Assist

Lane following assist greenLane following assist in grayLane following assist in whiteThese are Lane Following Assist (LFA) indicator symbols. The system helps detect lane markings and/or a vehicle ahead on the road, and helps center the vehicle in the lane.

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

This is essentially a light duty self driving system that is a step above lane keeping and behind hands free driving. In fact, the driver gets a hands-off warning and if he or she still does not have their hands on the steering wheel lane following assist is automatically canceled.

In use, if the vehicle ahead and/or both lane markings are detected and the vehicle speed is below 120 mph (200 km/h), the green indicator light is seen. Seen in gray indicates that the lane markings are not detected or the vehicle is above speed. It appears in white when the system is cancelled.

——————————————————————-

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/2024/09/lane-following-assist-indicators/

Collision warning system and malfunction indicators page now hosts 29 images

Collision warning system

By virtue of an Emergency Steering Warning Light indicator from Hyundai, our collision warning system and malfunction indicators page now hosts 29 images!

Emergency steering warningThe Emergency Steering Warning Light (right), and is part of Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) The system is intended to assist steering to aid in avoiding a collision with an oncoming vehicle from the front or the side or if a pedestrian or other obstacle is detected.

It will be seen in yellow when all or part of FCA is disabled or malfunctioning. It will blink in red when steering assistance is required.

Rear collision warning indicaorAnother recent addition to the page is the Rear Collision Warning indicator (right). While it resembles many of the symbols already seen on this post, it is specifically used to warn of a possible collision from behind. The difference is that the car in front is seen in full and the one behind is only partially visible. The roles are reversed in collision warnings with a car in front.

Forward Collision Warning OffAutomatic emergency brakingAuto Braking Indicator SymbolThe number 29 is ultimately the result of manufacturers designing their own images, at times to depict the type of vehicle, SUV, truck, or sedan, or simply choosing different methods to depict when something is turned off. The three to the right all indicate that the system is off!

You can see them all here.

——————————————————————-

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/2024/09/collision-warning-system-and-malfunction-indicators-page-now-hosts-29-images/

Hyundai Motor Grp repeats irksome mechanical key problem in new Genesis models

Genesis LogoMechanical key problem

We just completed an update of Genesis back up entry processes, made necessary when the battery in the key fob dies, and we are discouraged to say that the parent company has repeated the mechanical key problem we feel now exists in the Hyundai line. When we get to Kia models later this week, we’ll likely find the same thing!

Genesis mechanical keyGenesis has added digital lock and unlock options which is evidently being used as an excuse to keep a mechanical key separate from the key fob. It is kept in its own little case (right).

As we noted in our Hyundai update, we really dislike this development. The mechanical keys can easily be lost or simply left behind, and digital options on the smart phone have proven to be less than 100% effective and requires the start battery to be charged. A mechanical key is always 100% effective!

G90 key hole coverThere is also a cover hiding the key hole in the G90 that is revealed when the handle is pulled out. This is likely protection from the elements. Its a simple swing out piece that moves towards the rear of the car (right). The key hole is revealed and the key can be used to unlock the car.

You can see the back entry page here.

——————————————————————-

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/2024/09/hyundai-motor-grp-repeats-irksome-mechanical-key-problem-in-new-genesis-models/

We have a new YouTube video getting in a Tesla that has a dead 12-volt start battery

Tesla Model 3Dead 12-volt start battery

Earlier, August of 2024 to be exact, we got a panicked call from a friend whose car, a Tesla Model Y, was giving her real headaches. It turned out to have a dead 12-volt start battery.

A number of messages were being displayed in a seemingly random fashion on her instrument panel, but one indicated a problem with the 12-volt battery. Her car is electric, so when she seeing battery caused the panic, but in effect all EVs have 12-volt batteries too, needed to start the electronics. We posted on this at our website and you can see it here.

She was fortunate to have enough power left to actually get in the car. However, no Tesla models have mechanical keys available to accomplish this if the 12-volt battery is actually dead.

The video demonstrates how to get inside a Tesla if the 12-volt battery dies so that the battery can be charged or replaced. The instructions are in the owner’s manual, which inside the locked car on the center screen.

Each model has are two wires, red and black or positive and negative, available somewhere at the front of the Tesla to connect to. The Model 3, Model Y and Model S give identical access behind tow eye cover in the bumper on the left side. The gif file to right is a pretty good demo, but its more difficult in practice.

We added the Model X and Cybertruck as well. You can see the video here on our Tesla page here or on YouTube here.

——————————————————————-

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/2024/09/we-have-a-new-youtube-video-getting-in-a-tesla-that-has-a-dead-12-volt-start-battery/

Replacing a General Motors key fob battery

GM logoGeneral Motors key fob battery

We recently added a new video replacing a General Motors key fob battery. The fob is used in various Buick, Chevrolet and GMC models and Cadillac uses a mirror version of the same fob.

The fob uses a larger battery than is typically seen, a CR 2450. It will last longer than the more common CR 2032. The embedded mechanical key and the tip of a very small screwdriver will be needed as tools.

The video has been added to our Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet and GMC, and pages here, here, here, and here respectively. Overall, we now have a seven videos that help drivers of GM models in the event that the battery in the key fob dies. These videos will help you get in and start your vehicle even if it is not responding to the key fob, as well as replacing the battery in the fob.

——————————————————————-

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/2024/09/replacing-a-general-motors-key-fob-battery/

Hyundai back up entry update adds a new entry method and mechanical key problem

Hyundai logoHyundai back up entry update

We have a new Hyundai back up entry update and the new processes make us wish they’d make up their minds. Back up entry processes are necessary for those moments when the key fob’s battery dies, which happens all too often. There is a brand new way to expose the key hole on the new Kona and, with the addition of digital access options, the company has a new mechanical key that is separate from the key fob.

2024 Kona door handleThe redesigned Kona uses a two-piece handle that looks like those on the Santa Cruz, Sonata and Tucson. However, the piece that needs to be removed is done so from behind (right)! To get at the key hole, lift the door handle and hold it in the open position. Slip the mechanical key into the open slot in the cap from behind it and rotate the cap upwards. It will come free, exposing the key hole. We have yet to try this.

2022 Hyundai mechanical keyThe new key fob that results in a separate mechanical key was actually introduced in 2022, with the introduction of the Ionic 6. This was also the first model to have a digital access option. To use the mechanical key (right), a protective cover must be removed and its handle rotated down as the illustration shows.

We really dislike this development. The mechanical keys can easily be lost or simply left behind, and digital options on the smart phone have proven to be less than 100% effective and requires the start battery to be charged. A mechanical key is always 100% effective!

You can see the back entry page here.

——————————————————————-

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/2024/09/hyundai-back-up-entry-update-adds-a-new-entry-method-and-mechanical-key-problem/