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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EV Charging Etiquette

Charging EVs While Being Considerate

We’re not the only ones to speak on this, but we’ve seen too many electric vehicles (EVs) sitting at Level 3 fast charge stations either done charging and blocking a station or charging above 80%, meaning very, very slowly. So it we will add our voice to the chorus of EV charging etiquette posts, and we’ll take that last one first.

1) Stop charging at 80%

We’ve seen more confusion about this than anything else related to Level 3 charging, and it all comes down to charge curves. Regardless of how fast an EV charges, each and every one of them slows down dramatically at 80% charge (see the image below from P3). So whatever time it takes to get to 80%, it will take up to three times that time to get to 100%. This is the least efficient way to charge on long trips. You can get half way to the next charge station in the time wasted getting to 100%!

The result is a charger that is not available to another driver, a waste of your time, and its really hard on the battery. Meaning it will shorten its life!

We understand the desire to “fill the tank” angst associated with leaving a battery 20% empty. But trust us when we say that the angst will pass with time and you’ll get along just fine at 80% and less.

2) Use the proper plug

This is essentially for non-Tesla owners. Your car determines the rate at which electricity is transferred to the battery. So parking a Chevy Bolt, which charges at 50 kW, at 350 kW charger does a huge disservice to owners of vehicles that can make use of the faster charger. Your car will not charge any faster than its rated speed, regardless of what charger you’ve plugged into.

Please leave the faster chargers for vehicles that can use them.

3) Move your EV when its done charging, not when you’re done shopping!

This is a primarily time awareness issue, and of course moving your car is again about opening a charge spot for another driver. Most EV’s get to 80% charge in 20 to 30 minutes and your owner’s manual will give you a solid heads up. Also, your car’s app may be able to tell you when charging is finished or close to finished.

So if you’ve wandered off to lunch or shopping, for the sake of everyone else, please come back to your car on time to open a slot for someone else.

4) Know your vehicle’s charge port location

Nearly all gasoline fill locations on on one side or the other in the rear of the vehicle. EVs can charge from similar locations but some are in the front! In any case, knowing which par of the car that needs to be closest to the charge cable will save some embarrassment.

Of course, all Tesla models charge from the left rear.

5) Don’t leave trash behind

One would think all EV drivers are environmentally conscious, but this turns out not to be the case. And unfortunately, charge stations don’t have trash receptacles around, since no attendant is needed! So, if you generate some trash, please be prepared to take it away with you.

6) Never unplug someone else’s vehicle

Unless its an absolute emergency, never, ever touch another driver’s car. You wouldn’t want someone to do that to you (unless you left a note allowing it!) so don’t ever do it to someone else.

7) Level 2 charger time limits

Finally, if you happen upon a slower Level 2 public charger, be aware of any posted time limits. You won’t get as much charge, but others may want a little boost too. Leave when its your time to leave.

In all cases, be considerate of other EV drivers!

P3-Charging_Index

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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/2024/04/ev-charging-etiquette/

2024 New York International Auto Show Reflections

Who Showed, Who Didn’t

The 2024 New York International Auto Show (NYIAS) was notable as much for who still didn’t show up as for what we found on the show floor.

Since the pandemic shut down the show for two years, Mercedes-Benz and BMW have yet to reappear. And while Mazda and Mitsubishi made appearances in ’22 and ’23, there were a no show this year. And from Fiat Chrysler — or Stellantis — only Jeep showed up with its outdoor test climb.

The value of industry trade shows was questioned in the wake of the pandemic. They are expensive to put on, requiring the movement of large numbers of people and vehicles and booth materials. There’s no EV trackevidence of Mercedes and BMW suffering from ignoring this and other trade shows.

Further evidence of a cut back in show attendance were the tiny booths set up by both Volvo and Audi. Barely room for a few car. For the second year in row, Hyundai took advantage of available floor space to make its own test track. The EV track (right) remained on the first level.

EVs in the Limelight

ID BuzzPolestar 4Elsewhere, EVs remain a focus of the show, clearly an attempt to acquaint the buying public with the shift to electric driving. Volkswagen’s ID Buzz (left) made and appearance. Polestar was at the show for the first time and brought its 2, 3, and 4 models. The Polestar 4 (right) won’t be available to order for another few months with deliveries expected in 2025.

Acura ZDXPorsche line upPorsche featured all four of its available electric line: the Tacan, Macan, Cayenne and Panamera (left), all open and available to crawl through. As always with Porsche, the styling is impeccable.

Acura brought its first EV, the ZDX (right), but kept it locked tight. Seems a bit short sighted if you’re hoping to generate interest.

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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/2024/03/2024-new-york-international-auto-show-reflections/

Economy Operation Indicators

Economy Operation

Eco Operation Indicator SymbolEconomy driving operationThese are Economy Operation Indicator symbols. With the push to improve fuel mileage, vehicles from many manufacturers will tell you when you are operating your vehicle economically and even aide in the effort. There may be a gauge of sorts also shown in the information screen. Step hard on the accelerator to pass another vehicle, for example, and this light will go out.

  • 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!

The green leaf background in the first symbol is reflective of economical driving. The letters ECO are seen in all three symbols, representing economical. The second image in back and white features the same letters but placed inside a broken circle with an arrow meant to indicate a running condition.

Conserve mode indicatorThis version is a Conserve Mode indicator used by an electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer. It denotes the use of a drive mode intended to conserve battery power that is chosen by the driver. It is seen in green.

Similar Symbol

Economy Mode IndicatorDo not confuse this symbol with other indicators using the abbreviation ECO and coupled with the word Mode. The use of the word Mode denotes that control of some of the drive systems has been chosen. Click here for more.

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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/2024/03/economy-operation-indicators/

Park Assist Systems Indicator Symbols

Park Assist

Parking Assistance SymbolS-APGS indicatorThese are Park Assist Systems Indicator symbols. The green version will be visible when the system is activated and working. The manufacturer may refer to this as Intuitive Parking Assistance, Park Distance Control (PDC), etc. The gray scale version represents a more advanced system discussed below.

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

A problem in indicated If the symbols is seen in yellow/amber. See below. And that’s not all…

The systems use ultrasonic sensors on the front and rear to detect how close the vehicle is to surrounding objects. The first symbol itself is meant to show a “beam” detecting an object (the “traffic cone”) to help you park “P”. The cone is often been described by drivers as a sail.

More Versions

Park Assist SymbolPark assist failureIf the first symbol is illuminated or flashes in yellow/amber, there is a malfunction in the system or the sensors are dirty. The symbol may include an exclamation point. A good car washing may be all that is needed. The system has no impact on driving, so you may continue on your way, but do add extra care parking.

Park assist offPark assist offWith the word OFF added, the system may simply have been turned off. If this is not intended, look for a switch with a matching symbol on it. If either of these indicators also flash, there is a malfunction in the system, which has turned it off.

Park assist space finderA more advanced version offers the ability to actually find a parking space. When activated, the blue icon with the letter P inside will be seen. This Park Assist system then maneuvers the vehicle in to parallel and perpendicular parking spaces. The system controls the vehicle movement during a maneuver using the steering, acceleration, gear selection, and braking. The lamp illuminates blue when the park assist system is searching for a valid parking space, and can only be active when the vehicle’s speed is less than 18 mph (30 km/h).

S-APGS indicatorOnce again, this gray-scale version functions very much like the one above and is called Simple Advanced Parking Guidance System (S-APGS). It does not find spaces, but will control parking maneuvers once a spot is chosen. The system can handle parallel or back in parking.

If more than one valid space is displayed in the park assist screen, multiple icons will appear with an arrow to one side or the other. Touch the preferred parking space to change from the pre-selected parking space.

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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/2024/03/park-assist-systems-indicator-symbols/

Low Speed, Crawl, Grade and Terrain Assist Indicator Symbols

Terrain Assist

Grade Assist IndicatorTerrain Selector SymbolHill descent control indicatorThese are Low Speed, Crawl, Grade and Terrain Assist Indicator symbols. The symbols have a similar look, depicting and SUV-like vehicle on surfaces of various angles and composition. A given symbol will be active only when the system is activated, so if its a surprise, look for an off switch. It will likely have the same symbol on it. Makers of 4-wheel drive vehicles have developed systems to help drivers in off-road environments such as rugged or slippery terrain or steep grades.

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

Crawl control indicatorOne manufacturer offers this indicator with the set of bars and the word CRAWL above it. It indicates that simply that Crawl Control is turned on.  Then the system mode can be chosen: Lo, Lo-Mid, Mid, Mid-Hi and Hi. The range moves from essentially rough roads to very gravelly or snow covered roads.

Many More Versions

Grade assist 2Crawl Control Indicator SymbolAll Terrain Progress ControlGrade assist applies a continuous balance of braking and throttle adjustments to avoid slipping or getting stuck on difficult or slick terrain. Thus the speedometer shown in one image. The system is similar to the Start Assist shown next. The yellow amber version is an All Terrain Progress Control (ATPC) indicator. It is shown to confirm that the ATPC system is enabled. The color is chosen by the manufacturer.

Selec-speed indicatorOne manufacturer sees this as Selec-Speed Control (SSC) and is intended for off-road driving in 4WD Low only. As with the other systems, SSC maintains vehicle speed by actively controlling engine torque and brakes. It is activated by pushing the SSC switch.

DSR indicatorIn this case, the color is black and white, as the indicator is displayed on the vehicle’s information screen. the acronym DSR stands for Downhill Speed Regulation. The appearance of the symbol indicates a problem with the system, which will be spelled out in text on the screen.

Hill Start Assist Off IndicatorThe symbol to the left is a Hill Start Assist (HSA) Off Indicator symbol, which will be on if there are any malfunctions while the engine is running indicating that the system is deactivated.

Hill Holder Indicator SymbolHill start assistTo the right are Hill Holder Indicator symbols, which will be illuminated when the hill holder switch is activated. Since the system makes use of the vehicle’s brakes, a brake problem is indicated if the light does not come on when the switch is activated. If this occurs, contact you dealer or authorized service center as soon as possible.

Hill start assist trouble indicatorGrade assist fault indicatorThese versions indicates a problem with the Hill Start Assist system. This is why they is seen in yellow/amber/orange. If it is seen, your dealer or a qualified service shop will be needed. The symbol is shown as a car on an angled line alone or inside a circle which itself is inside brackets. The circle and brackets are commonly used in symbols that involve the the vehicle’s brake system.

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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/2024/03/low-speed-crawl-grade-and-terrain-assist-indicator-symbols/

Roll Sensing Curtain Airbags Off Indicator

Roll Sensing

RSCA Off IndicatorThis is the Roll Sensing Curtain Airbags (RSCA) Off indicator symbol. It means that this set of airbags has been disabled, generally by a switch found on the dashboard. These airbags are generally found on vehicles more prone to rollovers or simply used off road and thus “tippy” such as sport utility vehicles with high centers of gravity. The air bags deploy when a rollover is detected instead of an actual collision. They can also go off if the vehicle is tipped, hence the off switch.

  • But first, is this truly your symbol?? If yes, continue on below.
  • Otherwise return to our main Text Symbols page and scan again!

For this reason, an off switch is very likely added for off road use, when odd angles are likely to be encountered.

If the switch is in the on position and the RSCA Off indicator is on, and the curtain airbags have not deployed, take the vehicle too your dealer or authorized repair center for repairs.

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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/2024/03/roll-sensing-curtain-airbags-off-indicator-2/

Stability Control Off Indicators

Stability Control

Slip Control Off IndicatorESP off indicatorThese are Stability Control Off Indicator symbols. One of these lights, or one of the text versions below, tell you that the stability control system is deactivated. Your vehicle’s manufacturer may call this AdvanceTrac, Automatic Stability Control (ASC), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Dynamic Stability and Traction Control (DSTC), Electronic Stability / Stabilization Control (ESC) …

  • And there’s still more. But first, is it truly your symbol?? If yes, continue on below.
  • Otherwise return to our main Picture Symbols page and scan again!

… Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Interactive Vehicle Dynamics (IVD), Precision Control System (PCS), StabiliTrak, Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), Vehicle Dynamics Control Systems (VDCS), Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), Vehicle Stability Management (VSM), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), etc.

Regardless of the system’s name, the light means the same thing. The system is currently off. The vehicle will operate normally  that is, without the stability control enhancement – with the advanced system off. Note that the second image, with a sideways car on a wavy line with a tree next to it may illuminate in green! Every other version comes on in yellow/amber when the system is turned off.

Many More Versions

MDM IndicatorNote that BMW uses what it calls M Dynamic Mode (MDM) in their M-Series vehicles. When M Dynamic Mode is in use, the stability control system is turned off and the Stability Control Off indicator is illuminated. In most but not all of these models, a corresponding MDM indicator will appear.

ESC not ready indicatorThe image to the left is very, very similar to an “OFF” indicator, except it is a NOT READY indicator. The indicator will most commonly be seen only on start up and should go out in a few seconds. It may stay on longer in cold conditions and will go out once the vehicle is warmed up. However, if it persists, there is clearly a problem that should be addressed as soon as possible.

Stability control is a sophisticated electronically-controlled system that uses sensors in tandem with other systems to identify when there is lateral slip in the tires during cornering and responds by adjusting the brakes, throttle, differential and/or suspension to help keep you on track. Thus, the system is automatically turned off when the Check Engine Light is activated in order to prevent inaccurate readings sending incorrect instructions to the system. The image of  a skidding car is overly disconcerting.

VDC Off IndicatorDSC Off IndicatorVSC Off IndicatorESC OFF indicatorelectronic stability program offASC OFF indicatorThese text symbols, or one matching one of the other acronyms, will be seen in some early model vehicles that use the system. Newer vehicles are more likely to use the picture symbol above.

Here’s a video describing when and how these lights may appear.

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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/2024/03/stability-control-off-indicators/