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
One of the original “idiot” lights, the symbol to the left indicates a serious problem with the Charging System. The vehicle should be brought to a complete stop as quickly as possible or the vehicle may simply stop running in the middle of traffic. Roadside assistance will be necessary.
In most cases, there are two possible scenarios: a bad battery, which will not allow itself to be charged, or a failing alternator, which is no longer sending enough charge to the battery. In either case, your vehicle will soon stop running. In some cases, a failing alternator will cause a weak battery to fail as well, and both will need to be replaced.
Note that Electric Vehicles (EVs) also use a 12-volt battery for start up, and this same symbol may be displayed. It is an issue with the low voltage battery (12-volt) not the high voltage battery and points out an issue either with charging the 12-volt battery or with the battery itself.
Note that if the word Main is seen beneath the battery image, the light is actually a Hybrid Battery Trouble Indicator. The vehicle’s hybrid battery must be serviced by your dealer or qualified service professional as soon as possible.
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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Technology is always changing and what is current and accurate today may be literally out-of-date and inaccurate tomorrow.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.
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
Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2024/03/charging-system-dashboard-trouble-lights/
This symbol, and the Canadian version below, is a Brake Trouble Indicator symbol. Either symbol could indicate a serious problem with the brakes, but the light will also be on when the hand, or emergency, brake is engaged.
So, if you are sure the hand brake, or emergency, brake is released, bring your vehicle to a stop as soon as possible and contact your dealer or competent repair shop. To continue driving could very well be dangerous!
This is the Brake Trouble Indicator symbol in Canada, and other areas, but has an additional use elsewhere (below). The look of this symbol as well as others involving brakes are supposed to resemble the physical appearance of brakes. They do, but primarily only to people who have had the opportunity to take them apart. The word ‘brake’ may appear at the top of the image.
In Australia and New Zealand, the same symbol is used to indicate that the brake or clutch fluid is low. Check the proper reservoirs.
The same image is also used in Europe for the failure of an advanced system, Dynamic Brake Control (DBC). In this case, conventional brake action remains unaffected, but your dealer will be needed to repair the advanced system. These vehicles use the text symbol BRAKE shown above to indicate a problem with the basic or conventional brake system.
Finally, the image is used by some manufacturers to indicate a problem with the Regenerative Brake System in electric vehicles (EVs). It may appear in yellow/amber/orange (right) alongside the red brake symbol shown simultaneously. This is potentially serous and should be checked by a competent shop immediately. The operation of the brake pedal may be more difficult than normal and the braking distance may increase.
Click here to learn more about regenerative braking.
And of course someone had to combine the two and then a third as a traditional trouble light, I suppose just to add yet more symbols. The word BRAKE is place below the circle and exclamation point. And above the same indicator plus that with a “P” inside, for parking brake.
This version that includes a thermometer inside the circle is meant to indicate that the brake disk and therefore brake pads are overheated. The car should be pulled over as soon as possible to allow them to cool. If they stay hot, the brake fluid will get hot and boil, at which point brake pressure will be non existent.
Note that the symbol of a circle with “brackets” on either side, broken or otherwise, represents brake components. What is shown inside and the details of the “brackets” and color can specify the nature of the problem.
Note also that if these two warning lights (right) are seen together, they indicate a problem with something called the Brake Force Distribution System. Click here for more information.
Are you seeing one of these symbols? Click here, here or here, associated with the images, left to right.
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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.
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
Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2024/03/brake-trouble-dashboard-symbols/
Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2024/03/and-the-dashboard-symbols-saga-continues/
Way back in 2012, we noted in a post linked here that a group at MIT (the Massachusetts Institute of Technology) was doing a study on typefaces that would mitigate driver distraction. That is, typefaces that would be the least distracting.
And while it was a time where there was a lot of attention focused on driver distraction, our take was that while the intent of the research was laudable, it would make more sense to remove text altogether! That is, if a GPS system can give audible turn by turn directions, couldn’t text be shifted to spoken word?
Well, we appear to be full circle, as Tesla has had to “recall” pretty much every car they’ve ever produced to correct the size of the type they use in warning lights on instrument panels! Twelve years after we posted on the typeface study, the maker of some of the most sophisticated cars ever built, is being forced to adjust the text in its warning lights with what the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) terms as a “recall”.
The word “recall” belongs in quotes throughout because the problem was handled within days by an over-the-air (OTA) update.
Critics on the social media platform X have made fun of the issue, with some poking fun of the notices sent to Tesla owners through the mail that arrived 
after the OTA update had already been applied (above, right)!
Still others noted that manufacturers are required to send the notifications under the NHTSA rules!
And still others noted the ridiculous waste of paper (trees!) and postage involved. One even took a photo of an envelope addressed to Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg (right). In the envelope, aside from a letter asking for a change in the rules, he included the letters that were sent to him by Tesla.
We called for the warning light system to be scrapped years ago, but no dice. The legacy warning indicators persist, not to mention the legacy recall system, so we’ll call for that to be replaced as well. Maybe the phase out of ICE vehicles will lead to a phase out of both the warning light and recall systems.
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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.
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
Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2024/02/recall-targets-tesla-typefaces/
Can A Cheap Fob Work With Your Car?Ok, so we spotted an ad for the cheap replacement fob seen to the right available from Amazon and eBay. Its really inexpensive for all of you with just one fob, and if it works it would a great thing to have. Note that you would still be missing the proper mechanical key!
Now the list they supplied — garage doors, car alarms, wireless home security products, etc., in the image below right — did not expressly say it will clone an automotive fob, but the ad I saw appeared to show an automotive fob actually being cloned! So we bought it to test and to either be able to recommend it you or tell you not to waste your money, even if its only $15 or even less. There is a screw at the bottom for access to replace its cylindrical 
battery.
We tested it on fobs from Volvo, Lexus, Acura, Toyota and Chevrolet. The Toyota fob was a key start version, while the others were from keyless or push button start cars. The clone failed to recognize any of them.
The idea is to hold one button of each fob at the same time until the the clone flashes. In each case we made sure the clone was cleared of any codes it might hold. The clone fob flashed when this is accomplished.
So that’s it. If you’re tempted, don’t waste your money. If you get one and manage to clone a garage door, car alarm or any other remote, please drop us an email, and we’ll pass along the info.
And for those of you without a back up key fob, please get one. We constantly hear from folks stuck when their single fob goes missing or gets dropped in water, etc. They’re expensive but worth the investment. And you can find instructions to replace the batteries in your existing fobs here…
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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.
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
Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2024/02/a-cheap-replacement-fob-tested-for-automotive-use/
Charging an electric vehicle (EV) in most cases involves an intermediary – a smart phone app. Needless to say an app failure when in need of a charge is a massive problem, and all too often it will be left to the driver to come up with a fix! This makes EV driving an App driving life.
So, this is at once a call to app makers to get it right for the sake and safety of their users, and to app users to be on guard.
First, for those with less familiarity we’ll note the charging opportunities that do not require an app:
And charging that does require an app:
Level 2 AC chargers installed at a residenceBad example #1. I have access to a shared Level 2 network where I live. What is supposed to happen is illustrated by the image to the right. The app opens the camera which is used to scan a QR code on the charger, which can be seen coming into focus. Assuming an account has been set up, charging starts automatically.
However, an attempt to use it a few weeks ago resulted in the screen shown in the 
second image. The camera screen flashed on only momentarily, and was then replaced by what is seen on the image.
A call to the company resulted in the maddening suggestion of uninstall and reinstall the software! The user finds himself/herself the technician! We’ve dealt with these kinds of issues before.
Needless to say the process changed nothing, even though an update appeared to take place. The problem resolved itself a few days without any further input!
Bad example #2. My lease came with 24 months of free charging with Electrify America. This ran out a bit ago, so I have not used them in some time.
However, I follow them on X, and recently saw the post shown in the screen grab to the right. Their app was experiencing a service interruption. Now, one can only imagine the time wasted by drivers attempting to charge their vehicles. And unless they themselves followed Electrify America on social media, and thought to check for a post, they would oblivious to the fact that a session could actually be started regardless! Its a bit hard to read, but the text says this.
Service interruptions, software – read app – failures, this is the world of EV charging. For those who are faint of heart or hate technology, this world is not – yet – for you!
I added yet because everyone who claims to hate and/or be “bad” at technology likely as not already owns and makes great use of a smart phone. It merely an adjustment.
But be ready for help calls that will require you to be in the “driver’s seat” while finding a solution.
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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.
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
Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2024/02/ev-driving-life-is-an-app-driving-life/
So we spotted a post on “X” recently titled “12 Reasons NOT to buy an EV” (electric vehicle), which leave internal combustion engine (ICE) powered cars as the only alternatives. We thought we’d have a look at it point by point.
1) Purchase cost is way higher.
– Not true. Expensive models get the most press, and there are many of them, but there are some very, very affordable EVs. We’re not going to point to any manufacturers (we’re not in sales), just do some homework. And that statement completely ignores cost of ownership, which goes to EVs hands down. If cost of ownership is a foreign concept, its homework time again…
2) Depreciation is massive.
– There is some truth here, but it is massively overstated. In further truth, its too early to fully determine. The industry remains in infancy, prices are coming down thus lowering pre-owned EV prices.
3) The Batteries cannot be recycled on a commercial scale.
– Partly true. They can be recycled at scale, but this is still being ramped up. The mineral value is driving this.
4) The performance claims are grossly exaggerated.
– If this is a reference to speed, this is flat out wrong. If its a reference to range, its partially true. Most manufacturers are pretty conservative with range estimates. Consumer Reports data confirms this.
5) They carry no spare wheel so to reduce weight.
– This is actually true, but across the entire automotive industry. All vehicles, ICE and EV, are transitioning to refill kits rather than spare tires, again to reduce weight. Not all flat tires can be re-inflated so we’ll take this opportunity to tell the industry to ensure that at least a donut is available in all vehicles!
6) You can’t charge them from a flat or a house without a drive.
– Somewhat true, but a solvable problem. I live in a “flat” (apartment) and it has four Level 2 charging stations available and a charge port can be placed along the road in most cases at private homes that lack a drive(way).
7) Charging points are not ubiquitous enough to journey with confidence.
– Again somewhat true. More charge stations would be better, but planning can accommodate the vast majority (journeys) trips with the stations currently available.
8) Batteries that catch fire cannot be extinguished without plunging the whole car into a skip-full of water.
– This is actually true. However, fires (not to mention explosions) are far, far more common with the rolling bombs more generally known as ICE vehicles. Any EV fire gets so much attention that perception becomes skewed. Its actually very difficult to get an EV battery to burn.
9) Existing car parks are not designed to cope with the 50% higher weight.
– Sooo many things wrong with this. EVs are heavier, yes, but an EV of about equal size is only 15% heavier, not 50% (Camry vs Model 3)! Further, large SUVs (Escalade 7,700 lbs.) are actually heavier (25%) than most electric powered SUVs (Model X, 6,200 lbs))! Now there are hints that the writer of the piece is from Europe, where cars are generally smaller, but we don’t believe for a minute that car parks built anywhere are built to the lowest possible standards.
10) The time to queue and charge an EV is magnitudes of filling a petrol tank.
– This is true, but can an ICE vehicle be refilled at home??
11) The environmental damage of extracting minerals and making batteries is more than using fossil fuels.
– This is just flat out wrong and propaganda. Oil must be extracted as well.
12) Insuring EVs is massively higher than petrol/diesel vehicles.
– We have not found this to be the case, but in truth Tesla started its own insurance division because of high prices in some regions. We believe this is levelling out as EVs become ubiquitous.
And finally, a few of points in favor of EVs.
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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.
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
Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2024/01/to-ev-or-not-to-ev/
And The Dashboard Symbols Saga Continues
A Manufacturer Update Adds Yet More Symbols
In an earlier post, the Dashboard Symbols Saga, some weeks ago, we noted that we now host 986 warning lights and indicators. Nine hundred and eighty six! Well, we updated our Buick page, and added yet another five new symbols, bringing the total to 991 (now over 1000!). And those additions serve to point out just how out of control the entire warning light system has become.
The new entries are an Auto Start symbol, a Driver Attention symbol, a Super Cruise symbol, a Snow Mode symbol and a Sport Mode symbol. In each case, the industry already had perfectly usable pre-existing symbols, but Buick opted to use new ones anyway!
Were These Necessary?
We find the entire experience to an insult to drivers everywhere. Assuming the system remains in place, then it should be said that any new system developed and introduced in automobiles must have its own symbol. These symbols are meant first and foremost to easily identifiable to the average driver. And while it can easily be called into questioned that this first principle is actually achieved, if each system ends up being represented by a dozen or more symbol versions, it is highly unlikely that any one driver anywhere will ever be able to determine a symbol’s meaning without looking it up.
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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.
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