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
These are AdBlue Indicator symbols, which references a fluid that is necessary to the Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system. SCR is an emissions control technology used by some diesel engine manufacturers. The indicators may appear in yellow/amber or red, depending on the severity of need.
So, what to do?
Both indicators include the text AdBlue, or Blue, which is a fluid used in the system. The first indicator includes the image of a downturned bottle of fluid. Another has the same words shown above a wavy line, meant to show the fluid’s level. When seen in yellow/amber, it indicates that fluid is low. If it appears in Red, the system must have fluid added, or engine emissions will be excessive.
Another adds a wrench or spanner to the AdBlue text. In yellow/amber, it indicates an issue with the system. In red, the system needs immediate attention or damage may be done to the engine and/or its emissions control systems. Only a qualified service shop or dealer will be capable of repairing the 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Technology is always changing and what is current and accurate today may be literally out-of-date and inaccurate tomorrow.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.
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/2017/06/adblue-indicator-symbols/
This one will help you get inside if the 12-volt start battery dies.
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Here is the process for getting into and getting going with a Model S.
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This one features a Model X. We get into and start it.
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Here is the Model 3, with some help from the Model 3 Owners Club.
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In this video, we replace the key fob’s battery. Model X only…
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And here the battery in a Model S fob.
Models covered include the Model X, Model S, Model 3 and Model Y.
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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/2017/06/tesla-video-help-with-dead-key-fobs/
Until the 2021 Model S which has a key card, the start process is the same in these first two models. Skip a few paragraphs if you were given the card. However, this will take patience, so please stay with it.
In general, the key fob needs to be placed in proximity of the front of the center console in order to be recognized by the car. Note that the instrument panel will be active with the message “Key Not Inside” displayed. The owner’s manuals give multiple spots and methods to try.
Like the unlock process, it will take several seconds for the car to recognize the fob. Once it does, the “Key not Inside” message will disappear.
There are three basic locations to try, as shown in the image, but experience tells us you might just as well skip to the last one. The first, top to bottom, is to simply drop the key fob into the cup holder. If this fails, hold the key fob against the front of the console, as we are doing in the image (second). There are several places that can be tried in this case alone.
The third is to place the fob below the twelve volt outlet near the bottom of the console, as shown by the third arrow.
If all these fail, the next recommendation is to remove the battery from the fob and run through the options again. As it happens, this is exactly what we had to do with the Model X we had and we landed at the base of the console before the car recognized the fob. That location, with the key fob resting in place, is shown in the second image. The fob was recognized at last and we were able to operate the car.
If you were given a key card, place it against the left side of the of the space at the front of the center console just below the screen, as shown to the right. The vehicle will recognize the card, the instrument panel will come to life and the car will be ready for action. Don’t lose the card!
The Model 3 and Model Y relies exclusively on a mobile app for entry and start. A key fob is only available as an accessory. A credit card size key card is provided as back up to get the car to respond to touching the brake, which is its signal to become drivable. Keep the card with you at all times!
If your mobile phone has gone dead or is missing, place the key card on the center console behind and between the two cup holders. The car will recognize the card and will allow it to be driven.
There is some video help 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/2017/06/tesla-model-s-and-model-x-dead-key-fob-help-part-ii/
There are now three back up entry versions for the Model S depending on when it was built. The first two belong to vehicles that did not come with a key card. If your model did not come with a try card, try both methods below, as it is unclear where the exact build separation is.
In each case, the key fob is held to a spot on the body of the car until the key fob is recognized. Tesla uses an all electronic system, so there is no hard key and corresponding key cylinder available.
In the earliest versions of the Model S, the back of key fob is to be placed against the passenger side front fender, somewhat below and to the right of the emblem, as shown in the image. When the fob is recognized, the door handles will extend as they do normally.
The instructions in newer models note that if the car does not respond, first try repositioning the fob. Failing that, try removing the dead battery from the fob and go through the process again. This last bit really shouldn’t be necessary.
Note that it will take several seconds for the car to recognize the fob.
The concept is the same in the newer Model S, but the location is changed. However, it remains on the passenger side. Place the key fob near the base of the passenger side windshield wiper. The image to the right shows the exact spot that worked in the model we tested, and we tried several. Then press the driver’s door handle. The handles will extend if it is recognized, but it took a full 20 seconds in the car we tested. Try repositioning the fob if this fails. If it continues not to be recognized, try removing the battery and go back through the process.
Be patient – it took a full 20 seconds for the car to recognize the fob in the model we tested!
If you have a key card, place it on the door frame between the front and rear doors on the driver’s side and just above the bottom of the windows, as shown in the Model 3 and Y image below. The door handles will extend inviting you inside. Thankfully, recognition is near instantaneous. The vehicle can be locked this way as well.
Tesla’s Model X uses an entirely different back up location. There again is no hard key or key cylinder. In addition, the door handles do not extend in normal operation as with the Model S. The mirrors will extend when the key fob is recognized.
Place the key fob at the base of the car on the driver’s side below the front of the rear door, as shown. If the car fails to respond, try changing the fob’s position. Finally, if the car continues not to respond, remove the battery from the fob and start over.
Once again, be patient. It may take several seconds in each position.
Tesla jumped the shark with the Model 3, doing away with the key fob altogether and relying on a mobile app to get their owner’s in and started. And it works. Of course, a mobile phone’s battery can be drained in a day or less, it can fail, or the phone itself can go missing. So, the back up is a key card, the size of a credit card. No pun intended, but don’t leave home without it. The process is the same for the newer Model Y.
To get in, the key card is placed on the door frame between the front and rear doors on the driver’s side and just above the bottom of the windows, as shown. As with other models, the mirrors will extend inviting you inside. The vehicles can be locked this way as well.
There are videos to help 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/2017/06/tesla-model-s-and-model-x-dead-key-fob-help-part-i/
These is a Rear Cross Traffic Alert Indicator (RCTA) symbol. It appears as its acronym on the instrument panel in green when the system is available. Any trouble indications in the vehicles examined are displayed with text and images in the Information Display.
RCTA uses radar sensors to detect vehicles behind your vehicle as they approach from the right or left. It will alert the driver by flashing additional indicators in the outside rear view mirror or on the display screen and by sounding a buzzer.
In amber/yellow with the word off, it indicates that the system is unavailable either because the sensors are dirty or a malfunction. A car wash may resolve the issue, but if the sensors are clean and the warning light persists, have the system repaired by your dealer or a qualified service shop.
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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/2017/06/rear-cross-traffic-alert-indicator/
Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2017/05/u-s-cars-sold-overseas-leave-drivers-in-the-dark/
This is a Traffic Jam or Congestion Assist Indicator symbol. It may appear in gray scale, green, yellow/amber, or red. In gray scale, it indicates that the high traffic congestion has been detected and the system is available to help. Green indicates the system is active and moves through yellow/amber as congestion is detected.
In addition, multiple indicators may be present on separate instrument panel locations. One will only indicate that the system is active while the others will indicate congestion conditions by color.
The system will be part of, and secondary to, active driver assists systems, such as adaptive cruise control. The active assist system will need to be switched on to make the traffic jam assist system available. The traffic jam indicator will turn to red if the driver does not take control as congestion approaches, turning off the assist systems.
As with other assist systems such as simple cruise control, it is recommended that the system be deactivated in bad weather, poor road condition, construction zones and any situation requiring increased attention.
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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/2017/05/traffic-jam-or-congestion-assist-indicator/
U.S. Cars Sold Overseas Leave Drivers in the Dark
Drivers in the Dark, Part 1
Over the last several months we have been contacted by two drivers of U.S. cars sold and likely built overseas who could not find a back-up spot to drop the key fob in the event of the fob’s battery dying. Well, a good deal of sleuthing and a hunch resolved one of these cases.
First, we have to acknowledge the diligent work of one of the vehicles owners. He sent pics of all the spots we could think of that might be used as a back up slot and noted which style key was in use. Then after the hunch, he took the time to perform the test we suggested. The other driver essentially gave, up or possibly found an answer elsewhere and didn’t let us know.
As you can see from the photo he sent (right), the client’s car does not have this slot.
Part 2
Then, we got hold of a new, 2017 Cruze. And like a handful of other GM models, the back up slot had been moved to one of the cup holders. And, unlike European cars, the spot goes unmarked.
And while the Cruze did not use a flip key, it suggested a possible solution to our overseas client. He removed the battery from the fob and dropped it into the front cup holder, and was able to start the car (the fob will be recognized from the back up slot in GM vehicles, at least temporarily, even with the battery actually missing). He is relieved to have an actual back-up plan.
The moral of the story for drivers of U.S. designed vehicles sold overseas is this (and we include Ford as well just in case, although we have not seen this come up). If the battery in your key fob is dead, there is still a back up plan. However, your owner’s manual may not reflect it. Try each and every one of the dozen or so back up spots found on our pages. We are pretty confident one of them will get you going.
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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