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

Most commented posts

  1. Information Displays and Message Centers — 10 comments

Author's posts

Honda and Acura Videos: Handling Dead Key Fob Batteries

How to Open, Start and Replace Fob Batteries in Honda and Acura Vehicles

We have eight videos for Honda and Acura owners

This one is a 2022 Acura update featuring new key fobs.

All Honda and late model Acura models are represented. Kudos to Honda Motors for a very simple, straightforward process and for NOT hiding the key hole!

……………………………………………………………………………………………………….

An update with a 2017 model Honda.

……………………………………………………………………………………………………….

An update with an Acura model.

……………………………………………………………………………………………………….

And one here replacing the battery in a common key fob.

……………………………………………………………………………………………………….

And one featuring a new Honda key fob. Be VERY careful with these fobs!

……………………………………………………………………………………………………….

This one covers the new-style Acura fob. Be careful here too!

And an even newer style Acura fob!

……………………………………………………………………………………………………….

Models covered include the ILX, MDX, NSX, RDX, RL, RLX, TL, TSX, TLX, ZDX, Civic, Accord. Crosstour, CR-V, CR-Z, Fit, Odyssey, Pilot, Clarity, and HR-V.

——————————————————————-

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Technology is always changing and what is current and accurate today may be literally out-of-date and inaccurate tomorrow.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/2016/12/honda-acura-video-help-with-dead-key-fobs/

Jaguar and Land Rover Videos: Handling Dead Key Fob Batteries

How to Open, Start and Replace Fob Batteries in Jaguar and Land Rover Vehicles

We now have six videos with help for Jaguar and Land Rover owners

This video describes how not to get into and start a Jaguar Land Rover with a dead key fob battery.

………………………………………………………………………………………………….

This is an update of all Jaguar Land Rover models from 2015. A new key fob and door handle featured.

……………………………………………………………………………………………………….

This video covers newer Jaguar models.

……………………………………………………………………………………………………….

This one is for 2015 and later vehicles. Land Rover has chosen to hide the key holes.

……………………………………………………………………………………………………….

Here we replace the battery in a Jaguar Land Rover key fob.

……………………………………………………………………………………………………….

This video covers the newer key fob, post 2018 (roughly).

Models covered include the Evoque, F-Pace, Velar, Range Rover, Sport, Defender, Discovery, E-Pace, F-Pace, I-Pace, XE, XF, XJ, XP, and F-type.

——————————————————————-

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/2016/12/land-rover-video-help-with-dead-key-fobs/

View from the Street: Do Salespeople Understand the Tech They Sell?

Salespeople Just Sell

An article appeared recently in Automotive News that essentially asked if salespeople know the technology in the cars they are selling. As someone who was at one time employed at an auto dealer, I can say that the short answer is all too often no. We’ll go with the long answer here.

Smart Cruise Control Radar Warning IndicatorIn the article, a vehicle being test driven was allowed to hit a stopped vehicle because the car’s salesman was sure that the automatic braking function would bring the vehicle to a stop in time. It could not and did not. Unfamiliarity with the specifics of vehicle functions is a common occurrence. Training for salespeople is generally handled by computer courses, and passing requires only the completion of rather unchallenging tests.

I once listened in as regenerative braking technology in a hybrid vehicle was explained to a customer, completely wrong! And by the dealership’s owner!

First and foremost the majority of salespeople are just that, salespeople. Their concern, and that of their bosses, runs to the next commission and it is quite likely they know little about what they are selling, and don’t care to know. These are the same people expected to explain the vehicle’s function to the buyer after the sale.

The Deep End of the Problem

The problem is most prevalent in broad-line dealerships. That is, dealerships that offer stripped down models as well as vehicles with all the bells and whistles. The majority of sales will come from the low-end, and the experience level with new technology suffers. Turnover, cited in the article at 65% for men and 88% for women, contributes to the problems and is highest here as well.

High-line dealerships are not immune, as sales is a numbers game regardless. However, salespeople in these dealerships tend to stay with high-line manufacturers even as turnover occurs and their tech familiarity can be quite high.

Follow Mode IndicatorIn essence the article describes why we chose to create DashboardSymbols.com. We love new technology and despise how it is presented to the buying public. And this goes well beyond salespeople. New functions are incorporated into cars, new warning lights added, new pages printed in the owner’s manual, and training for owners is little more than what salespeople receive – without the poor testing.

So, while the industry struggles with getting their drivers to understand their products, we’ll continue to do what we can to give those drivers a leg up.

——————————————————————-

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/2016/12/view-from-the-street-do-salespeople-understand-auto-technology/

All-Wheel Steering Systems Indicators

All Wheel Steering

P-AWS IndicatorAll wheel steer offThese are is a All Wheel Steering Systems Indicator symbols. The first light is used by one manufacturer for their Precision-All-Wheel-Steering (P-AWS) System, which depicts 4 wheels turned to one side, will appear for a few seconds when starting your vehicle. Another manufacturer uses it and the one next to it with a line drawn through, which indicates that only the front wheels are steering.

  • 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!

Four wheel steering fault indicatorThis image belongs to another manufacturer using All Wheel Steering, but has the wheels turned in opposite directions. The line struck through denotes that the vehicle is in CrabWalk mode (click for more and see below) or a fault in the system if CrabWalk is not active. To the driver, either may look like random lines in a stick figure.

Seeing one of these symbols at any time other than startup indicates a problem with the All Wheel Steering system. The fault may limit the vehicle’s speed to 50 mph or less and you will need your dealer or authorized service center to attend to it.

All Wheel Steering systems monitor a vehicle’s response to road conditions while in motion and makes small adjustment to the relative rear wheel toe settings to help enhance vehicle control and stability.

The manufacturer notes that the toe setting of the rear wheels may get stuck in a non-centered setting if the system malfunctions while driving. At this time, the system may automatically limit the speed to 50 mph or less. Handling may be difficult as well. The vehicle will be safe to drive at the reduced speed, but don’t wait to have the problem addressed.

Related System

Crab walk indicatorCrabWalk mode allows the driver to turn the rear wheels at the same angle as the front wheels, which enables the vehicle to move diagonally. Normal All Wheel Steering is then unavailable. Note the image to the right and click here for more.

——————————————————————-

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/2016/10/precision-all-wheel-steer-system-indicator/

Tesla Eliminates Heat Stroke Risk from its Cars

Tesla Steps Up

Innovation continues to at a breakneck pace in the automotive world, and nowhere is innovation more front and center than at Tesla.

Tesla Model SIn case over the air updates weren’t innovative enough, the latest solves a problem that has stumped the best minds at every auto manufacturer: a car is shut down and left in the sun to overheat, and any occupant unable to exit, human or animal, perishes of heat stroke.

Update version 8.0 allows a Tesla to maintain a temperature of 40C or 105F by automatically venting the cabin and turning on the air conditioning when necessary. And most important, this process works even if the vehicle is turned off.

An updated Tesla can do this for up to a year on a full charge. Currently it stops at a 20% state of charge, a figure that may be adjustable somewhat in a later update.

On the flip side, the car can be made to stay warm on cold days. Cold has rarely been as serious an issue as heat stroke has been during the summer months however.

Practically An Afterthought

Elon Musk tweeted that it is his favorite new “feature”. To him, saving lives is just a feature. Ho hum.

Problem?
Solution.
Done.
Simple

This is the Musk way. The Tesla way.

Leaving everyone else just spinning their gas-powered wheels, yet again.

——————————————————————-

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/2016/09/tesla-eliminates-vexing-heat-stroke-risk-from-its-cars/

Open a Porsche with a Dead Key Fob

How to Open a Porsche with a Dead Key Fob

Getting into Your Porsche

Retrieving the Mechanical Key

A Porsche key fob is shaped cleverly like a Porsche Porsche keyautomobile. Unless your key ring is flexible, take the fob off the ring to make room to remove the mechanical key. Turning over the fob, look for a small slide lever near the key ring side. Slide it to the side with a fingernail and pry the lever towards the top at the same time. Work the key out of the fob.

Now, check if a key hole is immediately visible or not…

Porsche slotIf your Porsche has a visible key hole, simple insert the mechanical key and turn. If a key hole is not visible, look for a separation in the driver’s door handle towards the back. It marks a cover hiding the keyhole. Then look beneath the cover for a slot. Slide the mechanical key in as far up as it will go and pull the cover away from the car exposing the key hole.

Porsche liftIf a separation in the handle is not found, simply lift the handle. The key hole will be seen beneath the back of the handle. The Macan will have a plastic insert in the key hole that will need to be removed. Once the key hole is visible, insert the mechanical key and turn it counterclockwise (left). It will be awkward to get to. Then remove the key, release the handle fully and then pull it again to open. And you’re in.

Slip the plastic insert back into the keyhole in the Macan. It is very likely protection against water infiltration and subsequent freezing in cold weather.

Continue to Part II, Getting Started …

——————————————————————-

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/2016/09/porsche-dead-key-fob-help/

Porsche Videos: Handling Dead Key Fob Batteries

How to Open, Start and Replace Fob Batteries in Porsche Vehicles

Thus far we have three videos to help Porsche owners

This video demonstrates getting into and starting a late model Entry & Drive equipped Porsche with a visible key hole or a key hole hiding behind a split door handle.

……………………………………………………………………………………………………….

This one singles out Porsche models where the key holes are revealed when the door handle is lifted, like the Macan.

……………………………………………………………………………………………………….

Here we replace the battery in a Porsche key fob.

Models covered include the Panamera, Macan, Boxter, and Cayenne.

——————————————————————-

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/2016/08/porsche-video-help-with-dead-key-fobs/