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
Finally, if you need another manufacturer, click here.
Ford Motor Co. vehicles employ far too many backup methods, with new variations added seemingly each year. For full- and mid-size vehicles, insert the Intelligent Access key in the backup slot, located in the center console or in or under the cup holders, depending on the model. The Escape, Focus and Fiesta models use other methods, which are addressed below.
We have over a dozen options, all shown below. Search the page for your model.
The backup slot for full- and mid-size vehicles is the same as that used for key programming. In all cases, the slots do not look at all obvious, except that they are the proper size for the Intelligent Access key.
After inserting the key into the backup slot, use the Start / Stop ignition button and brake pedal to start your vehicle as usual. The vehicle should respond normally as long as the Intelligent Access key is in the slot.
Once the vehicle is started, the key can be removed from the backup slot, if you wish. But first, you will need to locate the slot.
Ford GT
First a word of caution concerning the Ford GT. Its latches are entirely electronic, the result being that, in the event of a power failure while inside the car, a back up plan is necessary. There is a strap on each pillar alongside each seat, as seen n the image to the right. Pull it to release the door.
Locating the Back-up Slot
Taurus, Fusion, Explorer Expedition, Flex
The backup slot is located in the center console in the Taurus, Fusion, Explorer, Expedition (through 2017) and Flex. The exact location will vary somewhat. Most consoles are filled with stuff, so you may need to dig a bit.
In the Taurus, Expedition (before 2018) and Flex the Intelligent Access key slot is to the rear or the side of the console and points up. The key is slipped in vertically or horizontally depending on the slot’s shape, with the buttons facing out, as in the image shown. After inserting the key, use the Start / Stop ignition button and brake pedal to start your vehicle as usual. If it fails to start, turn the fob so that the buttons face back and try again.Once the vehicle is started, the key can be removed from the backup slot, if you wish.
You will find a video of the process here that will help.
In the updated (2018) Expedition, and (2025) Explorer (with bucket seats — see well below for column shift models) models the back up slot is in the front cup holder (Expedition) and rear cup holder (Explorer). There is a two-piece mat at the bottom, and the front piece needs to be pulled away. It is a loose fit and slips out easily. Drop the key fob into the slot with the buttons facing the back of the vehicle and start it as normal.
It may take two pushes of the button to start. Again, once the car is started, the Intelligent Access key or fob can be removed and the mat, and any cups, replaced.
In Explorer and Fusion models, the slot is found near the Auxiliary, USB and power ports in the center console, like the one shown. The Intelligent Access key is slipped in with the buttons facing out (in the Explorer we had, the vehicle started with the buttons facing either direction) and the key ring up.
After inserting the key, use the Start / Stop ignition button and brake pedal to start your vehicle as usual. Once the vehicle is started, the key can be removed from the backup slot, if you wish.
New in 2019, the Transit Connect uses push button start for the first time. The back up slot is also in the cup holder. The rubber mat at the bottom of the cup holders needs to be removed and Ford recommends removing the mechanical key as well. Lay the key fob in the front cup holder with the buttons facing up and the unlock button towards the front of the vehicle. Step on the brake and start the vehicle as normal using the Start / Stop button.
Ranger
The new Ranger compact pick up also uses a cup holder, the rear one. Place the key fob in the cup holder making sure that it is centered and is parallel to the brake handle, as can be seen in the image at right. The truck can then be started by stepping on the brake and using the Start / Stop button as normal.
Edge
The Edge back up slot is inside the center console, but actually beneath the the front of the console (right). It is difficult to see, but it can be felt as raised tray just the right size for the remote control. Slip the remote onto the tray with the buttons up and press the Start / Stop button while stepping on the brake as normal.
Escape
The 2017 Escape has a new back up location (see below for earlier Escape models), which is changed again in 2018.
In a 2017 model, place the key fob on the small tray at the front of the center console, as shown in the image to the right. Remove anything that may be placed there. Once it is in position, use the Start / Stop ignition button and brake pedal to start your vehicle as usual.
In the 2018 Escape, the back up slot is found in the front cup holder. The bottom is marked with radiating lines meant to indicate radio waves. Remove anything that may be in the cup holder and set the fob inside, as shown in the image at right. Once it is placed, use the Start /Stop ignition button to start the vehicle while stepping on the brake as normal.
The key fob can be removed from the back up location once the vehicle is started, if you wish.
Bronco, Maverick, Transit (2024 and later)
And in 2019, the back up slot for the Escape is back at the front of the center console, beneath a mat that must be removed (right). The new Bronco Sport, introduced in 2021, as well as Transit models beginning in 2024 share this location. A fob-shaped depression will be seen once the mat is removed. Place the fob on the spot with the buttons up. Once it is placed, use the Start /Stop ignition button to start the vehicle while stepping on the brake as normal.
The standard Bronco and the Maverick, introduced in 2022, uses a spot found at the bottom of the center console. There is no mat to remove, although any items stored there will need to be moved out of the way. A fob-shaped depression will be seen. Place the fob in the spot with the buttons facing up.
EcoSport
The EcoSport, introduced in 2018, also uses a location in the front of the center console. Drop the fob into the slot with the key ring up and the buttons facing the back. After inserting the key fob, use the Start / Stop ignition button and brake pedal to start your vehicle as usual. And again, the key fob can be removed from the backup slot once the vehicle is started, if you wish.
Mustang, Fusion, Expedition
New in the 2015 Mustang, the 2017 Fusion, and the 2018 Expedition (as noted previously), the backup slot is hidden under one of the cup holders.
A rubber mat at the bottom of the cup holders may need to be removed (A) to expose the slot (B), as shown. Of course any cups will have to come out too! Look for a tab towards the front or the side of the mat to grab and pull (gently!)*.
*Important: If you do not find a pull tab, do not try removing the mat. Simply place the key fob in the rear cup holder and start the car as normal.
After inserting the key fob, buttons facing the back of the car, in the exposed slot, use the Start / Stop ignition button and brake pedal to start your vehicle as usual. Once the car is started, the Intelligent Access key can be removed and the mat, and any cups, replaced.
In 2024, Ford moved the Mustang back up start slot to the bottom of the center console. Remove the mat covering the bottom — as well as anything stored there — and place the fob in the fob-shaped depression with the buttons facing up.
The new all electric Mustang Mach E has a back up slot at the front of the center console storage area, next to the 12-volt power outlet (right). Place the remote control in the slot as shown (2) with the buttons facing up (or out).Once the remote control is in position, press the Start / Stop button while stepping on the brake to activate the high voltage battery.
Note also that the Mach E can be started with a smart phone app and/or a passcode inputted on the touch screen if the key fob or phone is not recognized. The car will request the code.
F-150, Explorer, F-150 Lightning
Push Button Start is new to the Ford Pick-up line in 2015, first with the F-150, and it has two back-up start options. If the shifter is on the steering column, look inside the center console to the rear for the slot. Note that there are two console storage areas. The one needed and shown is beneath the center bench seat. Similar 2025 Explorer models use this spot as well.
Insert the Intelligent Access key with the buttons facing to the back and the key ring up. Then use the Start / Stop ignition button and brake pedal to start your vehicle as usual. Once the vehicle is started, the key can be removed from the backup slot, if you wish.
If the shifter is on the center console through 2016, the slot will be under the rubber mat in front of the shifter. Remove the mat and insert the Intelligent Access key with the buttons facing up.
After inserting the key, use the Start / Stop ignition button and brake pedal to start your vehicle as usual. Once the vehicle is started, the key can be removed from the backup slot, if you wish.
In 2017, trucks with the shifter on the center console have the back up slot moved to one of the cup holders. Through 2020, the front cup holder is used, but it is moved to the rear cup holder starting in 2021. All Lightning models use the rear cup holder. Remove the mat at the bottom (see image) by pulling the tab and stand the key fob up in the slot, buttons forward. Then press the Start / Stop button while stepping on the brake as normal.
In the F-250 or larger truck, the slot is located beneath the tray to the left of the cup holders in the center console. Remove the tray and the cover from the center console. The slot, which is in the shape of the key fob, or Intelligent Access key, will be exposed.
Place the fob in the slot with the buttons facing up and use the Start / Stop button to start the vehicle as normal. Again, the key fob can be removed after starting.
Fiesta, Focus, Escape, C-Max
The compact Focus has five variations alone, with the Escape and C-Max sharing two of them and the Fiesta sharing one. The fifth Focus variation belongs to 2016 models only. All are located on the right side of the steering column near the windshield wiper lever. And see below for Fiesta and Focus models built after 2020 and not sold in North America.
First, look for either a radiating symbol printed on the column like the image to the left or for a round cover, shown to the right. These locations are where communications from the Intelligent Access key are picked up by the vehicle.
If you see the transmitter symbol, which may have a key or tower in between the radiating lines, and you have a three button Intelligent Access key, slip the key into a small slot beneath the symbol, as shown.
After inserting the key, use the Start / Stop ignition button and brake pedal to start your vehicle as usual. Once the vehicle is started, the key can be removed from the backup slot, if you wish.
If you have a five button Intelligent Access key, place the key against the transmitter symbol, as shown in the image, and start the vehicle. The vehicle will recognize the key, even if the key’s battery is dead. Use the Start / Stop ignition button and brake pedal to start your vehicle as usual.
If you see a cover, like the one shown above, there are two options. If a small slot or notch is visible, as seen in the image, pry off the cover using the mechanical key and insert the Intelligent Access key, as shown.
After inserting the key, use the Start / Stop ignition button and brake pedal to start your vehicle as usual. Once the vehicle is started, the key can be removed from the backup slot, if you wish.
If the covering does not have a slot or notch to pry off the cover, which will include Fiesta models, simply hold the Intelligent Access key against the cover, similar to the five-button process shown above and as shown here, and start your vehicle using the Start / Stop ignition button and brake pedal as usual. The vehicle will recognize the key, even if the key’s battery is dead.
In 2016 and going forward, Ford made a change in the Focus. The back-up slot will be found at the bottom of the center console. It will appear as a depression in the floor of the console in roughly the shape of the key fob.
With the console open, you’ll need to remove the storage tray, as shown, and everything stored beneath in it!
Place the key fob flat on the symbol at the bottom of the console storage compartment with the buttons facing up.
With the fob or intelligent key in this back up location, the car can be started using the Start / Stop button and stepping on the brake as normal.
Fiesta and Focus models built after 2020 feature a small storage area in front of the shift lever on the center console. The area’s rubber mat must be removed, much like the pick up trucks with center console shifters seen earlier. There is even the mark of a key with lines radiating from it to point out the location (top arrow). Place the fob as shown (lower arrow) with the buttons up. Step on the brake and start the car using the Start / Stop ignition button as normal.
GT
Finally, if you happen to have the GT model, the back up location is a storage tray at the front of the center console beneath its rubber mat, like the Fiesta and Focus above. Lift the mat and place the key fob with the buttons up, as shown in the image. Step on the brake and start the car using the Start / Stop ignition button as normal.
The key fob can be removed and the mat replaced after the starting the car, if you wish.
Note: If you have made an attempt to start any of these vehicles without success, there may be residual pressure in the brake system and a new warning light may appear (left) or text message to Step on the Brake. Press the brake pedal very, very hard when trying to start the vehicle again to be sure that the release switch behind the pedal is engaged. Or wait a few minutes and try 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.
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
Finally, if you need or want another manufacturer, click here.
Hyundai, Genesis and Kia use no less than seven different ways to start the vehicle if the Smart Key is weak or the Smart Key does not work correctly. However, the companies are migrating all their models to Method 6, smartly standardizing the process. That is until Genesis seemed to take a step back in 2021.
And if your start battery is still good, we’re going to get you going! Just follow along.
The latest models from all three manufacturers — with two exceptions — have a much simplified process. Staring with vehicle updates in the 2013 model year, simply press the Start / Stop ignition button with the Smart Key while depressing the brake to start the vehicle. We originally named this the back up start Method 6. If this does not work in your model, continue on below for a method that will.
The exceptions noted are first, an EV button (far left) in Kia EVs. It is pushed just like the Start / Stop button. The second exception is the 2021 Genesis G80, which is now a SeventhMethod. This method has moved to the 2022 GV60 EV as well, and may yet be placed in other models. If the vehicle does not recognize the key fob or Smart Key, slip the Smart Key into the space behind the shifter dial and cup holders and in front of the leather of the console. See the second image to the left. Then, step on the brake and push the Start / Stop ignition button to start the vehicle as normal.
We must also add an Eighth Method, which is digital. In the new GV60, G70, GV70, G80 and G90, a registered smart phone or a pre-registered card key can be placed on the vehicle’s wireless charging pad. It is found in front of the center console storage area (left). Once in place, the vehicle can be started as normal.
The Kia Forte, Sportage, and Sorento and Hyundai Sonata (prior to 2014) use Method 1. Insert the Smart Key in the Smart Key holder, which is a slot inside the center console, then press the Start / Stop ignition button while depressing the brake. To remove the Key, press it, then pull. Check out the video below.
The Kia Magentis also uses a slot in the center console in Method 2. Insert the Key and then press the Start / Stop ignition button while depressing the brake. To remove, press the Smart Key inward past the detent and then pull it outward.
The Hyundai Genesis, built before 2014, uses Method 3, which is a slot located behind a door above the shifter. Insert the Key and then press the Start / Stop ignition button while depressing the brake. To remove the Key, press it and then pull it out.
The Kia Optima (prior to 2014) and Soul and Hyundai Equus use Method 4, which is a slot in the glove box. The slot is a little higher in the Equus. Insert the Key and then press the Start / Stop ignition button while depressing the brake. To remove the Key, press it and then pull it out.
The Kia Borrego uses the Method 5 slot, which is in the dash just below the Start /Stop ignition button. It should be readily visible. Insert the Smart Key and then press the Start / Stop button while depressing the brake. To remove the Key, release it by pressing and then pull it out.
Note: If you have made an attempt to start the vehicle without success, there may be residual pressure in the brake system and a new warning light may appear (left) or text message to Step on the Brake. Press the brake pedal very, very hard when trying to start the vehicle again to be sure that the release switch behind the pedal is engaged. Or wait a few minutes and try again.
Video Help
Click here for videos to walk you through the processes.
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
This suggests four possible scenarios. The first three assume the light is not flashing:
1) All the tires are low on air (check your spare in the trunk too, if you have one). This occurs seasonally as the weather cools, and possibly several times. Solution? Check the pressures and inflate your tires properly.
2) One tire is low. This likely means a nail or other fault causing the tire to leak slowly. Checking all of the tire pressures will reveal a single tire to be low. A qualified service facility will be needed to address the problem.
3) The system needs to be reset. If you’ve recently had the tires rotated or replaced, check with your dealer about resetting the TPMS system.
4) If the light is flashing, there is a fault in the TPMS system, which your dealer or qualified service shop will have to resolve. Again in the first three cases, the light is simply illuminated, not flashing.
If you must drive before addressing the light, please do so carefully…under inflated tires are a potential hazard. Your tires are the only thing between you and the pavement. The light will go out after the proper tire pressures have been restored and after a bit of driving.
And by the way, the light will also come on if a tire blows, but the blowout will have your full attention…
So please, show this light some respect! Its doing its job, even if you see it illuminated on multiple occasions during year! Your tires need the attention.
Now if every car could tell you which tire and the exact air pressure…
Finally, there are a handful of cars that use this symbol instead, so be aware! Its still a cutaway of a tire, and somewhere along the line it was decided that the exclamation point would be more easily understood.
In another article, we discuss how too many of the warning symbols shown on today’s instrument panels assume too much of today’s information-overloaded drivers and do everyone a disservice.
The International Standards Organization (ISO) establishes symbols for use on controls, indicators and telltales applying to passenger cars, light and heavy commercial vehicles and buses, to ensure identification and facilitate use.
It also indicates the colors of possible optical tell-tales, which are supposed to inform the driver of either correct operation or malfunctioning of the related devices. The American National Standards Institute also has a hand in this.
To date, the ISO has defined over 220 of these symbols, and growing! They are supposed to be identified easily by all people everywhere regardless of language and background. But all the good intentions – and not too mention a good deal of time, effort and money – has resulted in far too many symbols that mean absolutely nothing to the average driver.
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
Finally, if you need or want another manufacturer, click here.
Retrieving the Mechanical Key
Subaru uses three different styles of Access Key fobs (remote controls or ‘clickers), each of which holds a mechanical key. The rectangular shape Style 1 has a release catch (1) on the mechanical key (2) itself, very near the key ring hole, as shown. Slide the catch towards the hole while pulling on the key to remove it from the Access Key.
The Style 2 Access Key has an oval shape. The release for the mechanical key (2) is a simple push-button (1) on the back of the Access Key, as shown (for the record, it looks like it will slide — it won’t). Pull out the mechanical key while pressing the release button at the same time.
Finally, a limited number of Subaru models feature a Style 3 Access Key, which is also a more rectangular shape. Here, the mechanical key release (1) is on the side of the Access Key, as shown. Pull out the mechanical key (2) while pressing the release button at the same time.
Starting Your Subaru
Regardless of which Access Key or key fob in hand, the starting process for Subaru vehicles is the same. Hold the Access Key or key fob against the Start / Stop ignition switch with buttons facing out towards you, as shown. The vehicle and the Access Key will talk to each other for a few moments, after which a chime or ‘ding’ will be heard.
The Start / Stop ignition has now been switched to the “ACC” or “ON” position. With the brake pedal still depressed, push the Start / Stop button to start the engine. Like similar systems from Toyota and Hyundai, etc., you might opt to simply push the button with the key fob to start it.
Note: If you have made an attempt to start the vehicle without success, there may be residual pressure in the brake system and a new warning light may appear (left) or text message to Step on the Brake. Press the brake pedal very, very hard when trying to start the vehicle again to be sure that the release switch behind the pedal is engaged. Or wait a few minutes and try 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.
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
Finally, if you need or want another manufacturer, click here.
Retrieving the Mechanical Key
Mitsubishi came up with a whole new name for a smart key or key fob. It is called the Free-hand Advanced Security Transmitter key, or FAST, key, and there are two basic styles. Despite the inflated name, it works pretty much like everyone else’s, with a couple of twists at start time for early models. It begins with a mechanical or emergency key.
To retrieve the mechanical key from either key fob style, slide the release lever located on the reverse side of the FAST key fob, as shown, and pull out the mechanical key. It can then be inserted into the lock cylinder at the back of the driver’s door handle and turned to unlock the car. So far so good…
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
These are Forward Alert Indicatorsymbols. It shows an image of a car alone or inside a triangle. The use of the triangle is for reasons known only to the manufacturer. The technology makes use the Advanced Cruise Control (ACC) radar, even when the ACC is not in use, to warn if you are on a collision path with another vehicle or even the back of your garage!
Before continuing, is one of these truly your symbol?? If yes, then read on below.
It Illuminates green when activated and will move through yellow/amber and redand an audible warning will be heard if an obstacle is approached. It will remain green and not offer an audible warning if the driver is already braking. The sensitivity of the alert, or the distance to a detected obstacle, can be increased or decreased. The symbols are variously shown as cars alone from behind, inside a triangle or with lines beneath it inside a circle inside brackets.
A similar function is found in the Advanced Vehicle Safety Management (AVSM) system. This indicator clearly says that the system is turned OFF, which is a driver’s option. If OFF has not been chosen, a malfunction is indicated. All other systems will function normally and the vehicle is safe to drive.
When in operation, the system will alert the driver to a vehicle ahead in his or her lane that is traveling at a slower speed with a vehicle image and the word CAUTION in the instrument panel information screen. The system will apply the brakes only gently and only when the driver’s foot is removed from the gas pedal.
Similar Symbols
Note that the symbols to the right are very similar and have a similar function. Click here to learn 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.
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 Speed Limiter and Automatic or Active or Adaptive Speed Limiter (ASL) Indicator symbols. They illuminate when a speed has been set and the limiter is active. It will appear in green unless or until the set speed is reached when it turns yellow/amber.
Before continuing, are you sure one of these is your symbol?? If yes, then read on below.
The two versions seen to the left start in white inside the message center when the system is on and available. It turns to green, like the third image, or yellow/amber, depending on the manufacturer, when a speed is set. The set speed will be shown separately in the message center and will flash if the speed is exceeded.
In the first example, the set speed is displayed in the image, which is a half or three quarter circle with the letter LIM shown below. The partial circle is likely meant to be a dial. The second image image is that of a broken dial like a speedometer with a marked range indicated by a double-ended arrow. It also gives the appearance of a clock. The acronym ASL is added. The third image is much like the first.
This version replicates an actual speed limit sign that would be seen on any highway coast-to-coast in North America. It would be displayed in the information center along with a depiction of the car travelling on the highway. It is known as Intelligent Speed Limit Assist (ISLA), which is uses information from the detected road signs and uses the navigation system data to inform of the speed limit and to help maintain the proper speed automatically.
Alternatively, a speed may be chosen and set which will appear in blue, which indicates the system is active. It is associated with Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control.
The image styles are a manufacturer choice, and the one with the speed shown is only marginally more informative than the other.
A step ahead is a system from Fisker Inc. that adds the detection of a road’s speed limit and adjusts the vehicle’s speed accordingly. As part of the company’s Advanced Diver Assistance System (ADAS), Fisker Intelligent Pilot, or Fi-Pilot, uses the symbols to the left to indicate that the system is available, in gray scale or on, in blue.
Other Symbols
These images include the exclamation point and indicates a malfunction in the Speed Limiter system. The numerals found in the first image above are replaced by a broken line. The system will be unavailable until it is serviced by a qualified shop. Note that the system is a part of the cruise control system, and it too may be unavailable.
The system uses the cruise control speed adjustment to set a speed limit. The set limit will likely be displayed in a message screen. When set, the engine will respond normally up to the set speed. The vehicle will not accelerate beyond the set speed unless sudden, rapid acceleration is needed and applied forcing the transmission to kick down to a lower gear. Speed limitation is then suspended.
Related Symbol
The symbol to the right is from an Active system and may be related. 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.
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
The Single Most Misunderstood Warning Indicator on Your Instrument Panel – Part II
Misunderstood Warning Indicator: Continued from Part I
This suggests four possible scenarios. The first three assume the light is not flashing:
1) All the tires are low on air (check your spare in the trunk too, if you have one). This occurs seasonally as the weather cools, and possibly several times. Solution? Check the pressures and inflate your tires properly.
2) One tire is low. This likely means a nail or other fault causing the tire to leak slowly. Checking all of the tire pressures will reveal a single tire to be low. A qualified service facility will be needed to address the problem.
3) The system needs to be reset. If you’ve recently had the tires rotated or replaced, check with your dealer about resetting the TPMS system.
4) If the light is flashing, there is a fault in the TPMS system, which your dealer or qualified service shop will have to resolve. Again in the first three cases, the light is simply illuminated, not flashing.
If you must drive before addressing the light, please do so carefully…under inflated tires are a potential hazard. Your tires are the only thing between you and the pavement. The light will go out after the proper tire pressures have been restored and after a bit of driving.
And by the way, the light will also come on if a tire blows, but the blowout will have your full attention…
So please, show this light some respect! Its doing its job, even if you see it illuminated on multiple occasions during year! Your tires need the attention.
Now if every car could tell you which tire and the exact air pressure…
Finally, there are a handful of cars that use this symbol instead, so be aware! Its still a cutaway of a tire, and somewhere along the line it was decided that the exclamation point would be more easily understood.
In another article, we discuss how too many of the warning symbols shown on today’s instrument panels assume too much of today’s information-overloaded drivers and do everyone a disservice.
The International Standards Organization (ISO) establishes symbols for use on controls, indicators and telltales applying to passenger cars, light and heavy commercial vehicles and buses, to ensure identification and facilitate use.
It also indicates the colors of possible optical tell-tales, which are supposed to inform the driver of either correct operation or malfunctioning of the related devices. The American National Standards Institute also has a hand in this.
To date, the ISO has defined over 220 of these symbols, and growing! They are supposed to be identified easily by all people everywhere regardless of language and background. But all the good intentions – and not too mention a good deal of time, effort and money – has resulted in far too many symbols that mean absolutely nothing to the average driver.
Check out the videos below.
And one filling the tires.
… Back to Part I
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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