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

Tesla Model S Incident Shines a Laser on a Broader Problem

Tesla Model S Incident

We watched with a good deal of fascination the running battle between New York Times reporter John Broder and Tesla Motors CEO Elon Musk. Broder took to the interstate system in the northeast to test the Tesla Model S and the company’s charging stations. The resulting debacle has Tesla reeling, and while we hope and believe the end result will be a positive for the company and the buying public, we see a different problem and one that is faced daily by all car manufacturers, not just Tesla.

The reality is that new technology in nearly all new cars has drivers calling roadside assistance and service departments at alarming and increasing rates. Most drivers are more like Broder – average Joes rather than car jocks. What happened to Broder and Tesla is frankly not a new phenomenon. But because it is Tesla, the issue he faced received a great deal of attention and presents an opportunity to focus on a growing knowledge gap.

Case in point: shortly after the East Coast debacle, autoblog.com posted a video of Kelly Blue Book’s Micah Muzio – for the record, a car jock – attempting a trip from LA to Las Vegas in a Model S. On the way, he and his cameraman pulled into the Tesla Design Center to get a rundown on the car. And there we are, one minute and six seconds into the 14 minute video, and the screen shows in big bold letters “Warning! Information Overload!”

Overload Indeed

This is what an entire industry runs headlong into every day, and manages to miss! A driver getting too much information to process and remember. And in this case, the managing editor for a top automotive website!

Seriously, what chance does everyone else have???

It really is time to pause and think about this.

In the back and forth that erupted on Twitter, Rebecca Greenfield of the Atlantic Wire posted “If a New York Times reporter, with an entire squadron of Tesla employees at his disposal, can’t use a Model S electric car properly, as Tesla founder and C.E.O. Elon Musk strongly asserted in a tweet this afternoon, it doesn’t say much about the usability of Tesla’s cars for regular people.”

And while she is right, our assessments from the trenches suggest that new car dealer service departments handle nearly 30 million calls a year related to electronics issues in gas and hybrid powered vehicles (17,000 new car dealers in the U.S. and Canada averaging a half dozen calls per day). And a whole lot of those drivers are also in vehicles that won’t move, or that they are afraid to move.

These are not electric cars, but they offer a good deal of new technology unfamiliar to the driving public. Drivers need and want a car they can get into, start and drive. They have full lives and more than enough to deal with without their car companies expecting them to learn every detail about their rides.

This is not just about usability. It is also about how a vehicle communicates its status and needs to its driver. Lights, chimes, buzzers and text have been rendered useless.

The laser focus placed on the Tesla Motors incident is an opportunity to shine a light on and re-think this entire process and come up with something as new as the electric car itself. We firmly believe that Tesla will make the improvements needed in its cars. We hope that the same will be true of its car-to-driver interface, and that of every other manufacturer.

——————————————————————-

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/2013/02/tesla-motors-incident-shines-a-laser-on-a-broader-problem/

Wrong Way Indicator

Wrong Way

Wrong Way IndicatorWrong Way Indicator symbol. This symbol is first a simple road sign, at least in Europe, and second, a look ahead. The symbol is a Wrong Way or No Entry sign, and is being tested as an instrument panel symbol as part of a road sign identification technology by Mercedes-Benz. It remains unavailable and not part of any production vehicle.

  • 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!

Wrong WayThe system uses a forward facing camera in conjunction with data from the vehicle’s navigation system. A driver about to pass one of the signs would hear beeps and see the symbol. The text in German – the sign is not in use in North America – shown below the red symbol would be included and translates loosely to Wrong Way.

Wouldn’t the words “wrong way” spoken aloud in any language be more effective here than more beeps?

——————————————————————-

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/2013/02/wrong-way-indicator/

The Company’s Problem or the Customer’s Problem?

Who’s Problem is It?

Company’s Problem or the Customer’s Problem. A recent headache we had with an online service prompts this post. Nearly every time an attempt is made to use the company’s service, a glitch arises. When the company is contacted, we are walked through the process of clearing the cache and closing and re-opening the browser as a “solution” to the problem. In each case, a full computer restart is actually necessary before the “solution” is effective and a common browser add-on must be turned off.

Note that we do not always contact them as we am quite familiar with the problem, and the fix. We just keep hoping beyond hope that they will have a software solution – this time.

Does this relate to the automotive business? It does indeed, as will become clear.

We use lots of software, web-based and otherwise, and they all have their quirks. None, however, require a system restart on every other use.

Your Product, My Time

The point is that it is truly maddening to have their help desk instruct me on what is needed to do to make their product work. What should be a 15 minute process is then 30 minutes or more, and they are not paying for the time. If it were not for the difficulties involved in making a change, they would have lost a customer. They have already lost any recommendations we might make.

As we went through this the last time, we realized that car customers face this exact problem. They call service departments every day with a growing list of glitches associated with advanced systems. They are then instructed on what they must do to make the company’s product work as needed – or get an appointment for service.

This message is thus for any company with a product and a customer for that product. Something is askew if you are making your problems your customers’ problems. Do you find yourself using the term “user issues”? Do you think your customer is the problem??

Look for new solutions or you will surely lose those customers. Some things can and should be fixed. Some, quite simply, may need a new and radical approach.

——————————————————————-

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/2013/01/the-company%e2%80%99s-problem-or-the-customers%e2%80%99-problem/

Transmission Warning Indicator Symbol

Transmission

Transmission Warning LightThis odd tuning fork-on-wheels-looking image is a Transmission Warning Indicator symbol. It belongs to a supercar so most drivers will never get the chance to see this one, which is good as the image is nearly impossible to interpret. The light can indicate an actual transmission system malfunction, or high transmission or clutch temperatures. The gap in the upper part of the image is likely meant to represent the clutch.

  • 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!

Is the light blinking??

The light blinks if a malfunction in the transmission system occurs and the vehicle may become undrivable. This will clearly need your dealer’s expertise or that of a qualified repair shop.

If it comes on steadily, the transmission or clutch may be overheated. Allow the vehicle to idle until the light goes out. Your dealer should be consulted if this happens regularly.

——————————————————————-

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/2013/01/transmission-warning-indicator-symbol/

Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) Indicator

Continuously Variable Transmission

Continuously Variable Transmission IndicatorThis is a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) Indicator symbol. In a vehicle equipped with a CVT, the indicator comes on only for a few seconds when the ignition is turned on. An actual problem with the CVT will ultimately trigger the Malfunction Indicator (see the link for more), which will tell you nothing useful and require a call to your dealer or authorized service center for service.

  • Before moving on, is this truly your symbol??
  • If not, you can return to our main Text Symbols page and scan 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/2012/12/continuously-variable-transmission-cvt-indicator/

EV Low Battery Charge Warning Indicator

Low Battery Charge

Low Battery WarningThis is a Low Battery Charge Warning Indicator symbol. This warning light comes on when the available power in an electric vehicle’s (EV’s) primary battery runs low. The image  is meant to invoke the low fuel warning light in gasoline powered vehicles. Since we live in a world used to gasoline pumps, the indicator image is the familiar pump but with an electric plug at the end of the hose.

  • 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!

The vehicle must be charged very soon or it will simply stop. A charge gauge on the instrument panel will indicate the actual power remaining.

Similar Symbol

Low Fuel IndicatorDon’t confuse the symbol with the one to the right. See more here.

——————————————————————-

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/2012/12/low-battery-charge-warning-indicator/

EV (Electric Vehicle) System Warning and Hybrid Service Warning Indicators

EV System

EV System IndicatorEV system fault indicatorEV system indicatorEV system indicatorThese are all EV (Electric Vehicle) or Power System Warning Indicator symbols. The first images are of a rather generic automobile with an exclamation point embedded inside. In yellow/amber it warns of an imminent threat from one of many EV systems. In red, it warns of a fault that must serviced immediately. Note that manufacturers tend to re-style the symbol to match the shape of their vehicles.

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

Other Versions

HEV fault indicatorEV fault indicatorFCEV fault indicatorFor some EVs, these are the equivalent of the Check Engine Light. They indicate a possible problem in one or more of the following; the traction motor and inverter system, the charge port or charger, the lithium ion battery, the cooling system, or the shift control system. Pretty much any system that allows the vehicle to move might be at issue and a diagnosis by a qualified service shop will be required. HEV indicates a Hydrogen fuel cell and the FC indicates essentially the same.

The symbols above use an exclamation point and the letters HEV or EV for Hybrid Electric or Electric Vehicle in a triangle. Contact your dealer or authorized repair center before attempting to drive further.

Hybrid Service IndicatorThis next image is listed as a Service Indicator. However, since there are no filters to change or other routine maintenance required, this is likely an indication of a system problem, which must be addressed by a qualified service center. The image, in red, is that of a wrench or spanner split by a lightning bolt, although the bolt may be mistaken for a Z.

Electronic Power ControlNote that the very similar looking image to the right is an Electronic Power Control or Engine Speed Limitation indicator. It is seen in internal combustion engine vehicles. So if you’re not in an EV 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/2012/12/ev-electric-vehicle-system-warning-indicator/