Category: Articles & Commentaries

Discussions on topics of interest to drivers concerning things they may not understand about their vehicles as well as articles on the future of the auto industry.

Speed limiter page gets new entry

Speed limiter page

In the process of finalizing the update of the Hyundai symbols page, the speed limiter page got a new entry. The page now hosts 12 different indicators, all describing the same type of system

Hyundai calls their system Intelligent Speed Limit Assist (ISLA). We already had an Intelligent Speed Limiter entry on the page.

Speed limit assistThis latest 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.

Adaptive speed limiter offASL Indicator SymbolSpeed limiterOther entries look like those to the right and the scale is important. While the sign will be seen on the information screen inside a much larger image, the smaller ones here would appear within the area around the instruments, where other warning lights reside. Space is more “limited”.

Cars are changing, and among those changes is the growing number of symbols and indicators that will invariably show up on your dashboard or instrument panel. Every year, new features are added to vehicles, each of which is accompanied by a new symbol or symbols and likely a new acronym.

At DashboardSymbols.com, our aim is to help you understand what is happening to your vehicle at the first sign of trouble – a new warning light illuminated on your instrument panel. Its all here on this website. Our first intention is to bring the latest technologies down to earth and understandable for everyday drivers.

The page can be seen 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.

Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2024/09/speed-limiter-page-gets-new-entry/

New entry to our Acronym Page

Acronym Page Update

We added a new set of indicators for a new system called Lane Following Assist (LFA). This resulted in a new entry to our acronym page.

Sometimes, a symbol or indicator seen on an instrument panel and hosted here on the site is in the form of a three or four letter Acronym or Abbreviation, as with the example. Auto manufacturers assume that any given driver knows exactly what these acronyms stand for.

ESC Sport indicator

This is almost never the case. The example to the right, ESC plus the word SPORT, is a new image we made to accommodate a new Hyundai warning light we had to make at the same time as the new Lane Following Assist post that was added.

So when we set up DashboardSymbols.com, one of the very first things we did was add a page of acronyms and the translations as a useful resource for drivers. Further, if the acronym is hosted as a separate entry, we provide a link to it.

Cars are changing, and among those changes is the growing number of symbols and indicators that will invariably show up on your dashboard or instrument panel. Every year, new features are added to vehicles, each of which is accompanied by a new symbol or symbols and likely a new acronym.

At DashboardSymbols.com, our aim is to help you understand what is happening to your vehicle at the first sign of trouble – a new warning light illuminated on your instrument panel. Its all here on this website. Our first intention is to bring the latest technologies down to earth and understandable for everyday drivers.

The acronym page currently hosts some 230 acronyms, including LFA. The page is 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.

Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2024/09/new-entry-to-our-acronym-page/

Collision warning system and malfunction indicators page now hosts 29 images

Collision warning system

By virtue of an Emergency Steering Warning Light indicator from Hyundai, our collision warning system and malfunction indicators page now hosts 29 images!

Emergency steering warningThe Emergency Steering Warning Light (right), and is part of Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) The system is intended to assist steering to aid in avoiding a collision with an oncoming vehicle from the front or the side or if a pedestrian or other obstacle is detected.

It will be seen in yellow when all or part of FCA is disabled or malfunctioning. It will blink in red when steering assistance is required.

Rear collision warning indicaorAnother recent addition to the page is the Rear Collision Warning indicator (right). While it resembles many of the symbols already seen on this post, it is specifically used to warn of a possible collision from behind. The difference is that the car in front is seen in full and the one behind is only partially visible. The roles are reversed in collision warnings with a car in front.

Forward Collision Warning OffAutomatic emergency brakingAuto Braking Indicator SymbolThe number 29 is ultimately the result of manufacturers designing their own images, at times to depict the type of vehicle, SUV, truck, or sedan, or simply choosing different methods to depict when something is turned off. The three to the right all indicate that the system is off!

Cars are changing, and among those changes is the growing number of symbols and indicators that will invariably show up on your dashboard or instrument panel. Every year, new features are added to vehicles, each of which is accompanied by a new symbol or symbols and likely a new acronym.

At DashboardSymbols.com, our aim is to help you understand what is happening to your vehicle at the first sign of trouble – a new warning light illuminated on your instrument panel. Its all here on this website. Our first intention is to bring the latest technologies down to earth and understandable for everyday drivers.

You can see them all 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.

Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2024/09/collision-warning-system-and-malfunction-indicators-page-now-hosts-29-images/

Hyundai Motor Grp repeats irksome mechanical key problem in new Genesis models

Genesis logoMechanical key problem

We just completed an update of Genesis back up entry processes, made necessary when the battery in the key fob dies, and we are discouraged to say that the parent company has repeated the mechanical key problem we feel now exists in the Hyundai line. When we get to Kia models later this week, we’ll likely find the same thing!

Genesis mechanical keyGenesis has added digital lock and unlock options which is evidently being used as an excuse to keep a mechanical key separate from the key fob. It is kept in its own little case (right).

As we noted in our Hyundai update, we really dislike this development. The mechanical keys can easily be lost or simply left behind, and digital options on the smart phone have proven to be less than 100% effective and requires the start battery to be charged. A mechanical key is always 100% effective!

G90 key hole coverThere is also a cover hiding the key hole in the G90 that is revealed when the handle is pulled out. This is likely protection from the elements. Its a simple swing out piece that moves towards the rear of the car (right). The key hole is revealed and the key can be used to unlock the car.

Smart Keys or Intelligent Keys, or Access Keys – or whatever the manufacturer of your chooses to call them – that let you into your car and start it with just a touch use up their internal batteries at alarming rates, catching busy drivers unawares – even though the car had tried to warn you.

Our goal is to help you feel safe – and keep you moving or get you moving if at all possible – rather than leave you fretting whenever your key fob stops working. The instructions for getting into and starting most keyless start cars can be found on our pages – without roadside assistance.

You can see the back entry page 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.

Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2024/09/hyundai-motor-grp-repeats-irksome-mechanical-key-problem-in-new-genesis-models/

Jeep dashboard symbols update swells the page by 13

Jeep logoJeep dashboard symbols update

The recent electrification of several models meant that our Jeep dashboard symbols update resulted in 13 new images added to the Jeep symbols page.

Among them were the standard fare for electrified vehicles — battery failure warnings, EV system fault warnings, power limitation indicators, etc. What was really interesting was a Battery coolant fluid level lowbrand new warning light, a Traction Battery Coolant Fluid Level Low indicator. The image looks like an extra long battery, complete with plus and minus signs, with a wavy line at the bottom.

Jeep is using a liquid cooling system for its hybrid batteries. And much like a typical internal combustion engine cooling system, this system requires a cooling fluid that may require topping off occasionally.

And rather than make a new page, we added it our Hybrid Battery Overheat page and adjusted the title to include cooling. Its pretty much in the same functional family.

The Overheat and Cooling page is here and you can find Jeep’s dashboard symbols page, and its over 100 entries, here.

Cars are changing, and among those changes is the growing number of symbols and indicators that will invariably show up on your dashboard or instrument panel. Every year, new features are added to vehicles, each of which is accompanied by a new symbol or symbols and likely a new acronym.

At DashboardSymbols.com, our aim is to help you understand what is happening to your vehicle at the first sign of trouble – a new warning light illuminated on your instrument panel. Its all here on this website. Our first intention is to bring the latest technologies down to earth and understandable for everyday drivers.

——————————————————————-

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/2024/09/jeep-dashboard-symbols-update-swells-the-page-by-13/

We just dropped another new Mercedes Benz video

Mercedes_logoMercedes Benz video

We just added a new Mercedes Benz video to our YouTube channel. It is specifically for 2016 and newer models with a dead key fob battery and in many cases a hidden key hole. Models covered are EQB, EQB, GLB, E-Class, EQS, E-Class, Maybach EQS, S-Class, EQE, S-Class, C-Class, AMG, GLC and CLE models.

GLE and GLS SUVs and 2024 and newer G-Class SUVs are covered in a separate video.

All these models use a back up location at the front center console storage area. They vary a bit but tend to be in or near a cup holder.

S-Class-Door-HandleBut the primary reason for this update is to cover getting past two new door handles added since 2022, including the one seen here.

We’ve added the video to our Mercedes Benz video page, which now features ten videos. You can find them all here at this link. The new video can be seen here.

Remember to replace the batteries in your key fobs at the first moment you see a warning on your instrument panel!

Smart Keys or Intelligent Keys, or Access Keys – or whatever the manufacturer of your chooses to call them – that let you into your car and start it with just a touch use up their internal batteries at alarming rates, catching busy drivers unawares – even though the car had tried to warn you.

Our goal is to help you feel safe – and keep you moving or get you moving if at all possible – rather than leave you fretting whenever your key fob stops working. The instructions for getting into and starting most keyless start cars can be found on our pages – without roadside assistance.

——————————————————————-

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/2024/09/we-just-dropped-another-new-mercedes-benz-video/

BMW dashboard symbols update includes an intriguing new pair of indicators

BMW logoBMW dashboard symbols update

Our latest BMW dashboard symbols update added a number of new indicators, with two in particular that stood out. They are the first of what will very likely be many Intersection Collision Warning symbols industry wide over time.

Intersection collision warning leftIntersection collision warning rightThe intriguing part is that the pair face different directions, pointing to which way the danger is approaching! They are shown here on either side. It remains to be seen if drivers will find them an effective warning mechanism. They are certain to be part of any future self driving software developed by BMW.

Other notable additions include alternate Pedestrian Detection symbols, unnecessary in our opinion, and Manual Speed Limiter indicators.

All in all, there are more than 80 symbols that can be seen on our BMW symbols page here.

Cars are changing, and among those changes is the growing number of symbols and indicators that will invariably show up on your dashboard or instrument panel. Every year, new features are added to vehicles, each of which is accompanied by a new symbol or symbols and likely a new acronym.

At DashboardSymbols.com, our aim is to help you understand what is happening to your vehicle at the first sign of trouble – a new warning light illuminated on your instrument panel. Its all here on this website. Our first intention is to bring the latest technologies down to earth and understandable for everyday drivers.

——————————————————————-

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/2024/09/bmw-dashboard-symbols-update-includes-an-intriguing-new-pair-of-indicators/