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.

The Acura dashboard symbols page has been given the new color treatment

Acura_logoAcura dashboard symbols

Several months after updating our Acura dashboard symbols page, we at last re-aligned the page into the new color arrangement. We’ve now transformed 21 pages, including our primary picture symbols page, to reflect the new color ordering and just short of half of our total manufacturer symbols pages on our site.

Note that when we updated the page, we discovered that a large number of new symbols needed to be added, but they were already in our possession. That is because of the addition of the ZDX EV model to the line up, which was done in collaboration with General Motors (GM). We had the symbols in play — on our GM pages.

Acura parent Honda Motor Co. and GM jointly developed the EVs, a collaboration that began in 2013, which was initially focused on hydrogen fuel. That shifted as EVs rose to prominence and in essence, GM‘s drivetrain and control systems won out. And the proof is in the owner’s manuals that look very much like carbon copies of GM manuals.

The page is now ordered red through yellow/orange/amber (depending on how you interpret the color!), then to green and blue and finally to black and white or gray scale symbols.

Ordering the page by color provides a cleaner, simpler option for drivers searching for information on a new symbol.

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.

Our page covering Acura indicators, now numbering over 90, can be seen here. On to Honda…

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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/2024/11/the-acura-dashboard-symbols-page-has-been-given-the-new-color-treatment/

Dog Mode is slowly spreading

Dog Mode

Dog modeI have a friend who has had some recent headaches with her Tesla and has threatened to move on to another vehicle. But, she wonders why no one else has Dog Mode, which she makes great us of.

Dog Mode allows the temperature in the car to be set, keeping the vehicle interior at that temperature until you return. Whether the cabin needs to be heated or cooled, the car will control the HVAC to hold the selected temperature.

She has a point, and rather misses another.

First and foremost, any car — electric or otherwise — with a remote start option or a remote climate control option can be effectively used as a pet protector, which is the missed point! More on that in a bit.

But, since dog mode is such a good idea, this first spurred a search, and while its taken more time than it should have, it does appear that pet protection is at last being added by a number of manufacturers.

Other Manufacturers

The search found that Ford, Rivian, Lucid and Volvo have added similar features. Hyundai and Chevrolet were included in the list, but we couldn’t find any indication of this in any Hyundai, Kia, Genesis or Chevrolet model.

The other manufacturers use different names, and while there may be a copyright on the use of Dog Mode, its more likely that others just like to apply their own name to systems that perform the same function. For instance Ford calls theirs Pet Mode, which is sensible, while Lucid takes it a step too far calling it Creature Comfort Mode.

But back to remote start. In an EV, since there is no engine to warm up, this is nothing more than cabin preconditioning. This could easily be used in place of an actual pet mode to keep a pet safe.

However, remote start shuts down if no one comes to the vehicle to actually drive it. In a Kia for instance, this is 10 minutes.

Further, remote start is available in vehicles using internal combustion engines (ICE) as well. In this case, the engine would be running throwing its exhaust into the air, but at least your pet will be safe.

However, if you use remote start to keep a pet safe be sure you have enough battery power or gasoline. The Telsa feature only works above 20% battery or a little less than a “quarter” tank of fuel. A good rule of thumb.

But the real point to manufacturers is this: just exactly how difficult is it to gather existing software applications and making a Dog Mode button and screen? This is a seriously popular and potentially even life saving feature. It can be applied to humans left in the car as well…

If you make use of remote start for this purpose, you may want to make a sign to place in your window letting outsiders know. Otherwise a good samaritan may be tempted to smash a window to rescue your pet…

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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/2024/11/dog-mode-is-slowly-spreading/

An update of our Lincoln dashboard symbols page adds 27 new indicators

Lincoln LogoLincoln dashboard symbols

The Lincoln dashboard symbols page update is now complete, with 27 symbols added. A full 18 of them are brand new entries to the entire universe of symbols.

This from a company that only makes four models!

Among the new entries are three BlueCruise symbols, an auto high beam indicator that manages only to move the letter A to a new position, and two new pre-collision indicators.

BlueCruise is Lincoln‘s, or more to the point Ford Motor Co.’s version of a self driving system for highways. The subscription service uses cameras to monitor the vehicle’s position within a lane and applies steering support to keep the vehicle centered in the lane. The colors indicate the system status.

Bluecruise available indicatorBlue cruise active indicatorBlue cruise hands-free indicatorGray-scale indicates BlueCruise is on but inactive. Green says the system is active and applying continuous steering support. Blue indicates that the system is active and hands-free driving mode is available.

Auto high beamHigh beam assistantHigh-beam Assistant IndicatorThe latest automatic high beam indicator is at the far right, where the letter A for automatic is shifted outside the of the flattened oval meant to represent a headlight. Lincoln models now use all three of the symbols shown! The new one is just completely useless.

Reverse brake assist indicatorPre-collision assist malfunctionForward collision warningThe pre-collision indicators add a star behind the car which is meant to indicate a crash. The new ones are to the far right and in front of it is a pre-existing one that could easily have been used rather than make new ones.

We’ll keep saying it: the more symbols that are created the more useless the entire indicator light system becomes.

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 the Lincoln symbols 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/2024/11/an-update-of-our-lincoln-dashboard-symbols-page-adds-27-new-indicators/

Surprise? FHWA finds roundabouts greatly reduce accidents

Federal Highway AdminRoundabouts

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), under the umbrella of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), has released a study that finds that roundabouts, or traffic circles, can reduce fatal and serious injury crashes. By a lot.

Specifically, converting a traditional signalized intersection to a roundabout, the reduction can be as high as 78% and converting a two-way stop-controlled intersection can reduce fatal and serious injury crashes by 82%. Run a light or a stop sign anyone?

Roundabout in TexasThe image is an aerial view of a teardrop roundabout, in of Allen, TX, which extends over another highway.

I run through at least one traffic circle nearly every day, and I have to say that reading the report was a ‘duh’ moment. Of course they do! Its nearly impossible to approach a circle at the same rate of speed as happens with other intersection types.

And the Allen, TX intersection combines highway access with a cross road and looks like a stroke of genius. The FHWA says the roundabout is considered an operational and aesthetic success, having received the American Public Works Association Texas Chapter Project of the Year in 2023 as well as a Top 10 Road Award from Roads & Bridges Magazine. The interchange is the largest and most recent example, but five other roundabouts have been installed in the City since the year 2003 and they are considered a viable solution in the right context.

Visitors to the east coast of the U.S. who have never experienced a traffic circle are often frustrated by the experience, but this is pretty much only due to to the lack of experience with the intersection style. Once mastered, they are generally simple to navigate.

There are more complex types involving multiple lanes and sometimes multiple intersections, but even these can be handled with experience. And the FHWA, along with many state and local agencies, continues to advocate for roundabouts to reduce fatal and severe injury crashes at intersections.

Something that this publication can get behind. The full report can be found 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/2024/11/surprise-fhwa-finds-roundabouts-greatly-reduce-accidents/

New drive mode indicators swell two drive mode pages

Drive mode indicators

While finishing our Lincoln dashboard symbols page update, we find ourselves yet again adding to already swollen drive mode pages with three brand new symbols. The two pages now hold over 90 symbols between them.

And of course, there already existed symbols that could have been used!

Deep snow mode indicatorSnow Mode IndicatorHere is a Deep Snow indicator that we added to our Special Drive Modes page (far right). And next to it is a simple SNOW Mode indicator we have a on a separate page. Were the drawing skills truly necessary?

Excite mode indicatorSport mode indicatorSport mode lightThe next one is truly infuriating. Its an Excite Mode indicator (far right), which, lets face it, is a Sport, Track or Race Mode, of which we have a half dozen examples. We included two here.

As we keep repeating, the proliferation of indicators is a travesty foisted on drivers for the simple reason that manufacturers feel a need to flex some creative muscle. Its frankly embarrassing

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 Drive Mode page is here and the Special Drive Mode 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/2024/11/new-drive-mode-indicators-swell-two-drive-mode-pages/

Black and white and gray scale indicators gets its page

Lane Keeping Assistance ImageGray scale indicators

Some time ago, we made a table to account for the growing number of black and white and gray scale indicators. However, we neglected to create a page for them.

That oversight has now been corrected.

Auto Hold greenAuto Hold indicatorSymbols seen in black and white and gray scale are principally the result of advanced driver assist systems that are often left on stand by awaiting actual use. An easy example is the use of brake hold systems. When ready for use, the symbol is in black and white. When set, the symbol turns green, as can be seen to the right.

We don’t know how many drivers will search by color alone, and we don’t actually recommend it. But we owe it to them to provide every search option possible.

The best search option remains to choose the manufacturer of your vehicle 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.

The back and white and gray scale 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/2024/11/black-and-white-and-gray-scale-indicators-gets-its-page/

We were wrong — somewhat — on the Lincoln owner’s manual fail

Lincoln LogoLincoln owner’s manual fail

So we reported a few days ago that we had run into another owner’s manual fail, this time from Lincoln. In this case we stated that the company had left out a list of indicators found on the Corsair instrument panel completely.

We were wrong. We found the list backed up against a similar list of symbols found on items in the car and manual, but not on the instrument panel.

However, having searched the entire manual — nearly 600 pages — we still found seven indicators that were not in the list! Plus we have three that will be found at the top of the vehicle’s entertainment screen related to over the air updates that we’re going to ad.

So this trend still needs to end, or at least be very carefully addressed by manufacturers. And evidently we need to be more careful searching through manuals.

This remains a mistake — Lincoln owners will still have to thumb though many, many pages to identify some of the indicators on their instrument panel, unless of course they happen to be 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.

Our current set of Lincoln indicators is here. We continue to work on finishing the update.

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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/2024/11/we-were-wrong-somewhat-on-the-lincoln-owners-manual-fail/