Tag: Acura

Oversight causes us to correct the Chevrolet back up open page

Chevrolet logoChevrolet back up open

This is our fail! We updated both the Chevrolet back up open and start pages some time ago, as well as those for Honda and Acura. We then added a video to YouTube describing how to open and start the new Honda and Acura EV models, which are based on some GM EVs.

But we got it wrong! Something was bugging us and sure enough, while we had the Honda and Acura pages correct on the back up open, we had the Chevrolet page and the video wrong!

The older versions of the covered key hole requires the prying of a cap at the back of the driver’s door handle clean off to expose a key hole (far right). In the new Blazer EV and the Honda and Acura versions, only the top portion of the cap is removed (right), and in a far less aggressive way.

We corrected the page and pulled the video.

Regardless, we need to get our hands on one of the models to truly get a “handle” on how the process works. We’ll re-issue a video when we do.

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.

The Honda/Acura back up open page is here and the Chevrolet version 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 could be more true.

Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2024/12/oversight-causes-us-to-correct-the-chevrolet-back-up-open-page/

The new color treatment added to our Honda dashboard symbols page

Honda logoHonda dashboard symbols

Following on the heels of the changeover of our Acura symbols page, we have now re-ordered our Honda dashboard symbols page into the new color alignment. We updated the page several months ago.

We’ve now transformed 22 pages, including our primary pictographic symbols page, to reflect the new color ordering and still 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 Prologue 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.

Honda and GM jointly developed the EVs, a collaboration that began in 2013, which was initially focused on hydrogen as the fuel of the future. 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 and not at all like Honda manuals.

Page Setup

The symbols 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 Honda indicators, now with nearly 100, 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 could be more true.

Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2024/11/the-new-color-treatment-added-to-our-honda-dashboard-symbols-page/

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/

New Honda and Acura EVs Require New Dashboard Symbols for a Very Surprising Reason

Honda logoNew Dashboard Symbols

The introduction of the Honda Prologue and Acura ZDX electric vehicles in 2024 required us to add several new dashboard symbols to the manufacturer’s respective pages. Well, actually, new old symbols.

This is because we already had the symbols in play — on pages for General Motors GM logo(GM) models!

What’s happened is that Honda and GM jointly developed the EVs, a collaboration that began in 2013, which was 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!

The cover pages of the Honda and Acura models are properly identified. Then comes page one…

Tables of Contents

Below in order are the table of contents for a Chevrolet Malibu (left) and the Honda Pilot (right). And then below left is the TOC for the Honda Prologue.

Chevrolet Malibu TOCThey’re difficult to read here, but the styles are clear, which is the point. The contents of the Prologue and ZDX manuals follow the GM style of presentation to the letter right on through the entire manual! Every other Honda or Acura manual for 15 years+ has a TOC and structure just like the Pilot.

Honda Pilot TOCAnd the result is the addition of at least a dozen new (at least to Honda!) symbols and telltales that fall right out of the GM playbook.

The majority of the additions are of course related to the fact that the vehicles are fully electric. So all of the resulting indicators and warnings related  to the high voltage system are found.

Honda Proloque TOCBut beyond this, many of the driver support system indicators, like lane keeping and pedestrian avoidance are in the GM style.

Remember that auto manufacturers are given great leeway in the way they present warning symbols and indicators. Only a few are identical from one manufacturer to another. Most of the time symbols end up looking similar but differ enough for us to address here on this site. Hence the fact that we host over 1,000 of them 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.

Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2024/08/new-honda-and-acura-evs-require-new-dashboard-symbols-for-a-very-surprising-reason/

2024 New York International Auto Show Reflections

Who Showed, Who Didn’t

The 2024 New York International Auto Show (NYIAS) was notable as much for who still didn’t show up as for what we found on the show floor.

Since the pandemic shut down the show for two years, Mercedes-Benz and BMW have yet to reappear. And while Mazda and Mitsubishi made appearances in ’22 and ’23, there were a no show this year. And from Fiat Chrysler — or Stellantis — only Jeep showed up with its outdoor test climb.

The value of industry trade shows was questioned in the wake of the pandemic. They are expensive to put on, requiring the movement of large numbers of people and vehicles and booth materials. There’s no EV trackevidence of Mercedes and BMW suffering from ignoring this and other trade shows.

Further evidence of a cut back in show attendance were the tiny booths set up by both Volvo and Audi. Barely room for a few car. For the second year in row, Hyundai took advantage of available floor space to make its own test track. The EV track (right) remained on the first level.

EVs in the Limelight

ID BuzzPolestar 4Elsewhere, EVs remain a focus of the show, clearly an attempt to acquaint the buying public with the shift to electric driving. Volkswagen’s ID Buzz (left) made and appearance. Polestar was at the show for the first time and brought its 2, 3, and 4 models. The Polestar 4 (right) won’t be available to order for another few months with deliveries expected in 2025.

Acura ZDXPorsche line upPorsche featured all four of its available electric line: the Tacan, Macan, Cayenne and Panamera (left), all open and available to crawl through. As always with Porsche, the styling is impeccable.

Acura brought its first EV, the ZDX (right), but kept it locked tight. Seems a bit short sighted if you’re hoping to generate interest.

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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/2024/03/2024-new-york-international-auto-show-reflections/

Can Your Car Windows Open on Their Own??

Why Are My Windows Open?

If you’ve ever walked out to your car and found all the windows open, this is our subject.  We’re going to discuss a feature found in cars from a number of manufacturers that catches people with their pants down. Or their windows down. This is not about a fault or a system failure or a warning light, but about something working exactly as it is supposed to, but doing it seemingly at random on its own.

Vehicles made by BMW and Mini, Honda and Acura, Ford and Lincoln, Maserati, Mercedes, Toyota and Lexus and Volkswagen Group, include what is called a convenience feature, which opens all the windows for ventilation when the unlock button is pressed and held. The sunroof will be open as well and the car unlocked.

Honda windowsWindows downFrom what we’ve discovered only Mercedes and some vehicles made by the Volkswagen Group offers the option to close everything again using the lock button. The Honda we have here does not.

Its An Accident!

So, what is causing the surprise window openings can be explained by accidental button pushes. Whether carried in a bag or in a pocket, something pressing on the unlock button for an extended period can and will activate the feature, if the key fob is within 50 feet or so. Remember that while the key fob’s keyless access can only operate within 18 to 24 inches of the vehicle, the buttons on the fob will work from a much greater distance.

Lexus windowsFor a fob carried in a pocket, preventing this may be a simple as turning the fob over on the key ring. The buttons will face the other way, if like me, your keys rest in the pocket the same way each time.

If it is carried in a bag, the nature of keyless open and start can easily lead to the fob migrating to the bottom of the bag. In this case, you might try using a device like this carabiner or snap hook. It can be hooked to a strap like on this computer bag and still actually be closed into the bag. But it won’t work its way to the bottom. The devices come in many different sizes and colors so you can be a stylish as you’d like and they can be found online or at most hardware stores.

To finish off the functions of the actual convenience feature, the windows will stop short if the button is released, and will continue down if it is pressed and held yet again. Some vehicles require the unlock button to be pressed and released once before the convenience feature will work. In Honda and Acura vehicles, the feature will work by holding the mechanical key turned to the right in the key cylinder, but this will not happen accidently. Also, turning and holding the key back to the left will close the windows and sunroof.

The feature can be disabled in Ford Motor Co and Toyota and Lexus vehicles, but you’ll need your dealer. In fact, the feature in a Toyota and Lexus must have first been activated in this way.

So, if ever you find your windows wide open one day, don’t panic — find a new way to carry your key fob.

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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/2019/09/can-your-car-windows-open-on-their-own/

Acura Dashboard Symbols and Warning Lights

Acura_logoAcura Symbols

So, what is that light on your dashboard? What follows is easily the most complete list available of symbols and warnings that may appear in and on your car’s dashboard or instrument cluster.

The following are warning lights and indicators found in vehicles built by Acura. Click the link to the right of each one to learn more.

How They Are Presented

They are ordered primarily by color and roughly by importance. First up are red, followed by yellow/amber/orange symbols (depending on how you see the color!), then blue and green symbols and finally white and gray scale symbols. There are over 90 of them, so search carefully!

Need the symbols for another manufacturer? Click here!

Red indicators
Charging System Trouble Indicator SymbolCharge system trouble indicator -- click for more
Brake Trouble IndicatorBrake trouble indicators -- click for moreBrake Trouble Indicator Canada
Oil Trouble Indicator SymbolOil warning light -- click for more
Temperature Warning Light SymbolEngine temperature indicator -- click for more
SRS Air Bag Indicator SymbolAir bag warning indicators -- click for moreSRS Text IndicatorSide Airbag Off Text Indicator
Steering Trouble IndicatorElectric power steering fault indicator -- click for more
Steering assist alertSteering assist indicator -- click for more
Drivetrain Trouble IndicatorTransmission trouble indicator -- click for more
Transmission Temperature WarningTransmission overheat indicator -- click for more
eAWD indicatorAll wheel drive trouble indicator -- click for more
Traction battery warningEV battery fault -- click for more
EV charge warningCharge status indicator -- click for more
Charge cord connectedCharging indicator -- click for more
Seat Belt Reminder SymbolSeat belt reminder -- click for more
Door Ajar Warning IndicatorDoor ajar indicator -- click for more
Immobilizer dotSecurity indicator -- click for more
Yellow/amber/orange indicators
Message Indicator SymbolMessage indicator -- click for more
Check engine lightCheck engine light -- click for more
Keyless malfunctionKeyless start fault indicator -- click for more
Stacility controlStability control indicators -- click for moreAmber Master Warning Light SymbolVSA Indicator Symbol
Traction control indicatorTraction control fault or slip indicator -- click for more
Slip Control Off IndicatorStability control off indicator -- click for more
Tire Pressure Monitor SymbolTire pressure monitor indicators -- click for moreTPMS Malfunction Indicator
ABS Trouble Indicator CanadaAnti-lock brake system fault indicators -- click for moreABS Trouble Indicator US
Super Handling All Wheel Drive IndicatorAll wheel drive trouble indicator -- click for moreeAWD IndicatorAll Wheel Drive Trouble Indicator
Check Gas CapLoose gas cap indicator -- click for more
EV System IndicatorEV service necessary -- click for more
Power Limitation IndicatorPower limitation indicators -- click for morePower limited indicator
Safety system support indicatorDriver assist system status indicator -- click for more
Blind Spot IndicatorBlind spot warning indicator -- click for more
Forward collision warningCollision mitigation fault indicators -- click for moreForward_Collision Warning IndicatorCollision Mitigation Brake System Indicator
Lane Departure WarningLane keeping indicators -- click for moreHands on lane keeping indicatorLKAS Amber
ACC indicatorAdaptive cruise control trouble or on indicators -- click for moreActive cruise control
start stop indicatorAuto stop indicators -- click for moreStart/Stop Trouble Indicator
Starter System Trouble IndicatorMore auto stop indicators -- click for moreStart stop system off indicator
ADS indicatorActive damper (suspension) system indicator -- click for more
AFS indicatorAdaptive front lighting system malfunction indicator -- click for more
Brake lamp indicatorBrake lamp out indicator -- click for more
LED Headlight MalfunctionHeadlamp malfunction indicator -- click for more
Low Fuel IndicatorLow fuel indicator -- click for more
Windshield Washer Fluid Low IndicatorLow washer fluid indicator -- click for more
Green and blue indicators
Temperature Indicator ColdEngine temperature indicator -- click for more
Immobilizer System IndicatorSecurity indicator -- click for more
Ready indicatorEV ready indicator -- click for more
Hold Operation IndicatorBrake hold indicators -- click for moreBrake hold indicator
Lane departure indicatorLane keeping indicator -- click for more
Adaptive Cruise Control IndicatorAdaptive cruise control trouble or on indicator -- click for more
Another Cruise Control IndicatorCruise control indicators -- click for moreCruise Control Main Indicator
Upshift indicatorShift reminder indicators -- click for moreDownshift indicator
High-beam Assistant IndicatorAutomatic high beam indicator -- click for moreHigh beam assistant
Daytime Running LightsDaytime running lights indicator -- click for more
Fog Lamp Indicator SymbolFog lamps on indicator -- click for more
Tail Light Indicator CanadaPark lamps on indicator -- click for more
Turn Signal IndicatorTurn signal indicator -- click for more
High Beam On IndicatorHigh beam indicator -- click for more
White and gray scale indicators
Service ReminderMaintenance required indicator -- click for more
Transmission system indicatorTransmission trouble indicator -- click for more
One pedal driving indicatorOne pedal driving indicator -- click for more
Auto brake indicatorBrake hold indicator -- click for more
Lane departure indicatorLane keeping indicator -- click for more
Start stop fault indicatorAuto stop indicator -- click for more
Normal mode indicatorDrive mode indicators -- click for moreIndividual mode indicatorComfort mode indicator
Sport mode indicatorMore drive mode indicators -- click for moreNormal mode indicatorSport + mode indicator
Drive mode indicatorEven more drive mode indicators -- click for moreSport mode indicatorRain snow mode

Models examined include CL, ILX, MDX, NSX, RDX, RL, RLX, TL, TLX, TSX, and ZDX.

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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/2019/07/acura-warning-lights-and-symbols/