Tag: all wheel drive

Special drive modes page now features 24 indicators

Special drive modes

Once again thanks to Subaru, the Special Drive Modes page now has 24 entries. This comes courtesy of what it calls the X-MODE system, used in its 4-wheel and all wheel drive models.

The system features three indicators that are not dissimilar to others found on the page. X-MODE is the integrated control system of the engine, AWD (All-Wheel Drive) and Vehicle Dynamics Control system, etc. for driving with bad road conditions. X-MODE helps maintain control in slippery conditions, including uphill and downhill.

X-Mode 2 indicatorX-Mode 1 indicatorX-Mode indicatorThe first indicator is found in vehicles that have a single option. The second can be found in vehicle with two options and is for deep snow and mud. The third is the second option and is for snow and dirt.

Once again, these are not so unlike other indicators found on the page (in fact, the last two already exist), and in our opinion, adding yet another set of images as well as a new system name for drivers to learn and interpret was completely unnecessary. Any one of the other illustrations could easily have been used and Subaru could have just gone with Snow/Mud Mode, etc, as is the case for the two pre-existing indicators.

And 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 special drive modes 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/special-drive-modes-page-now-features-24-indicators/

All-wheel Drive On Indicator Symbols

All-wheel Drive

AWD On IndicatorAWD-V On IndicatorThese are All-wheel Drive (AWD) On Indicator symbols. Unlike many similar indicators looking indicators, these are green and serve to tell you that your vehicle’s all-wheel drive system is engaged and possibly what mode it is in.

  • Before continuing, are you sure one of these is your symbol?? If yes, then read on below.
  • Otherwise you can return to our main Picture Symbols page or our Text Symbols page and scan again!

Multiple modes makes the lights necessary. Is the light yellow/amber??

Note that any yellow/amber all-wheel drive indicator, possibly flashing, indicates a problem in the system that must be addressed by your dealer or other qualified service personnel. Turn the system off if possible.

The AWD-V adds a full Vectoring component, which is what the ‘V’ stands for. The stick figure or line drawing that the letters are superimposed on are meant to be four wheels with the front wheels turned to the right.

In AWD-V, more torque is transferred between the rear wheels. This can lead to some slip in the outside wheel in extreme conditions. So, AWD only is recommended in very slippery conditions.

All this is more than necessary for most drivers, so stick to 2-wheel drive (AWD not engaged) in normal driving and AWD alone in slippery conditions.

Other Versions

2WD indicatorThis pair of symbols are simpler, indicating that the system is in all wheel or two wheel drive. The text inside the stick figures states this clearly. And change in color will, however, indicate a system problem that will require a qualified service shop.

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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/2013/12/all-wheel-drive-on-indicator-symbols/

All Wheel Drive Trouble Indicators

All Wheel Drive

All Wheel Drive Trouble IndicatorAWD Trouble Indicator 2These are the All Wheel Drive (AWD) Trouble Indicator symbols. These lights will be on when All-Wheel Drive is disengaged and the drive mechanism is switched to Front Wheel Drive for maintenance or if there is a problem with the system. The car can be safely operated in front wheel drive.  With the exception of the red symbol below, all these symbols appear as yellow/amber.

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

eAWD IndicatoreAWD indicatorOf course, if the vehicle is electric (EV), it gets its own indicators. The only reason to do this is that the All-Wheel Drive system is actually electric. In yellow/amber/orange, the electric AWD system is limited, and will turn off when the system is working normally.. In red, there is a malfunction. A good repair shop or your dealer will be needed.

All wheel drive failureThe symbol to the left also includes a stick figure image meant to look like four wheels with the front wheels turned to the right. All these lights incorporate the AWD acronym and may include an exclamation point. Malfunctions may be indicated by the system before a real problem is obvious, but don’t waste time. Have the system checked out as soon as possible.

These symbols will flash if the vehicle is fitted with tires of differing diameters or if the air pressure in any of the tire drops dramatically. The AWD system will be unavailable, but the main front or wheel drive wheels will operate normally. The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) light will also very likely be lit, if the vehicle is equipped with the system.

Aff Wheel Drive only Engaged IndicatorSome older vehicles use this red FWD light to indicate a problem with an All Wheel Drive system. FWD stands for Front Wheel Drive, and in this context means that the AWD has been disengaged automatically due to the problem. Only the front wheels will be available until the AWD system is repaired.

Related Symbols

All Wheel Drive DisabledAWD Malfunction IndicatorThe picture symbols shown to the right are very much 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.

Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2012/05/all-wheel-drive-trouble-indicator/

Turn Assist Indicator Symbol

Turn Assist

Turn Assist IndicatorThis is a Turn Assist Indicator symbol. It will be illuminated only when the function is active and the green color only says it is operating. Turn assist is available in some all-wheel drive vehicle and only when the additional slow-speed or rough terrain systems are also active.

  • 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 image looks like the four wheels drawn in a stick figure with a looping arrow in the front, with the wheels seemingly pointing only to the right.

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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/2012/03/turn-assist-indicator-symbol/

Differential Lock and Axle Lock Indicators

Differential Lock

Differential Lock Indicator4WD Lock Indicator4wd lock indicatorThese are all versions of Differential Lock Indicator symbols, the first being Center Differential Lock indicators. The option to lock the differential may be available in an all-wheel drive vehicle. Turn it on only if you become stuck in mud or snow, or if you are driving on a loose surface off road at low speeds. A symbol featuring all four wheels will appear on the instrument panel when the lock is in use.

  • But first, is one of these truly your symbol?? If yes, then continue reading below. 
  • Otherwise return to our main Picture Symbols page and scan again!

If seen as a picture, they will look like line drawings or stick figures with an X or the word LOCK in it. And there is much more to know.

Any traction control feature in the vehicle will be deactivated by this action as well, so that the traction of all four wheels can be used.

Many More Versions

All wheel drive low indicatorThis version, an AWD LOW indicator, also says that the vehicles axles are locked together in low gear. All the wheels will turn at the same rate, and should only be operated at low speed in slippery conditions, which is also why this indicator and all the others are shown in yellow/amber, as a caution not to move too fast or on dry pavement.

All Wheel Lock IndicatorAWD lock indicatorIf this system is accidentally engaged, your vehicle will hitch and buck and feel like it is going to tear itself apart at normal speeds. Come to a stop and look for the symbol on your dash or console and disengage the system. Drive forward or backward a few feet to complete the disengagement.

Differential lock malfunctionThis version, seen in black and white, is seen in the information display and will be accompanied by a text explanation. The open circle in the center indicates a malfunctioning differential lock. Again, a helpful explanation will be seen with the warning light, although resolving the problem will likely require a qualified repair shop.

AWD Lock IndicatorThe indicator may turn up as symbols in all text, like the Diff (differential) Lock or All Wheel Drive (AWD) Lock Indicators shown here to the left. They mean the same as the images above.

Rear Differential Lock IndicatorElectronic Rear Differential LockDifferential locks indicator3These are Rear Differential Lock indicators. The versions on the left features a large closed circle or a pad lock between the two rear (bottom) wheels. The version to the right uses an X in place of the closed circle and is an Electronic Rear Differential Lock indicator. Both versions indicate that the two rear wheels have been locked to rotate together. Like the center lock options above, a button or dial on the dashboard or center console has been engaged locking the wheels and can be turned off.

Differential locks fault indicatorThe exclamation point indicates a malfunction on the differential lock system. It is likely electronic, so try restarting the vehicle. If the vehicle is equipped with an Information Display and a CHECK DIFFERENTIAL or DIFFERENTIAL MALFUNCTION message is shown, contact your dealer. If the vehicle hitches and bucks like a bronco at speeds above 20 MPH and the Lock cannot be disengaged, reduce speed and go straight to your dealer or service center, or have the vehicle towed.

Front Axle LockRear Axle LockDifferential locks indicatorThere are now options to lock either or both of the front and rear axles electronically from some manufacturers. These padlock images are Front and Rear Axle Lock Indicator symbols. The image with the double locks indicate that both front and rear locks have been engaged.

To activate the system, pressing an axle lock switch once locks the rear axle, while a second press locks the front axle. The indicators will be lit. The indicators will flash prior to being fully locked or unlocked. The axle locks will disengage if the vehicle is taken out of 4L (Low) range, or the ignition switch is turned off.

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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/2010/10/center-differential-lock-indicator-symbol/