Tag: dashboard symbol

And The Dashboard Symbols Saga Continues

A Manufacturer Update Adds Yet More Symbols

In an earlier post, the Dashboard Symbols Saga, some weeks ago, we noted that we now host 986 warning lights and indicators. Nine hundred and eighty six! Well, we updated our Buick page, and added yet another five new symbols, bringing the total to 991 (now over 1000!). And those additions serve to point out just how out of control the entire warning light system has become.

The new entries are an Auto Start symbol, a Driver Attention symbol, a Super Cruise symbol, a Snow Mode symbol and a Sport Mode symbol. In each case, the industry already had perfectly usable pre-existing symbols, but Buick opted to use new ones anyway!

Were These Necessary?

Auto start stop symbolIn a word. no. Top the left is the new Auto Start symbol. It is very similar to others in use across the industry. In fact, we have a post (here) that includes 17 previous iterations! Some are in text.

Stop Start Ready IndicatorHowever, what Buick chose to use was sufficiently different that it could not be ignored. The symbol shown to the right is the closest pre-existing version, but the new one did not include the words Start and Stop.

Attention alertSuper Cruise indicatorSnow and ice modeSport mode indicatorIn effect, the next four could be discussed in exactly the same way. The Driver Attention, Super Cruise, Snow Mode and Sport Mode symbols, seen from the left, all exist in other forms. Each is also linked to our posts on the subjects. In fact Super Cruise is a General Motors construct and still the company opted to make a change in the image!

Driver monitoring system malfunctionSuper cruise indicatorFrost Warning IndicatorSport modePre-existing versions of the symbols are shown to the right. Certainly in the case of Super Cruise, the new symbol is very, very close to the original representation. However, we feel an obligation to present them exactly as a driver would see them.

We find the entire experience to an insult to drivers everywhere. Assuming the system remains in place, then it should be said that any new system developed and introduced in automobiles must have its own symbol. These symbols are meant first and foremost to easily identifiable to the average driver. And while it can easily be called into questioned that this first principle is actually achieved, if each system ends up being represented by a dozen or more symbol versions, it is highly unlikely that any one driver anywhere will ever be able to determine a symbol’s meaning without looking it up.

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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/and-the-dashboard-symbols-saga-continues/

Are You Seeing a Horseshoe-shaped Dashboard Warning Light?

What is the Horseshoe-shaped Dashboard Warning Light?

Its cold weather time again and time again to speak about the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), and its associated warning light(s). Every year several million more drivers who have recently upgraded their cars will encounter the light for the first time.

Tire Pressure Monitor SymbolRare Tire Pressure Light w/ArrowsThese are two versions of the TPMS light, and either one is easily the most misunderstood warning light you’ll find on your instrument panel. And the fact that its shaped like a horseshoe doesn’t help.

First, unlike other yellow/amber lights, there is nothing wrong with your car — it presents you information about your tires and likely as not there’s nothing actually wrong with them either.

Why the Light Is On

There are two possible reasons why you are seeing this light. First, as the weather cools the most likely possibility is that all four of your tires are low on air (and/or the spare!). The second possibility is that one tire has a leak of some sort, but we’ll return to that in a moment.

Air expands when heated and contracts when cooled. Air that has cooled and contracted in your tires leads to reduced tire pressure. The warning light comes on and air needs to be added to your tires. Its important to note that air has not actually leaked out.

TPMS displayBut the warning light does not discriminate between cooling air and actual air leaks. It comes on if one tire is low or all four is low, so more information is needed. Your model may or may not include a display option like the one shown. It is a read out of the tire pressure in the individual tires. If all four tires read roughly the same, within a pound or two, the warning light is the result of seasonal cooling.

And while on the subject,  a thought for manufacturers. Every vehicle equipped with the tire pressure warning light simply must be equipped with this display. Leaving your customers in the dark by displaying the warning light only is unacceptable to us.

Now, if one tire is several pounds lower than the others, 5, 6 or 7 pounds or more, that tire is leaking and needs to be serviced as soon as possible.

If your vehicle is one that features only the warning light, the tire pressures need to be checked by hand to determine the cause — a single leak or seasonal reduction in all four.

If you’re not comfortable checking your tire pressures or with filling them, the good news is that pretty much every tire store, repair shop or car dealer will fill them for you at no cost. Its simple for them to do and they make a friend in the process, meaning more business from you down the road. Please drop in on one of them.

Tire pressure labelIf you are comfortable with checking your tire pressures and adding air, by all means do so. But you will first need to know the required tire pressure. Look for a label just below where the driver’s door latches. The required pressures will be shown. They will match left to right but will likely be a little different front to rear. Set the pressure on the pump and trust it. It will stop pumping once the proper pressure is reached. You may also find yourself using a pump with a built in gauge. Trust it as well and be sure to add your spare tire to the routine.

Each tire valve has a cap that needs to be unscrewed and removed. Don’t lose it — it keeps water and dirt out and will keep the valve from developing a leak.

Learn more about this warning symbol 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/2023/12/are-you-seeing-a-horseshoe-shaped-warning-light/

E-Boost Dashboard Indicators

E-Boost System

E-boost indicator 2E-boost indicatorE-boost indicator 3These are E-Boost System or PowerShot System Indicator symbols. It will be seen as a lightning bolt in a cloud-like circle in gray, white or green. This light alerts the driver to the status of the system Alfa Romeo vehicles use the term E-Boost while Dodge uses PowerShot. The system and the results are the same.

  • Before continuing, are you these are your symbols?? If yes, then read on below.
  • Otherwise you can return to our main Picture Symbols page and scan again!

E-Boost and PowerShot are a belt-driven 48V hybrid system. This system helps in stop-and-go (see this link) situations and translates to improvements for the official city fuel economy. Seen in white, the system is unavailable. Seen in gray it is available and in green, it is engaged.

Using an E-Booster or PowerShot allows the manufacturer to fit a larger turbocharger for additional maximum power from an internal combustion engine. According to the company’s plans, it’s up to 25% more powerful than current engines.

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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/2023/10/e-boost-indicators/

Recording Dashboard Indicator

Recording

Recording indicatorThis is a Recording Dashboard Indicator symbol. The light indicates that the recording function of the driver monitor camera is in operation. If the icon is blinking, recording is ongoing, while constant illumination indicates the function is ready for recording. The light may be in gray scale or color.

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

This indicator is made necessary by the addition driver monitoring systems and subsequent privacy concerns. Drivers must be alerted to the fact that their car is recording their actions behind wheel, which may be saved in the vehicle or even submitted to the manufacturer.

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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/2023/05/recording-indicator/

Proactive Driving Assist Dashboard Indicators

Driving Assist

PDA Indicator in GreenPDA Indicator yellow amberPDA IndicatorThese are Proactive Driving Assist Dashboard Indicators symbols. The Proactive Driving Assist (PDA) system, effectively a self-driving system, is designed to provide some assistance for regular braking and steering operations, as well as helping to prevent the vehicle from approaching too close to a detectable object.

  • 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 manufacturer offers the standard disclaimer related to the status of self driving systems in 2023, stating  that the scope of this assistance is limited and that the driver should perform brake and steering operations as necessary and to not overly rely on the proactive driving assist. The system is also not to be used in poor visibility conditions.

PDA offers Obstacle Anticipation Assist for objects detected crossing the road or on the side of the road. It also offers Deceleration Assist, decelerating if a vehicle in front or cutting in front of the vehicle is detected. The system can also detect a curve and decelerate. Finally, it offers Steering Assist, effectively a Lane Keeping System integrated into PDA.

Seen in white or gray scale, the system is active and in detection mode. In green, the system has detected objects and is responding accordingly.  Lane detection and steering symbols will be used in appropriate situations alongside PDA symbols.

A yellow/amber indicator indicates a malfunction in the system. The information display will have additional information for the driver. Ultimately, your dealer or a good technician will be needed to repair the fault.

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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/2023/05/proactive-driving-assist-pda-indicator/

Shift to Park Dashboard Warning

Shift to Park

Park shift warningThis is a Shift to Park Dashboard Warning symbol. The light will blink red and a chime will sound if the ignition switch is turned off while the vehicle is not in Park. Move the shift lever or touch the Park button to turn off the light. The chime will sound until the ignition lock is engaged.

  • 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 advent of keyless ignitions as well as electric vehicles (EVs) leave open the possibility of vehicles being turned off while not in Park occurring more and more often. This is particularly true of shift systems that require a button push. The warning indicator is a necessary and welcome addition.

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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/2023/03/shit-to-park-warning/

Idle Coasting Dashboard Indicator

Idle Coasting

Idle coasting indicatorThis is an Idle Coasting Indicator symbol. The symbol resembles the image of a sailboat with two sails. It is seen on the instrument panel in white or gray scale. Idle Coasting is a fuel economy option that must be chosen. The indicator is only seen when Idle Coasting is chosen and 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 Idle Coasting feature works by allowing engine speeds to drop to idle, saving fuel. The feature is a menu option on some vehicles from FCA.

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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/2021/05/idle-coasting-indicator/