Volvo dashboard symbols update
We completed our 2024 Volvo dashboard symbols update and added 10 indicators. But what is notable and truly surprising is what images that are not present.
Despite having now three pure electric models, the C40, which is now the EC40 and EX40 EVs, there are no warning indicators available if a problem crops up with the high voltage battery.
We did add two new symbols related to hybrid batteries. They are one that indicates the hybrid battery is charging (far right). The other (near right) indicates that the battery is holding its charge. We surmise that this means that everything is functioning as expected.
The only symbol added related to the high voltage battery is one indicating that it is cold (right) and thus will not offer the power expected until it has warmed. On the far right is an example of a malfunction indicator that Volvo does not offer.
Our suspicion is that something will pop up on the information display should an actual problem with the high voltage battery crop up. In fact, we did find six possible messages that could come up, one of which is Do Not Drive. The manual noted that information on the location of the problem would be included.
That said there are more than 60 symbols that can be seen on our Volvo 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.
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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.
The author has 25 years of automotive experience and has assembled the most extensive collection of symbols and warning lights anywhere (over 1,000!) and can help you open and start any keyless start car with a dead key fob battery. BA, St. Joseph’s College, ME: MS, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, NY
Yes, your EV has a 12-volt battery too!
An EV has a 12-volt battery
I got a panicked call from a friend recently. Her car, which happens to be a Tesla Model Y, was giving her real headaches. In the end, I got to tell her that her EV has a 12-volt battery too.
The symptoms were that it wouldn’t open, it wouldn’t respond to the key card or phone, at least not willingly. Once she got inside, it was difficult to start and began throwing messages at her.
Included in those messages was one that stated that the low voltage battery was failing.
Now as an EV driver, when she saw battery, she immediately thought the worst: that the car’s primary source of power, the battery, was failing. She did not realize that an EV also uses a 12-volt battery to essentially start the car through its electrical system! Hence the panic.
This can happen to any EV from any manufacturer. To all EV drivers, your car also uses a 12-volt battery to get things rolling. The distinction is low-voltage vs high-voltage. What your car relies on for propulsion is a high voltage battery.
Note to manufacturers: most drivers are just that. Drivers. They are not car people and need clearer explanations of failing systems and what they need to do. We’ve harped in this for years…
So, as a driver, if you see a warning about the car’s low-voltage battery, its time for roadside assistance. And its your best option: servicing anything electrical in an electric vehicle is potentially very dangerous.
My friend also asked about having the car jump started. However, the car had not been sitting unused for any length of time, which can create a situation that a jump start will resolve. In here case, the car is several years old and its simply more likely that the battery needs to be replaced. A good roadside service like AAA can make the determination and replace the battery.
However, it turned out that AAA won’t replace the start battery in a Tesla! The driver opted to do it after work hours!
Click here for our list of roadside assistance phone numbers. And if you want to know more about jump starting, see the video we did here.
——————————————————————-
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.
The author has 25 years of automotive experience and has assembled the most extensive collection of symbols and warning lights anywhere (over 1,000!) and can help you open and start any keyless start car with a dead key fob battery. BA, St. Joseph’s College, ME: MS, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, NY