Tag: Ford

EV Efficiency: Range’s Ignored Stepsister — While We Ignore MPGe

EV Efficiency

Most commonly any talk about EVs is about range. And while that’s certainly important, we want to shift the focus to fuel efficiency. And yes, there is such a thing! Click here for charging speed information.

The industry talks about kilowatts used per 100 miles, which is just so far from anyone’s experience and difficult to truly understand, unless maybe you’re an electrical engineer.

We use miles per gallon when talking about internal combustion engine or ICE cars, so how about miles per kilowatt?

We offer this as part of our continuing efforts to simplify the latest in automotive technology as much as possible. And yes, we in turn are choosing to ignore miles per gallon of gasoline-equivalent (MPGe). It is a tortured stat meant to compare EVs to vehicles run on liquid fuels. It will be extinct soon enough.

The chart below is a translation primarily but not exclusively of work from ev-database.org, and I’ve linked their chart here. It’s in kilometers and the twisty kW per 100. I did a video as well that is also posted below, but here can be updated easily as improvements are made and new models are introduced. Note that our chart focuses on EVs available in North America while ev-database goes world wide and that the it can be expanded to show all entries.

ManufacturerModelBattery (kWh)Range (mi)Miles per kW (m/kW)Fleet Ave. m/kW
Renault
R552 kWh2494.84.8
Lucid
Air Pure / Touring88336-3483.8-4.03.8
Air Dream112405-4193.6-3.7
Tesla
Model 3582524.33.7
75286-3013.8-4.0
Model S95348-3573.7-3.8
Model Y582183.8
75258-2703.4-3.6
Model X95283-2953.0-3.1
Hyundai
Ioniq 6542274.23.7
74273-3083.7-4.2
Kona481863.9
652483.8
Ioniq 5541833.4
74239-2423.2-3.3
Lexus
RZ300e712663.73.6
RZ450e632003.5
Volkswagen
ID.7863233.83.5
ID.7772923.8
ID.4521773.4
ID.477249-2553.2-3.3
Honda
Prologue85273-2963.2-3.53.4
BMW
i481280-3203.5-4.03.4
672674.0
i581264-2953.3-3.6
iX65230-2363.5
71-74224-2393.2
i7102314-3233.1-3.2
iX105301-3142.9-3.0
Polestar
494348-3723.7-4.03.4
278255-2733.3-3.5
3107292-3052.7-2.9
Chevrolet
Bolt652594.03.4
Bolt EUV652473.8
Silverado2004502.3
Kia
Niro652393.73.3
e-Soul391433.7
642303.6
EV674224-2553.0-3.5
54190-3.5
EV9100280-2862.8-2.9
Nissan
Leaf391463.73.3
Leaf e+592113.6
Ariya632083.3
87252-2802.9-3.2
Porsche
Taycan models84236-2862.8-3.43.3
71230-2363.2-3.3
Macan100310-3813.1-3.8
Genesis
G80832743.33.2
GV6074227-2423.1-3.3
GV70742182.9
Volvo
EX30491743.63.2
64224-2303.5-3.6
C40662213.4
79249-2613.2-3.3
XC40662143.2
79242-2523.1-3.2
EX90107280-2892.6-2.7
Lotus
Eletre1123543.23.2
Audi
Q4 e-tron52239-2643.4-3.53.1
77177-1833.1-3.4
e-tron GT85252-2613.0-3.1
Q8 e-tron89261-2772.9-3.1
106283-3262.7-3.1
Fisker
Ocean1053263.13.1
752363.1
Acura
ZDX102288-3252.8-3.23.0
Mercedes
EQS Sedans108336-3953.1-3.72.9
EQS SUVs108301-3112.8-2.9
G-Wagon1162502.2
Ford
Mach-e91264-2982.9-3.32.9
702333.3
Lightning982302.4
1313202.4
Vinfast
VF 8882643.02.8
VF 91233232.6
Rolls Royce
Spectra1022602.62.6

The Rankings

So, I’ve ranked manufacturers by efficiency, based on the fleet average miles per kW. This is exactly what we’re used to using in ICE vehicles — fleet average miles per gallon. The miles/kW figures are derived simply by taking a vehicles range and dividing by the battery’s kWh size. Note that the numbers are rather small, which may be what drives the use of kilowatts per 100 miles, but they are still very telling.

Few models reach or exceed an efficiency of 4 miles per kilowatt. Further, those numbers are nearly all associated with smaller models and often with smaller batteries! For instance, the industry leader is Tesla’s Model 3 with the 58 kWh battery! A smaller battery weighs less and is thus more efficient, while lacking some range. The higher range Model 3 features a 75 kW battery.

*In fact a May, 2024 update finds a Renault R5, available only in Europe, a small car with a small battery, comes in at 4.8 m/kW! It now leads the list!

Overall, Lucid, Tesla and Hyundai lead with the most efficient fleets. Oddly, Kia in particular and Genesis as well fall short of their Hyundai cousins. Kia’s smaller vehicles should have it neck and neck with Hyundai, who’s offerings tend to be smaller as well.

Bigger batteries, while offering more range generally, are not a guarantee. Note that Vinfast’s VF 9 models holds a whopping 123 kWh battery, but only 323 miles in range and lands at the bottom of our list at 2.6 miles per kilowatt. This is a full 40% less efficient than the 58 kWh Tesla Model 3.

Speaking of big batteries, battery power trains are already heavier than their ICE counterparts. For example the Ford F150 Lightning weighs in at 2500 lbs more than the gas powered version. The battery alone in the upcoming Hummer is said to weigh 2900 lbs.

The hyphenated ranges and efficiencies are identical models most often with single vs dual motors. Single motor variants are always more efficient. In some cases there are adjustments that up the horse power as well, which then cuts into efficiency.

Note who’s missing from this list: Toyota/Lexus (since added)! Honda/Acura (since added). Mazda. Subaru (missed this one)! Stellantis (at work in Europe). Even those we’ve added remain well behind a changing landscape…

So we’ll keep an eye on that landscape. Expect to see battery chemistries get more efficient and to see weight reductions, also adding efficiency.

We also expect to see faster and faster charge rates — which is also an upcoming topic.

Updates:

  • 8/21/23, Acura introduces a ZDX EV, but comes in near the bottom. Big battery, low average efficiency.
  • 12/21/23, Rolls Royce Spectra added. Also a big battery and landed at the very bottom of the list…
  • 1/21/24,  Two Lexus models added. Just above the middle on the list.
  • 2/3/24,  Porsche Macan added, which moved the brand average from 3.2 to 3.3 m/kW.
  • 5/21/24,  Renault R5, available only in Europe, a small car with a small battery, comes in at 4.8 m/kW!
  • 5/21/24, Honda intros the Prologue with an 85 kWh battery and nearly 300 miles of range.
  • 5/22/25, the Mercedes adds the G-Wagon and drops fleet efficiency from 3.1 to 2.9.

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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/2023/07/ev-efficiency-ranges-ignored-stepsister/

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/

Ford Dashboard Symbols and Warning Lights

Ford 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 Ford. Click the link to the right of each one learn more.

How They Are Presented

They are roughly ordered by importance, which tends to be by color (red, amber, yellow, orange, green, blue, gray). There are nearly 90 of them, so search carefully!

Need the symbols for another manufacturer? Click here!

Serious trouble or fault 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 indicator -- click for more
Powertrain Trouble IndicatorPowertrain trouble indicator -- click for more
Steering Trouble IndicatorElectronic power steering trouble indicator -- click for more
Common and routine indicators
Seat Belt Reminder SymbolSeat belt reminder -- click for more
Rear seat belt reminderRear seat seat belt reminder -- click for more
Door Ajar Warning IndicatorDoor ajar indicator -- click for more
Hood ajar indicatorHood ajar indicator -- click for more
Trank ajar indicatorTrunk ajar indicator -- click for more
Low Fuel IndicatorLow fuel indicator -- click for more
Windshield Washer Fluid Low IndicatorLow washer fluid indicator -- click for more
Frost warningLow outside temperature warning -- click for more
Trouble or fault indicators
Master Warning SymbolMaster warning light -- click for more
Check engine lightService engine soon indicator -- click for more
Electronic Power ControlElectronic device failure indicator -- click for more
Stacility controlStability control indicator -- click for more
Slip Control Off IndicatorStability control off indicator -- click for more
Tire Pressure Monitor SymbolTire pressure monitor indicator -- click for more
ABS Trouble Indicator CanadaAnti-lock brake system fault indicator -- click for more
Electric Park Brake IndicatorElectric park brake trouble indicator -- click for more
Driver assist systems indicators
Blind Spot IndicatorBlind spot monitor indicators -- click for moreBlind spot monitor off
Cross traffic alert indicatorCross traffic alert indicator -- click for more
Lane keeping indicatorLane keeping system indicators -- click for moreLane Departure Warning
Auto Hold IndicatorAutomatic brake hold indicators -- click for moreBrake hold off
Brake hold availableMore automatic brake hold indicators -- click for moreAuto hold unavailable
Start stop indicatorStart stop system indicators -- click for moreStart stop fault indicator
Active Cruise Control SymbolAdaptive cruise control -- click for more
Special feature and accessory indicators
Cruise Control Indicator SymbolCruise control indicator -- click for more
Heads up display indicatorHeads up display indicator -- click for more
Haul (towing) IndicatorTow mode indicators -- click for moreHaul indicator
Launch control indicatorLaunch control indicator -- click for more
Performance shift indicatorShift indicators -- click for moreUp shift indicatorDown shift indicator
Over speed warningOver speed indicator -- click for more
Grade Assist IndicatorGrade and hill start assist indicators -- click for moreHill start assist
Grade assist 2More grade and hill start assist indicators -- click for moreAll Terrain Progress Control
4 Automatic4 wheel drive mode indicators -- click for more4-wheel Drive Hi Indicator4_wheel_drive_low_indicator
Electronic Rear Differential LockDifferential lock indicators -- click for more4wd lock indicatorDifferential locks indicator3
Mud ruts mode indicatorSpecial 4 wheel drive mode indicators -- click for moreSlippery mode indicator
Fuel operated heatFuel operated heater -- click for more
Electric or hybrid vehicle indicators
Hybrid Ready IndicatorHybrid or EV ready indicator -- click for moreReady Mode Indicator
High voltage batteryHigh voltage battery indicators -- click for moreHigh voltage batteryHigh voltage battery
EV now indicatorMore high voltage battery indicators -- click for moreEV charge indicatorEV later indicator
Battery charging symbolHybrid battery charging indicator -- click for more
Plug in IndicatorHybrid charging indicator -- click for more
EV mode onEV mode indicators -- click for moreEV mode later
Eco Operation Indicator SymbolEconomy mode operation indicators -- click for moreEco mode
Battery assist 1Mild hybrid system operation indicators -- click for moreBattery assist 2Battery assist 3
Diesel vehicle indicators
Glow Plug Indicator SymbolGlow plug preheat indicator -- click for more
Water in Fuel Indicator 2Water in fuel indicator -- click for more
Diesel Exhaust FilterDiesel exhaust fluid level warning -- click for more
Diesel exhaust brake indicatorDiesel exhaust brake indicators -- click for moreDiesel exhaust brake off indicatorAutomatic diesel exhaust brake indicator
Lighting indicators
High beam assistantAutomatic high beam indicator -- click for more
Headlamp outHeadlamp out indicator -- click for more
Tail Light Indicator CanadaPark lamps on indicator -- click for more
Fog Lamp Indicator SymbolFog lamp indicator -- click for more
Turn Signal IndicatorTurn signal indicator -- click for more
High Beam On IndicatorHigh beam indicator -- click for more

Models examined include EcoSport, Edge, Escape, Expedition, Explorer, F-150, F-250, Fiesta, GT, Fusion, Mustang, Mustang Mach E, Ranger, Taurus, and Transit.

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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/2019/06/warning-lights-and-symbols-seen-in-ford-vehicles/

Does Your Owner’s Manual Have a Troubleshooting Guide?

How Deep Is Your Owner’s Manual?

We’ve done a couple of owner’s manual rants and got to thinking about where the average driver might look in their respective manual if they ran into trouble, specifically with dead or dying key fobs.

So, we examined a sampling of owner’s manuals from BMW and Mini, Fiat Chrysler, Ford, GM, including Buick, Chevrolet and Cadillac, Honda and Acura, Kia and Hyundai, Land Rover and Jaguar, Mazda, Mercedes Benz, Nissan and Infiniti, Subaru, Toyota and Lexus, Volkswagen and Audi and Volvo. And since we are adding this commentary, you can probably guess the results.

Mazda chapterSo lets set some parameters. Our first thought is to look for Troubleshooting chapter. So, result #1 is that not a single one of these 25 manufacturers have a chapter with this title. Only 3, Mazda (right), Toyota and Lexus, even use the word Trouble. Emergency, Roadside or Breakdown are most likely to be found, and this is a pretty short hurdle. VW raises the hurdle, with a Do It Yourself chapter that includes flat tires and dead batteries, etc. that tend to be found in the Breakdown chapters from other manufacturers.

To Index or Not to Index

Next, we looked to see if there was an index to resort to. Several, BMW, Land Rover, and Ford, for instance, have no indexes at all. So if someone out there is from these companies, please consider adding that in. On the other hand, the indexes we did find were no help at all with dead key fobs.

IndexSo, back to the our troubleshooting-like chapters. Once inside, only Honda/Acura, Toyota/Lexus and Subaru got this right! Setting aside for a moment the fact that the owner’s manual is most likely inside the car and the driver locked outside, at least if the driver manages to get the car open, he or she will be able to get started.

The Honda and Acura chapters point to an issue with the key fob being weak. This may not be immediately obvious to the operator, but it would be a likely spot to check out if the car wasn’t responding.

Subaru chapterSubaru (right), Lexus and Toyota chapters point directly to pages with solutions to issues with the electronic keys. Again, it may not be obvious to the driver that the key fob is the problem, but these manufacturers come the closest to nailing the problem. Titling the sections using something like what to do if the car does not respond to the electronic key would come closest to replicating exactly what the driver is experiencing.

Absolutely none of the other manufacturers point directly to the electronic keys in anything remotely like a troubleshooting chapter. To be clear, they all have the solutions shown, but the driver is left to contend with 400, 500 or 600 pages of information to get to what they need.

So for all of them, walk a mile in your customers shoes and try to think like someone who simply doesn’t understand what is wrong. Then make a Troubleshooting chapter and forget the clever titles like Handling the Unexpected or Volkswagens do it yourself chapter, which is where they keep breakdown assistance.

The closer your cars get to being rolling computers, the more relevant an actual Troubleshooting chapter will be to your customers.

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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/2018/12/does-your-owners-manual-have-a-troubleshooting-guide/

Why Are All My Windows Down??

Who Opened the Windows?

Here, we discuss a feature found in cars from a number of manufacturers that catches people with their pants down. Or rather with their windows down. So, 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 so seemingly at random on its own.

Windows openIf you’ve ever walked out to your car and found all the windows open, this is the subject. Keyless start 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 if there is one and the car unlocked.

Can it be Shut Down?

From what we’ve discovered only Mercedes and some vehicles made by the Volkswagen Group offer the option to close everything again using the lock button. The Honda we had for demonstration (below) did not.

So, what is causing the surprise window openings can be explained by accidental button presses. 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 fob’s keyless access can only operate within 18 to 24 inches of the vehicle’s door handle, the buttons on the key fob will work from a much greater distance.

For 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 your keys tend to 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. Anything and everything sitting on top of the fob can and will activate the feature.

CaribinerIn this case, you might try using a device like a carabiner or snap hook. It can be hooked to a strap 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 the discussion of 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 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 can also be activated 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, Lincoln, 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/2018/10/why-are-all-my-windows-down/

U.S. Cars Sold Overseas Leave Drivers in the Dark

Drivers in the Dark, Part 1

Over the last several months we have been contacted by two drivers of U.S. cars sold and likely built overseas who could not find a back-up spot to drop the key fob in the event of the fob’s battery dying. Well, a good deal of sleuthing and a hunch resolved one of these cases.

First, we have to acknowledge the diligent work of one of the vehicles owners. He sent pics of all the spots we could think of that might be used as a back up slot and noted which style key was in use. Then after the hunch, he took the time to perform the test we suggested. The other driver essentially gave, up or possibly found an answer elsewhere and didn’t let us know.

Malibu consoleThe car in question was a Chevrolet Malibu. The owner’s manual was available and was dead wrong, which is, of course, the true source of the problem. The year, make and model in the U.S. has a back up slot in the center console.

As you can see from the photo he sent (right), the client’s car does not have this slot.

Cruze slotIt also uses a flip key, which suggested a spot like that is used in the Cruze (right) or first generation Volt. No such plug in spot exists in the Malibu in question.

Part 2

Then, we got hold of a new, 2017 Cruze. And like a handful of other GM models, the back up slot had been moved to one of the cup holders. And, unlike European cars, the spot goes unmarked.

And while the Cruze did not use a flip key, it suggested a possible solution to our overseas client. He removed the battery from the fob and dropped it into the front cup holder, and was able to start the car (the fob will be recognized from the back up slot in GM vehicles, at least temporarily, even with the battery actually missing). He is relieved to have an actual back-up plan.

The moral of the story for drivers of U.S. designed vehicles sold overseas is this (and we include Ford as well just in case, although we have not seen this come up). If the battery in your key fob is dead, there is still a back up plan. However, your owner’s manual may not reflect it. Try each and every one of the dozen or so back up spots found on our pages. We are pretty confident one of them will get you going.

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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/2017/05/u-s-cars-sold-overseas-leave-drivers-in-the-dark/

Ford Videos: Handling Dead Key Fob Batteries

How to Open, Start and Replace Fob Batteries in Ford Vehicles

We now have twenty videos offering help to Ford drivers who’s key fobs or remote controls have gone dead.

There is some crossover with Lincoln models, but they have their own page here!

This video updates (in 2021) keyless start Ford SUVs with a dead key fob battery — all of them…

This video updates keyless start Ford trucks with a dead key fob battery for 2021.

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This video compilation covers all push button start Ford sedans with dead key fob batteries. The video will get you in and started.

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This one covers the new Ford Ranger model. We’ll get you in and started.

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This one covers center console shift F-150 pick-ups.

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This latest video covers the EcoSport.

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This video is updated for Ford Explorer drivers exclusively.

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The Ford Expedition features a new entry and start back up method for the 2018 model year.

 

This video updates the Ford Mustang exclusively.

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An update for Ford Fusion owners, post 2017 models.

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This one updates a previous video for Ford F-series Pick-up Owners.

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This video for Ford Mustang, Fusion and Edge, including the hidden key hole. It also covers 2014 and newer Lincoln MKZ and MKZ Hybrid.

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This video updates the Ford Fusion Hybrid for 2017. A new key and back up location.

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This one is exclusive to the Ford Edge.

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This video will help with Ford Taurus, Flex and Expedition and Lincoln Navigator.

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Video help for the Ford Explorer, Edge and Fusion and Lincoln MKT and 2013 MKZ Hybrid.

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This updated video covers the Ford Flex and Expedition.

 

A video of us replacing the batteries in a dead key fob or remote control, updated.

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And another video of us replacing the battery in a different Ford key fob or remote control.

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This one has us replacing the battery in the newest Ford and Lincoln key fob.

Models covered include the Ranger, Explorer, Expedition, Taurus, Fiesta, GT, F-150, C-Max, F-250, Focus, EcoSport, Mustang, F-series, Fusion, Edge, Flex,  and Hybrid.

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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.

 

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