Tag: Honda

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/

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/

Honda Dashboard Symbols and Warning Lights

Honda 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 Honda. Click the link to the right of each one to 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 100 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 or parking brake indicators -- click for moreBrake Trouble Indicator Canada
electric park brake trouble indicatorElectric park brake malfunction indicators -- click for moreElectric parking brake fault
Depress Brake PedalBrake press indicator -- click for more
Brake System IndicatorElectronically controlled brake system -- click for more
Oil Trouble Indicator SymbolOil warning light -- click for more
Temperature Warning Light SymbolEngine temperature indicators -- click for moreTemperature Indicator Cold
SRS Air Bag Indicator SymbolAir bag warning indicator -- click for more
Common and routine indicators
Seat Belt Reminder SymbolSeat belt reminder -- click for more
Immobilizer dotSecurity indicators, if blinking -- click for moreImmobilizer System Indicator
Steering Trouble IndicatorElectric power steering fault indicator -- click for more
Door Ajar Warning IndicatorDoor ajar indicator -- click for more
Low Fuel IndicatorLow fuel indicators -- click for moreHydrogen low indicator
Windshield Washer Fluid Low IndicatorLow washer fluid indicator -- click for more
Trouble or fault indicators
Message Indicator SymbolMessage indicator -- click for more
Check engine lightCheck engine light -- click for more
Drivetrain Trouble IndicatorPower train fault indicators -- click for moreTransmission system indicator
Keyless system malfunctionKeyless start fault indicator -- click for more
Service ReminderService reminder indicator -- click for more
Stacility controlStability control indicator -- click for more
Slip Control Off IndicatorStability control off indicator -- click for more
Traction Control System Warning LightTraction 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 indicator -- click for more
Integrated Motor AssistIntegrated motor assist fault indicator -- click for more
All Wheel Drive Trouble IndicatorAll wheel drive trouble indicator -- click for more
eAWD IndicatorElectric all wheel drive indicators -- click for moreeAWD indicator
Power system indicatorPower system fault indicator -- click for more
Electric and hybrid vehicle indicators
Ready Mode IndicatorHybrid ready indicators -- click for moreReady + indicator
EV System IndicatorEV system warning -- click for more
Power Limitation IndicatorPower limitation indicators -- click for morePower limited indicator
EV on indicatorEV on indicator -- click for more
EV mode indicatorEV operation indicator -- click for more
HV on indicatorHybrid operation indicator -- click for more
Auto charge modeHybrid operation indicators -- click for moreEV modeCharge mode
Charge indicatorEV charge indicator -- click for more
Charge cord connectedCharge cable connected -- click for more
One pedal driving indicatorOne pedal driving indicator -- click for more
Deceleration stage indicatorDeceleration paddle selector indicator -- click for more
Hydrogen leak indicatorHydrogen leak warning indicator -- click for more
Driver assist systems indicators
Safety system support indicatorDriver assist system status indicators -- click for morePark assist systemSafety support indicator green
Forward collision warningCollision mitigation fault indicator -- click for more
Collision warning indicatorForward alert indicators -- click for moreCollision warning indicator
Lane Departure WarningLane keeping indicators -- click for moreLKAS Amber
Hands on lane keeping indicatorMore lane keeping indicators -- click for moreLane departure indicator
Blind Spot IndicatorBlind spot warning indicator -- click for more
Hold Operation IndicatorAuto brake hold indicators -- click for moreBrake hold indicator
Auto Hold IndicatorMore auto brake hold indicators -- click for moreAuto brake indicator
Start stop indicatorAuto start/stop indicators -- click for moreAuto Stop indicator
Start stop system off indicatorMore auto start/stop indicators -- click for morestart stop indicator
Pedestrian detected indicatorPedestrian detected indicator -- click for more
ACC indicatorAdaptive cruise control trouble or on indicators -- click for moreAdaptive Cruise Control Indicator
Distance setting indicatorCruise control follow distance set -- click for more
Special feature and accessory indicators
Another Cruise Control IndicatorCruise control indicators -- click for moreCruise Control Main Indicator
Normal mode indicatorDrive mode indicators -- click for moreIndividual mode indicator
Sport mode indicatorMore drive mode indicators -- click for moreSport mode indicator
Sand mode indicator4 wheel drive drive modes -- click for moreSnow mode indicatorMud mode indicator
Sport mode indicatorSport mode indicator (in green) -- click for more
Economy Mode IndicatorEconomy mode indicators -- click for moreEconomy mode on indicator
Up Shift IndicatorEfficient shift indicators -- click for more Upshift indicatorDownshift indicator
Lighting indicators
Bed lights on indicatorBed lights on indicator -- click for more
High beam assistantAutomatic high beam 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

Models examined include Accord, Civic, Clarity, Crosstour, CR-V, Element, Fit, HR-V, Insight, Odyssey, Passport, Pilot, and Ridgeline.

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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-honda-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/

Start a Honda or Acura with a Dead Key Fob

How to Start a Honda or Acura with a Dead Key Fob

Starting Your Honda or Acura

Honda Start TouchThere are several methods for starting a Honda or Acura vehicle. To start a Honda and the newest Acura models lacking a slot, touch the “H” in the Honda logo or the “A” in the Acura logo on the remote control to the Start / Stop button until the small indicator light in the button begins to flash. For the next 30 seconds, the vehicle can be started using the Start / Stop button normally. You can also simply press the Start / Stop button with the remote control itself, while stepping on the brake of course.

Note that the Honda Insight and Clarity have a Power button instead of a Start/Stop, but the process is ZDX back up startexactly the same.

The Acura ZDX EV and Honda Prologue EV marks a rather large shift in engineering. The back up start process uses a cup holder. Place the key fob in the rear cupholder in the Acura or the left cupholder in the Honda with the buttons facing down (right). Then with the vehicle in Park or Neutral, press the brake pedal and the Start/Stop button, which like the Insight and Clarity is a Power button.

Acura Remote SlotIn earlier Acura models (newest models are above), there is a slot for the remote control (key fob) to the left and below the Start / Stop button. Insert the remote and use the Start / Stop button to start the vehicle as normal.

Note that in these later models, there is a keyless access remote system main switch that may be turned off. The vehicle will start with the remote in its slot as described.

Acura Ignition CoverIn the oldest keyless start Acura models, there is a cover on the ignition switch that must be removed. This will allow the use of the mechanical key built into the key fob. To remove the ignition switch cover, slip the built-in key into the parallel slot underneath the cover. Push the key in while pull it towards you at the same time and the cover will come off. Once the cover is removed, the mechanical key can be inserted and turned to start the vehicle.

Use Brake IndicatorNote: If you have made an attempt to start the vehicle without success, there may be residual pressure in the brake system and a new warning light may appear (left) or text message to Step on the Brake. Press the brake pedal very, very hard when trying to start the vehicle again to be sure that the release switch behind the pedal is engaged. Or wait a few minutes and try again.

Finally, we do have some video help for you.

… Return to Part I, Getting In

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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/2018/11/honda-acura-dead-key-fob-help-part-ii-getting-started/

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.

——————————————————————-

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/

Honda and Acura Videos: Handling Dead Key Fob Batteries

How to Open, Start and Replace Fob Batteries in Honda and Acura Vehicles

We have eight videos for Honda and Acura owners

This one is a 2022 Acura update featuring new key fobs.

All Honda and late model Acura models are represented. Kudos to Honda Motors for a very simple, straightforward process and for NOT hiding the key hole!

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An update with a 2017 model Honda.

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An update with an Acura model.

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And one here replacing the battery in a common key fob.

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And one featuring a new Honda key fob. Be VERY careful with these fobs!

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This one covers the new-style Acura fob. Be careful here too!

And an even newer style Acura fob!

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Models covered include the ILX, MDX, NSX, RDX, RL, RLX, TL, TSX, TLX, ZDX, Civic, Accord. Crosstour, CR-V, CR-Z, Fit, Odyssey, Pilot, Clarity, and HR-V.

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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/2016/12/honda-acura-video-help-with-dead-key-fobs/