Wheel Lock
This is an Electronic Steering Wheel Lock Indicator symbol. It may be seen in either yellow/amber or red. Either indicates a malfunction in the electronic steering wheel lock system. This is part of the electronic start and immobilization system.
- 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 and scan again!
The symbol may also appear as a steering wheel alone with arrows on both side and in gray scale. The arrows are suggesting a shake of the wheel to free it. The symbol above is represented by an image of a key and that of a steering wheel. If the symbol appears in red, it will not be possible to start or steer the vehicle.
Manufacturers also caution not to tow the vehicle. In any color, contact a qualified service center immediately. This one can leave you stranded.
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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Technology is always changing and what is current and accurate today may be literally out-of-date and inaccurate tomorrow.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.
These are Engine Start System Fault Indicator 
The symbols appear as a physical key with or without its associated keyhole, even though an actual physical key is not used. We included it with routine indicators because, as electronics takes over everything, these symbols will indeed become routine due to any problems with starters, start/stop systems and other associated electronics.
Do not confuse these with other automotive trouble symbols that make use of the image a key. Click 
The latest models from all three manufacturers — with one exception — have a much simplified process. Staring with vehicle updates in the 2013 model year, simply press the Start / Stop ignition button with the Smart Key while depressing the brake to start the vehicle. We originally named this the Method 6 back up start method. If this does not work in your model, continue on below for a method that will.
The exception noted in newer models is the 2021 Genesis G80, which is now a Seventh Method. This method has moved to the 2022 GV60 EV as well, and may yet be placed in other models. If the vehicle does not recognize the key fob or Smart Key, slip the Smart Key into the space behind the shifter dial and cup holders and in front of the leather of the console. See the image to the left. Then, step on the brake and push the Start / Stop ignition button to start the vehicle as normal.
We must also add an Eighth Method, which is digital. In the new GV60, G70, GV70, G80 and G90, a registered smart phone or a pre-registered card key can be placed on the vehicle’s wireless charging pad. It is found in front of the center console storage area (left). Once in place, the vehicle can be started as normal.
The Kia Forte, Sportage, and Sorento and Hyundai Sonata (prior to 2014) use Method 1. Insert the Smart Key in the Smart Key holder, which is a slot inside the center console, then press the Start / Stop ignition button while depressing the brake. To remove the Key, press it, then pull. Check out the video below.
The Kia Magentis also uses a slot in the center console in Method 2. Insert the Key and then press the Start / Stop ignition button while depressing the brake. To remove, press the Smart Key inward past the detent and then pull it outward.
The Hyundai Genesis, built before 2014, uses Method 3, which is a slot located behind a door above the shifter. Insert the Key and then press the Start / Stop ignition button while depressing the brake. To remove the Key, press it and then pull it out.
The Kia Optima (prior to 2014) and Soul and Hyundai Equus use Method 4, which is a slot in the glove box. The slot is a little higher in the Equus. Insert the Key and then press the Start / Stop ignition button while depressing the brake. To remove the Key, press it and then pull it out.
The Kia Borrego uses the Method 5 slot, which is in the dash just below the Start /Stop ignition button. It should be readily visible. Insert the Smart Key and then press the Start / Stop button while depressing the brake. To remove the Key, release it by pressing and then pull it out.
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. Check out this page for more!
the remote control or ‘clicker’ and pull the key ring to remove mechanical key. Use the key to unlock the driver’s door.
If a key hole is visible, use the key to unlock the driver’s door.
Genesis has also introduced new digital access options, which has resulted in a mechanical key being supplied separately from yet another new fob! It is removed by putting a little pressure on the long end and pushing it out. This is a prescription for disaster, as it can easily be lost or simply left behind, so by all means activate the additional unlock features described below!
trick. The Kia Optima and Sportage were added in 2016 and more will likely be added. These models all feature a two-piece door handle. As shown in the image to the left, press the mechanical key into the slot found under the cover at the back of the driver’s door handle (1) and pry or pull forward and up (2).
A “hybrid” of this was introduced in 2020 in the Hyundai Sonata. The mechanical key is again slipped into a slot beneath the back of the door handle and pushed upwards. Now however, a small cover, seen in blue to the left, is slid to the side and out of the way. This should be done when the mechanical key is still inserted and pushed upward. The keyhole is then revealed.
In 2019, a very different hidden key hole style was introduced in the Hyundai Santa Fe, the new Palisade model a year later and the Elantra in 2021. The handle for all intents and purposes is one piece, but a small piece of horizontal trim located just behind the black entry button (arrow) is removable. Pull the handle outward. This exposes another small black button just behind the handle (2, below). Look at the handle from behind to find it.
Push the button inwards using the mechanical key. This releases the trim piece that can be swung away exposing the keyhole. The key can then be turned to unlock the car. Pull the key out before opening the door to avoid damaging the door handle.
In all vehicles except the Nexo, the ley hole is immediately visible (first image). The mechanical key can be inserted and turned to unlock the vehicle. In the Nexo, a plug protects the key hole, likely from water and debris. Use the mechanical key to pry the plug away (second image) and then insert the key to unlock the car.
In new Genesis G80 and GV80 models, the keyhole is revealed immediately behind the driver’s door handle when it is pulled to the open position. The mechanical or emergency key can then be simply inserted into the keyhole and turned to unlock and open the vehicle.
Genesis vehicles that include a separate mechanical key include two digital options and a facial recognition option. Digital options include a pre-registered card key and a smart phone app on a registered smart phone. The card key and app can also start the car. However, facial recognition will only open the vehicle, so the key fob, card key or smart phone app will be needed to start the car.
Facial recognition is accomplished using a camera mounted in the pillar behind the driver’s door. Again, this will only allow entry and other means will be needed to start the car, so this is of limited value.
These are all variations of of Keyless Ignition Key Fob Detection indicators. A number of 
The flashing 
This one, which is an image of a key with a line drawn through it in 
Note that some manufacturers will have the light flash in 
These are Key Fob Indicator 
These symbols are Low Key Battery Indicators. The images of a key are shown above or alongside the image of what most resembles a AA or AAA battery with its level low. One adds the letter E for empty to the right. Replace the battery as soon as possible. They do NOT use AA or AAA batteries!
Electronic keys, key fobs, remote controls, smart keys, intelligent keys, advanced keys are all terms used by manufacturers and drivers to describe the same device. You get to get into and start your vehicle only if the correct device is present, has a working battery and is not interfered with by other electronics (actually rare). All the images include the representation of a key and depending on the manufacturer, may include an exclamation point, a question mark or even a lightning bolt.
These are Security and/or Immobilizer System Indicator 
The 
However, if any of these symbols is visible when the vehicle is operating, it indicates a malfunction in the security system. The red dot to the left is on old style indicator. If the engine does not start with the correct key, and the security indicator remains on or flashes, the system may have a malfunction. You will need to contact your dealer or authorized service center in either case.
Do not confuse these with other automotive trouble symbols that make use of the image a key. Click