The 2024 New York International Auto Show (NYIAS) was notable as much for who still didn’t show up as for what we found on the show floor.
Since the pandemic shut down the show for two years, Mercedes-Benz and BMW have yet to reappear. And while Mazda and Mitsubishi made appearances in ’22 and ’23, there were a no show this year. And from Fiat Chrysler — or Stellantis — only Jeep showed up with its outdoor test climb.
The value of industry trade shows was questioned in the wake of the pandemic. They are expensive to put on, requiring the movement of large numbers of people and vehicles and booth materials. There’s no evidence of Mercedes and BMW suffering from ignoring this and other trade shows.
Further evidence of a cut back in show attendance were the tiny booths set up by both Volvo and Audi. Barely room for a few car. For the second year in row, Hyundai took advantage of available floor space to make its own test track. The EV track (right) remained on the first level.
EVs in the Limelight
Elsewhere, EVs remain a focus of the show, clearly an attempt to acquaint the buying public with the shift to electric driving. Volkswagen’s ID Buzz (left) made and appearance. Polestar was at the show for the first time and brought its 2, 3, and 4 models. The Polestar 4 (right) won’t be available to order for another few months with deliveries expected in 2025.
Porsche featured all four of its available electric line: the Tacan, Macan, Cayenne and Panamera (left), all open and available to crawl through. As always with Porsche, the styling is impeccable.
Acura brought its first EV, the ZDX (right), but kept it locked tight. Seems a bit short sighted if you’re hoping to generate interest.
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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
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 Mazda. 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 over 60 of them, so search carefully!
Models examined include CX5, CX9, CX30, Miata, Mazda3, Mazda6, and MX 5.
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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
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.
So 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.
So, 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 (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.
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
Finally, if you need or want another manufacturer, click here.
Mazda uses three versions of keyless start systems, and so three are back up start options. We will show them in reverse order, newer versions first, as they are now used throughout the line. So, here’s the scoop.
The CX5 was the first model to use Style 3 and by 2016 all Mazda models use this method. Push the brake pedal, or the clutch pedal if you have a manual transmission. This will cause the indicator light in the Start / Stop button to flash green. While it flashes, touch the back side of the key fob to the Start / Stop button, which will cause the green indicator light to stop flashing and remain lit. Push the Start / Stop button to start the engine as normal – or with the fob itself.
Style 2 is found in the CX7, CX9, MX-5 and RX8 models. Remove the Start knob cover by pushing both release buttons and pulling the cover off exposing the key cylinder. Slide the auxiliary key out from the bottom of the advanced key (see above) and insert it into the cylinder. Turn the key to start the engine.
For Style 1, found in the Mazda3 (including MazdaSpeed3) and Mazda6 prior to 2014, slide the auxiliary key out from the bottom of the advanced key (see above). Use the auxiliary key to remove the key slot cover located on the right side of the steering column. Depress the clutch (manual) or brake pedal (automatic) until the ring around the key slot starts flashing. Insert the auxiliary key into the slot while it is flashing, but do not turn the auxiliary key in the slot. Press the push button start to start the engine.
Note: 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.
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
How to Open, Start and Replace Fob Batteries in Mazda Vehicles
We have seven videos offering help to Mazda drivers who’s key fobs or remote controls have gone dead.
This update adds a new key fob and new door handle introduced first in 2019.
Another video of late model Mazdas. No changes, but an updated video with a 2017 Mazda3.
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And one featuring a 2018 CX9.
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Here’s some video help for Mazdas build after 2013.
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And one for Mazda 3, Speed3 and 6 built before 2014.
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And a second one Mazda CX7, CX9, MX-5 and RX8s built before 2014.
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This one will help with the replacement of the battery in the fob.
Models covered include the CX-5, CX-7, CX9, MX-5, RX8, Mazda 3, MazdaSpeed3, and Mazda6.
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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
Our mission at DashboardSymbols.com is to make new auto technologies simpler to understand and use so that you can feel safe and secure. Electronics rarely have intuitive solutions when problems arise. We have long railed about car companies making getting in a push-button start car difficult when an electronic issue strikes, but we didn’t recognize that those same problems could lead to difficulties getting out.
And now one of those problems has cost a man his life.
A Life Lost
A Consumer Reports article recently cited the death of a man, and his dog, of heat exhaustion in Texas when he was unable to open his 2007 Chevrolet Corvette after an electronic malfunction. He was unaware of a mechanical release located near the floor below the door, as shown in the image to the left The article begins beautifully, stating “tragedy demonstrates time and time again, there is true value in conventionally designed controls for vehicles.” Their conclusion troubles us, however. But first, a review of this and other recent incidents that we have touched on.
The man, 72 year old James Rogers, stepped out of a local restaurant to check on his dog, leaving his cell phone behind. It is thought that the electronic lock failed due to a loose battery cable. He and the dog had already died by the time they were noticed and freed from the car. Sadly, other news reports stated that his daughter believes he may have been trying to consult the owner’s manual when he succumbed.
Hours Lost
Earlier this year, we reported on an item out of New Zealand where an older couple had spent 13 hours locked inside their new keyless Mazda, and nearly died. They had left the key fob outside the car and mistakenly thought that it was the only way to unlock the car. The overriding assumption was that the root cause of the problem was that either the dealer did not fully explain the features of the car, or that the couple was confused by new technology because of their age (65 and 68).
In that same article, we related another lock-out story involving a keyless, or push button start car, this time a BMW. Their friends had used the remote to lock the car as a joke, and try as they might, those inside, a man and a woman in their 20s, could not find a way out and swore that there was none! The unlock switch, while plainly marked with the image of a door with a key in it and shown here, is placed surprisingly in the center of the dashboard just below the emergency flasher switch! Not on the doors, where our twenty somethings assumed it should be. And frankly where we had assumed it would be.
This image is an expanded view of the Corvette’s door release lever and icon. While the image does indicate the function of the lever, it would not be easily seen while sitting in the driver’s seat of the cramped coupe. Also, it is located where we have learned to expect to find a trunk or fuel door release, so it is quite likely that that Rogers never thought to even look towards the floor. It should be noted that this lock technology is shared by the Cadillac CTS, XLR and ELR Coupes.
Consumer Report’s states that their own reliability data shows that “problems with door locks and latches are among the most common complaints.” Their article concludes that “there isn’t any worrisome trends among Corvettes.”
Looking purely at data – developed by definition after problems occur – this is certainly true. We, however, see several worrisome trends surrounding the growing love affair with electronics and the auto industry itself. We’ve cited three incidents of drivers who believed they locked in their cars. This leads us to,
short of a photographic memory, ‘showing’ and ‘explaining’ new features to drivers and expecting them to read and remember everything new in an owner’s manual have never – repeat never – worked in the auto industry. Ever. No one in the industry seems capable of learning this lesson no matter how many times it is repeated. This makes the New Zealand incident the most troublesome to address and it continues the “blame the driver”, or the salesperson, mentality. That said,
there is nothing intuitive about a door release on the floor below the door. GM, take responsibility for it and change it, period. The electronic lock does nothing for the owner and only satisfies something at GM. Make it part of the arm rest. Better yet, lose the unnecessary electronic release altogether and return the mechanical release as the primary, or only, release. And it follows that,
there is also nothing intuitive about a lock switch located in the center of the dashboard. BMW, it too should be returned to the armrest, even though it then means a second switch is needed on the passenger door.
If you could change the behavior of the one or the behavior of the millions, which would have the greater chance of success?
Changing the one, the manufacturer, eliminates the need for the millions (drivers) to read, and frankly memorize, crucial new features or the owner’s manual. It also eliminates the need for other millions (salespeople) to somehow become effective teachers. Someone else’s dad, mom, brother, sister, son, daughter husband or wife will not have to die over something that seems simple – to those of us in the industry.
Build to intuition. Let’s not wait for data to act.
Update: We got hold of a Cadillac CTS Coupe and can add this gif (below) of the lever in action. We used it from outside the car, so we could see it well!
And we’ve added this video discussing the growing trend towards electronic locks and latches.
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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
A few months ago, an item out of New Zealand relayed a story of an older couple who spent 13 hours locked inside their new keyless start Mazda, and nearly died. They had left the key fob outside the car and mistakenly thought that it was the only way to unlock the car. I initially let the story pass without comment feeling it would be a relatively rare occurrence.
However, I recently overheard a lunchtime conversation, again about someone locked inside a keyless, or push button start, BMW. Only this time those locked in were in their twenties! Their friends had used the remote to lock the car as a joke, and try as they might, those inside could not find a way out. In fact, they swore there was no way out!
A Closer Look
Lets get something out of the way first: there is always an unlock option inside the car. Any car. Keep looking! In fact, in most cases any door can simply be opened from the inside regardless of a locked condition. If the manual is in the glove box, consult it! The switch for the Mazda is shown to the right with open and closed padlock images.
Now to the New Zealand case. The overriding assumption is that the root cause of the problem was twofold. First, that the dealer did not fully explain the features of the car, and second, that the couple were confused by new technology because of their age (65 and 68).
Its Not About Age
Both assumptions are completely false. We’ve said this here before and it bears repeating: people learn by doing not by having things explained to them. The dealer could easily have gone over the locks with the older couple as well as a dozen other features that would have been new to them. Learning comes with experience, hopefully not as extreme as what these folks went through. And for the record, they had left the manual in their house.
As to age, anyone is capable of being confused by new technology. Anyone. Our twenty-somethings put the lie to age being an excuse. And while the car did not belong to them, the car’s owners, who are only a few years older, also could not find an unlock mechanism inside the car!
We know that confusion and assumptions kept our New Zealanders inside their car. But just what was the problem with the BMW? A 2009 X3 to be exact.
Well, looking through the owner’s manual, we find the answer. The unlock switch, while plainly marked with the image of a door with a key in it, is placed surprisingly in the center of the dashboard just below the emergency flasher switch! Not on the doors, where our twenty somethings assumed it should be! And frankly where I had assumed it would be. If this is a driver’s first BMW, the lock switch is in a truly mysterious location.
There are a number of possible reasons for placing an unlock switch in the center of the car. Perhaps to give both front seat occupants access. Perhaps avoid the reflexive lock action many drivers employ that can override the outside handle button if the fob is accidentally left inside, even if it is in range.
Regardless, that’s where it is in newer BMW models, and there is one somewhere in every other car made.
If you think you’re locked inside, please keep looking!
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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
2024 New York International Auto Show Reflections
Who Showed, Who Didn’t
The 2024 New York International Auto Show (NYIAS) was notable as much for who still didn’t show up as for what we found on the show floor.
Since the pandemic shut down the show for two years, Mercedes-Benz and BMW have yet to reappear. And while Mazda and Mitsubishi made appearances in ’22 and ’23, there were a no show this year. And from Fiat Chrysler — or Stellantis — only Jeep showed up with its outdoor test climb.
The value of industry trade shows was questioned in the wake of the pandemic. They are expensive to put on, requiring the movement of large numbers of people and vehicles and booth materials. There’s no evidence of Mercedes and BMW suffering from ignoring this and other trade shows.
Further evidence of a cut back in show attendance were the tiny booths set up by both Volvo and Audi. Barely room for a few car. For the second year in row, Hyundai took advantage of available floor space to make its own test track. The EV track (right) remained on the first level.
EVs in the Limelight
Elsewhere, EVs remain a focus of the show, clearly an attempt to acquaint the buying public with the shift to electric driving. Volkswagen’s ID Buzz (left) made and appearance. Polestar was at the show for the first time and brought its 2, 3, and 4 models. The Polestar 4 (right) won’t be available to order for another few months with deliveries expected in 2025.
Porsche featured all four of its available electric line: the Tacan, Macan, Cayenne and Panamera (left), all open and available to crawl through. As always with Porsche, the styling is impeccable.
Acura brought its first EV, the ZDX (right), but kept it locked tight. Seems a bit short sighted if you’re hoping to generate interest.
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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