Tag: S

Mercedes Benz Dashboard Symbols and Warning Lights

Mercedes Benz 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 Mercedes Benz. 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, black, white), but there are over 70 of them so be patient!

Note also that the company makes extensive use of the information display, so a great many of these are simply black and white.

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
Parking Brake Engaged IndicatorPark brake indicators -- click for moreElectric Park Brake Indicator
Temperature Warning Light SymbolCoolant temperature warning indicators -- click for moreTemperature Indicator Cold
Oil Trouble Indicator SymbolOil warning light -- click for more
Steering Trouble IndicatorElectric power steering fault indicator -- click for more
SRS Air Bag Indicator SymbolAir bag warning indicator -- click for moreSRS Text Indicator
Common or routine indicators
Seat Belt Reminder SymbolSeat belt reminder -- click for more
Door Ajar Warning IndicatorDoor, trunk, etc. ajar indicators -- click for moreTrank ajar indicator
Low Fuel IndicatorLow fuel indicator -- click for more
Windshield Washer Fluid Low IndicatorLow washer fluid indicator -- click for more
Low Coolant IndicatorLow coolant indicator -- click for more
Trouble or fault indicators
Check engine lightCheck engine light -- click for moreCheck Engine Text
Stability, traction control and fault indicators -- click for moreAmber Master Warning Light Symbol
ESP / BAS IndicatorStability control and brake assist fault 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 indicators -- click for more
Electronic Brake Force Distribution IndicatorElectronic brake force distribution indicator -- click for more
Transmission fault indicatorTransmission fault indicator -- click for more
Steering locked indicatorElectronic steering lock indicator -- click for more
Active Suspension WarningSuspension fault indicators -- click for moreSuspension malfunction indicator
SOS IndicatorSOS function failure indicators -- click for moreSOS not ready indicator
Driver assist systems indicators
Distance Warning IndicatorDistance warning indicator -- click for more
Lane keeping assist indicatorLane departure warning indicator -- click for more
Active steering assist indicatorSteering assist alert indicator -- click for more
Collision warning indicatorCollision warning system indicator -- click for more
Radar sensors indicatorBlind spot radar detector indicator -- click for more
Traffic sign assistTraffic sign recognition system and fault indicator -- click for more
Hold Operation IndicatorBrake hold indicator -- click for more
Attention Alert Indicator SymbolAttention alert indicators -- click for moreSleep detected indicator
Suspension MalfunctionSuspension setting indicator -- click for more
Cruise Control Indicator SymbolCruise control indicator -- click for more
Active Cruise Control SymbolActive cruise control indicators -- click for moreAdaptive cruise control indicator
Special feature indicators
Start stop faultStart stop system function indicators -- click for more
Running board indicatorRunning boards not extended indicator -- click for more
Top open indicatorPower top trouble indicators -- click for moreTrunk partition open indicator
DSR indicatorLow speed assist indicator -- click for more
Differential lock malfunctionDifferential lock malfunction indicator -- click for more
Back rest unlatchedSseat backrest not engaged -- click for more
Sport mode indicatorSport mode indicator -- click for more
Drift mode indicatorDrift mode indicator -- click for more
Glow Plug Indicator SymbolGlow plug indicator -- click for more
Regenerative Braking IndicatorRecuperative brake system indicator -- click for more
Hybrid battery fault indicatorHybrid battery indicators -- click for moreHybrid battery discharge indicator
Lighting indicators
Headlamp outLamp out indicator -- click for more
Tail Light Indicator CanadaPark lights on indicator -- click for more
Fog Lamp Indicator SymbolFog lamp indicators -- click for moreRear Fog Lamp Indicator
Turn Signal IndicatorTurn signal indicator -- click for more
High Beam On IndicatorHigh or low beam indicators -- click for moreLow beam indicator
Adaptive high beam indicatorAdaptive high beam indicator -- click for more

Models examined include A, AMG, B, C, CLA, CLS, E, G, GL, GLA, GLC, GLE, GLK, GLS, GT, M, S, SL, SLC and SLS Class and Series vehicles.

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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/mercedes-benz-warning-lights-and-symbols/

Drive Mode Indicators

Drive Modes

Sport mode indicatorEconomy Mode IndicatorECO + mode indicatorOff road modeThe dozens of images on this page are all Drive Mode Indicators symbols. There is seemingly no end to the number of variations used by manufacturers covering an equally endless number of drive modes. The important point to remember is that they appear when a choice is made in a menu or a button is pushed somewhere on the dashboard or center console.

Eco modePower modeShown first (above) are variations for the most common – SPORT and ECO. However, these symbols continue to evolve and there are many, many more to discuss. In fact, you might want to check the bottom of the page first for the senselessly long list of additional symbols that have evolved over the years…

  • Before moving on, are you sure one of these is your symbol (see more below)??
  • If not, you can return to our main Picture Symbols page and scan again!

Many More Modes

Track mode indicatorTrack mode indicatorTrack mode indicatorTrack mode indicatorDrive modes are chosen by the driver and either enhance power and performance, enhance fuel economy or maintain a balance between them. If you see one of these, just know that the drive mode can be changed with the press of a button or tap of a screen. The last three are Track Mode Indicators and should only be used on a closed track.

Race mode 1Race mode 2Similarly, these are Race Mode Indicators. They are part of a Performance Traction Management (PTM) system that offers Competitive Drive Modes. When activated, the Electronic Stability Control OFF light will also be seen as the system will be turned off. As above, these modes should only be used on a closed track.

ESC Sport indicatorVSC (Vehicle Stability Control) or ESC (Electronic Stability Control) can also be manipulated to enhance the driver’s control over the car. In this case, the VSC/ESC is turned off, hence the yellow/amber color, likely for very aggressive driving or drifting. If it appears when the option has not been chosen, it indicates a fault that will require a qualified service shop.

Drift mode indicatorSimilarly, the Drift Mode indicator is also seen in yellow/amber for very much the same reason. Stability control must be turned off in order to drift a car around corners. Again, this is used for very aggressive driving and should only be used by experienced drivers on closed courses.

Launch control indicatorThis is an N Launch Control indicator. The symbol is seen when N Launch is chosen. N Launch provides maximum acceleration when the vehicle is at a complete stop, which truthfully sounds like what any vehicle has when the accelerator is floored. However, N Launch is a special case from Hyundai in their Ionic 5 and 6 model EVs. When N Launch is selected, in use the brake and accelerator pedals are fully depressed. The car is “launched” when the brake pedal is released. N Launch is cancelled when the accelerator is released.

Sport sharp modeSubaru has gone wild with six new images. The first is associated with the Subaru Intelligent (SI) Drive system, a system we already discuss here. The first image is yet another Sport Mode indicator that adds the hash tag to become Sport Sharp Mode, which makes the throttle more responsive. The entire SI Drive option is also now found in non-hybrid vehicles from the manufacturer. It originally was designed to help manage the hybrid’s battery life.

Sport modeSport+ modeIndividual modeComfort modeNormal modeOf the remaining five drive modes, all are new renditions of existing modes found from other manufacturers. In order, they are: Sport, Sport+, Individual, Comfort, and Normal Modes. Subaru itself already a simple Sport Mode, but opted yet again to make a new image. The outlier is the Star, where others, including Subaru have used a simple capital I for Individual, or actually spelled the word out (below).

EV MODE IndicatorEV Operation Indicator SymbolHold mode indicatorElectric vehicles have their own set of mode choices, in nearly the number of variations as vehicles powered by internal combustion engines. Again, its all about the driver’s choice!

Br mode indicatorToyota’s hydrogen powered Mirai has this Br – or Brake – Mode option, which is found on the shifter. It is intended for driving in conditions that require strong deceleration force, such as down-hill driving, etc. The indicator will be seen when the mode is selected, which draws braking power from the traction battery.

Valet mode indicatorAnother mode is Valet. This one leaves only the door locks and ignition active or available for use by a valet to park an owner’s vehicle. Forgetting to disengage this mode will lock out the trunk and glove box, and may be temporarily confusing.

Hybrid sport mode indicatorSport mode indicatorSport mode indicatorExcite mode indicatorThese are all Sport Mode Indicators.  plain ‘S’ is used both as a Sport Mode Indicator and a SynchroRev Match Mode (S-MODE) indicator. The SynchroRev Match mode is found only in a vehicle equipped with a manual transmission.  It automatically adjusts the engine speed to match the selecting gear ratio while changing gears. Similarly, the two Sport Mode Indicators and an Excite Mode Indicator, which is essentially the same thing, that follow will downshift an automatic transmission when engaged and enables performance shift features when spirited driving is detected, maintaining lower transmission gears to increase available engine braking and improve acceleration response.

V ModeZ mode indicatorDrive mode indicatorMy mode lightOne manufacturer uses multiple mode options that can be set by the vehicle’s driver. The first uses a distorted letter V to indicate that V-MODE is chosen. The option exists only as part of a V-Series vehicle.  Z MODE offers exactly the same options, but in another model. It indicates that a specific driving mode has been chosen as set by a specific driver. The image of a head and shoulders alone or alongside a steering wheel are MY MODE indicators from the same manufacturer. Again, drive options are chosen by the driver.

N-mode indicatorYet another manufacturer uses the symbol on the left to indicate N mode, which is seen as a stylized letter N. It actually controls the vehicle’s SPORT modes, and thus makes little sense. There is no explanation for what the N actually stands for and it is activated by pressing a flag button on the steering wheel. N mode manages the driving dynamics by automatically adjusting the steering effort, and the engine and transmission control logic for enhanced driver performance.

Tour mode indicatorNormal mode indicatorNormal mode indicatorThese are Tour or Normal Mode Indicators. It is used for normal city and highway driving to provide a smooth, soft ride in a high-performance vehicle. Lane keeping indicatorIt provides a balanced setting between comfort and handling and is the standard mode. Be sure not to confuse it with the image to the right, which is essentially the same image but seen in yellow/amber. It is a Lane Keeping Indicator. Click here for more.

Weather mode indicatorRain snow modeWet modeDry modeThese are all Weather Mode Indicators: two forms of Rain and Snow Mode, Wet Mode and Dry Mode. Other than Dry Mode, the modes help to keep the wheels from spinning in slippery conditions.

Below are additional mode variations. There are rings, circles, mountains, flags and batteries featured, along with plain text. Again, these are choices made by the driver, so if you’re seeing this unexpectedly, look for menu options in your vehicle. Note that images with flags are track modes and the remaining images lacking text are generally specialized off road modes.

Track modeSnow modeSport mode indicatorSport + mode indicatorSport + indicatorRange mode indicatorCustom mode indicatorNormal mode indicatorSport mode chosenIndividual mode indicatorSport mode 2Sport mode indicatorSport modeSport drive modeHybrid intelligent mode indicatorOff road mode indicatorOffroad modeOffroad custom modeMountain mode indicatorSport Mode IndicatorSnow Mode Indicator

 

Baja mode

 

 

 

 

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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/drive-mode-indicators/

Recall GM Coupes Before Someone Else Dies!

Trapped in an XLRAn Actual Death Trap

Yet another cringe worthy headline showed up on Twitter recently (September 2018). A man trapped in his car because the battery was dead. And for 14 hours. He was very, very lucky that the car wasn’t outside in the sun, or the outcome would have been very, very different.

This one hits home for us because of another incident several years ago that prompted this article on this site, but in this case, a man lost his life. So, all this needs a more thorough examination.

The problem is finding oneself locked in a car that has lost its power. It is a direct result of the move to all Cadillac XLRelectronic everything, right down to the door latches. It is also the result of very, very poor design.

Both of the incidents involve GM Coupes: a Chevrolet Corvette and a Cadillac XLR. They feature these flush door handles with a electronic button inside this opening that unlocks and opens the door if the key fob is present. If the power is lost when inside the car, the electronic button on the armrest no longer works, and while there is a back Corvetteup option, it is not remotely obvious and effectively not intuitive.

Where’s the Release?

The back up option is a mechanical release handle on the floor below the door, not on the door where any typical human would think to look. In the most recent episode, the owners manual was missing from the 12 year old XLR, which is all too common in older vehicles. And he didn’t have a cell phone with him, or he surely would have been out of his car much sooner.

In the previous incident, the gentleman had gone to the car to check on his dog, leaving his cell phone behind. Relatives reported that there was evidence that the man was looking through the manual for help when he succumbed to the heat. He and dog passed away.

It is far too easy to blame the victim here. It is true that they were not familiar with the feature. Both cars were bought used, so expecting the seller to go over more obscure features is wishful thinking.

Age Again?

It is also way too easy to blame age — the men were 75 and 72, respectively. This is when I point to an incident relayed by 20 year olds. Their friend had bought a new BMW. He then let them in the car to check it out and locked the car from the outside.

The joke was that there was no way to unlock the doors from the BMW Inside Lock Switchinside. I immediately pointed out that there IS a way out — just not where you would expect to look. The unlock button is placed in the middle of the dashboard, and the entire group was clearly unfamiliar with this quirk in a BMW. And it belongs exclusively to BMW.

Age is NOT the issue. Expectation and intuition is. Where did these 20-somethings look for an unlock button?

Tesla Door ReleaseBack to technology and design, Tesla’s vehicles all feature electronic latches. As to getting out, the rear doors in the Model S require pulling a cable located under each rear seat. The front doors are released mechanically from the inside.

The Model X front doors are all mechanically released from the inside. Perfect.

The Model 3 has a mechanical handle exactly where you would hope. On the armrest pretty much where a hand would actually be while using the armrest. It was tempting to simply open the door with it each time. A superior design.

Continental Inside ReleaseThe latest Lincoln Continental also has electronic door latches. A back up release is just below the armrest but still on the door, and only the driver’s door. However, Lincoln says that the doors will not remain latched if the power goes out.

The last two examples are far better thought out. And before anyone else finds themselves trapped in a GM Coupe, irrespective of age, we think a new way to open the doors from the inside must be devised and the cars recalled.

In our last show, we talked about changing the behavior of the one vs the behavior of the millions. And this is yet another example.

Changing the one, the manufacturer, eliminates the need for millions drivers to read, and frankly memorize, crucial new features or the entire owner’s manual. It also eliminates the need for millions of salespeople to somehow suddenly become effective teachers. Someone else’s dad, mom, brother, sister, son, daughter, husband or wife should not have to die or nearly die over poorly thought out designs.

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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/2018/09/recall-gm-coupes-before-someone-else-dies/

EV Mode Operation Indicators

EV Mode

EV MODE IndicatorEV mode indicatorEV mode indicatorThese are (Electric Vehicle) EV MODE Indicator symbols. Hybrid vehicle manufacturers may allow drivers to choose to operate the vehicle with the electric motor only powered by the hybrid battery for as long the battery will hold out. The vehicle will then automatically switch back to its internal combustion engine. This indicator, with or without the word Mode,  will be lit when this choice has been made by the driver.

  • Before moving on, are you sure one of these is your symbol (see more below)??
  • If not, you can return to our main Picture Symbols page and scan again!

More Versions

EV mode onEV mode unavailableThese variations also leave out the word mode. The first indicates that the vehicle is being driven as an electric vehicle only, as above. But the second symbol adds what is intended to be a clock in the corner. It means that EV mode and the high voltage battery is being saved for a more useful and economical time. It does not and can not indicate a specific time. The last one, with the line through the E and an arrowed circle, indicates that high voltage battery does not have enough juice to operate the vehicle without the help of the gas engine.

Electric modeHybrid mode modee-Save modeThese symbols come by way of Jeep and their new hybrid models, and are Hybrid Drive Mode Indicators. They are seen in white in the information screen. In Electric (EV) Mode, the car runs exclusively on the high-voltage battery until its charge is used up. In Hybrid Mode, the vehicle operates on whatever on all the internal combustion engine and battery power available. In e-Save mode, the battery is reserved for later use.

Green zone indicatorThis is a Green Zone Indicator. It depends on navigation information to tell a hybrid model to extend the use of EV mode in urban areas to protect the local atmosphere. These areas may be parks, hospitals, schools, and the like. Green zone operation can be expanded by the vehicle depending on driver history.

Hybrid intelligent mode indicatorHybrid sport mode indicatorSport sharp modeFinally, these three are associated with Subaru Intelligent (SI) Drive system. As in other cases, the system is designed to maximize hybrid battery life. ‘I’ indicates that intelligent mode is selected, where battery life is automatically maximized. ‘S’ indicates that sport mode is chosen, providing increased performance and leaving battery life in the driver’s hands.

The Sport mode indicator that adds the hash tag is a Sport Sharp mode., which makes the throttle more responsive. The entire SI Drive option is also now found in non-hybrid vehicles from the manufacturer.

——————————————————————-

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/2011/12/ev-mode-operation-indicator/