Tag: snow

Stuck in the Snow? Turn Off the Stability Control System!

I Got Stuck in the Snow

I just got caught. I live, eat and breath advanced automotive systems, and a neighbor had to clue me in. I missed it. I didn’t think of it. Turn Off the Stability Control System!

My car was stuck in the snow, and I had the stability control system on.

Slip Indicator SymbolWith the system on, as soon as one of the wheels starts to spin, the brakes want to slow that wheel down and the symbol to the left will be seen on the instrument panel. In some cars, even the engine power will be reduced, all of which conspires to leave you stuck. So there you are trying to gain some momentum, and bang, down you go. And I didn’t think of it…

My embarrassment is balanced by the recognition that most of you out there would likely have missed it too. In fact, you may not know why the Stability Control Off button even exists!

So, try to log into the backs of your minds that the reason you have an Off button for your stability control or traction control system is that there are times when turning it off is useful. And for most drivers, finding yourself stuck in mud or snow with a need to rock your vehicle back and forth will be that time. The motion helps build some momentum to push through and get free.

Too Many Names

Stability control systems go by way too many names, including AdvanceTrac, Automatic Stability Control (ASC), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Dynamic Stability and Traction Control (DSTC), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Interactive Vehicle Dynamics (IVD), Precision Control System (PCS), StabiliTrak, Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), Vehicle Dynamics Control Systems (VDCS), Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC). Check them out here.

Slip Control Off IndicatorDespite the alphabet soup, they all do the same thing, and are an important safety tool while on the road. A warning light, like the one to the right, will be illuminated to remind you to turn it back on when you are safely underway.

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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/2014/02/stuck-in-the-snow-turn-off-the-stability-control-system/

Snow Mode Indicators

Snow Mode

Frost Warning IndicatorSnow and ice modeSnow Mode IndicatorSnow mode indicatorThese are Snow Mode Indicators symbols. Whether from an electronically controlled transmission or throttle (ECT) or in a hybrid vehicle, it indicates that this mode is active. The option controls the transmission electronically, keeping it in a higher gear (2nd or 3rd) or controlling the throttle for accelerating and driving on slippery road surfaces, like snow.

  • But first, are you sure this is your symbol?? If yes, then continue on below. 
  • Otherwise return to our main Picture Symbols page and scan again!

Note that the snowflake image shown in yellow/amber/orange is also used as a warning that road conditions may be slippery due to low outside temperatures. Click here for more. The other two symbols, the word SNOW in yellow/amber/orange and the image in green combined with the word SNOW are simply mode indicators.

Also, there will likely be additional text with the text symbol Snow. See our Acronyms page if it is not a whole word or our Text Symbols page.

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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/2010/10/snow-mode-indicators/