Tag: symbols

Its got to be the plug. Its about the plug!

Charge image 2About the plug

A friend passed along a New York Times article titled Should I Get a Hybrid or Go Full Electric? The title is linked. After reading it, and combined with additional information that was already running around my head, I emailed him back remarking that its all about the plug!

Two hybrids

The article explains the two types of hybrids: conventional and plug-in. Conventional hybrids have a battery that powers an electric motor to augment the gasoline engine. It also incorrectly seems to suggest that energy from braking alone charges the battery, when in fact the gasoline engine charges the battery continuously.

A plug-in hybrid has a larger battery that can powering car solely with electricity for short distances, on average 40 to 50 miles. And they can be charged using the same Level 1 or Level 2 chargers that EVs use. High power Level 3 charging is off the table, which the article misses.

But this is not intended as a critique of the article…

So, back to the point. The battery in a plug-in hybrid will be charged by the gasoline engine if its power is drained, operating exactly as a conventional hybrid.

Imagine you are the owner of a plug-in hybrid. Theoretically, if you drive less than the battery’s range, you can go indefinitely with using any gasoline. What’s needed now is a convenient place to plug in, and the willingness to, in effect, manage an EV!

Further, in the scenario described, a plug-in hybrid needs to be plugged in daily. A full EV only needs a charge maybe once or twice a week!

This is what was rummaging through my mind. The European auto market is down, way down, and only one segment one segment is up, albeit slightly. And its the conventional hybrid market.

Its all about the plug!

Plugging in is the change. As a people, we’ve grown accustomed to driving and stopping randomly for a fill-up. The plug is the change of religion. Everything else is essentially the same: a steering wheel, accelerator pedal, brake pedal, and on and on and on.

Hybrid Charging Station SignIn the interim, the EV market continues to grow, and despite problems in Europe, faster than anyone imagined, exposing more and more drivers to the “new” religion.

The last hurdle will ultimately be more places to actually use the plug!

Heck, even EVs have warning lights. Lots of them. See our page 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.

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/2024/09/its-got-to-be-the-plug-its-about-the-plug/

Rivian Dashboard Symbols and Warning Lights

Rivian 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 Rivian. Lacking an internal combustion engine, their models use fewer warning lights then most. Nevertheless, those that are used are here. 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). There are only a bit more than 40 of them, but search carefully anyway!

Serious trouble or fault indicators
Brake Trouble IndicatorBrake trouble indicator -- click for more
Electronically Controlled Brake WarningBrake booster fault indicator -- click for more
Text symbolsParking brake indicators -- click for moreService Electric Parking Brake
SRS Air Bag Indicator SymbolAir bag warning indicator -- click for more
Common or routine indicators
Seat Belt Reminder SymbolSeat belt reminder -- click for more
Doors ajarDoor, hood, tailgate open indicators -- click for moreTailgate openHood open
Windshield Washer Fluid Low IndicatorWindshield washer fluid low -- click for more
Frost warningFrost warning indicator -- click for more
Trouble or fault indicators
Tire Pressure Monitor SymbolTire pressure monitor indicator -- click for more
ABS Trouble Indicator CanadaAnti-lock brake system fault 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
Driver assist systems and accessory indicators
Auto brake hold indicatorBrake hold indicators -- click for moreAuto brake hold malfunction
Blind Spot IndicatorBlind spot warning indicator -- click for more
Automatic emergency brakingAuto braking off or malfunction -- click for moreAutomatic emergency braking
Lane Departure WarningLane departure indicator -- click for more
Rear window defrost indicatorRear window defog indicator -- click for more
Electric vehicle indicators
Power Limitation IndicatorPower limitation indicator -- click for more
EV system indicator EV system failure indicator -- click for moreEV system indicator
EV battery lowState of charge indicators -- click for moreEV battery very lowEV battery drained
Regenerative braking limitedRegenerative braking limited -- click for more
Conserve mode indicatorConserve mode indicator -- click for more
Frost Warning IndicatorCold weather indicator -- click for moreBattery temperature indicator
Lighting indicators
Lamp out indicatorLamp out indicator -- click for more
Cornering Headlamps Malfunction IndicatorAdaptive front lighting system malfunction indicator -- click for more
Auto high beam indicatorAutomatic high beam indicators -- click for more
Fog Lamp Indicator SymbolFog lamps on indicator -- click for more
Rear Fog Lamp IndicatorRear fog lamp 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 or low beam indicator -- click for moreLow beam indicator

Models examined include the R1T and R1S.

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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/2024/06/rivian-dashboard-symbols-and-warning-lights/

Mitsubishi Dashboard Symbols and Warning Lights

Mitsubishi 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 Mitsubishi. 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 90 of them, so search carefully!

Serious trouble of fault indicators
Charging System Trouble Indicator SymbolCharge system trouble indicator -- click for more
Brake Trouble IndicatorBrake trouble indicator -- click for moreBrake fault indicator
Oil Trouble Indicator SymbolOil and oil level warning lights -- click for moreLow Oil Level Symbol
Temperature Warning Light SymbolEngine temperature indicators -- click for moreTemperature Indicator Cold
Steering Trouble IndicatorElectronic power steering trouble indicator -- click for more
SRS Air Bag Indicator SymbolAir bag warning indicator -- click for more
Common or routine indicators
Seat Belt Reminder SymbolSeat belt reminder -- click for more
Security Lock IndicatorSecurity indicators -- click for moreImmobilizer dot
Door Ajar Warning IndicatorDoor, hood, lid ajar indicators -- click for moreHood ajar indicator
Low Fuel IndicatorLow fuel indicator -- click for more
Windshield Washer Fluid Low IndicatorLow washer fluid indicator -- click for more
Frost warningLow outside temperature indicator -- click for more
Service ReminderService reminder indicator -- click for more
Engine Start Operation IndicatorStep on brake indicator -- click for more
Trouble or fault indicators
Master Warning Light SymbolMaster warning light -- click for more
Key Warning IndicatorKeyless access or start fault indicator -- click for more
AT temperature indicatorTransmission temperature indicator -- click for moreTransmission Temperature Warning
Check engineCheck engine lights -- click for moreElectrical system fault indicator
Slip Indicator SymbolStability control or fault indicators -- click for moreStability control fault
Slip Control Off IndicatorStability control off indicators -- click for moreASC OFF indicator
Tire Pressure Monitor SymbolTire pressure monitor indicator -- click for more
ABS Trouble Indicator USAnti-lock brake system fault indicator -- click for moreABS Trouble Indicator Canada
Automatic Transmission Fault IndicatorAutomatic transaxle fault indicator -- click for more
All Wheel Drive Disabled4WD fault indicator -- click for more
4WD overheat indicator4WD overheat indicator -- click for more
Driver assist and accessory systems indicators
Blind Spot IndicatorBlind spot monitor indicators -- click for moreBlind Spot Alert Malfunction
Lane Departure Warning IndicatorLane departure warning indicators -- click for moreAlert System Service Indicator
Forward collision warningCollision warning system indicators -- click for moreForward Collision System Fault Indicator
Camera blocked indicatorMore collision warning system indicators -- click for moreCamera fault indicatorCamera unavailable indicator
Active Cruise Control SymbolAdaptive cruise control indicators -- click for moreSmart Cruise Control Malfunction Indicator
Cruise Control Indicator SymbolCruise control indicators -- click for moreSet Indicator (Cruise Control)
Rear Cross Traffic Alert IndicatorRear cross traffic alert indicator -- click for more
Eco Operation Indicator SymbolEconomy operation indicator -- click for more
Attention Alert Indicator SymbolAttention assist indicator -- click for more
VSC Sport indicatorDrive mode indicators -- click for moreSport mode indicator
Snow Mode IndicatorAnother drive mode indicator -- click for more
Grade assist 2Terrain or grade assist indicators -- click for moreCrawl Control Indicator Symbol
4WD Lock IndicatorDifferential lock indicator -- click for moreDifferential Lock Indicator
Electric or hybrid vehicle indicators
Ready Mode IndicatorHybrid ready indicator -- click for more
EV MODE IndicatorEV mode indicator -- click for more
Hybrid Warning IndicatorHybrid battery warning indicator -- click for more
EV System IndicatorEV system warning indicator -- click for more
Regenerative Braking IndicatorRegenerative brake system warning indicator -- click for more
Power Limitation IndicatorPower limitation indicator -- click for more
Low Battery WarningCharge level warning indicator -- click for more
Charging Indicator SymbolCharging indicator -- click for more
Diesel powered vehicle indicators
Glow Plug Indicator SymbolGlow plug indicator -- click for more
Water in Fuel Indicator SymbolWater in fuel indicator -- click for more
Exhaust filter indicatorDiesel particle filter indicator -- click for more
Lighting indicators
Headlamp Indicator SymbolHeadlamp indicator -- click for more
LED Headlight MalfunctionLed headlamp malfunction indicator -- click for more
High beam assistantAutomatic high beam indicators -- click for moreHeadlamp Malfunction 2
Tail Light Indicator CanadaPark lamps on indicator -- click for more
Headlight Levelling IndicatorHeadlamp leveling indicator -- click for more
AFS fault indicatorAdaptive headlights malfunction indicator -- click for more
Fog Lamp Indicator SymbolFog lamp indicator -- click for more
Rear Fog Lamp IndicatorRear fog lamp indicator -- click for more
Turn Signal IndicatorTurn signal indicator -- click for more
High Beam On IndicatorHigh beam indicator -- click for more

Models examined include ASX, Eclipse, Grandis, i-MiEV, L200, Lancer, Mirage, Outlander, and Shogun.

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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/2021/08/mitsubishi-warning-lights-and-symbols/

Distracted Driving from Outside the Lines

DOT Guidelines

The recent U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) release of its guidelines on the topic of distracted driving has spurred a good deal of discussion in the media. The guidelines call for automakers to disable applications in the vehicles center stack or infotainment system that allow drivers to manually access social media, surf the Web or send text messages while on the road.

All well and good. Very, very good in fact. Really, do we want drivers web surfing or reading text messages while driving?

More Distractions

JVC head unitBut all of the attention is on infotainment systems. At DashboardSymbols.com, we see this focus on distracted driving as an opportunity to reexamine how vehicles communicate with drivers in general. Today’s advanced vehicles are in one form or another continually talking to drivers, either with warning lights and tell-tales or through short and often difficult to interpret text messages. This growing phenomenon is being completely ignored by the DOT and manufacturers alike, and yet poses a similar if not more serious distraction threat.

Warning lights and indicators have long been the province of a vehicle’s instrument panel and the preferred means of communication between the vehicle and its driver. An entire collection of automotive hieroglyphics has been developed and continues to be developed.

Now, vehicles with multifunction displays offer multiple screens to peer at while driving: text on navigation information, tire pressures, fuel consumption, telephone use, and more may be available. And each segment likely offers additional information through menu manipulation. These items are generally very easily accessed with controls mounted on the steering wheel, but the information displayed ultimately requires the driver’s eyes to absorb.

Stability control indicatorWarning symbols and indicators can already be problematic. Unless a driver has dealt with a malfunction in a given system in the past, the appearance of what will be an unfamiliar warning light can cause near panic. And with each new system comes a new tell-tale. The average driver simply does not have the time in a busy life to memorize all the various scenarios these indicators present. Thus when a new one appears, the question for the driver becomes ‘is my car safe to drive?’ That answer is rarely obvious and invariably leads to calls to roadside services or service departments.

And now, message screens are being employed to add instruction, explanation or general information on a vehicle’s status. The idea is sound, but the implementation lies squarely at the center of the DOT’s current concern.

Our perspective is that the driver distraction debate is an opportunity to step back and reconsider the entire landscape. Vehicles are in constant communication with their drivers, and are becoming communication hubs, bringing information and entertainment from without.

Voice commands are in play and offer a path to follow. Perhaps it is time for vehicles themselves to be given a voice. And not just for reading text messages aloud. In theory, it could speak aloud the meaning of a given tell-tale so a lay person can understand, or the status of tires pressures on request, and so on. Certainly there are challenges in implementation – variations in definitions, requests to repeat or no longer repeat information, etc – but it is time to consider allowing a vehicle to communicate its status through 2-way voice interaction. The iPhone’s Siri points the way.

——————————————————————-

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/2012/04/distracted-driving-from-outside-the-lines/