Module Two, Topic Four

Locating and Operating Vehicle Controls

 Locating and Operating Vehicle Controls

SOL DE.2 The student will demonstrate an understanding of basic

vehicle operating procedures.

Key concepts/skills include:

c) interpreting and accurately responding to vehicle information,
warning, and control devices;
 Locating and Operating Vehicle Controls
• You will learn …
A. How to identify the location of gauges.
B. How to describe the purpose of gauges.
C. How to identify alert and warnings
symbols.
D. How to identify devices used to operate a
vehicle.
 Locating and Operating Vehicle Controls

The location and description for all controls and safety

devices are located in the vehicle owner’s manual.
 Locating and Operating Vehicle Controls
Instrument Panel
Gauges

1. Speedometer
2. Tachometer
3. Odometer
4. Trip Odometer
5. Fuel Gauge
6. Temperature The location and description for all
controls and safety devices are located
in the vehicle owner’s manual.
Locating and Operating Vehicle Controls
Instrument Panel

Examples of Warning Lights

 Locating and Operating Vehicle Controls
Steering Wheel
• Different vehicles steer and handle differently.
• Slower speeds require more steering wheel
movement.
• Faster speeds require less steering movement.
• Steer right―vehicle turns to the right.
• Steer left―vehicle turns to the left.
 Locating and Operating Vehicle Controls
Accelerator and Brake Pedals

• Position the heel of right foot on the floor so the

ball of foot can pivot between pedals.
• The accelerator pedal is used to maintain,
increase, and/or decrease speed.
• The larger pedal to the left of the accelerator is the
brake, used to slow or stop vehicle.
 Locating and Operating Vehicle Controls
Parking Brake
• Small pedal located to the left of the driver or a hand-
operated lever near the center console.
• Used to hold vehicle in place when parked.
• Can be used as an emergency brake.
 Locating and Operating Vehicle Controls
Clutch Pedal (Manual Shift)
• The clutch pedal is located to the left of
the brake.
• Depress the clutch pedal to switch
gears.
• Ease off clutch until friction point to
smoothly engage transmission.
Locating and Operating Vehicle Controls
Cruise/Speed Control and Ignition

Cruise/speed control
• Located on steering wheel, dash, or a lever
to the right of the wheel
• Allows vehicle to maintain constant speed
and should be used only on dry pavement
Ignition switch or push button start
• Located on the dashboard
• Off/accessories/on/start
 Locating and Operating Vehicle Controls
Gear Selector Lever
• Located on steering column or center
console
• P = Park Automatic Transmission
R = Reverse
N = Neutral
D = Drive (O/D overdrive on/off switch)
2 = Stronger engine braking
L = Maximum engine braking
• Brake pedal must be depressed to place Manual Transmission
vehicle in gear or park.
 Locating and Operating Vehicle Controls
Turn Signal Lever, Hazard Flashers, Windshield Wiper and Washer Control
Turn Signal Lever
• Located on left side of steering wheel
• Lift up for right turn, press down for left turn
• Lane change hold up or press up/down halfway
Hazard Flashers
• Located on steering column (right) or instrument panel
Windshield Wipers and Washer Control
• Part of turn signal lever in some vehicles; opposing lever on others
• Two controls―one for speed and one for washer fluid
 Locating and Operating Vehicle Controls
Headlights, Running Lights, Tail Lights

• Usually controlled by a knob or switch located on the

left of the dash or a lever on the steering column
• Low-to-high beam―pull toward you or push away
• On/off―twist lever away or toward you for proper
setting
 Locating and Operating Vehicle Controls
Horn and Hood Release
Horn
• Located on the steering wheel cross bar or on the pad on the lower half of the wheel,
above or below the air bag cover; usually marked with a horn symbol
• Used as a warning device only
Hood Release
• Usually located on the left side under the instrument panel
• Pull the lever to release the hood
• A second latch under the hood also needs to be released
• Drivers often confuse the brake release with the hood release
 Locating and Operating Vehicle Controls
Trunk and Fuel Door Release, Sun Visor
• Trunk release
• is a button or lever located on the driver’s side, in the
glove box, or as a remote control feature on some key
fobs.
• Is located inside trunk of all cars manufactured after 2002
- safety release device glows in the dark for emergency
trunk escape.
• Fuel door release (if equipped)―can be a lever on the floor
to the left of the driver’s seat or may be located in the glove
box.
• Sun visor―angle away from face for glare protection.
 Locating and Operating Vehicle Controls

Heater, defroster, and air

conditioner
Headlights Hood release
 Locating and Operating Vehicle Controls
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC)
• Temperature control
• Variable fan speed
• Airflow
• Windshield defroster
• Rear window defroster
Optional accessories
• Radio/sound system
• Can you think of others?
 Locating and Operating Vehicle Controls
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
• The TPMS uses a dashboard warning light to alert the
driver when one or more of a vehicle’s tires is
significantly underinflated―a leading cause of tire
failure.
• A tire is considered significantly underinflated when its
pressure is 25 percent below the vehicle manufacturer’s
recommended tire inflation pressure.
• Since September 1, 2007, all new vehicles have TPMS.
 Locating and Operating Vehicle Controls
Backup Camera and GPS Technology
• The backup camera activates when the vehicle is
shifted to reverse; it helps drivers see the blind
spot directly behind the bumper and beyond.
• Global Positioning System (GPS) technology
gives reliable location and time information
anywhere on or near Earth when there is an
unobstructed line of sight to four or more GPS
satellites.
 Locating and Operating Vehicle Controls
Can you identify these alert/warning symbols?

Passenger Airbag Airbag Antilock Brake Theft-deterrent

On/Off System System

12-Volt
Extension Battery/ Brake Warning Vent and Airflow
Outlet Alternator Control
 Locating and Operating Vehicle Controls
Can you identify these alert/warning symbols?

Low Oil Temperature

Door Lock
Pressure Indicator

Door Open Seatbelt Reminder Fog Lamps Drive Wheel Selector

22
 Locating and Operating Vehicle Controls
Can you identify these alert/warning symbols?

Fuel Emergency Turn Signal Headlights

Indicator Flashers Light Switch High Beam Indicator

Hood Release Horn Ignition Switch Interior Light

Adjustment
 Locating and Operating Vehicle Controls
Can you identify these alert/warning symbols?

Push Button Tire Pressure Lower Anchors for Exterior

Start Monitor Child Restraints Light Switch

Overdrive Parking Light Left/Right Power Window

On/Off Switch Indicator Side Mirror Controls
Adjustment
 Can you identify these alert/warning symbols?

Left/Right Emergency Power Window Windshield

Signal Indicator Trunk Release Lock/Release Washer

Windshield Rear Defroster Trunk Release

Wiper Speed
Quiz - Can you remember all the alert/warning symbols?
 Locating and Operating Vehicle Controls
Alert/Warning Symbols and Controls Quiz
A B. C.

D. E. F.

G. H. I.
 Locating and Operating Vehicle Controls
Alert/Warning Symbols and Controls Quiz
J. K. L.

M. N. O.

P. Q. R.
 Locating and Operating Vehicle Controls
Alert/Warning Symbols and Controls Quiz

S. T. U.

V. W. X.
Module Two, Topic Five
Starting and Securing the Vehicle
 Starting and Securing the Vehicle

SOL DE.2 The student will demonstrate an understanding of basic vehicle

operating procedures.
Key concepts/skills include:
a) understanding and sequentially demonstrating pre-driving procedures;
b) comparing starting procedures for automatic and manual transmissions;
e) demonstrating vehicle securing procedures.

SOL on Starting Vehicle and on manual transmission

 Starting and Securing the Vehicle

• You will learn …

A. How to properly adjust the vehicle to
drive safely.
B. The proper starting procedures.
C. Techniques for shifting a manual shift
vehicle.
D. Proper steps for securing the vehicle.
 Starting and Securing the Vehicle
Starting the Vehicle
• Check/set your parking brake.

• Place your left foot on the dead pedal.

• Press brake pedal with your right foot.

• Ensure gear shift is in park (P) or neutral (N).

 Starting and Securing the Vehicle
Starting the Vehicle
• Insert ignition key, turn to on position.

• Check dashboard instrument panel for warning lights.

• Turn the key or push start button to start the

vehicle.
• Turn on your headlights.

• Visually identify an open space and target where you intend to move the car.
 Starting and Securing the Vehicle
Starting the Vehicle
• Shift into the proper gear, usually
drive (D) in an automatic transmission
or 1st gear in a manual shift vehicle.
• Release the parking brake.
• Scan for hazards between you and
your target.
• Signal your intentions and, when safe,
release brake pedal, and gently
accelerate towards the target.
 Operating an Automatic or Manual Transmission

Automatic Transmission Shift Manual Transmission Shift

• No clutch • Clutch pedal to the left of brake
• Automatically shifts gears in • Depress to switch gears
drive (D) • Ease off until friction point to
smoothly engage engine
 Starting and Securing the Vehicle
Securing the Vehicle
• Find a safe, legal parking space. Pay attention to signs forbidding or restricting
parking during certain hours, distance from fire hydrants, curbs and
intersections and parking meters.

• Park your vehicle squarely in the space. Leave enough space between vehicles
on either side so all vehicles’ occupants can exit/enter safely. This prevents
your vehicle from getting hit by another car’s door.

• Set the parking brake (see owner’s manual). Always set your parking brake to
keep the mechanism working smoothly. It protects the transaxle and constant
velocity joints by taking the strain of the vehicle’s weight off of the gear.
 Starting and Securing the Vehicle
Securing the Vehicle

• Shift to park (automatic) or first gear (manual).

• Turn off accessories.
• Turn ignition to off position or push start/stop button.
• Lock the doors and take the keys.