What are the switches in the car called: a complete guide to the controls

Have you gotten behind the wheel of a new or unfamiliar car and are lost in the abundance of levers, buttons and switches? Or do you want to figure out how to correctly name certain controls so that you can confidently communicate with mechanics? In this article we Let's analyze in detail all the switches in the car interior — from obvious to hidden, we’ll tell you about their purpose, location and nuances of use.

Many drivers drive the same car for years, but do not know the name of this or that lever under the steering wheel or the button on the center console. Meanwhile, correct terminology helps to quickly find information in the instructions, explain the problem in the service, or even sell a car with the correct description. For example, not everyone understands that the “automatic transmission selector” and the “gearbox lever” are the same thing, and the “steering column switch” can be responsible for completely different functions.

We have collected the most complete classification of switches taking into account modern trends: touch panels, voice control and hybrid systems. You will also learn which controls break down most often and how to check them before buying a used car.

1. Main switches in the driver's area: what is where

The area around the steering wheel and center console is the vehicle's command center. Concentrated here key governing bodies, which the driver uses daily. Let's look at them in order - from the most obvious to those that often raise questions.

The most noticeable element is gear shift lever (or gear selector). In a manual transmission it is connected to the transmission through cables or rods, in an automatic transmission it controls hydraulics or electronics. On modern machines the selector can be:

• 🔹 Traditional — with fixed positions (P-R-N-D-L on automatic transmission or 1-2-3-4-5-R on manual transmission).
• 🔹 Electronic - without mechanical connection (for example, joystick selector in BMW iDrive or buttons in Tesla).
• 🔹 Steering column - as in some American pickups (for example, Chevrolet Silverado) or retro car.

Next to the selector are often located:

• 🔘 Reverse gear button (on manual transmission) - requires pressing to prevent accidental activation.
• 🔘 Selector lock button (on automatic transmission) - sometimes hidden under a cover (for example, in Toyota Corolla).
• 🔘 Driving mode switch (Eco/Sport/Normal) - found in Volkswagen, Skoda and other brands.

Another important block - steering column switches (or Steering controllers). They duplicate functions on the steering wheel for safety, so that the driver is not distracted. Typical elements:

• 🔄 Turn signal switch - usually on the left, with fixation in the upper/lower position.
• 💡 Headlight switch — low/high beam, dimensions, fog lights.
• 🔊 Media control buttons - volume, switching tracks, answering calls.
• 🚗 Cruise control — power buttons, setting speed and distance (in adaptive systems).

2. Switches on the center console: from climate to multimedia

The center console is the nerve center of the car's comfort and entertainment. There are switches here that are responsible for the microclimate, navigation, communication and other functions. Their number depends on the configuration: in basic versions there are physical buttons, in top versions there are touch screens.

The most noticeable block is climate system control. Even budget cars have:

• 🌡️ Temperature controller — mechanical (rotary) or electronic (touch/push-button).
• 💨 Fan speed switch — from 0 to 4–7 positions.
• 🔄 Air distribution regulator — legs/face/glasses/legs+face.
• 🚗 Recirculation button — blocks access to outside air (useful in traffic jams).
• ❄️ Air Conditioning Button (A/C) — turns on cooling (on some cars it is combined with climate control).

In cars with climate control (single- or multi-zone) electronic control is used instead of manual controls. For example, in Mercedes-Benz or Audi the temperature is set by rotary knobs with a display, and in Tesla - only via touch screen.

There is usually a block nearby media control:

• 🎵 Radio/Media Buttons — source selection (FM/AM/Bluetooth/USB).
• 🔊 Volume control - rotary or touch.
• 📞 Telephone buttons — accepting/rejecting calls, voice dialing.
• 📍 Navigation control — zoom in/out, route planning (in older cars — a separate block).

What should I do if the multimedia touch screen does not work?

If the screen does not respond to touches, first try restarting the system: hold the power button for 10-15 seconds. If this does not help, check the fuses (usually F20 or F25 in the cabin block). In some machines (for example, Mazda CX-5) the failure may be caused by a firmware update - in this case, resetting to factory settings through the service menu will help (press and hold Menu + Back + Volume button for 5 seconds).

The center console may also contain:

• 🔋 Engine start button (Start/Stop) - in cars with keyless access.
• 🚘 Driving mode switch (2WD/4WD/Lock) - in crossovers and SUVs.
• 🔌 ESP/Traction Control Disable Button - useful when slipping.
• 🅿️ Parking sensors/rear view camera button - forced activation.

3. Levers under the steering wheel: what kind of “sticks” stick out from under the dashboard

Many drivers, especially beginners, get confused by the levers located under or to the side of the steering wheel. Their number and purpose depend on the type of gearbox and vehicle equipment. Let's figure out what's what.

The most famous - parking brake lever (or "handbrake"). In the classic version, this is a mechanical lever with a cable drive that blocks the rear wheels. In modern cars it is often replaced:

• 🅿️ Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) — a button with the “P” symbol (for example, in Volkswagen Golf or Ford Focus).
• 🦵 "Foot" handbrake - pedal to the left of the clutch (found in some American cars).
• 🔄 Auto Hold — holds the car without a handbrake when stopping (activated by a button).

Often located next to the handbrake steering column adjustment lever. It allows:

• 🔄 Customize inclination angle steering wheel (up/down).
• 🔄 Edit departure (distance to the driver) - in cars with a telescopic column.

In cars with manual transmission there may be another lever under the steering wheel - clutch drive (or “clutch foot” in retro cars). However, it is rarely found in modern cars. But there is almost always:

• 🔦 Headlight adjustment lever — adjusts the angle of light depending on the load (usually on the side of the steering wheel, with a wheel and marks 0–3).
• 🚗 Hood release lever — as a rule, on the lower left under the dashboard (pulls towards itself, then the hood opens from the outside).

In some machines (for example, Renault or Peugeot) can be found under the steering wheel gear shift lever - but this is already exotic. Much more often they are located there:

• 🔌 Hazard warning lever - usually red, with a triangle symbol.
• 🔋 Passenger airbag deactivation button — if you need to transport a child seat against the direction of travel.

4. Switches on the ceiling: what is hidden by the lampshade

Many drivers are surprised to learn that there are also switches on the ceiling of the car. Their number depends on the configuration, but even in basic versions there are at least lampshade. Let's figure out what else could be located there.

The most obvious element is lamp buttons. They control the interior lighting and can operate in several modes:

• 💡 On/Off — forced on/off.
• 🚪 Door — automatic switching on when the door is opened.
• 🔦 Reading — individual lamps for the driver and passenger (found in premium cars).

Next to the lampshade are often located:

• 🚗 Sunroof control buttons (if it exists) - opening/closing, tilt.
• 📞 Hands-free microphone - sometimes integrated into the lampshade.
• 🚨 Emergency call button (for example, eCall in European cars).
• 🌡️ Light/rain sensor - in cars with automatic headlights and wipers.

Crossovers and minivans may have additional controls on the ceiling:

• 🪟 Side window blind switch (in Mercedes V-Class).
• 🚐 Third row seat control buttons — folding/returning to its original position.
• 🎧 Volume control for rear passengers (in cars with a separate audio system).

In some machines (for example, Toyota Highlander or Ford Explorer) is located on the ceiling climate control unit for rear passengers. This is a separate module with temperature and airflow buttons, which duplicates the functions of the front panel.

5. Hidden and rare switches: not everyone knows about them

Some cars have switches that many drivers don't even know exist. They may be hidden under lids, in the glove compartment, or in unexpected places. Let's look at the most interesting examples.

One of the most "secret" - diagnostic service button. It is found in cars with advanced on-board computers (for example, BMW, Audi, Volvo) and allows:

• 🔧 Login service menu to reset errors or calibrate sensors.
• 📊 View hidden options (for example, the operating time of glow plugs in diesel engines).
• 🔄 Reset automatic transmission adaptation (if the car is “stupid” when switching).

To activate the service menu, you often need to perform a certain sequence of actions. For example, in Volkswagen and Skoda this:

1. Turn off the ignition.
2. Press and hold the button 0.0 on the odometer.
3. Turn on the ignition (without starting the engine).
4. Release the button and a menu with firmware versions and tests will appear.

How to reset automatic transmission adaptations through the service menu?

In VAG group cars (VW, Audi, Skoda), to reset automatic transmission adaptations you need:

1. Go to the service menu (see instructions above).

2. Select an item 10 — Adaptations.

3. Press and hold the button SET before the inscription appears Reset OK.

⚠️ Attention: after a reset, the box may work unstably for the first 100–200 km until it “learns” again.

Another hidden element - suspension mode switch. It is found in cars with adaptive suspension (for example, Mercedes AirMatic, Audi Magnetic Ride) and allows you to select:

• 🚗 Comfort — Soft suspension for the city.
• 🏁 Sport — rigid suspension for dynamic driving.
• 🚜 Off-Road — increased ground clearance for off-road use.

In some cars this switch is located on the center console, while in others (for example, Porsche 911) it is hidden under the button PSM Sport, which simultaneously disables stabilization and changes the suspension settings.

Also worth mentioning switches for special functions:

• 🔥 Fuel filter heating button - in diesel cars for cold climates.
• 🔋 Battery mode switch - in hybrids (for example, Toyota Prius) for forced use of the electric motor.
• 🚗 “Valet Mode” button** - limits power and speed (for example, in Nissan GT-R).

6. What are the switches called in cars with unusual controls?

Modern cars are increasingly abandoning traditional levers and buttons in favor of touch screens, voice control or even gestures. Let's figure out what such systems are called and where they are looked for.

One of the trends is touch switches. They replace physical buttons and can be:

• 📱 Capacitive - react to touch (for example, climate control in Tesla Model 3).
• 🔄 Slider - adjust the volume or temperature by holding your finger (as in BMW iX).
• 🎛️ With haptic feedback - vibration or clicking when pressed (for example, in Mercedes MBUX).

In cars with voice control (for example, Hyundai, Kia, BMW) many switches are duplicated by voice commands. For example, instead of looking for the heated seat button, you could say: "Hey Mercedes, turn on the heated seat".

Another innovation - projection switches. They project buttons onto a surface (such as the center console) and activate when touched. This technology is used in concept cars and some production models (for example, Byton M-Byte).

Hybrid and electric vehicles feature unique controls:

• 🔋 Regeneration selector - regulates the intensity of engine braking (for example, in Nissan Leaf or Kia EV6).
• 🚗 “One-Pedal Driving” button** - activates the one-pedal driving mode (gas = acceleration, release = braking).
• 🔌 Charging mode switch — selection of current strength when connecting to a charging station.

In autonomous vehicles (e.g. Tesla with Full Self-Driving) switches appear for:

• 🤖 Autopilot activations - usually a lever under the steering wheel or a button on the steering wheel.
• 🚦 Route mode changes — distance to the car in front.
• 🔄 Forced lane switching — signal to the autopilot about the maneuver.

7. Frequent switch malfunctions and how to diagnose them

Switches in your car, like any mechanical or electronic device, wear out or break over time. Let's consider typical faults and methods for their diagnosis.

The most common problem is contact wear. It appears like this:

• 🔄 The switch works “every other time” (for example, the turn signals do not turn on the first time).
• 🔥 When pressed, a cracking sound is heard or heating is felt.
• 💡 The light on the button blinks or is fully lit.

For diagnostics you can:

1. Remove the lining and check the contacts for oxidation or burning.
2. Test the circuit with a multimeter in calls.
3. Clear contacts alcohol solution or a special liquid (for example, Kontakt 60).

Check the fuse in the block (see diagram in the instructions)

Inspect the wires for chafing or corrosion.

Test the circuit with a multimeter (resistance should be close to 0 ohms)

Try temporarily connecting a known good switch -->

Another common problem is mechanical failure. For example:

• 🔧 The gearshift lever breaks retainer, and the gears engage spontaneously.
• 🔄 The light switch on the steering wheel is wearing out plastic cam, and the headlights do not switch.
• 🚗 The automatic transmission fails in the selector position sensor, and an error light appears on the dashboard PRNDS.

Mechanical failures usually require replacement of the part. However, in some cases it helps renovation. For example, worn bushings or springs can be replaced in a gearshift lever, and contacts in a steering column switch can be restored by soldering.

Particular attention should be paid electronic switches (for example, climate control or multimedia buttons). Their malfunctions are often associated with:

• 🔋 Failure of microcircuits - requires flashing or replacing the unit.
• 📱 Ingress of moisture - especially relevant for touch panels.
• 🔌 Loop break - for example, in steering switches when turning the steering wheel.

💡

If the touch buttons stop working after washing or rain, do not try to dry them with a hairdryer! This may damage the conductive coating. It is better to leave the car in a warm, dry place for 12-24 hours or use silica gel (desiccant bags).

Some faults can be diagnosed by error codes. For example:

Error code	What does it mean	Possible reason
B1000	Faulty steering column switch	Broken wire or worn contacts
P0705	Transmission lever position sensor error	Breakdown of the selector or sensor in the automatic transmission
B1200	Climate control button malfunction	Failure of the control unit or button
U0100	Lost Communication with Body Control Module (BCM)	Problems with CAN bus or fuse

If you see on the dashboard exclamation mark icon in a circle or ESP indicator, this may indicate a malfunction of one of the safety switches (for example, the stabilization disable button).

8. Switch Care Tips: How to Extend Their Life

To make the switches in your car last longer, just follow a few simple rules. Firstly, avoid excessive effort when pressed or switched. For example, the gearshift lever does not need to be “broken” when shifting gears - if it moves tightly, most likely the problem is in the clutch or synchronizers, and not in the lever itself.

Secondly, clean regularly switches from dust and dirt. For this you can use:

• 🧴 Special wipes for electronics - without alcohol and abrasives.
• 💨 Compressed air - for cleaning the gaps between the buttons.
• 🧽 Soft brush - for example, dental, for hard-to-reach places.

For touch panels important:

• 🚫 Do not use aggressive detergents (they destroy the conductive coating).
• 🧴 Apply cleaner to a napkin, not to the screen.
• 🔄 Update the firmware regularly (in some cars, sensor bugs are corrected by updates).

If there are often children or pets in the car, it is worth protecting the switches from accidental pressing. For example:

• 🔐 Use button lock (if provided by the manufacturer).
• 🚗 Install covers for levers (for example, on the automatic transmission selector).
• 📱 Disable sensory functions while driving (in some cars this can be done in the settings).

Also don't forget about preventive examination:

• 🔧 Check once a year lever play (gearbox, parking brake).
• 🔌 Inspect wiring under the steering wheel and center console for chafing.
• 💡 Test it all the light bulbs in buttons and switches (replacing them is cheaper than repairing the unit).

💡

If you often park in hot weather, protect the switches from direct sunlight (for example, with a light-colored steering wheel cover). Plastic and rubber seals dry out over time, which allows dust and moisture to enter.

Finally, if you notice that a switch has become unstable, don't delay repairs. For example,