What does the ECO light on the dashboard mean?
1 Answers
ECO indicates that the vehicle's economical driving mode is activated. ECO is an English abbreviation derived from Ecology (environmental protection), Conservation (energy saving), and Optimization (power). The Eco mode is further divided into active Eco driving mode and non-active Eco driving mode. When the ECO indicator light on the dashboard illuminates, it signifies that the vehicle's economical mode has been engaged. Eco mode comes in active and non-active forms. The difference lies in the fact that the active mode has a dedicated button, allowing the driver to choose whether to activate it. When the driver presses the Eco mode switch, the dashboard indicator light immediately turns on, and the vehicle automatically begins adjusting settings such as throttle opening, transmission shift logic, and air conditioning output power. Non-active Eco mode lacks a dedicated button; when the dashboard ECO light illuminates, it serves merely as a reminder. The system automatically evaluates your driving behavior, and if your current driving operation achieves the optimal fuel supply, the dashboard will simultaneously display the ECO indicator light. Most vehicles employ the active Eco driving mode, meaning they have a dedicated switch button. During everyday driving, we can activate Eco mode, except when driving at speeds exceeding 120 km/h, idling, in N/P gear, or in manual mode—especially when climbing hills. In these scenarios, activating Eco mode would not only fail to demonstrate its fuel-saving characteristics but also impact the vehicle's power performance. Additionally, Eco mode typically deactivates under the following conditions: When the vehicle speed exceeds 120 km/h, the system prioritizes speed, causing Eco mode to automatically deactivate. When idling or in N/P gear or manual mode, Eco mode may also deactivate. When high torque output is required, such as when climbing a hill, the engine control unit prioritizes ensuring sufficient power to drive the vehicle, and Eco mode will not operate.