Can the car still be driven when the istop and exclamation mark lights are on together?
4 Answers
When the istop and exclamation mark lights are on together, the car should not be driven. Below is relevant information about istop: 1. Introduction: istop is called auto start-stop in Chinese. Engine auto start-stop is a system that automatically shuts off the engine when the vehicle temporarily stops during driving (such as waiting at a red light) and automatically restarts the engine when it's time to move forward again. 2. Principle of auto start-stop: The working principle of the start-stop system is that when the vehicle stops moving due to congestion or at an intersection, the driver presses the brake pedal and shifts to neutral. At this point, the Start/Stop system automatically detects that the engine is idling and not in gear; the system's wheel speed sensor shows zero; the electronic battery sensor indicates there is enough energy for the next start. After these three conditions are met, the engine automatically stops. When the traffic light turns green, the driver presses the clutch, and the 'start stopper' can be activated immediately, quickly starting the engine. In automatic transmission models, as soon as the brake is released or the steering wheel is turned, the engine automatically ignites again, allowing the driver to press the accelerator and start moving immediately, all while remaining in D gear.
I've been driving for over ten years and have seen many warning lights come on. When the i-stop light and the exclamation mark light illuminate together, it's definitely the system alerting you to an issue. The i-stop usually indicates a fault in the auto start-stop system, while the exclamation mark light may represent a brake or engine problem. When these two lights come on simultaneously, it's highly likely related to the braking system. If the brakes aren't functioning properly, driving becomes very risky, especially at high speeds where braking distances increase. I'd strongly advise you to pull over as soon as possible and not risk continuing to drive. Check the brake fluid or take a quick look under the hood for any obvious leaks. If that doesn't help, it's best to call a tow truck or contact a repair shop. Remember to regularly inspect the braking system during routine maintenance to prevent such situations. Overall, safety comes first—don't let a small issue turn into a big problem.
As an experienced driver, I believe that when the i-stop and exclamation mark lights come on simultaneously, it doesn't necessarily mean you can't drive immediately, but you should be cautious. The i-stop malfunction could be due to a dead battery or sensor issues, while the exclamation mark light covers multiple warnings like ABS or engine problems. I would first pull over, turn off the engine and restart it – sometimes temporary faults may resolve. If the lights remain on, I'd check the fuse box or simple wiring; you can drive a short distance to a repair shop, but avoid high speeds or sudden braking. I make it a habit to check the manual for the meaning of warning lights, so I won't panic when encountering them. When it comes to driving, being prepared is far better than taking risks.
I'm quite interested in automotive systems. When the i-stop and exclamation mark lights come on, it indicates that both the auto start-stop and core system faults are triggering warnings. Since the auto start-stop relies on the brake system, if these two are related, it could be due to sensor errors or circuit shorts. Can you still drive? It depends on the specific vehicle condition. If the engine and brakes are functioning normally, you may drive slowly for short distances. However, if the system issues worsen, it could lead to engine stalling or brake failure. It's recommended to use an OBD diagnostic tool to read the error codes for quick problem identification. You can also check the battery voltage or for loose wiring yourself. Don't delay too long, and drive safely until repairs are completed.
