
There are five possible scenarios when an exclamation mark appears on the car dashboard: general faults, automatic transmission faults, brake system faults, abnormal tire pressure, and lighting faults. Below is a detailed analysis of these five situations: General Faults: An exclamation mark inside a triangle indicates a malfunction in the car's general performance, components, or functions. Common issues include parking sensor failure, fuel cutoff system intervention or malfunction, external light failure, or engine oil pressure sensor failure. It is necessary to visit a 4S shop for inspection to identify the source of the fault. Automatic Transmission Faults: A yellow gear with an exclamation mark inside is the automatic transmission fault warning light, indicating a transmission issue or low transmission fluid level. The transmission fluid should be replaced promptly. Brake System Faults: An exclamation mark inside a circled parenthesis represents a brake system warning, typically due to brake system failure or low brake fluid level. Immediate inspection of the brake system is required to avoid accidents. Abnormal Tire Pressure: An exclamation mark with a horizontal line underneath a parenthesis is the tire pressure monitoring warning light, which illuminates when the tire pressure is too low. Check the tire pressure and restore it to the normal range. Lighting Faults: A yellow bulb with an exclamation mark is the lighting fault indicator, signaling a malfunction in the car's lights. Solution: Visit a 4S shop for inspection as soon as possible. Alternatively, you can check the commonly used bulbs such as turn signals, fog lights, and interior lights yourself to identify the issue.

Yesterday, while driving my Volkswagen Bora, the dashboard warning light with an exclamation mark came on, which made me a bit nervous, but experience told me to stay calm. The most common reason is low brake fluid. Open the hood and check the round brake fluid reservoir—if the level is below the minimum line, you need to top it up. Otherwise, braking performance will significantly decrease, which is very dangerous. Sometimes, the exclamation mark light is also related to ABS system issues, such as dirty wheel speed sensors or loose wiring, which are also common. I’ve encountered brake fluid leaks before, where a small crack in the line caused the fluid level to drop quickly. If you want to DIY, try topping it up with standard DOT4 brake fluid, but don’t drive for too long. It’s safer to visit a repair shop and use a diagnostic scanner to check the error codes. For prevention, just glance at the transparent scale on the fluid reservoir every month, and check the system’s integrity when replacing brake pads.

Last time when I was driving my Volkswagen Bora, a warning light with an exclamation mark popped up on the dashboard, which made my heart race and I immediately went to consult the 4S dealership. The mechanic said low brake fluid level is the primary reason, and indeed the reservoir was nearly half empty; possibly due to improper filling during the new car setup or natural evaporation. He mentioned that severely worn brake pads could also trigger the light, depending on how much thickness is left on the brake discs. Worse yet, it could be an electronic issue, such as an ABS module malfunction, which would cost a fortune to repair. I've learned my lesson and now visually check the brake fluid level every month to keep it within the normal range as a precaution. Normally, if the brakes feel spongy while driving, it's a precursor, and regular maintenance can help detect issues early.

After driving a Volkswagen for a long time, the exclamation mark light on the dashboard came on, and I instinctively pulled over to check the braking system. The main cause was low brake fluid, and the reservoir in the engine compartment makes it easy to check the fluid level; low levels could indicate an oil leak or worn brake pads that need replacement. Don’t ignore it—brake failure at high speeds can be fatal. Safety first: stop immediately and have a technician fix it. It could also be a sensor false alarm, so early action saves money.


