What Causes the Exclamation Mark to Appear When Starting the Car?
2 Answers
There are five 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 scenarios: General Faults: A triangle with an exclamation mark inside indicates a fault in the car's general performance, components, or functions. Common issues include parking sensor faults, fuel cut-off system intervention or faults, external light faults, and engine oil pressure sensor faults. 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 fault in the transmission or that the transmission lubricant is below the normal range. The transmission oil should be replaced promptly. Brake System Faults: A circle with an exclamation mark inside parentheses represents a brake system warning, mainly indicating a fault in the brake system or low brake fluid level. Immediate inspection and repair of the brake system are required to avoid accidents. Abnormal Tire Pressure: A horizontal line with an exclamation mark below parentheses is the tire pressure monitoring warning light, which illuminates when the car's 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 fault in the car's lights. Solution: Visit a 4S shop for inspection as soon as possible, or conduct a self-check focusing on commonly used bulbs such as turn signals, fog lights, and interior lights to identify the issue.
I always pay close attention to safety while driving. When I see an exclamation mark light up on the dashboard during startup, it gives me a fright—this indicates there might be an issue with the braking system. Common problems include low brake fluid levels or the parking brake not being fully released. The braking system is the core safeguard for our driving. Insufficient fluid levels can make the brakes feel soft and fail, making it dangerous if the car can't stop at high speeds. Don't treat it as a minor issue—you should immediately stop to check if the fluid level is within the normal range or simply avoid driving and head to a repair shop for inspection. I recommend glancing at the dashboard before each startup; making it a habit can prevent accidents. During cold winter starts, fluid level changes are more noticeable, and regular brake fluid replacement is also essential. Ignoring it could lead to major repair costs, so safety should always come first.
