What Causes the Exclamation Mark to Appear When Starting the Car?

[DiLevi]

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.

[RubyDella]

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.

[StBenjamin]

I've been driving for decades, and every time the dashboard shows an exclamation mark when starting the engine, I first check the handbrake position. Often, it's because the parking brake isn't fully released—either forgotten to pull back or stuck, and a simple reset fixes it. But it could also indicate insufficient tire pressure, with the sensitive sensor triggering the warning light. In my younger days, I once encountered brake fluid leakage; the light only came on after the fluid level dropped, and it turned out the hose had aged and needed replacement. Experience tells us not to rush off—a quick self-check can distinguish minor from major issues: first consult the manual to confirm the light type, then feel the tires; if they're flat, inflate them. Ignoring such warnings can lead to abnormal brake wear. Seasoned drivers know small issues accumulate into big troubles.

[MacMargaret]

I haven't been driving for long. When I first started, seeing the exclamation mark symbol upon starting the car would often make me nervous. Later, I asked a friend and learned that it's mostly due to low tire pressure. Now, when I encounter this situation, I pull over and check the dashboard to confirm the light's shape—if it's the tire pressure warning light, resembling a small exclamation mark with a wavy line, I head to the air station to check and refill the tires. Sometimes, if the parking brake isn't fully released, simply restarting the car will do. Don't panic—I keep a tire pressure gauge in my phone to measure anytime, preventing leaks from punctures. Developing the habit of checking when starting the car saves trouble. Addressing it promptly prevents tire damage and makes driving more reassuring.