What does a gear symbol on the dashboard represent?

[LaHeidi]

Dashboard with a gear symbol represents the transmission fault indicator. If this light illuminates on the dashboard, it indicates a transmission malfunction. Generally, only vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions have this warning light, whereas manual transmission vehicles do not feature this indicator since manual transmissions lack onboard computers and sensors, making them less prone to faults. Automatic transmissions are equipped with a TCU (Transmission Control Unit), which collects data from various sensors and processes it to control gear shifts through actuators. Without the TCU, an automatic transmission cannot function properly.

[DiAdrian]

Last year while driving on the highway, I suddenly noticed a gear symbol light up on the dashboard and panicked. I immediately pulled over to check the manual, only to realize it was the transmission fault warning light. I tried turning off the engine and resting for half an hour before restarting, but the light remained on, forcing me to call a tow truck. The mechanic later found that the transmission fluid temperature sensor was faulty, and replacing the part cost me over 800 yuan. So now, I always glance at the dashboard before driving. If you encounter this symbol, never push your luck—pull over and check immediately, or you might end up spending tens of thousands on a major transmission repair. Regularly changing transmission fluid can also help prevent such issues.

[EloiseDella]

Having run an auto repair shop for over a decade, I've witnessed countless cases of vehicles being driven to complete breakdown due to ignoring the gear-shaped warning light. That small gear symbol indicates transmission trouble—it could mean low fluid levels, overheating, sensor malfunction, or internal component damage. When this light appears, immediately pull over to a safe spot, turn off the engine, and let it cool. After ten minutes, restart the car; if the light disappears, you may proceed to the repair shop at low speed. If it remains illuminated, calling a tow truck is mandatory. The most cost-effective prevention is regular transmission fluid changes during routine maintenance, typically every 40,000 kilometers. Never emulate those reckless drivers who ignore the warning and keep pushing their vehicles—replacing a transmission can cost tens of thousands.

[Avery]

Last week when I was picking up my child from school, a gear symbol suddenly appeared on the dashboard, which gave me a scare. I immediately checked with my phone and found out it was a transmission warning, so I quickly pulled over. I tried turning off the engine and waiting a few minutes before restarting it, and the light actually went off. However, I still went to the 4S shop for a check the next day. The technician said it was due to poor sensor contact and fixed it by reconnecting the wiring harness for me, without charging any fee. He suggested that in such situations, don't panic first; after parking, disconnect the negative terminal of the battery for five minutes and then reconnect it, as sometimes it's just a false alarm from the system. If still not reassured, it's best to go to a professional shop to read the fault codes.