What does a red exclamation mark on the car dashboard mean?
3 Answers
Red exclamation mark (specifically a circle with an exclamation mark inside parentheses) indicates a warning for the braking system, mainly due to braking system failure or low brake fluid level. Solution: Immediate inspection and repair of the braking system is required to avoid accidents. Apart from the red exclamation mark representing braking system failure, other exclamation marks on the car are yellow, indicating general faults, automatic transmission failure, abnormal tire pressure, and lighting faults. Below is a detailed analysis of these four situations: General Fault: An exclamation mark inside a triangle. If this symbol lights up, it indicates a fault in the car's general performance, components, or functions. Common issues include parking sensor failure, fuel cutoff system intervention or malfunction, external light failure, engine oil pressure sensor failure, etc. It is necessary to visit a 4S shop for inspection to identify the source of the fault. Automatic Transmission Failure: A yellow gear with an exclamation mark inside. This is the automatic transmission fault warning light, indicating a transmission fault or transmission lubricant level below the normal range. Transmission fluid should be replaced promptly. Abnormal Tire Pressure: An exclamation mark with a horizontal line below parentheses. This represents the tire pressure monitoring warning light, which lights up when the car's tire pressure is too low. Check the tire pressure and restore it to the normal range. Lighting Fault: A yellow bulb with an exclamation mark. This is the lighting fault indicator, signaling a malfunction in the car 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.
Having driven for over a decade, I've seen this red exclamation mark too many times—it basically means the car has a serious issue that must be addressed immediately. The most common causes are the handbrake not being fully released or insufficient brake fluid, which noticeably increases braking distance. If it’s an exclamation mark with a steering wheel icon, the power steering might have failed, making the wheel extremely hard to turn. If it’s shaped like an oil can, the engine could be close to seizing. Once on the highway, I saw the red warning light with coolant temperature at 110°C and immediately pulled over—later finding out the water pump had failed. Remember, all red warning lights are like the siren of an ambulance: never keep driving.
Veteran auto repair shop mechanic warns: That red light is no small matter! Last week, a car drove in with the red light on, and ended up needing a $20,000+ engine overhaul. The five most common causes: parking brake stuck and not fully released, brake pads worn to the limit, power steering system leaking oil, insufficient oil pressure, and cooling system overheating. The most dangerous is brake fluid leakage, usually accompanied by a burning smell from the dashboard. Don't believe that 'just drive to the repair shop' nonsense - I've seen engines blown within three kilometers. Safest action: pull over immediately, turn off the engine, and call for roadside assistance.
