What does an exclamation mark indicate as a fault?
2 Answers
When an exclamation mark appears on the car dashboard, there are five possible scenarios: general faults, automatic transmission faults, braking system faults, abnormal tire pressure, and lighting faults. Below is a detailed analysis of these five situations: General faults: A triangle with an exclamation mark inside indicates a malfunction in the car's general performance, components, or functions. Common issues include parking sensor failure, fuel cut-off 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 problem with the transmission or that the transmission fluid is below the normal range. The transmission fluid should be replaced promptly. Braking system faults: An exclamation mark inside a circled parenthesis represents a braking system warning, typically indicating a braking system malfunction or low brake fluid level. Immediate inspection of the braking system is required to avoid accidents. Abnormal tire pressure: An exclamation mark with a horizontal line below a parenthesis is the tire pressure monitoring warning light, which illuminates when the tire pressure is too low. Check the car's 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 one of 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 lighting to identify the issue.
The exclamation mark icon on the dashboard often terrifies novice drivers. I believe it usually indicates a brake system malfunction or tire pressure issue. The most common causes are low brake fluid (check if the reservoir under the hood is below the minimum line) or a tire triggering the TPMS warning light. I've encountered this several times – once when winter temperatures caused rapid tire pressure drop (fixed by inflating), and another time due to brake fluid leakage (required immediate repair). The solution is simple: Safely pull over, check each tire's pressure with a gauge (standard values are on the door frame label), and use the correct brake fluid type (recommend replacement every two years for prevention). Regular maintenance includes monitoring dashboard indicators – don't wait until lights appear. My experience shows prevention is key, and keeping proper tools brings peace of mind.
