What Does an Exclamation Mark Indicate When Driving?

[Bethany]

The appearance of an exclamation mark on the car dashboard indicates an abnormality or malfunction in the corresponding system. Many warning lights on the car dashboard feature an exclamation mark, such as the tire pressure indicator, lighting fault indicator, steering system fault indicator, brake system fault light, transmission fault indicator, and windshield wiper fault indicator. Below is a detailed explanation of the exclamation mark warning lights: General Fault: A triangle with an exclamation mark inside. 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 Fault: A yellow gear with an exclamation mark inside. This is the automatic transmission fault warning light, indicating a fault in the transmission or transmission fluid level below the normal range. The transmission fluid should be replaced promptly. Brake System Fault: An exclamation mark inside a circled parenthesis. This represents a brake system warning, mainly indicating a brake system malfunction or low brake fluid level. The brake system should be inspected immediately to avoid accidents. Tire Pressure Anomaly: An exclamation mark with a horizontal line below a parenthesis. This 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 Fault: A yellow bulb with an exclamation mark. This 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. Steering System Fault Indicator: A yellow circle with a steering wheel symbol and a yellow exclamation mark next to it. This indicates looseness in the power steering system connections, leading to steering fluid leakage. Other possible causes include excessive wear of the steering gear piston cylinder, poor sealing of oil seals, control valve sticking or damage, excessive air in the power steering system causing abnormal steering, or foreign objects in the steering hydraulic line causing the steering pump flow control valve to stick. Solution: If low on fluid, replenish it promptly. Replace oil pipes, power steering pump, or power steering gear. Inspect all connection points of the oil pipes and tighten the bolts. Check the steering gear, steering pump control valve, oil cup filter, steering fluid, and clean the entire power steering system. Windshield Wiper Fault Indicator: This fan-shaped indicator light signals a fault in the wiper system. Inspect the wipers for issues. In addition, during daily vehicle use, the fault lights displayed on the dashboard are categorized into yellow and red for different levels of severity: Yellow indicates a fault in the corresponding system that is not very severe. Reduce speed and proceed to a repair shop to eliminate potential safety hazards. Red indicates a very serious issue in the corresponding system. In such cases, do not continue driving. Pull over safely and seek professional assistance to prevent unpredictable risks to the vehicle and personal safety. Note: When the car is started, all lights will illuminate for an automatic system check and will turn off after the check is completed. If a light does not illuminate when the ignition is turned on, remains lit, or lights up while driving, it indicates a fault in the related system. In such cases, seek professional help promptly for inspection and elimination of safety hazards.