What does an exclamation mark on the car speed dashboard mean?

[SanWyatt]

There are five possible scenarios when an exclamation mark appears on the car dashboard: general malfunction, automatic transmission failure, brake system failure, abnormal tire pressure, and lighting system failure. Below is a detailed analysis of these five situations: General Malfunction: 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 recommended to visit a 4S shop for inspection to identify the source of the problem. Automatic Transmission Failure: A yellow gear with an exclamation mark inside is the automatic transmission warning light, indicating a transmission malfunction or low transmission fluid level. The transmission fluid should be replaced promptly. Brake System Failure: An exclamation mark inside a circle with parentheses represents a brake system warning, typically signaling brake system failure or low brake fluid level. Immediate inspection and repair of the brake system are necessary to avoid accidents. Abnormal Tire Pressure: An exclamation mark with a horizontal line below parentheses is the tire pressure monitoring warning light, which illuminates when the tire pressure is too low. Check the tire pressure and restore it to the normal range. Lighting System Failure: A yellow bulb with an exclamation mark is the lighting failure 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 lights to identify the issue.

[MacAlaina]

I've been driving on the road for over a decade and have encountered the dashboard's exclamation mark light several times. It usually indicates low tire pressure. During seasonal changes, temperature fluctuations cause the gas volume in tires to contract or expand, triggering the warning icon when pressure is insufficient. It could also signal brake system issues, like an incompletely released handbrake or an overlapping ABS light fault. I remember once during a long night drive, the icon suddenly started flashing, startling me into pulling over immediately to check. I found the right front tire noticeably flat; after borrowing a neighbor's tire pressure gauge, I inflated it to the recommended value, and the light disappeared. It's essential to develop a habit of regularly checking tire pressure during routine maintenance, usually referencing the standard value label on the door jamb. If the light remains on after inflation, it might indicate a damaged sensor or more complex issues, requiring a visit to a professional repair shop. Never delay to avoid accidents on the road. Safety should always come first.