What does an exclamation mark on the dashboard indicate as a fault?
2 Answers
When an exclamation mark appears on the car dashboard, there are five possible scenarios: general fault, automatic transmission fault, brake system fault, abnormal tire pressure, and lighting fault. Below is a detailed analysis of these five situations: General Fault: A triangle with an exclamation mark inside indicates a malfunction in the car's general performance or components and 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 is the automatic transmission fault warning light, indicating a fault in the transmission or transmission lubricant below the normal range. The transmission oil should be replaced promptly. Brake System Fault: A circle with parentheses and an exclamation mark in the middle 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. Abnormal Tire Pressure: A horizontal line with parentheses and an exclamation mark below represents the tire pressure monitoring warning light. This light 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 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.
Last time I was driving and saw the exclamation mark light up on the dashboard, it turned out the handbrake wasn't fully released - gave me quite a scare. Later I asked my mechanic buddy, and he said this warning light indicates various alerts, with brake system issues, low tire pressure or ABS malfunctions being the most common. Now whenever I see it, I first check the handbrake. If it's still lit after releasing, it could mean low brake fluid or a faulty sensor, and I need to get to the shop immediately. Never try to fix it yourself, especially when driving at night - safety first. I recommend regularly checking brake pads and tires during maintenance to avoid roadside troubles. Remember, the manual has all the icon explanations - study them carefully.
