What does an exclamation mark on the dashboard mean?
2 Answers
There are five possible scenarios when an exclamation mark appears on the car dashboard: 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 that the car's general performance or components and functions have malfunctioned. This mainly includes parking sensor failure, fuel cut-off system intervention or malfunction, external light failure, engine oil pressure sensor failure, etc. It is necessary to go to 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 that there is a fault in the transmission or the transmission lubricant is below the normal range. The transmission oil should be replaced promptly. Brake System Fault: An exclamation mark inside a circle with parentheses 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: An exclamation mark with a horizontal line below the parentheses represents the tire pressure monitoring warning light. This light will illuminate when the car's tire pressure is too low. Check the car's tire pressure and restore it to the normal range. Lighting Fault: A yellow bulb with an exclamation mark is the lighting fault indicator, indicating that a car light has malfunctioned. Solution: Go to a 4S shop for inspection and repair as soon as possible, or you can check it yourself. Focus on commonly used bulbs such as turn signals, fog lights, and interior lighting to see where the problem lies.
That day I also encountered this issue—a sudden yellow or red exclamation mark popped up on the dashboard, which really made me nervous. It’s usually a warning signal, most commonly indicating low tire pressure or a risk of air leakage. I got out of the car to check and sure enough, the front left tire was a bit flat. After inflating it, the light usually goes off. But if it’s not a tire pressure issue, it could be a brake system malfunction, like insufficient brake fluid or the handbrake not being fully released. Once while driving on the highway, I saw it light up and immediately pulled over to check the manual. The manual explains the symbol’s meaning in detail, and it varies by car model. For safety, don’t hesitate—inspect it right away or head to a repair shop, especially if it might affect the brakes, as that could be serious trouble. Developing a habit of regularly checking tire pressure can help reduce such surprises.
