What does it mean when the P light flashes in an automatic transmission car?

2 Answers
LeKatherine
07/24/25 4:05pm
When the P light flashes in an automatic transmission car, it indicates a transmission malfunction that requires inspection and repair at a service station. Below are specific explanations regarding the causes of automatic transmission malfunctions: 1. Shift Timing: Generally, automatic transmissions have specific shift points based on engine speed and vehicle speed. If the shift timing suddenly becomes too long or too short, the transmission ratio becomes disproportionate, the engine speed may become excessively high, or the transmission may fail to shift, indicating a problem with the transmission. 2. Transmission Fluid Leak: If there is fluid seeping from the transmission housing or oil pan, it could be due to aging seals, poor sealing, or manufacturing defects such as porosity in the housing. 3. Transmission Water Ingress: While driving, if the car accelerates but the engine revs without an increase in speed, making the vehicle feel sluggish, it may be due to burnt clutch plates or water entering the transmission from external sources, such as a faulty radiator allowing coolant to mix with transmission fluid or water entering through the transmission vent cap, leading to abnormal transmission operation.
Was this review help?
4
3
Share
LaLiam
08/11/25 9:01am
My car had the P light flashing non-stop before, and it really worried me at that time. As a seasoned driver with ten years of experience, I figured this is usually a sign of transmission signal malfunction. Possible causes include sensor failure, poor wire contact, or internal transmission components getting stuck. Park and check if any other warning lights on the dashboard are on, try turning off the engine and restarting it a few times to see if it can recover. If not, don’t risk driving it—call for a tow truck immediately and take it to a professional shop to read the fault codes with a computer. When driving, be gentle—don’t stomp on the gas pedal while in P gear, as it can wear out parts easily. Regular maintenance of transmission fluid is also crucial. Remember, safety comes first—don’t delay. Small issues can turn into big problems that cost a lot of money and effort to fix.
Was this review help?
4
4
Share
Expand All
More Forum Discussions

What are the penalties for driving a car without compulsory traffic insurance?

According to Article 95 of the Road Traffic Safety Law: If a motor vehicle driven on the road does not display the inspection qualification mark or insurance mark, or the driver fails to carry the vehicle license or driving license, the traffic management department of the public security organ shall detain the motor vehicle, notify the party to provide the corresponding license, mark or complete the corresponding procedures, and may impose penalties in accordance with the provisions of Article 90 of this Law (a warning or a fine of not less than 20 yuan but not more than 200 yuan). Compulsory Traffic Insurance for Automobiles: The full name of compulsory traffic insurance is "Compulsory Liability Insurance for Motor Vehicle Traffic Accidents". It is a compulsory liability insurance in which the insurance company compensates for the personal injury, death, and property loss of the victim (excluding the vehicle personnel and the insured) caused by a road traffic accident of the insured motor vehicle within the liability limit. The premium is based on the nationally unified charging standard. However, the price of compulsory traffic insurance varies depending on the type of vehicle, with the main influencing factor being the number of car seats. Compared to the more than 20 exemption clauses of commercial third-party insurance, the exemption scope of compulsory traffic insurance covers losses caused by intentional acts of the victim, property losses of the insured, related arbitration and litigation costs, and some indirect losses caused by accidents, with a much broader coverage. Moreover, regardless of whether the insured vehicle is at fault in the accident, compulsory traffic insurance will compensate within the liability limit. Introduction to Electronic Insurance Policies An electronic insurance policy refers to an electronic policy issued by an insurance company with its electronic signature, using digital signature software and enterprise digital certificates that comply with the PKI system. The insurance policy, abbreviated as the policy, is the formal written proof of the insurance contract between the insurer and the insured. The policy must fully record the rights, obligations, and responsibilities of both parties to the insurance contract. The content recorded in the policy is the basis for the performance of both parties. The policy is proof of the establishment of the insurance contract. Advantages of Electronic Insurance Policies: Saves paper resources, eliminating the need to print insurance proof marks; Saves time and is convenient, not restricted by time or place, with information universally available online at any time, quick and easy; Can apply for reissuance or resending, no need to worry about losing it. If a paper version is needed offline, it can also be printed or mailed; Easy management, with electronic unification making it easier for insurance companies and traffic police departments to manage the insurance information of each vehicle.
13
0
Share

What does it mean when the EPC light is on in a car?

The EPC indicator light can illuminate in two states: during the power-on self-test and under other circumstances. The power-on self-test is an indication that the vehicle is checking the status of all sensors before driving. Generally, if the vehicle is not started after powering on, the light will turn off by itself after about 3 seconds. If the EPC light remains on after the vehicle starts or illuminates under other conditions, the main causes may include faults in the engine intake system, throttle body, fuel system, engine, ECU control unit, or brake lights. Below is a detailed explanation of the reasons for the EPC light illuminating under other circumstances: Engine intake system fault: The EPC light will activate if the engine intake is obstructed or insufficient. Throttle body fault: Carbon buildup is a common issue with the throttle body. Additionally, dirt accumulation can affect intake, triggering the indicator light. Fuel system fault: Examples include substandard fuel, deteriorated fuel, or poor fuel atomization. Engine fault: Insufficient engine pressure or issues with components like the intake valves in the powertrain can also cause the EPC light to illuminate. ECU control unit fault: This may occur due to interference with the vehicle's computer signals or false alarms from the computer. Brake light fault: Situations such as non-functioning brake lights, faulty brake switches, or brake circuit issues can trigger the EPC light. Solutions for when the car's EPC light is on: Troubleshoot the intake system, use fuel of the appropriate grade, and clean the throttle body. Remove carbon deposits from relevant components. Re-flash the ECU with the correct data. If the EPC light comes on, the owner can first try turning off the engine and restarting it to see if the light remains off. If it does not illuminate again, there may be no issue, and the light might have been affected temporarily. If the EPC light stays on or frequently illuminates, the vehicle should be taken to the nearest service center for professional diagnosis and repair to eliminate potential safety hazards. The full English name of EPC is Electronic-Power-Control, which translates to electronic power control. Most people refer to it as the engine electronic stability system. The EPC system primarily includes controllers and sensors related to the powertrain. When sensor data in the system is abnormal, the EPC system will take predefined actions to address the powertrain issues. Common EPC indicator lights typically display two colors: yellow and red. A yellow EPC fault light indicates that the vehicle can still be driven, but it should proceed slowly to a repair point for inspection. A red EPC fault light signifies a more serious issue, and the vehicle should be pulled over immediately, with professional repair services contacted. Continuing to drive under such conditions can severely damage the vehicle's core components or compromise safety.
15
2
Share

How often should a 6-seater new car undergo annual inspection?

Non-commercial 6-seater vehicles are exempt from inspection for the first six years, then inspected every two years from six to ten years. Vehicles over ten years old require annual inspection, and those over 15 years old must be inspected every six months. Commercial 6-seater vehicles must be inspected annually within the first five years, and every six months thereafter. Required documents for vehicle inspection include the vehicle's registration certificate, valid compulsory insurance policy, the owner's ID card, and all outstanding traffic violations must be cleared in advance. Additional notes: Trucks and large/medium non-commercial passenger vehicles must be inspected annually within the first ten years, and every six months thereafter. Motorcycles must be inspected every two years within the first four years, and annually thereafter. Vehicle inspection mainly includes the following items: Exterior inspection: Checks include vehicle lights, body appearance, suspension, sunroof, and tires. It verifies if the lights are functioning properly, if the body color has been changed, and if the suspension has been modified. Emission test: Checks if the vehicle's exhaust emissions meet national standards during high-speed operation. On-road test: Primarily checks the vehicle's braking system, headlights, horn, and chassis. Violation check: All outstanding traffic violations must be resolved before the vehicle can pass inspection. Vehicle inspection can be conducted up to 90 days in advance, but must not be overdue. According to Article 47, Paragraph 4 of the "Motor Vehicle Registration Management Regulations," vehicles that fail to undergo safety technical inspection within the specified period will be issued a warning or fined by the traffic management department. The inspection can only proceed after the fine is paid. Vehicles that fail to undergo inspection on time are not allowed on the road. Driving a vehicle without timely inspection results in 3 penalty points and a fine. If an uninspected vehicle is involved in a traffic accident, the owner bears full or primary liability, and insurance companies will not cover the damages. Driving without timely inspection is considered illegal and may result in vehicle impoundment.
5
2
Share

What emission standard does IV correspond to?

IV corresponds to the China IV emission standard, which is the national fourth-stage motor vehicle pollutant emission standard. Vehicles meeting the China IV standard must reduce pollutants by an additional 30% to 50% compared to China III standards to comply. Automotive emissions refer to harmful gases such as CO, HCNOx, and PM discharged from exhaust. Technologies like improved catalytic converter active layers, secondary air injection, and exhaust gas recirculation systems with cooling devices are applied to control and reduce vehicle emissions below specified limits. Any new compression-ignition vehicles failing to meet China IV standards cannot be registered.
8
3
Share

Is VI China 6?

VI is China 6, V is China 5, and IV is China 4. China 6 means that the vehicle's emission standards meet the requirements specified in the sixth stage of the national emission standards. It is commonly referred to as China 6 emissions and is a national vehicle emission standard that has been gradually implemented since the end of 2019. Vehicle emission standards refer to regulations on the content of harmful gases such as carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter emitted from vehicle exhaust. The purpose of setting vehicle emission standards is to curb the production of these harmful gases, enabling automobile manufacturers to improve vehicle emission standards and reduce the generation of harmful gases.
16
2
Share

How to Replace the Air Filter of Baojun 730?

Baojun 730 air filter replacement method: The air filter of Baojun 730 is located behind the glove box. After removing the glove box, take out the old filter and install the new one. The air cleaner, also known as the air filter, is used to purify the air entering the engine and should be replaced regularly. A dirty air filter may cause symptoms such as insufficient air intake, lack of power, and unstable idle speed. The Baojun 730 is an MPV produced by SAIC-GM-Wuling, equipped with a 1.5T 147 horsepower L4 engine and a 6-speed manual transmission. The engine has a maximum power of 108kW, a maximum torque of 250Nm, and a top speed of 170km/h.
11
3
Share
Cookie
Cookie Settings
© 2025 Servanan International Pte. Ltd.