What does it mean when the plus and minus light is on in a car?
4 Answers
When the plus and minus light is illuminated in a car, it indicates that the generator's output voltage is lower than the battery voltage, and there is a fault in the power supply circuit. Common warning lights in cars and their causes include: 1. Tire Pressure Warning Light: A yellow symbol featuring an irregular circle that is not closed at the top, with four small spikes at the bottom and an exclamation mark inside. This light indicates abnormal tire pressure, and the tires should be checked promptly. 2. Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light: This light usually stays on when the car is first started. It will illuminate if the coolant temperature is too high or too low. Some vehicles have a temperature gauge on the dashboard where the needle moves up or down with the coolant temperature. If the temperature is too high, stop driving immediately and wait for the temperature to normalize before heading to the nearest 4S shop or auto repair shop for inspection. 3. Oil Pressure Warning Light: This light is shaped like a "kettle" on the dashboard. It illuminates when there is an abnormality in oil pressure. When starting the vehicle, the oil pressure light will turn on. If the oil pressure is normal, it will turn off shortly after. If there is an issue, the light will remain on. 4. Brake System Warning Light: This red icon features two "brackets" on either side with a circle in the middle containing an exclamation mark. It indicates a problem with the brake system, such as low brake fluid level or the handbrake being engaged.
As a car enthusiast, I've found that the plus and minus lights on the dashboard can illuminate for several reasons. The most common scenario is when the transmission switches to manual shift mode - the indicator lights up automatically, meaning you can now use the steering wheel paddles or gear lever to manually upshift or downshift. This is completely normal and nothing to worry about. However, if the light suddenly comes on and stays lit in automatic mode, it might indicate minor issues like a stuck gear lever position or a small fault in the electronic control module causing incorrect signal transmission. Poor circuit connections or aging cables can also easily trigger such false warnings. My suggestion is to gently toggle the gear lever next time you drive to see if it switches back to automatic mode. If the light remains on, it's best not to delay - take the car to a repair shop for diagnosis with a computer scanner to check the trouble codes. This can save you major headaches, since transmission problems could potentially lead to costly repairs.
I've been driving for several years myself, and once the plus-minus light came on, which really confused me. Actually, most of the time it just indicates that the manual mode is activated, not a fault. The reason is simple, like not adjusting the position properly when shifting gears or pressing the wrong button by mistake. However, if the light doesn't go off during normal driving, it might be due to a loose internal sensor in the transmission or a malfunctioning control unit, which needs to be checked. Once, my car had this issue, and it was fixed by replacing a wire for just two hundred yuan—a minor problem. Remember to check other dashboard lights; if they're all normal, it's usually not a big deal. Don't try to dismantle it yourself to avoid damaging the wires. Just find a familiar repair shop for a quick check and fix, which is both worry-free and safe.
The plus and minus light on the car usually indicates that the manual mode of the transmission is activated. However, if it lights up when it shouldn't, it may affect driving safety. Possible reasons include misoperation of the shifting system or electronic control failures, such as sensor aging. When the light is on, it's recommended to slow down and pull over to confirm the vehicle is running smoothly. Never force driving at high speeds, as it may cause the transmission to lock unexpectedly. It's best to stop first, check the vehicle manual for the corresponding light's explanation. If there are no major abnormalities, gently try switching to automatic mode with the button to prevent potential risks. Early professional inspection is advised to avoid minor issues from worsening.
