What does it mean when the plus and minus lights on the dashboard are on?
2 Answers
When the car is turned off and the power is shut down, the dashboard still maintains a standby function. After the driver exits the vehicle and closes the doors, the dashboard will automatically turn off the plus and minus lights. Below is relevant information about the car dashboard: Introduction to car dashboards: With advancements in electronic technology and the emergence of new sensors and electronic display components, electronic dashboards for cars have been rapidly adopted. Common indicators include the fuel indicator, washer fluid indicator, electronic throttle indicator, front and rear fog light indicators, and warning lights. The function of the car dashboard: The car dashboard serves as a device that reflects the working conditions of various vehicle systems. It continuously monitors the car's status and provides the driver with necessary operational parameter information, serving as an important interface for communication between the driver and the vehicle.
When I used to drive an automatic transmission car, I encountered a situation where the plus and minus lights on the dashboard came on. Usually, that means the car accidentally switched to manual mode. You might have unintentionally pressed the paddle shifters next to the steering wheel or the button on the gear lever. This issue is quite common and can easily be triggered during sharp turns or when reaching for something. Just switch it back to automatic mode—it's simple: shift the gear lever to a different position while parked, or press the mode button a few times. If you see the light on while driving, don’t worry about safety, but continuous manual operation without experience might cause the engine to rev too high, wasting fuel. I recommend getting familiar with your car’s settings to avoid such minor incidents. If the light won’t turn off or keeps reappearing, check if the control switch is loose. If that doesn’t help, have a professional check the transmission system for issues—these false signals are usually not serious but can affect your driving mood.
