What does it mean when the PRNDS lights up red?
2 Answers
PRNDS is the gear indicator light. If the PRNDS lights up red, the issue might be with the internal computer of the transmission, indicating a gear malfunction. Specific faults include failure to recognize the current gear and engine idling. It is necessary to take the vehicle to a repair shop for inspection. Functions of each PRNDS gear: P: P (Parking) is used for parking, utilizing a mechanical device to lock the rotating parts of the car, preventing movement. When the car needs to stay in a fixed position for an extended period or before leaving the car after parking, the hand brake should be engaged, and the lever should be pushed into the "P" position. R: R (Reverse) is the reverse gear, used for backing up the car. Usually, the safety button on the lever must be pressed to move the lever to the "R" gear. N: N (Neutral) is the neutral gear. When the lever is placed in the "N" gear, the power between the engine and the transmission is cut off. For brief stops, the lever can be placed in this gear while pulling out the hand brake lever, allowing the right foot to move away from the brake pedal for a short rest. D: D (Drive) is the forward gear, used for normal road driving. Due to different designs in various countries, the "D" gear generally includes gears from 1st to high gear or 2nd to high gear and will automatically shift based on speed and load changes. S: Sport mode. When this gear is engaged, the gears can be freely switched, but the shift timing is delayed to keep the engine at high RPM for a period, increasing the car's power. Clearly, using this gear will result in higher fuel consumption.
I was also confused when I first encountered the PRNDS light turning red. Later, I learned that it indicates an issue with the transmission. PRNDS is the gear indicator light, and a red light means the system has detected an abnormality, such as low transmission fluid, a sensor malfunction, or an electrical problem. If you continue driving, the vehicle may not shift gears properly or even get stuck in a single gear, which is very dangerous. It's recommended to pull over immediately and check the fluid level. If it's too low, top it up first. However, don't attempt to fix it yourself—it's best to tow the car to a 4S shop or a professional repair center to read the fault codes with a diagnostic tool. During regular maintenance, pay attention to the transmission's condition and don't miss the fluid change intervals to avoid similar issues. Safety first—don't underestimate this little red light.
