What does 'test' on the dashboard mean?
2 Answers
The 'test' displayed on the car dashboard indicates a fault detection prompt. Fault detection refers to the car system's self-diagnosis to determine which component has malfunctioned when the vehicle is unable to operate normally, and then notifies the user of this fault through indicator lights or other methods. Extended information: The indicator lights on the car dashboard are mainly divided into the following three categories: 1. The first category: Daily indicator lights, which are the most common while driving, such as turn signal lights, light indicators, seat belt indicators, cruise control indicators, parking indicators, etc. These only serve to indicate the working status of various vehicle functions. 2. The second category: Warning indicator lights, such as fuel level indicators and windshield washer fluid level indicators. These lights warn the owner that the corresponding fluid needs to be replenished as soon as possible to resolve the issue. 3. The third category: The most critical fault indicator lights, including engine (exhaust system) fault lights, oil system fault lights, battery and charging system fault lights, etc. These fault indicators rarely light up under normal circumstances, but if they do, it means the vehicle has already malfunctioned or is experiencing abnormalities. Minor issues may affect driving safety, while major ones could potentially damage the vehicle. Immediate inspection and repair are required, or contact the vehicle's brand 4S store for assistance.
When I see 'test' displayed on the dashboard, it usually means the vehicle is performing a self-check procedure during startup. For example, every time I turn the key or press the start button, the system automatically checks if all warning lights are functioning properly, including the engine fault light, oil pressure indicator, and brake warning light. This process only lasts a few seconds. If everything is normal, the 'test' message will disappear, and all lights will turn off. If it doesn't disappear or reappears repeatedly, there might be an issue, such as a circuit fault or sensor malfunction. In such cases, I need to promptly check if any fuses are blown or use a diagnostic tool to scan for error codes to prevent overlooking potential safety hazards that could affect driving safety. This self-check originates from the design logic of the car's ECU to ensure the dashboard functions correctly. I recommend testing its responsiveness during regular maintenance to avoid unexpected issues during nighttime driving.
