What does the exclamation mark above the Honda P gear mean?
2 Answers
Car dashboard P and exclamation mark: The P and exclamation mark on the car dashboard indicate that the parking brake is in the braking state. Here are the related details: Exclamation mark on P gear: The P and exclamation mark on the car dashboard indicate that the parking brake is in the braking state. It could be that the handbrake is not released or not fully released. P stands for the handbrake indicator light. The function of the handbrake is to provide resistance to the car when parking, preventing the car from rolling. The parking brake is the handbrake or the parking gear in an automatic transmission, which locks the drive shaft or rear wheels. Other indicator lights on the car dashboard: A triangle with an exclamation mark in the middle is a general fault indicator light. The appearance of this indicator light means that certain components of the car have problems, such as overheating of the dry dual-clutch transmission clutch, parking sensor failure, engine oil pressure sensor failure, or external light failure.
As a seasoned driver with years of experience, I've encountered the exclamation mark appearing on the P gear, which is usually a signal that the transmission warning light is on. In Honda vehicles, this light indicates potential transmission issues such as low fluid level, mechanical wear, or sensor malfunction. If you see it while driving, don't panic—gradually slow down and pull over to a safe spot, then check the transmission fluid level. If it's low, adding some genuine transmission fluid might temporarily resolve the issue. However, this often requires professional diagnosis, especially for Honda models, as the P gear system design is complex and may involve faults in the electronic control module. I recommend promptly visiting a 4S shop or a reputable repair shop to avoid delays, as minor issues can escalate into bigger problems like gear-shifting failure or starting difficulties, increasing repair costs. Regular maintenance, including periodic transmission fluid changes, can effectively prevent such warnings.