What does the exclamation mark and a car symbol on the CRV indicate?
2 Answers
There are five possible scenarios when an exclamation mark appears on the car dashboard: general malfunction, automatic transmission failure, brake system failure, abnormal tire pressure, and lighting system failure. Below is a detailed analysis of these five situations: General Malfunction: A triangle with an exclamation mark inside indicates a general performance or component malfunction. Common issues include parking sensor failure, fuel cutoff system intervention or malfunction, external light failure, or engine oil pressure sensor failure. It is recommended to visit a 4S shop for inspection to identify the source of the problem. Automatic Transmission Failure: A yellow gear with an exclamation mark inside is the automatic transmission warning light, indicating a transmission malfunction or low transmission fluid level. The transmission fluid should be replaced promptly. Brake System Failure: A circle with parentheses and an exclamation mark in the middle represents a brake system warning, typically indicating brake system malfunction or low brake fluid level. Immediate inspection and repair of the brake system are necessary to avoid accidents. Abnormal Tire Pressure: A horizontal line with parentheses below and an exclamation mark in the middle is the tire pressure monitoring warning light, which illuminates when the tire pressure is too low. Check the tire pressure and restore it to the normal range. Lighting System Failure: A yellow bulb with an exclamation mark is the lighting failure indicator, signaling a malfunction in one of the vehicle's lights. Solution: Visit a 4S shop for inspection as soon as possible, or conduct a self-check focusing on commonly used bulbs such as turn signals, fog lights, and interior lights to identify the issue.
Every time I see that exclamation mark with a car outline warning light on the Honda CRV's dashboard, my heart skips a beat because it usually indicates a problem with the braking system. From my over ten years of driving experience, the most likely cause is low brake fluid level, especially after long-distance driving or when the weather gets hotter, as it tends to evaporate or leak. If the fluid level is fine, it might be an issue with the ABS sensor, worn brake pads, or a faulty electronic stability control module. I remember last summer, a colleague's car had this light on, and it turned out the brake fluid was insufficient. If not addressed promptly, the braking distance would increase, which is extremely dangerous. I recommend immediately finding a safe place to pull over, popping the hood to check the brake fluid reservoir; if the level is below the Min line, top it up with fresh brake fluid, but don't overfill. If the light stays on after topping up, head to a repair shop for a comprehensive inspection immediately—safety is no trivial matter and should never be taken lightly.