What does the exclamation mark and P on the dashboard mean?

[JosiahFitz]

When an exclamation mark appears on the car dashboard, there are five possible scenarios: general malfunction, automatic transmission failure, brake system failure, abnormal tire pressure, and lighting malfunction. Below is a detailed analysis of these five situations: General malfunction: A triangle with an exclamation mark inside indicates a malfunction in the car's general performance, components, or functions. Common issues include parking sensor failure, fuel cutoff system intervention or malfunction, external light failure, or engine oil pressure sensor malfunction. It is necessary to visit a 4S shop for inspection to identify the source of the fault. Automatic transmission failure: A yellow gear with an exclamation mark inside is the automatic transmission failure warning light, indicating a problem with the transmission or that the transmission lubricant is below the normal range. The transmission oil should be replaced promptly. Brake system failure: An exclamation mark inside a circle with parentheses represents a brake system warning, typically indicating a brake system malfunction or low brake fluid level. Immediate inspection and repair of the brake system are required to avoid accidents. Abnormal tire pressure: An exclamation mark with a horizontal line below the parentheses is the tire pressure monitoring warning light, which illuminates when the car's tire pressure is too low. Check the tire pressure and restore it to the normal range. Lighting malfunction: A yellow bulb with an exclamation mark is the lighting malfunction indicator, signaling that a car light has failed. 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.

[SanAnderson]

I've driven many cars myself, and I can recognize the exclamation mark plus P symbol on the dashboard at a glance—it's the warning light for the handbrake not being fully released. It might happen when the handbrake isn't completely disengaged after parking, making the car feel sluggish while driving, as if the wheels are being dragged. This not only wastes fuel but also wears out the brake pads. Once, I encountered a similar situation and forced myself to drive a few kilometers, only to smell burning and quickly pull over to check, nearly causing an accident. So, my advice is to first check whether the handbrake lever or button is released. If the light stays on after releasing it, it could be a faulty sensor or a short circuit in the wiring. In that case, don't keep driving—head to a proper repair shop immediately. Safe driving is key; ignoring small issues can turn them into big problems, costing money and risking danger.

[DiEllie]

When I first started learning to drive, I was always nervous about warning lights on the dashboard, especially the exclamation mark and P symbol. After checking the manual, I realized it meant the parking brake wasn't fully released or there was an issue with the electronic brake. The reasons can be simple—maybe you forgot to release the handbrake, or the system gave a false alert. In such cases, step out and check if the handbrake is properly disengaged by giving it a push to ensure it's loose. If the light stays on, don't force the car to drive because the increased wheel resistance can lead to higher fuel consumption and potential brake damage. Just take it to a repair shop as soon as possible—safety comes first. For beginners, studying the manual to understand warning lights is really helpful.

[RemingtonRose]

A dashboard warning light with an exclamation mark and P usually indicates a parking brake issue, meaning the parking brake is not fully released. Check if the handbrake is released by yourself. If the light remains on despite the handbrake being released, it might be a sensor malfunction. The solution is to stop the vehicle immediately for inspection to prevent wheel dragging and brake system damage. Do not delay seeking professional repair when needed.