What does the exclamation mark in parentheses indicate as a warning light?
3 Answers
Red exclamation mark (specifically in the form of an exclamation mark inside a circled parenthesis), this represents a warning for the braking system, mainly indicating a malfunction in the braking system or low brake fluid level. Solution: Immediate inspection and repair of the braking system is required to avoid accidents. Apart from the red exclamation mark indicating a braking system fault, all other exclamation marks on a car are yellow, representing general faults, automatic transmission faults, abnormal tire pressure, and lighting faults. Below is a detailed analysis of these four situations: General Fault: An exclamation mark inside a triangle, if this symbol lights up, it indicates a fault in the car's general performance or components and functions. Mainly includes parking sensor faults, fuel cut-off system intervention or malfunction, external light faults, engine oil pressure sensor faults, etc. It is necessary to visit a 4S shop for inspection to identify the source of the fault. Automatic Transmission Fault: A yellow gear with an exclamation mark inside, this is the automatic transmission fault warning light, indicating a fault in the transmission or transmission lubricant below the normal range. Transmission oil needs to be replaced promptly. Abnormal Tire Pressure: An exclamation mark in the middle of a line under a parenthesis, this represents the tire pressure monitoring warning light. When the car's tire pressure is too low, this warning light will illuminate. Check the car's tire pressure and restore it to the normal range. Lighting Fault: A yellow bulb with an exclamation mark, this is the lighting fault indicator, indicating a fault in the car's lights. Solution: Visit a 4S shop as soon as possible for inspection and repair, or conduct a self-check, focusing on commonly used bulbs such as turn signals, fog lights, and interior lights, to identify where the problem lies.
A few days ago I also encountered that exclamation mark in brackets warning light—it’s the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) alert, indicating low tire pressure which could lead to a blowout or unstable driving. Common causes include tire leaks, pressure drops due to temperature changes, or sensor false alarms. When the light came on as I started driving, I pulled over to check each tire’s pressure gauge; the standard value is usually listed on the door frame label, e.g., 30-35 PSI. After inflating to the correct pressure at a gas station, the light turned off. Ignoring it risks accelerated tire wear, higher fuel consumption, and hazards. Tip: reset methods vary by car model—most auto-reset after inflation, but older vehicles may require manual reset. For safety, regular tire pressure checks are a smart habit to prevent surprises.
That exclamation mark in parentheses light is the TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) indicator, signaling a tire pressure issue. Possible causes include slow leaks, uneven pressure, or system malfunctions. I've encountered this multiple times, and the solution is straightforward: First, find a safe spot to pull over and use a tire pressure gauge to check all four tires (reference values are usually listed on the driver's door jamb). After inflating to the correct pressure, the light should turn off. If it persists, visit a repair shop to fix the sensor or check for leaks. Ignoring it poses serious risks, such as blowouts at high speeds or compromised braking distance. Bonus tip: Newer models can display real-time tire pressure readings on the dashboard, making troubleshooting quicker. For prevention, DIY monthly pressure checks with an affordable gauge—simple and reassuring.
