What does the exclamation mark inside a red triangle on the dashboard indicate?
2 Answers
A triangle with an exclamation mark 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 failure. Solution: It is necessary to visit a 4S shop for inspection to identify the source of the fault. The exclamation mark is a common fault warning in cars. Besides the exclamation mark inside a triangle, there are four other forms of exclamation mark warnings: a yellow gear with an exclamation mark, a red circle with an exclamation mark in the middle, a yellow bracket with a horizontal line and an exclamation mark in the middle, and a yellow light bulb with an exclamation mark. Below is a detailed analysis of these four scenarios: Automatic transmission fault: A yellow gear with an exclamation mark indicates an automatic transmission fault warning light, meaning there is a malfunction in the transmission or the transmission lubricant is below the normal range. The transmission oil should be replaced promptly. Brake system fault: A circle with an exclamation mark in the middle represents a brake system warning, mainly indicating a malfunction in the brake system or low brake fluid level. Immediate inspection of the brake system is required to avoid accidents. Tire pressure anomaly: A bracket with a horizontal line and an exclamation mark in the middle represents a tire pressure monitoring warning light. This light will illuminate when the car's tire pressure is too low. Check the tire pressure and restore it to the normal range. Lighting fault: A yellow light bulb with an exclamation mark is a lighting fault indicator, signaling a malfunction in the car's lights. Solution: Visit a 4S shop for inspection as soon as possible, or perform a self-check, focusing on commonly used bulbs such as turn signals, fog lights, and interior lights to identify the issue.
After driving for so many years, every time I see that red triangle with an exclamation mark light up on the dashboard, I know something serious is wrong—it's no joke. Generally speaking, this light is a universal warning indicating a severe issue with the car, such as low tire pressure, a brake system failure, or some engine trouble. My experience tells me not to ignore it outright. Don’t panic; first, find a safe place to pull over, then check if any other warning lights are flashing on the dashboard. For example, if the low tire pressure light is also on, check the tire pressure immediately. Sometimes, it might just be a sensor false alarm, but you can’t always count on that. In any case, safety comes first. I recommend heading to a nearby repair shop as soon as possible to have a mechanic take a look—don’t wait for things to get worse.
