What Does the Exclamation Mark Mean on a Vehicle?

[DiLyla]

The appearance of an exclamation mark on the car dashboard indicates an abnormality or malfunction in the corresponding system. Many indicator lights on the car dashboard feature an exclamation mark, such as the tire pressure indicator, lighting fault indicator, steering system fault indicator, brake system fault light, transmission fault indicator, and wiper fault indicator. Below is a detailed introduction to the exclamation mark warning lights: General Fault: A triangle with an exclamation mark inside. If this symbol lights up, it indicates a malfunction in the car's general performance, components, or functions. Common issues include 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 level below the normal range. Transmission oil should be replaced promptly. Brake System Fault: A circle with parentheses and an exclamation mark in the middle. This represents a brake system warning, primarily indicating a brake system malfunction or low brake fluid level. The brake system should be inspected immediately to avoid accidents. Tire Pressure Anomaly: A horizontal line with parentheses below and an exclamation mark in the middle. This represents the tire pressure monitoring warning light, which lights up when the car's tire pressure is too low. Check the tire pressure and restore it to the normal range. Lighting Fault: A yellow bulb with an exclamation mark. This is the lighting fault indicator, signaling a fault in the car'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. Steering System Fault Indicator: A yellow circle with a steering wheel symbol and a yellow exclamation mark next to it. This indicates looseness in the steering assist system connections, leading to steering fluid leakage. Other possible causes include excessive wear of the steering piston cylinder, poor oil seal sealing, control valve sticking or damage, or excessive air in the power steering system, causing abnormal steering. Foreign objects in the steering hydraulic lines can also cause the steering pump flow control valve to stick. Solution: If low on fluid, replenish promptly. Replace oil pipes, power steering pump, or power steering gear. Inspect all connection points of the oil pipes and tighten all connection bolts. Check the steering gear, steering pump control valve, oil cup filter, steering oil, and clean the entire power steering system. Wiper Fault Indicator: This light, which resembles a fan, indicates a fault in the wiper system. Check the wipers for any issues. In addition, during daily vehicle use, the fault lights displayed on the dashboard are divided into two colors: yellow and red, indicating different levels of severity: Yellow indicates a fault in the corresponding system that is not very serious. Reduce speed and proceed to a repair shop to eliminate potential safety hazards. Red indicates a very serious problem in the corresponding system. In such cases, do not continue driving. Pull over immediately and seek professional assistance to prevent unpredictable risks to the vehicle and personal safety. Note: When the car is started, all lights will illuminate as the system performs an automatic check. After the check is completed, they will turn off automatically. If a light does not illuminate when the ignition is turned on, remains lit, or lights up while driving, it indicates a fault in the related system. In such cases, seek professional help promptly to inspect and eliminate potential safety hazards.