What does the exclamation mark on Changan vehicles mean?
4 Answers
There are five possible scenarios when an exclamation mark appears on the car dashboard: general faults, automatic transmission faults, brake system faults, abnormal tire pressure, and lighting faults. Below is a detailed analysis of these five situations: General faults: A triangle with an exclamation mark inside indicates that the car's general performance or components and functions have malfunctioned. This mainly includes parking sensor failure, fuel cut-off system intervention or failure, external light failure, engine oil pressure sensor failure, etc. It is necessary to go to a 4S shop for inspection to identify the source of the fault. Automatic transmission faults: A yellow gear with an exclamation mark inside is the automatic transmission fault warning light, indicating that there is a fault in the transmission or the transmission lubricant is below the normal range. The transmission oil should be replaced in time. Brake system faults: An exclamation mark in the middle of a circle with parentheses represents a warning of the brake system, mainly including brake system failure and low brake fluid level. The brake system should be inspected immediately to avoid accidents. Abnormal tire pressure: An exclamation mark in the middle of a horizontal line under parentheses represents the tire pressure monitoring warning light. When the car's tire pressure is too low, this warning light will come on. It is necessary to check the car's tire pressure and restore it to the normal range. Lighting faults: A yellow bulb with an exclamation mark is the lighting fault indicator light, indicating that a car light has failed. Solution: Go to a 4S shop for inspection and treatment as soon as possible, or you can check it yourself, focusing on commonly used bulbs such as turn signals, fog lights, and interior lighting to see where the problem lies.
Last time I drove a Changan car, I also encountered that exclamation mark on the dashboard. It was a bit alarming at first. Later, I figured out that it usually means the tire pressure is too low or there's an issue with the braking system. Changan cars are similar to other vehicles in this regard—when this light comes on, you need to check immediately, like whether there's a tire leak or if the brake fluid level is sufficient. I pulled over and used a tire pressure gauge, and sure enough, one tire was leaking. I quickly inflated it, and the problem was resolved. Don’t underestimate this warning—ignoring it can lead to a blowout at high speeds, especially since some Changan models have a higher center of gravity, increasing the risk. So, it’s best to address it as soon as you see it and not delay. By the way, keeping a small tire pressure gauge in your car is very practical and can save you a lot of trouble.
I'm a car enthusiast who's worked on many Changan vehicles' electronic systems. That warning light is no small matter. It could indicate a TPMS alert, or a brake warning like worn pads or low brake fluid. Changan uses smart sensors that are sensitive to environmental factors - rough roads or sensor malfunctions can trigger the light. My advice? Plug in an OBD scanner to read the trouble codes and pinpoint the issue - safety first. Ignoring it could damage other components like steering or suspension, leading to costly repairs. During maintenance, have the lighting system checked to prevent such issues.
I own a Changan SUV, mainly for daily family use. One time when picking up my kids, the warning light with an exclamation mark came on, which really worried me. Most of the time, it's due to low tire pressure or brake issues. Changan's tire pressure monitoring system is quite sensitive and tends to give false alarms in cold weather. My suggestion is to pull over first and check the tires and the feel of the brake pedal. Don't take it lightly—if the braking system fails, it can be really dangerous, especially on highways and when you have family in the car. I've found that regular tire maintenance can reduce risks. Just check the tire pressure once a month—it's simple and keeps you safe.
