What does the exclamation mark on the car mean?
2 Answers
There are five possible scenarios when an exclamation mark appears on the car's dashboard: general malfunction, automatic transmission failure, brake system failure, abnormal tire pressure, and lighting system failure. Below is a detailed analysis of these five situations: General Malfunction: An exclamation mark inside a triangle indicates a fault in the car's general performance, components, or functions. Common issues include parking sensor failure, fuel cut-off 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 problem. Automatic Transmission Failure: A yellow gear with an exclamation mark inside is the automatic transmission warning light, indicating a transmission fault or that the transmission fluid is below the normal range. The transmission fluid 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 of the brake system is required to avoid accidents. Abnormal Tire Pressure: An exclamation mark with a horizontal line below parentheses is the tire pressure monitoring warning light. It lights up when the tire pressure is too low. Check the tire pressure and restore it to the normal range. Lighting System Failure: A yellow bulb with an exclamation mark is the lighting failure indicator, signaling a malfunction in one of 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.
My old car has had this exclamation mark light come on a few times, and honestly, after driving for so long, I’ve picked up a thing or two. It could be due to an issue with the braking system, like the brake fluid running low or insufficient tire pressure. I remember one rainy night on the highway when the light came on and I ignored it—almost ended up in a rear-end collision. If I see this light now, I immediately find a safe spot to pull over and check if the brake fluid is below the MIN line or inspect the tires for any signs of deflation. If I can’t handle it myself, I quickly call a professional technician for a check-up. Safety is no small matter—never cut corners to save trouble. Regular maintenance should include checking these fluid levels and tire pressures to avoid unexpected issues.