What does the exclamation mark on the dashboard indicator light mean?

1 Answers
Sheila
07/30/25 8:50am
When an exclamation mark appears on the car dashboard, there are five possible scenarios: general malfunction, automatic transmission failure, brake system failure, abnormal tire pressure, and lighting malfunction. Below is a detailed analysis of these five situations: General Malfunction: A triangle with an exclamation mark inside indicates that there is a malfunction in the car's general performance or components and functions. Common issues include parking sensor failure, fuel cut-off system intervention or malfunction, external light failure, engine oil pressure sensor failure, etc. 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 fault warning light, indicating that there is a problem with the transmission or that the transmission fluid is below the normal range. The transmission fluid should be replaced promptly. Brake System Failure: A circle with parentheses and an exclamation mark in the middle represents a brake system warning, mainly indicating brake system failure or low brake fluid level. The brake system should be inspected immediately to avoid accidents. Abnormal Tire Pressure: A horizontal line with parentheses and an exclamation mark below represents the 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 Malfunction: A yellow bulb with an exclamation mark is the lighting fault indicator, signaling that a car light has malfunctioned. Solution: Visit a 4S shop for inspection and repair as soon as possible, or conduct a self-check. Focus on commonly used bulbs such as turn signals, fog lights, and interior lighting to identify the issue.
Was this review help?
9
3
Share
More Forum Discussions

How Many Liters of Engine Oil Does a Car Need?

Car needs about 4 liters of engine oil, and the filling amount should be between the upper and lower marks on the oil dipstick. The functions of engine oil are: 1. Relieve friction and high temperature; 2. Cool down; 3. Clean; 4. Dampen and buffer; 5. Prevent rust and corrosion. Engine oil, also known as motor lubricant, is composed of base oil and additives. Base oil is the main component of lubricating oil, determining the basic properties of lubricating oil, while additives can compensate for and improve the shortcomings of base oil performance. The hazards of using inferior engine oil are: 1. Damage the quality of engine oil, reducing its performance; 2. Damage the lubrication of precision parts such as fuel pumps and injectors; 3. Reduce the power of the generator set; 4. Affect the combustion effect of the engine.
19
5
Share

Is It Necessary to Get an Original Car Key?

It is necessary to get an original car key. Here are the relevant details: 1. Introduction to Keys: Keys are a commonly used unlocking tool in daily life, primarily made from materials such as copper, zinc, aluminum, iron, and other metals. The invention of keys came later than locks, appearing in ancient Egypt 4,000 years ago. There are various types of keys, including ordinary keys, smart keys, remote keys, electronic keys, etc. 2. Difference Between Good and Bad Keys: Some key blanks may appear metallic on the surface but are actually of very poor quality. They can break after a short period of use, even before wearing out. These key blanks cannot be distinguished by the naked eye alone, but a simple test of lightly tossing them onto a hard surface like concrete or glass can reveal the difference. A good metal blank produces a crisp metallic sound, while a poor one makes a dull, muffled noise similar to plastic hitting a hard surface.
1
1
Share

Which is better, mechanical supercharging or turbocharging for an engine?

Mechanical supercharging delivers power more directly and linearly, without the feeling of being neither here nor there. It doesn't require the use of full synthetic oil like turbocharged engines, has a longer lifespan, and operates at lower engine temperatures. Additionally, turbocharging takes time to engage, whereas mechanical supercharging provides faster and more responsive feedback. Overall, mechanical supercharging is superior to turbocharging. Below are the relevant details: 1. Mechanical Supercharging: Primarily designed for large-displacement engines, these engines have sufficient torque to drive the mechanical supercharger and require the main power output to be in the low-speed range below 4500 RPM. 2. Turbocharging: Mainly suited for small-displacement engines, it requires the engine's transmission components (often referring to the camshaft section) to handle the high temperatures caused by high-speed rotation. The turbo's power output range is above 4500 RPM, which is a typical value, meaning the faster the engine speed, the better the supercharging effect.
13
1
Share

Why does the car engine fault light come on when the engine is not started?

When the car's engine is not started and the engine fault light is on, this is a normal self-check, indicating that the engine is not yet working. Before the car is ignited, the car will enter a self-check state, and this light (the engine fault light) will come on. After the car starts normally, the light will turn off. Additional information: 1. The engine fault light is the one on the dashboard that looks a bit like a pipe from Super Mario. If you drive normally and maintain the car regularly, the engine generally won't have major issues. 2. If the engine fault light remains on after the vehicle starts, it indicates a problem with the engine's working condition. Possible causes include poor fuel quality, carbon buildup in the engine, or clogged fuel lines. It is advisable to visit a car repair shop as soon as possible or, if the car is still under warranty, go to a 4S shop for a prompt inspection.
12
5
Share

How to Quickly Downshift a Manual Transmission?

Here are the methods for quickly downshifting a manual transmission: 1. Quickly press the clutch pedal to shift gears. Before releasing the clutch, adjust the throttle according to the current speed—the faster the speed, the more throttle you need to apply. This requires familiarity with the vehicle; with practice, you'll naturally know how much throttle to apply. 2. While adjusting the throttle, shift into the desired lower gear (e.g., from 5th to 4th gear), then simultaneously release the clutch. Do not forget to press the accelerator while releasing the clutch. Mastery comes with practice and experience. Here are some precautions: 1. When turning left or right, enter the designated turning lane in advance and yield to straight-moving vehicles and pedestrians. Otherwise, unexpected situations may cause panic. 2. Avoid doing this during normal driving unless in special circumstances, such as on snowy or steep slopes. Even regular snowy driving rarely requires downshifting for braking. 3. Gear clashes during shifting happen to all drivers occasionally (especially when distracted), but they usually cause no significant damage. 4. The principle of driving is to achieve the highest speed at the lowest RPM.
9
0
Share

What is the ABS in a car?

The ABS in a car is the Anti-lock Braking System. Its function is to automatically control the braking force during car braking, preventing the wheels from locking up and keeping them in a state of rolling and sliding. This ensures maximum adhesion between the wheels and the ground, improving the safety factor of emergency braking while driving. The control channels of the ABS system are divided into: 1. Four-channel type: It has four wheel speed sensors, with a brake pressure regulator device installed in the pipeline leading to each of the four-wheel brake cylinders for independent control, forming a four-channel control configuration; 2. Three-channel type: It independently controls the two front wheels, while the two rear wheels are controlled together based on the low-select principle, also known as mixed control; 3. Two-channel type: It is difficult to balance directional stability, steering control, and braking performance; 4. Single-channel type: Often referred to as single-channel ABS, it has a brake pressure regulator installed in the rear wheel brake main pipe and a wheel speed sensor mounted on the rear axle main reducer.
19
2
Share
Cookie
Cookie Settings
© 2025 Servanan International Pte. Ltd.