What does the exclamation mark on the odometer mean?
2 Answers
When an exclamation mark appears on the car dashboard, it can indicate one of five possible issues: general fault, automatic transmission fault, brake system fault, abnormal tire pressure, or lighting fault. Below is a detailed analysis of these five scenarios: General Fault: A triangle with an exclamation mark inside indicates a general performance or component malfunction in the car. Common issues include parking sensor failure, fuel cutoff system intervention or malfunction, external light failure, or engine oil pressure sensor failure. It is advisable 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 is the automatic transmission fault warning light, indicating a transmission issue or low transmission fluid level. Prompt replacement of transmission fluid is necessary. Brake System Fault: An exclamation mark inside a circle with parentheses represents a brake system warning, typically due to brake system malfunction or low brake fluid level. Immediate inspection of the brake system is required to prevent accidents. Abnormal Tire Pressure: An exclamation mark with a horizontal line below parentheses is the tire pressure monitoring warning light, which illuminates when the 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 is the lighting fault indicator, signaling a malfunction in the car's lighting system. 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.
That's a warning light! It means there's an abnormality in one of the vehicle's systems. I remember driving for over ten years, and every time I see an exclamation mark next to the odometer on the dashboard, I become alert. It's mostly related to the engine, such as a sensor error or emission issue, but it could also be a brake system failure, like the ABS not working; or the tire pressure being too low. When the light comes on, don't drive too fast, find a safe place to stop and check: see if the car has any abnormal shaking or signs of brake failure. You should immediately consult the corresponding page in the user manual or go to a repair shop to scan for fault codes. Ignoring it can be dangerous; if the engine fails on the road, the safety risk is high. Paying attention to regular vehicle maintenance can prevent such problems, such as periodically checking if the sensor cables are aging.
