What Does the Gear Exclamation Mark on the Car Dashboard Mean?
2 Answers
Car dashboard showing a gear exclamation mark refers to the transmission fault indicator light, indicating that there is a fault in the transmission, the transmission lubricant is below the normal range, or the lubricant needs to be replaced. The reasons for the transmission fault light to come on are: 1. Fault in the transmission computer or electronic components; 2. Transmission oil contains impurities or is severely insufficient; 3. Damage to internal components of the transmission; 4. False or incorrect reporting by the fault light. The functions of the transmission are: 1. To change the transmission ratio to meet the traction needs under different driving conditions; 2. To enable reverse driving, meeting the need for the car to move backward; 3. To interrupt power transmission; 4. To achieve neutral gear.
That day, I had just started driving when a gear-shaped exclamation mark suddenly appeared on the dashboard, giving me quite a scare. I knew this usually indicates a transmission problem, possibly due to high oil temperature or insufficient pressure. I immediately pulled over, opened the hood to check the transmission fluid, and sure enough, the level was a bit low. After topping it up, the warning light went off. Since then, I've made it a habit to check my transmission fluid every quarter and avoid driving habits that put excessive load on it. Ignoring this warning light can lead to complete transmission failure in severe cases, and the repair costs aren't cheap. I've seen many friends encounter similar situations, ranging from rough shifting to complete breakdowns on the road, so I strongly recommend going to a professional repair shop immediately. They can use diagnostic tools to pinpoint the exact cause. Prevention is always better than repair, and safe driving should always come first.