What does the sun exclamation mark on the dashboard mean?
3 Answers
The sun exclamation mark on the instrument panel is a brake pad warning light, indicating a brake pad fault and reminding you to replace the brake pads. Here are some introductions about the brake system: 1. When the front brake pads are close to the wear limit, there will be an alarm. It is recommended to check whether the brake pads need to be replaced. If the brake pads do not need to be replaced, just add some brake fluid. Before traveling, check whether the braking system is normal, including the wear degree of the brake pads. 2. Also pay attention to whether the power steering fluid is sufficient. The dust cover of the brake system's wheel cylinder should be given special attention, because if this part is broken and dust enters, it will cause the piston to fail to work, which will lead to an increase in the braking distance when braking. If this part is flooded with water, it will cause brake failure due to the mixture of water in the brake fluid.
Hey, when I was driving, I saw that sun-with-exclamation-mark icon on the dashboard, which really made me nervous because on most cars it indicates an issue with the exterior lighting system, like the daytime running lights or position lights not working. It's especially dangerous at night, as poor visibility could lead to an accident or getting a ticket. I immediately pulled over, got out to check if the front and rear lights were functioning properly; if a bulb was out, replacing it myself would only cost a few dozen bucks. But if the lights were clearly on yet the warning symbol still appeared, it might be a short circuit or a blown fuse, requiring a professional repair shop inspection. Safe driving comes first—don't ignore it, or a small issue could turn into a big problem. Some newer models might also give false alarms due to dirty sensors, which a simple cleaning could fix.
When I encounter the sun exclamation mark on the dashboard, I start troubleshooting from the basics. First, check if all exterior lights are functioning: turn on the light switch and observe the headlights, brake lights, etc. If a bulb is burnt out, it's easy to replace—just spend a little money on a new bulb and swap it in. Next, inspect the fuse box to locate the relevant fuse; if it's blown, replace it with a new one. If the issue persists, it might be due to aging wiring or a short circuit—check for loose connections and use a multimeter to test voltage. In most cases, don't rush to spend big on repairs; DIY solutions can save a lot. After fixing, remember to test to ensure the warning light disappears. Light failures are common in older models, and regular maintenance can help prevent them.
