What does the yellow circle exclamation mark on the car dashboard mean?
2 Answers
Car dashboard yellow circle exclamation mark is the automatic transmission fault warning light, indicating that there is a fault in the transmission or the transmission lubricant is below the normal range, or the lubricant needs to be replaced. There are also many other indicator lights on the dashboard with exclamation marks: 1. Tire pressure indicator, if it stays on or flashes, it indicates abnormal tire pressure; 2. Brake system fault light, when the handbrake is released and this light is on, it may indicate a fault in the brake system; 3. Lighting fault indicator light, when it lights up, it indicates a fault in the exterior light bulb; 4. Windshield wiper fault indicator light, when it lights up, it indicates a fault in the wiper system; 5. Steering system fault indicator light, when it lights up, it may indicate that the electric mechanical steering mechanism is not working or there is a fault in the steering column lock.
I remember one time while driving, that yellow circle warning light with an exclamation mark suddenly lit up on the dashboard. The yellow color indicates a warning rather than an emergency, but it must be taken seriously. This is usually the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) alerting me that the tire pressure is low. For example, in winter when temperatures drop, the air contracts and tire pressure naturally decreases, making the light more likely to come on. When I checked, I found one tire had a slow leak. Ignoring it could lead to faster tire wear on the highway and even a dangerous blowout. It's advisable to stop immediately and check the pressure with a gauge or find a service station to inflate the tires to the standard value listed on the label by the door. Make it a habit to check tire pressure every season to avoid major issues—modern cars are generally equipped with this feature, and safety should always come first.
