What to Do When the Car SOS Light Comes On?
3 Answers
The SOS light in the car can be turned off by simply pressing the corresponding button back. Below is more information about the SOS light: 1. Overview: The vehicle SOS button is usually located near the sunroof buttons on the ceiling and is typically red. The onboard SOS system generally includes the SOS button, emergency horn, microphone, and antenna. 2. Workflow: The SOS system is an onboard self-rescue system. When the vehicle experiences a malfunction, an accident, or encounters danger or an emergency situation, press and hold the SOS button for more than 2 seconds. The vehicle's emergency warning and rescue system will automatically send out a distress signal and actively call emergency services. Occupants in the vehicle can communicate through the emergency microphone.
Last time I drove out, I suddenly noticed the SOS light on the dashboard was lit, which scared me so much that I immediately pulled over. As an average car owner, I think the most common reason is accidentally pressing the emergency call button inside the car. Many vehicles have this button near the center console or rearview mirror—try holding it down for a few seconds to turn it off. If the light remains on, it might be a system malfunction or software bug, so check the owner’s manual or visit a repair shop. Safety comes first—the SOS system is designed for emergency assistance, so don’t drive long distances with it malfunctioning, as it could affect driving. Actually, this issue is quite common. My friend’s car had it once, and the mechanic said updating the car’s system fixed it without costing much. During daily driving, occasionally checking the button positions to avoid accidental presses is a good habit.
Having driven for over a decade, I've encountered the SOS light illuminating unexpectedly a few times. Experience tells me not to panic immediately. The most common causes are system false triggers or poor contact. Check if the SOS button is loose or dirty, and try restarting the power: turn off the engine, remove the key, wait a few minutes, then restart. If the light remains on, it might be a blown fuse or wiring issue—open the hood to inspect the relevant fuse box. Remember to fix it promptly; otherwise, the emergency call function may fail when needed, which is dangerous. I recommend familiarizing yourself with the reset procedure in the manual beforehand; some models can be resolved by holding specific button combinations. In terms of safe driving, it might be fine in the city, but ensure it's addressed before highway trips. Regular maintenance with a technician testing this system can prevent failures.
