What does the exclamation mark on the dashboard mean?
Content
Leakage of TJ can lead to failure of the vehicle. When an exclamation mark on the dashboard in a car means a similar problem has occurred, you will have to check the system carefully.
An exclamation mark on the dashboard of the car means that it is time for the car owner to pay attention to the car and think about the health of individual components and systems. Depending on the style of the sign, conclusions can be drawn where the breakdown lurked.
Types and meanings of exclamation marks on the dashboard of a car
The on-board systems of the car give the driver signals about their condition. An exclamation mark on the machine panel means that specific components are not working properly or a serious malfunction has been detected. The indication differs in color and design. It is also necessary to take into account the situation when the ABS is additionally functioning, where the exclamation mark on the dashboard of the car will light up if the hand brake is raised.
Exclamation mark on the panel
For vehicles equipped with ABS, the control indicator lights up normally if the ignition is on and the handbrake is working. When the power unit starts and the brake is released, the indicator goes out, indicating that the test was successful.
When there is no ABS, the blinking of the control light means only the presence of failures.
in a circle
An exclamation mark outlined in a circle on the dashboard of the car notifies the owner of a malfunction in the vehicle. You need to stop as soon as possible, such a breakdown can lead to a serious accident, especially if you drive at high speed.
In brackets
A bracketed exclamation mark on the dashboard of the car means that the problem is either in the brakes or in the ABS. This is additionally reported by the corresponding inscription. You need to check both options to find a breakdown.
In a triangle
An exclamation mark located in a yellow triangle on the car panel notifies the owner of errors in the electronics responsible for stabilization. When the tint of the icon is red, a full diagnostic is required. The light indicates a variety of malfunctions, usually it is accompanied by additional alerts on the shield.
Why does the indicator light up
Yellow color indicates failures, red indicates an abnormal situation. In both cases, the exclamation mark on the machine panel lights up according to the following principle:
- Automotive sensors with the help of sensors fix the working condition.
- If the parameters deviate from the standard, the pulse is sent to the on-board computer.
- The ECU receives the signal and recognizes the type of fault.
- The head unit sends a pulse to the instrument panel, where a light indication appears.
The ECU is able to block the functionality of the system and turn off the engine if critical breakdowns are detected. In such a situation, the driver will not be able to start the power unit until the problem is fixed.
Causes of light indication
Each vehicle is equipped with a feedback system that helps the driver to quickly receive information about the occurrence of problems. On the car panel, an exclamation mark indicates the presence of breakdowns or errors of this nature:
- Drop in brake fluid. Often the icon starts to blink, showing that the remnants of the consumable are splashing while driving and the level changes on the go. It is required to check whether a leak has occurred, in what condition the pads are. According to the regulations, a fluid change is required every two years.
- Reducing the pressure in the vehicle. Occurs due to a malfunction of the vacuum amplifier. You need to conduct a full diagnosis to determine the exact problem.
- Damage to the warning system. When the sensors fail, a lamp appears on the display, which may be lit or flashing.
- Handbrake problems. The parking vehicle may not be completely turned off, or the handbrake position sensor may be faulty.
Flashing exclamation mark
Express diagnostics, which modern embedded computers allow cars to be subjected to, helps to collect information about the condition of the vehicle. So you can identify the reason why the exclamation mark is on in the car on the panel. A description of the error will appear on the display.
The BMW brand is characterized by display problems. The illuminated icon on the BMW X1, E60 or E90 shows the owner that:
- tire damaged;
- refused the system of exchange rate stability or ABS;
- The battery is dead;
- overheated lubricant in the crankcase;
- the oil level has dropped;
- the brake line has failed;
- The electrical part of the handbrake needs repair.
Accurate decoding is possible only after computer diagnostics in the service.
Where does brake fluid leak occur?
Leakage of TJ can lead to failure of the vehicle. When an exclamation mark on the dashboard in a car means a similar problem has occurred, you will have to check the system carefully.
Brake cylinder
A low level of brake fluid, traces of leakage found indicate violations in the brake cylinder, which means that it is damaged or needs to be carefully examined. While driving, the driver is able to feel uneven fluid pressure - in this case, the car will pull in one direction.
Leaks are often caused by rubber gaskets that cannot withstand freezing temperatures. If they become insufficiently elastic, it is time to install new ones.
Brake hoses
Damage to the hoses - the main brake lines - will cost little to repair, but is among the serious troubles. It is necessary to eliminate such a breakdown as soon as it is detected. Unnatural pressing on the brake pedal may indicate the presence of such damage - the car owner will find that the resistance has disappeared.
The problem can be found by visual inspection or probing. If the rubber components have lost their flexibility and crack when pressed, they need to be replaced. Sometimes the hoses come off the fitting, in this case it is enough to put them back in place and tighten them with a clamp.
Brake master cylinder
The master cylinder must be checked if a puddle is found under the machine at the rear of the power unit. A leak occurs due to cracks in the rubber seal or defective gaskets. For accurate diagnosis, the cylinder will have to be dismantled. Often, fluid accumulates in the amplifier chamber. This situation indicates the need to completely replace the component.
The icon on the panel is lit
Having determined what the exclamation mark on the car panel means, it is recommended to carry out diagnostics and repairs - on your own or in a service center. It is necessary to start the car, having found an indication, with caution; long trips should not be planned until the true cause is clarified.
How to act as a driver
Having found an exclamation mark on the auto panel, you need to follow the instructions:
- Check the dashboard for additional indicators.
- View the instructions for the car. There is a label in the service manual with information about each icon and its meaning.
- If there is no secondary indication, you need to check the amount of consumable fluids in the crankcases and tanks, the condition of the sensors and installed sensors.
When an exclamation mark flashes on the dashboard of a VAZ 2114/2110 car, you need to pay attention to additional symptoms:
- excess fuel consumption;
- misfire (you have to turn the starter for a long time);
- refusal to start;
- unstable operation of the engine, combined with a decrease in power, the presence of extraneous noise;
- slow acceleration when the gas pedal is pressed to the maximum.
The pointer tells you if there are violations in the functioning of the ABS, the braking force is not distributed correctly. Check the level of the brake fluid, damage to the hoses, the appearance of leaks, the serviceability of the float sensor. Damage to the electrical wiring cannot be excluded, due to which the indication will also light up. If the designation on the dashboard does not disappear, you will have to contact the service center.
