Are you seeing a warning light on your car’s dashboard that looks like a triangle with an exclamation mark inside? It’s common in Hondas, Nissans, BMWs, and other makes, and means your car’s diagnostics system has detected an issue that the other dashboard lights don’t cover. We’ll tell you more about the light, what to do when you see it, how to start diagnosing it, and what other warning lights mean, below.
What does the triangle with an exclamation point light mean?
The dashboard light that looks like a triangle with an exclamation mark inside is a master warning light that means something is wrong with your vehicle. It’s a general and unspecific warning, but it’s best not to drive until you can get the problem diagnosed and repaired by a mechanic.
Steps
What should you do if you see the warning light?
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Turn the car off and pull over to a safe place. If at all possible, avoid driving the car any farther until you know what the problem is—driving any further could further damage your car, if the problem is serious. [2] X Research source In the meantime, pull over to the nearest safe shoulder and turn off your engine. If you’re on a busy road, turn on your hazard lights so that other drivers know you’re handling an issue and can drive safely around you.
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Bring the car to a mechanic as soon as possible. Generally, the best way to solve this issue is to visit a mechanic, who can use specialized tools to diagnose the issue, including an onboard diagnostics (OBD-II) scanner which will allow them to read the fault codes and figure out what's going on. Manufacturers include this warning light for when the issue is a bit too specific or complex for the average driver to diagnose and repair themselves. [3] X Research source
- Call for a tow, if possible. If not, drive very slowly along the shoulder with your hazard lights on and head to the nearest mechanic.
Diagnosing the Problem
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Check your owner’s manual for more information. This symbol mostly just means that there’s a problem with your car that can’t be communicated by other lights or warnings, but which problems it indicates can vary by make and model. Take out your owner’s manual and look for “Warning lights,” “Master warning light,” or “Dashboard warnings,” and read the relevant section to learn more. [4] X Research source
- Your owner’s manual may specify certain problems indicated by your car’s specific master warning light.
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Look for other warning lights for clues. Sometimes, this symbol may show up alongside other warning lights, which can give you a hint as to what the problem is. For example, if the “Check Engine” light is also on, you may have a mechanical issue with the engine, and the master warning light is telling you it’s especially serious. [5] X Research source
- Other times, this light may come on when other lights don’t give enough information. For example, if the master warning light is on, but the engine oil warning light isn't, the problem may not be your engine’s oil, but something else.
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Start your car and listen to the engine. Turn the key in the ignition and pay attention to the sound the engine makes to check for anything unusual. You might also drive forward slowly to monitor the engine as it accelerates. Anything out of the ordinary may be a valuable clue you can pass on to your mechanic. [6] X Research source Here are some common noises and what they may mean:
- Whining : This often means there’s an issue with your power steering, like low fluid, if it whines while turning. It may also indicate a damaged transmission if it whines while accelerating, or an oil issue if it whines while idling. [7] X Research source
- Rattling : This may indicate damaged suspension, broken belts or engine pistons, or a bad alternator or catalytic convertor.
- Ticking: This often indicates damaged lifters, which help raise and lower engine pistons, or a damaged accessory component. [8] X Research source
- Knocking: This often indicates damaged engine pistons.
Expert Q&A
Tips
References
- ↑ https://owners-manual.mazda.com/gen/en/cx-5/cx-5_8ft1ee17b/contents/08070302.html
- ↑ https://www.themechanicdoctor.com/car-maintenance-101-new-owner/
- ↑ https://owners-manual.mazda.com/gen/en/cx-5/cx-5_8ft1ee17b/contents/08070302.html
- ↑ https://owners-manual.mazda.com/gen/en/mazda3/mazda3_8hs5ee19i/contents/08070304.html
- ↑ https://www.auburntoyota.com/blog/warning-lights-toyota/
- ↑ https://www.themechanicdoctor.com/car-maintenance-101-new-owner/
- ↑ https://grimmermotors.co.nz/car-whining-noise-repairs-hamilton/
- ↑ https://www.enginebuildermag.com/2017/09/basics-valve-lifters-beyond/
- ↑ https://www.caranddriver.com/features/a35865614/dashboard-warning-lights-explained/
- ↑ https://www.motortrend.com/features/car-warning-lights-explained/
- ↑ https://www.caranddriver.com/features/a35865614/dashboard-warning-lights-explained/
- ↑ https://www.caranddriver.com/features/a35865614/dashboard-warning-lights-explained/
- ↑ https://www.motortrend.com/features/car-warning-lights-explained/
- ↑ https://www.motortrend.com/features/car-warning-lights-explained/
- ↑ https://www.caranddriver.com/features/a35865614/dashboard-warning-lights-explained/
- ↑ https://www.caranddriver.com/features/a35865614/dashboard-warning-lights-explained/
- ↑ https://owners-manual.mazda.com/gen/en/cx-5/cx-5_8ft1ee17b/contents/08070302.html
- ↑ https://www.caranddriver.com/features/a35865614/dashboard-warning-lights-explained/