What it means
This indicates that the transmission control system has detected a fault, which may affect shifting or performance. Amber usually means the vehicle needs prompt checking, but colour, severity, and exact behaviour vary by manufacturer; consult the owner’s manual.
What the symbol looks like: A cog or gear containing an exclamation mark is a common transmission-fault symbol; some vehicles use a text message or another design.
Why it comes on
- A transmission sensor or wiring fault
- Low or degraded transmission fluid, where applicable
- A solenoid or valve-body problem
- A control-module or software fault
- An internal transmission problem
What to do
- Note any warning message and changes in shifting, noise, or performance.
- If shifting becomes unsafe, the vehicle loses drive, or a red warning appears, pull over safely and arrange recovery.
- Check the owner’s manual for any model-specific instructions.
- Arrange prompt diagnosis; avoid towing, hard acceleration, and long trips until checked.
Can I keep driving?
If the vehicle shifts normally and the warning is amber, drive only as needed to reach a safe place or repairer, while avoiding heavy loads and hard acceleration. Stop and arrange recovery if it slips, bangs into gear, loses drive, or overheats.
Symbols and colours differ between makes and models. Your owner’s manual shows the exact lights of your car.