Warning signal an icon in the instrument cluster that looks like a warning comes on when i start the car. the icon is a red triangle with an exclamation point in the middle. there is also a smaller orange icon that of the same type that stays on constantly (the triangle with a an exclamation point.

What is it chiming ? Chimes for different reasons , headlamps on , seat belt not buckled , etc.... What warning light is lit on the instrument cluster ? if any . seat belt , air bag's etc...

Audible Warnings Description and Operation
The audible warnings alert the driver of a system concern or a critical vehicle condition. The following lists the audible warning priority and the pulse rate:
Fast rate chime (200 pulses per minute)
Medium rate chime (150 pulses per minute)
Slow rate chime (50 pulses per minute)
Single chime
Fasten Safety Belt Warning
The inflatable restraint sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) activates the fasten safety belt audible warning for 5-8 seconds. The fasten safety belt warning sounds and the fasten seat belt indicator illuminates when the following occurs:
• The ignition switch is in RUN, BULB TEST, or START position.
• The SDM detects that the driver's seat belt is not buckled (signal is low).
If the seat belt is buckled before the ignition is in RUN, BULB TEST, or START position, the chime does not sound. If the seat belt is buckled while the chime is sounding, the chime stops.
Key-In-Ignition Warning
The instrument panel cluster (IPC) activates the key-in-ignition audible warning. The key-in-ignition warning sounds when the following occurs:
• The ignition switch is in OFF, LOCK, or ACCY position.
• The body control module (BCM) determines that the driver's door is open (signal is low).
• The BCM determines that the key-in-ignition switch is closed (signal is low).
Lights On Warning
The instrument panel cluster (IPC) activates the lights on audible warning. The lights on warning sounds when the following occurs:
• The key is not in the ignition.
• The body control module (BCM) determines that the drivers door is open (signal is low).
• The BCM determines that the headlamp switch is in the park or head position.
Rear Parking Assist
The rear object sensor control module activates the audible warning. The audible warning sounds whenever any of the indicators are illuminated on the rear parking assist display. For a description of the rear parking assist system refer to Object Detection Description and Operation.
Turn Signal Reminder
The instrument panel cluster (IPC) sounds the turn signal reminder once per each flash of the turn signal lamps when:
• The ignition switch is in the RUN position.
• The turn signal switch is in either turn position, sensing, within 1 second, an open to B+ transition in the turn signal control circuit (left or right turn).
• The vehicle has traveled a distance of 1.2 km (0.75 mi) by counting pulses on the vehicle speed input circuit.
The IPC turns off the turn signal reminder when either the ignition switch is turned to the LOCK position or to the OFF position, or the turn signal switch returns to the OFF position, sensing, within 1 second, no transitions from open to B+ in either of the turn signal control circuits (left turn or right turn).
Additional Chimes
The following chimes will turn on when an associated indicator turns on in the instrument panel cluster (IPC):
• Low Fuel Indicator
• Low Oil Pressure Indicator
• OVER SPEED indicator
For a description of an indicator refer to Indicator/Warning Message Description and Operation.
For diagnosis of an indicator refer to Symptoms - Instrument Panel, Gages and Console.

Your have a problem with one of these systems , your best bet , take it to a qualified repair shop. They would do diagnostic's to find the problem .

Do any indicators illuminate when the chime sounds?
Go to Symptoms - Instrument Panel, Gages and Console
Go to Step 3
3
Turn the ignition OFF.
Remove the key from the ignition.
Turn the headlamp switch to OFF.
Close all of the vehicle doors.
Open one or more of the vehicle doors
Does the chime sound at all times regardless if the doors are open or closed?
Go to Step 15
Go to Step 4
4
Close all of the vehicle doors.
With a scan tool, observe the LF Door Ajar Switch parameter and the RF Door Ajar Switch parameter in the instrument panel cluster BCM/Inputs data list.
Do all of the Door Ajar Switch parameters display Door Closed?

With a scan tool, observe the Left Rear Door Ajar Sw. parameter and the Right Rear Door Sw. parameter in the instrument panel cluster BCM/Inputs data list.
Do all of the Rear Door Switch parameters display Closed?

This is a 21 step diagnostic trouble shooting flow chart .

check ACC. fuse

Somewhere on the dash or center console there should be a red triangle image on a triangle or square or round button. Pressing the button turns the hazard lights on and off. If the hazard lights are on ... then the button also usually flashes (in addition to the right and left turn signal indicators on the instrument cluster
Helpful?

Wrench Warning Indicator (Base Instrument Cluster)
The instrument cluster receives the powertrain status from the PCM over the HS-CAN. When a powertrain system concern is detected, the PCM sends the instrument cluster a command signal to illuminate the wrench warning indicator. If the 4WD control module detects a failure with the 4WD drive system, the 4WD control module sends a message to the instrument cluster over the CAN to illuminate the wrench warning indicator. On 4.6L engines, if the transmission control module (TCM) detects a failure with the transmission, the TCM sends a message to the instrument cluster over the CAN to illuminate the wrench warning indicator.

It means a trip to the dealer or some other qualified repair shop .

Powertrain Malfunction (Wrench) Warning Indicator (base instrument cluster)
The instrument cluster receives the powertrain status from the PCM over the high speed CAN. When a powertrain system concern is detected, the PCM sends the instrument cluster a command signal to illuminate the powertrain malfunction (wrench) warning indicator. If the 4WD control module detects a failure with the 4WD drive system, the 4WD control module sends a message to the instrument cluster over the CAN to illuminate the powertrain malfunction (wrench) warning indicator. On 4.6L engines, if the transmission control module (TCM) detects a failure with the transmission, the TCM sends a message to the instrument cluster over the CAN to illuminate the powertrain malfunction (wrench) warning indicator.
better have it checked !
Bett

At the moment, your instrument cluster maybe faulty? Due the basic tests, try to be sure. Check for applicable trouble codes relating to instrument cluster--pcm--communication codes. Some of the national brand auto stores in this country may check codes for free, if there are any.
Check voltage and ground circuits for the instrument cluster. The sending units for gages are wired to pcm then the pcm sends serial data to instrument cluster telling instrument cluster what to do with gages. If you want to check gage sending units, that's ok.

If you have a scanner that can communicate with instrument cluster, you can get instrument cluster to do a self-test. The self-test, the instrument cluster will turn warning lamps on and off, sweep gages w/o outside data input. The instrument is considered good, if it passes that test, if not, the instrument cluster is considered faulty.

It's normal. It's part of the instrument cluster module doing what's called a "bulb check" on initial start up, and it should go off in under ten seconds, since it does, there is no problem

It sounds like the ignition switch is signaling to the dash (in error) upon startup. It may be the switch itself.

I suggest that you get the instructions manual, you will find what the icon indicates there... you can also visit a local dealership and have a few chat with the mechanic. I'm sure they will not charge you for a very basic question.

Sounds like the instrument cluster has gone bad or a bulb in the cluster has burnt out. You will need to remove the cluster and check the bulbs to see if they need to be replaced.