Orange circle with a flashing exclamation point.

Looks like a brake related warning like brake fluid or parking brake.

Yellow circle, with triangle and exclamation mark – The Electronic Stability Program (ESP) dashboard light flashes if the ESP or traction control is activated whilst driving. If ESP or traction control has been switched off, it will light up continuously. If ESP or traction control is not turned off and the warning light illuminates continuously, it indicates a problem and malfunction with either ESP or traction control.

The car is now quite old, and the yellow gear ("cog") light indicates that the hydraulic pressure in the transmission is incorrect. Check fluid level and, if the fluid is murky or off-color, have the transmission serviced and the filter replaced.

Look in your owners manual

Most likely something to do with braking system,
but those have lines outside the circle as well

COULD MEAN LOW TIRE PRESSURE.... LOOKS LIKE THIS ( ! )

hi this is a brake warning symbol.this denotes some problem in the braking system.

First off you need an owner's manual. You can get a free one here. http://pdfservicemanual.com/automotive/2001-ford-taurus-owners-manual The light that looks like a gear with an exclamation point inside indicates there is a problem with the transmission. May just be low of transmission fluid. To check the level dive the car until the transmission is warm, park on a level surface, place gear shift in park with engine running, and check transmission fluid level. Add only if necessary and do not overfill. If it is not low of fluid then seek professional help. The exclamation point in a circle under the fuel gauge next to the Brake light indicates you are low of brake fluid. Check the level of the brake fluid. If it is low you more than likely need to check your brake pads as they are worn out.

bulb failure warning,check your brake lights.

If you mean a circle that looks sort of like a gear with an exclamation mark in the middle, it represents the Transaxle fault light.

I already found the owner manual on the internet. thanks for helping me out.