What happens to the start light when the HOLD button is activated?

When the HOLD button is activated, the start light turns off. This indicates that the system is in a state where it is not ready to start or engage, as the HOLD function typically is employed to prevent the operation of the system until specific conditions are met. This helps ensure safety and prevents unintended actions.

In contrast, the other possibilities involve behaviors of the start light that do not align with the intended function of the HOLD button. For instance, a flashing light would suggest that the system is in a transition state or awaiting confirmation, which is not the case when HOLD is activated. A red light could indicate an alert or fault condition, signifying a problem rather than a standby state. Lastly, if the light remained on, this would suggest that the system is still in a ready state, contrary to the purpose of the HOLD button, which effectively requires taking the system out of its ready state. Thus, turning the light off when HOLD is activated is the correct response as it clearly communicates to the operator that the system is not in a start-ready condition.