What does the dollar sign ($) indicate on a METAR?

The dollar sign ($) in a METAR report indicates that something needs to be fixed, specifically referring to an issue with the automated weather observation system that generated the report. When a METAR includes a dollar sign, it suggests that the weather data may be incomplete or inaccurate due to a malfunction, alerting aviators and meteorologists to the potential need for verification or additional observations from human sources. This symbol serves as a crucial indicator for users of METAR reports to approach the data with caution and seek further clarification. Understanding this helps ensure safer decision-making in aviation and meteorological assessments.