Honda Dashboard Warning Lights Guide
Dashboard warning lights will often cause panic or anxiety when they come on, and they are indeed sometimes indicators of very serious issues. But not every light is serious, and many don’t even indicate a problem at all. But the only way to be sure whether a light means that you can carry on driving, or if you need to pull over immediately, is to familiarise yourself with what all of the lights mean.
While this is certainly not a foolproof system, a good way to think of the lights is the way you would a traffic light. Red lights usually mean that you need to pull over immediately and call for a tow truck. Yellow lights usually mean that you can keep driving, but you should have your vehicle inspected/repaired as soon as possible. Green lights (as well as blue) are usually just information, letting you know that something is switched on. But there’s only one way to be sure, so let’s get into it.
What Do The Dashboard Warning Lights Mean on Your Honda?
Brake System Failure
This indicates a problem with the braking system, and any issues with this system are potential major safety issues. As such, we recommend that you pull over and stop as soon as it’s safe to do so, and have your vehicle towed to Germain Honda of Dublin.
Brake System Failure
This just indicates that your parking brake is on. While you shouldn’t drive with it on, it’s a problem you can easily solve yourself.
Low Oil Pressure
Low oil pressure could mean any of a number of things, from a simple oil leak to something more complicated. But either way, it means that your engine isn’t being lubricated properly, and is susceptible to friction and heat that can cause serious damage to the engine internals. It is strongly recommended that you not drive or even run the engine with this light on.
Charging System
A failure with your charging system means that your battery is being drained and not replenished. This is a big problem, since it means that you only have a short time before the battery dies and your engine shuts off. Park the vehicle and call roadside assistance immediately.
Brake System Failure
This just indicates that your parking brake is on. While you shouldn’t drive with it on, it’s a problem you can easily solve yourself.
Supplemental Restraint System
This indicates a problem with your airbags, which may cause them to not deploy in an accident. This is a major safety issue, and something that needs to be addressed immediately.
Smart Entry System
This indicates a problem with either your smart entry system or push button starting system. Or quite possibly both.
Check Engine Light
This indicates a problem with the engine emission control system. This is a big enough issue on its own, but it could also indicate a bigger problem. Bring your vehicle in for service immediately.
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
This light will flash if the anti-lock braking system is in use. If there is a fault with the system, it will stay on continuously in conjunction with the Brake System Failure light.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System
This indicates that your tire pressure is low, and you need to add air.
High Temperature
Your engine is overheating.
Low Temperature
Your engine is too cold. This one usually goes away after a couple of minutes of driving, but there could be a problem if it doesn’t.
Daytime Running Lights
Your daytime running lights are on. You probably won’t find this light in newer vehicles.
Vehicle Stability Assist System
Like the ABS light, this flashes when in use, and stays on continuously if there is an issue.
Electric Power Steering
This indicates a problem with your power steering, which you will probably also feel in the wheel.
Seat Belt Reminder
This is a reminder that your seatbelt is unbuckled.
Door Open
A door is open.
Trunk Open
Your trunk is open.
Low Fuel
Your vehicle is low on fuel, and needs to be refueled as soon as possible.
Washer Fluid Level
The windshield washer fluid level is low.
System Message
This indicator comes on when there is a message on your multi-information display.
Maintenance Minder
Your trunk is open.
Immobilizer
Your vehicle can’t recognize your key or remote transmitter, and you may not be able to start the engine. This is often just a dead or weak battery in the remote.
VSA Off
Reminder that the VSA is switched off.
Cruise Main On
Cruise Main is on.
Cruise Control On
Indicates cruise control is engaged.
Turn Signals
Your turn signals/hazard lights are on.
Fog Lights On
Indication that your fog lights are on.
High Beams On
Indication that your high beams are on.
Exterior Lights On
Indication that your exterior lights are on.
ECON Mode On
Your ECON mode is on.
Lane Keeping Assist System
The LKAS is on.
Collision Mitigation Braking System
The CMBS is on.
Road Departure Mitigation
The RDM system is on.
Blind Spot Warning
Frequently located on the side mirror itself, rather that the dash, this indicates that there is a vehicle in your blind spot.
All-Wheel Drive
For vehicles with part-time AWD, this indicates that the system is switched on.
Auto Idle Stop
Auto Idle Stop is on.
Adaptive Cruise Control
Adaptive Cruise Control is engaged
Auto High Beam System
Frequently located on the side mirror itself, rather that the dash, this indicates that there is a vehicle in your blind spot.
Exceptional Service at Germain Honda of Dublin
Just as important as knowing what the warning lights mean is knowing where to take you vehicle for service when they do come on. Germain Honda of Dublin has a state-of-the-art facility and factory-trained technicians who are Honda experts. We have the equipment and know-how to correctly diagnose and repair your vehicle, no matter what the warning light. From routine maintenance to major repairs.