Honda's Dashboard Warning Lights

Learn More About Honda’s Dashboard Warning Lights

Placing a sticker over an illuminated dashboard warning light is a common sitcom trope, and though it’s funny when seen on the small screen, doing it in real life could have dire consequences. The red and yellow warning lights on your Honda’s dashboard can be scary, but with a clear understanding of what they mean and how to respond to them, they don’t have to be. Use the guide below to learn what each light means.

Honda Warning Light Meanings and How to Respond to Them

Yellow Warning Lights

Just like with traffic lights, green means good to go, and yellow means slow down, be cautious, and prepare to stop. Although yellow warning lights don’t require you to pull over on the side of the road, they still indicate that your vehicle has a possibly serious issue. When you see a yellow warning light, you can continue to drive but with increased caution, and you should have your vehicle inspected as soon as possible.

Common yellow warning lights include:

• Smart Entry System: This light indicates an issue with your proximity keyless entry or push button start.
• Check Engine Light: This light can have a myriad of causes, and although you don’t need to derail your day to inspect it, you should bring your car in for diagnostics as soon as you can.
• Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS): If this system is malfunctioning, it usually illuminates alongside the brake warning light. Issues with your brakes should never be taken lightly, and if both lights are on, it’s time to see a service technician.
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System: Are your tires properly inflated? The tire pressure warning light indicates that they may be low. Most gas and charging stations have air refill stations. Stop by one as soon as you can.
• Daytime Running Lights: One or more of your daytime running lights have malfunctioned or burned out.
• Vehicle Stability Assist System: There’s an issue with the VSA system
• Low Fuel: Time to fill up. This light usually illuminates when you have less than 30 miles of driving range remaining before your gas tank is completely tapped out.
• Washer Fluid Level: Next time you're at a service station, refill your washer fluid.

Yellow Driver Assistance Lights

When the following lights are illuminated, they indicate that the corresponding driver assistance feature has detected an issue and activated to take corrective action.

• Lane-Keeping Assist System (LKAS): Your LKAS system detected that you’ve drifted from your lane.
• Collision Mitigation Braking System: Your CMBS system has detected an impending collision
• Road Departure Mitigation: Your RDM system has detected that you’ve left the outlined roadway and is taking corrective action.
• Blind Spot Warning: Alerts you to a vehicle approaching your blind spot from the rear or side of the vehicle.
• Adaptive Cruise Control: You have enabled ACC, and it is actively managing your speed and following distance.

Red Warning Lights

When a red warning light illuminates your dashboard, you should take immediate action. If a red light appears before you hit the road, don’t pull off before correcting the issue. If you can’t on your own, have your vehicle taken to the Garden State Honda service center for diagnostics and repairs. If you’re on the road when a red light illuminates, it's best that you pull over, bring your vehicle to a complete stop, take corrective action, or have it transported to the service center.

• Brake System Failure: There’s a high chance for your brake system to fail. If you see a brake system warning symbol while driving, safely stop and park your vehicle, then call for a tow.
• Brake System Parking Brake: No need to panic. Your parking brake is enabled. Deactivate it before your shift out of park.
• Low Oil Pressure: Your oil levels are low, and your engine may not be properly lubricated, which can destroy engine components. Check your oil levels, top off the oil, or schedule an oil change.
• Charging System: If your car's charging system fails, it may lose power and leave you stranded. This might mean that your alternator, battery, or starter is experiencing an issue. Pull over safely, park, and call for roadside assistance immediately.
• Supplemental Restraint System: Airbags may not deploy in a crash.
• High Temperature: Your engine is overheating
• Seat Belt Reminder: You or a passenger are not wearing a seatbelt.
• Door Open: One or more doors are open.
• Trunk Open: Your trunk is open.

Garden State Honda Service Center

If any of these warning symbols light up on your Honda's dashboard, rely on our skilled, factory-trained technicians and service professionals for a precise diagnosis. Equipped with advanced tools and technology, our modern service center is adept at identifying and resolving issues efficiently. During your visit, enjoy the comfort of our service lounge. Whether it’s regular upkeep or intricate repairs, you'll find assurance and tranquility in getting your vehicle serviced at Garden State Honda.