Honda Dashboard Warning Lights: What They Mean and What to Do

Complete Guide to Honda Dashboard Warning Lights | Pembroke Honda

Dashboard warning lights are essential tools that help you stay informed about your Honda's condition. These lights can alert you to critical issues, maintenance needs, or active features. Understanding what they mean and taking the appropriate actions will ensure your vehicle stays safe and reliable.

This guide from Pembroke Honda in Pembroke, Ontario, categorizes all the dashboard signals into Critical Warning Lights, Important Warning Lights, and Informational Lights for easy navigation.

Critical Warning Lights

These red lights indicate serious issues requiring immediate attention.

1. Braking System Failure

What It Means: A critical issue with the braking system.
Action: Stop driving immediately and call for a tow. Have the system inspected by a certified technician.

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2. Brake System/Parking Brake

What It Means: The parking brake is engaged, or there is an issue with the brake system or fluid.
Action: Release the parking brake. If the light remains on, check brake fluid levels and schedule a service.

3. Low Oil Pressure

What It Means: Insufficient engine oil pressure.
Action: Stop driving and turn off the engine immediately. Check the oil level and add oil if necessary. Call for a tow if the issue persists.

4. Charging System

What It Means: A problem with the battery or alternator.
Action: Schedule a battery and alternator inspection promptly to avoid being stranded.

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5. Supplemental Restraint System (SRS)

What It Means: A fault in the airbag or seatbelt tensioner system.
Action: Have your vehicle inspected immediately to ensure the airbags and seatbelt systems are functioning.

6. High Temperature

What It Means: The engine is overheating.
Action: Pull over immediately, turn off the engine, and allow it to cool. Check coolant levels and refill if needed.

7. Seat Belt Reminder

What It Means: A seat belt is not fastened.
Action: Ensure all seat belts are securely fastened before driving.

8. Electric Power Steering (EPS)

What It Means: A problem with the power steering system.
Action: Drive cautiously to a service center if steering feels difficult or unresponsive.

9. Door Open

What It Means: One or more doors are not fully closed.
Action: Stop the vehicle and check all doors to ensure they are properly closed.

10. Trunk Open

What It Means: The trunk is not closed.
Action: Close the trunk fully before driving.

Important Warning Lights

These yellow or amber lights indicate issues that need attention soon but are not emergencies.

1. Smart Entry System

What It Means: A problem with the keyless entry system.
Action: Replace the key fob battery or have the system inspected if the issue persists.

2. Check Engine Light

What It Means: A potential issue with the engine or emissions system.
Action: Schedule a diagnostic appointment to identify the issue and prevent further damage.

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3. Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)

What It Means: A fault in the ABS system.
Action: Have the system inspected to ensure safe braking performance.

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4. Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

What It Means: Low tire pressure in one or more tires.
Action: Check and adjust tire pressure to the recommended level.

5. Daytime Running Lights

What It Means: The daytime running lights are active.
Action: No action needed; this is informational.

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6. Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA)

What It Means: A fault in the stability control system.
Action: Schedule a service appointment to restore handling and stability.

7. Low Fuel

What It Means: The fuel level is critically low.
Action: Refuel your vehicle at the earliest opportunity to avoid running out of gas.

8. Washer Fluid Level

What It Means: Washer fluid is low.
Action: Refill the washer fluid reservoir.

9. System Message

What It Means: General system information or warnings.
Action: Check the vehicle's information display for details.

10. Maintenance Minder

What It Means: Scheduled maintenance is due.
Action: Refer to the maintenance schedule and book a service appointment.

11. VSA Off

What It Means: Stability Assist has been turned off.
Action: Turn the system back on for enhanced handling and stability.

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12. Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS)

What It Means: LKAS is active or experiencing an issue.
Action: Schedule a service appointment if the system is malfunctioning.

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13. Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS)

What It Means: CMBS is active or detecting a potential collision.
Action: Drive cautiously and schedule an inspection if needed.

14. Road Departure Mitigation

What It Means: A problem or activation of the system designed to prevent unintentional lane departure.
Action: Drive cautiously and schedule a service if the system malfunctions.

15. Blind Spot Warning

What It Means: A vehicle is detected in your blind spot.
Action: Check your blind spots and proceed with caution.

16. All-Wheel Drive (AWD)

What It Means: AWD is active or experiencing an issue.
Action: Schedule a service if AWD is malfunctioning.

17. Auto Idle Stop

What It Means: The idle stop system is active to improve fuel efficiency.
Action: No action needed unless the system fails to engage properly.

18. Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)

What It Means: ACC is active and maintaining a safe following distance.
Action: Adjust the set speed or deactivate ACC as needed.

19. Low Temperature

What It Means: Engine or transmission fluid temperature is too low.
Action: Allow your vehicle to warm up before driving.

Informational Lights

These green or blue lights provide information about active features.

1. Immobilizer

What It Means: Indicates the immobilizer system is active, preventing the engine from starting without the correct key.

2. Cruise Main On

What It Means: The cruise control system is active and ready to engage.

3. Cruise Control On

What It Means: Cruise control is maintaining your set speed.

4. Turn Signals

What It Means: Indicates a turn signal is active.

5. Fog Lights On

What It Means: The fog lights are currently active.

6. High Beams On

What It Means: The high beam headlights are currently active.

7. Exterior Lights On

What It Means: The vehicle's exterior lights, such as headlights or taillights, are on.

8. ECON Mode On

What It Means: The ECON mode is active, optimizing fuel efficiency.

9. Auto High Beam System

What It Means: The Auto High Beam system is active and automatically switching between high and low beams as needed.

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When a dashboard warning light illuminates, trust Pembroke Honda for expert care. Our certified Honda technicians and advanced diagnostics ensure your vehicle is in top condition.

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If a warning light appears on your dashboard, don't wait to address it. Visit Pembroke Honda in Pembroke, Ontario, for reliable service and peace of mind. Call us or book online today!