Dashboard Warning Lights: Your Honda Guide
Dashboard Warning Lights: Your Honda Guide
Understand every symbol | Community Honda in Cedar Falls, IA
There’s no worse feeling than seeing a warning light appear unexpectedly on your Honda’s dashboard. It can be worrying if you’re not sure what the symbol means or what action to take. The good news is that not all dashboard warning lights require panic. Community Honda wants to help educate you on the most common dashboard warning lights you may encounter.
Quick rule of thumb: treat the color like a traffic light. Red indicates a serious problem – pull over safely. Yellow/amber means drive with caution and check soon. Green/blue are usually informational.
Key points: dashboard light essentials
- Red lights: stop as soon as safe (brake failure, low oil pressure, charging system, high temperature).
- Yellow/amber lights: schedule service (check engine, TPMS, ABS, VSA, washer fluid).
- Green/blue lights: systems active (cruise control, high beams, turn signals, ECON).
- Your Honda’s Maintenance Minder reminds you of routine service – don’t ignore it.
- Flashing or persistent lights? Bring your vehicle to Community Honda for expert diagnosis.
Honda dashboard warning lights – complete guide
⚠ Red indicators – act now
Brake System / Parking Brake
Parking brake engaged – release before driving. If light stays on, brake fluid may be low or system failure. Brake system failure (red circle with !) means potential brake failure: pull over safely and call for roadside assistance.
Low Oil Pressure
Engine oil pressure low. Stop engine immediately; check oil level. Driving may destroy engine. Call for tow to Community Honda.
Charging System
Battery/alternator fault. Vehicle may stall. Safely pull over and request assistance.
High Temperature (overheating)
Coolant temperature too high. Pull over, turn off engine, allow to cool. Check coolant level when safe.
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS)
Airbag system malfunction. Airbags may not deploy. Do not drive – tow to dealer for repair.
Yellow / amber – schedule service
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
ABS malfunction. Normal braking still works, but anti-lock may not engage. Have system inspected.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System
Tire pressure low or system fault. Check and adjust tire pressures. Reset system if needed.
Check Engine Light
Emissions or engine malfunction. Could be loose gas cap or more serious. Schedule diagnostic service.
Seat Belt Reminder
Belt not fastened for occupied seat. Buckle up for safety.
Electric Power Steering (EPS)
EPS malfunction. Steering may require more effort. Inspect promptly.
Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA)
System off or malfunction. Traction control may be reduced. Have it checked.
Low Coolant Temperature (blue)
Engine cold – avoid high revs until warm. Not a fault.
Washer Fluid Low
Refill windshield washer reservoir.
Low Fuel
Refuel soon.
Trunk / Door Open
A door or trunk is ajar – close securely.
Maintenance Minder
Time for routine service (oil, etc.). Schedule appointment.
Immobilizer
Key not recognized – may not start. Try second key; see dealer.
System Message
Check multi-information display for details.
Green / blue – informational / systems active
Auto Idle Stop
Engine auto-stop active (saves fuel).
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
ACC engaged and active.
Lane Keeping Assist System
LKAS active – helps keep vehicle centered.
Collision Mitigation Braking System
CMBS on / ready.
Road Departure Mitigation
RDM system active.
Blind Spot Information
Vehicle detected in blind spot (alert).
All-Wheel Drive
AWD engaged.
Turn Signals / Hazard
Indicators flashing.
High Beams On
High beam headlights active.
Exterior Lights On
Parking lights or headlights on.
VSA Off
Vehicle Stability Assist manually turned off.
Cruise Main / Cruise Control
Cruise system on / engaged.
ECON Mode On
Fuel-saving mode active.
Fog Lights On
Front/rear fog lamps on.
Auto High-Beam System
Automatic high beam active.
Why you can trust Community Honda service
Our factory-trained technicians use the latest diagnostic equipment to pinpoint any warning-light issue. From a simple TPMS reset to complex electrical diagnosis, we’ll get you back on the road safely. Schedule service online or call our Service team at 319-486-4775.
Frequently Asked Questions – Honda Warning Lights
The check engine light can indicate anything from a loose gas cap to an emissions issue. Bring it to Community Honda for a free diagnostic scan to determine the exact cause.
First, check and adjust all tire pressures to the specification listed on the driver’s door jamb. After inflating, drive above 25 mph for a few minutes to reset. If it stays on, the system may need recalibration – our service team can assist.
It indicates that Auto Idle Stop has turned off the engine to save fuel (e.g., at a stoplight). It’s normal. The engine restarts when you release the brake.
If it’s steady and VSA is off, you can still drive, but traction/stability assist won’t engage. If it flashes while driving, VSA is working. If it stays on, have the system checked.
Low brake fluid, engaged parking brake, or a hydraulic failure. Check fluid level; if it’s low, call for service immediately. Red brake light means stop driving.
The recommended pressure is on a sticker inside the driver’s door frame. It varies by model – for example, Honda CR-V often calls for 32-35 PSI.
Need service or a new Honda?
Community Honda Cedar Falls
4617 University Ave, Cedar Falls, IA 50613
Sales & Service: 319-486-4775 | Parts: 319-486-4860
*Based on 2025 EPA mileage ratings where applicable. Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle, driving conditions and other factors.
Dashboard symbols are for reference. If a warning light appears, consult your owner’s manual or contact Community Honda. Honda Sensing® features are driver-assist systems and not substitutes for attentive driving.
