What are the warning lights on a Honda HR-V?
The Honda HR-V uses a standard set of dashboard warning lights to tell you about engine health, safety systems, and other vehicle status. In recent models, you’ll typically see indicators for the check engine, oil, battery/charging, brake system, ABS, TPMS, stability/traction control, airbags, seat belts, maintenance reminders, fuel level, and temperature-related alerts. Colors and icons vary by year and trim, so consult your owner’s manual for exact definitions.
Common warning lights and what they mean
Below is a guide to the typical icons you might encounter on the HR-V’s instrument cluster, what each icon signals, and how urgent your response should be. Colors indicate severity: red is usually urgent, amber indicates a fault or service is needed soon, and green/blue are informational indicators.
- Check Engine / Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) — amber or red engine icon indicating an emissions or engine problem; have the vehicle diagnosed as soon as practical.
- Oil Pressure Warning — red oil can symbol; stop driving if safe, check oil level and pressure, and seek service immediately to avoid engine damage.
- Battery / Charging System Warning — red battery icon; electrical charging issues or alternator problems require service soon.
- Brake System Warning — red exclamation mark inside a circle or the word BRAKE; may indicate parking brake is engaged or a brake-system fault requiring immediate attention.
- Parking Brake Indicator — red P or brake symbol; parking brake is engaged or a brake fault; release the parking brake only when safe and consult if it stays lit.
- ABS Warning Light — amber ABS symbol; anti-lock braking system issue; service is recommended but you can continue driving with caution if no other brake issues are present.
- Traction Control / Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) Warning — amber icon of a car with squiggly lines; traction control or stability system has limited operation; drive cautiously and have the system checked if it stays on.
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Warning — amber tire with exclamation or similar icon; one or more tires are under-inflated or there’s a TPMS fault; check tire pressures and inflate to the recommended level.
- Airbag / SRS Warning — amber or red airbag icon; passenger sensing and airbag system may have a fault; have the system inspected promptly, especially if there’s a seating issue.
- Seat Belt Reminder — red icon of a seated person with a belt; indicates a seat belt is not fastened when required; fasten belts to continue safely.
- Maintenance Minder / Maintenance Light — amber icon (often a wrench or service prompt); a scheduled service is due; arrange maintenance at your preferred dealership or trusted shop.
- Low Fuel Warning — amber fuel pump icon; you’re running low on fuel and should refuel soon.
- Engine Coolant Temperature Warning — red or amber thermometer or cooling symbol; engine is overheating or coolant level is low; stop safely if temperature rises and check cooling system.
- Transmission Temperature Warning — amber or red transmission icon (less common in older trims); transmission is overheating or near overheating; reduce load and seek service if illuminated for an extended period.
- Gas Cap Warning — amber or yellow gas cap icon; fuel cap may be loose or not tightened; re-tighten cap and reset if necessary.
Icons and color schemes can vary by model year and region, so always check your manual for the exact meanings of the indicators your HR-V uses.
Acting on warning lights: quick guidelines
Before you take action, identify the urgency based on color and icon. Red lights almost always require immediate action and a safe stop, amber lights warrant a service appointment or inspection, and green/blue indicators are typically informational. If a red warning light comes on while you’re driving, pull over safely and call for roadside assistance if needed.
What to do next when a warning light appears
Use these steps as a general guide, keeping in mind that specific situations may differ by year or trim. When in doubt, contact Honda support or a qualified technician.
- Red warning lights — Stop driving as soon as it is safe, then inspect or contact roadside assistance. Serious faults can involve the brake system, oil pressure, or engine overheating.
- Amber warning lights — Continue driving with caution and schedule service soon. These typically indicate a fault that should be diagnosed but does not require an immediate stop.
- Check Engine / MIL light — If the light is steady, you should book a diagnostic check; if it’s flashing, reduce engine load and seek service immediately, as it may indicate a misfire or severe emissions issue.
- TPMS warning — Check tire pressures and inflate to the recommended PSI; if the light remains on after inflation, have the TPMS system inspected.
- Maintenance Minder — Plan the recommended service interval to keep the vehicle in good condition.
In all cases, ensure safe driving conditions, avoid ignoring warning lights for extended periods, and refer to your owner’s manual for icon-specific guidance. If you’ve recently performed maintenance or a tire change, some lights may reset after the system recalibrates.
Variations by model year and trim
Honda updates dashboards and warning icons across model years. While the core set of lights remains largely consistent, some icons or their exact shapes, colors, or wording may differ. Always verify with your HR-V’s owner’s manual or a certified Honda technician for the precise meanings relevant to your car’s year and trim level.
Quick reference: which lights to watch closely
For quick takeaways, focus on these commonly urgent indicators to avoid damage or unsafe driving conditions:
- Check Engine (MIL)
- Oil Pressure
- Brake System / Parking Brake
- Battery / Charging
- A.B.S. (ABS)
- TPMS
- Airbag / SRS
- Engine Coolant Temperature
Regular maintenance and timely diagnostics help prevent several of these lights from appearing or reappearing, keeping your HR-V reliable and safe on the road.
Summary
The HR-V’s dashboard warning lights cover engine health, braking and stability systems, tire pressure, airbags, and maintenance needs. Understanding the icons and their colors helps you respond appropriately—red lights call for immediate action, amber lights indicate a service need, and green/blue lights are informational. Always consult the owner’s manual for your exact model year, and seek professional diagnosis if a light remains on or you notice changes in vehicle performance.
