What does the light on my Honda Dash mean?
A dash warning light on a Honda signals a system status or fault. Red lights mean you should stop and address the issue now, amber indicates caution and likely service soon, and blue/green lights show system status or normal operation. Check the symbol and your owner’s manual for the exact meaning specific to your model.
Reading the symbol and color
In Honda dashboards, both the symbol and the color tell you how urgent a light is. Red is the most urgent: stop as safely as possible. Amber lights require attention at your next service appointment. Blue or green icons usually indicate the system is active or functioning as designed. If a light is flashing, treat it as more urgent than a steady light.
Common dash lights you may see
Below is a guide to the lights most Honda owners encounter, with what they mean and how to respond. Note that icons can vary by model year, so always cross-check with your owner’s manual.
- Check Engine / Malfunction Indicator Lamp — typically amber. Signals a problem with the engine, emissions system, or a sensor. You can usually continue driving, but schedule diagnostics soon; a misfire or emissions fault can affect fuel economy and may damage the catalytic converter if ignored.
- Battery / Charging System — often a red or amber battery icon. Indicates a charging system or alternator problem. Drive to a safe location and have the system checked; a failing charging system can leave you stranded.
- Oil Pressure Warning — red oil can icon. Low oil pressure can cause engine damage. If you see this, stop the engine as soon as safely possible and check the oil level; if the level is low, top up with the correct oil. If the light stays on, seek service promptly.
- Brake System Warning — red circle with exclamation or the word BRAKE. Could mean parking brake engaged or low brake fluid; address promptly. If the parking brake is off but the light remains, seek service.
- ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) — amber. The ABS may not function properly; you can still brake, but service soon, especially in slippery conditions.
- Traction Control / Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) — yellow. Indicates the system is active on slippery surfaces or there is a fault. If it stays on, have it checked.
- TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) — yellow. One or more tires are underinflated; check tire pressures and inflate to the recommended level as soon as possible.
- Maintenance Minder / Service Due — amber wrench icon. Indicates maintenance is due or nearing due; follow the maintenance schedule.
- Airbag / Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) — red or amber. Signals a fault that could affect airbag deployment; have it inspected urgently.
- Coolant Temperature Warning — red or blue indicator. Blue usually means the engine is cold; red indicates overheating. If overheating, pull over safely, turn off the engine, and seek service promptly.
Note that icons can vary by model year and trim. If you’re unsure about a symbol, refer to the exact icon in the owner’s manual or contact a Honda service professional for verification.
Model-specific notes
Year and model variations
Most modern Honda models share a common set of icons, but the exact shapes and color codes can differ slightly by year and model (Civic, Accord, CR‑V, Pilot, and others). Always verify with your specific owner's manual or the official Honda site for your vehicle to avoid misinterpretation.
What to do when a light comes on
Use these steps to respond when a warning light appears on your Honda dash. Following a clear process helps protect safety and vehicle health.
- Identify the symbol and color to gauge urgency.
- If the light is red, pull over safely as soon as you can; for engine oil, braking, or other critical systems, stop immediately and assess the situation or call for assistance.
- If the light is amber, slow down, avoid hard acceleration, and arrange service at your earliest opportunity.
- If the light is blue or green, the system is typically in use or functioning normally; continue driving but consult the manual for specifics if you notice abnormal behavior.
- Check simple, safe checks you can perform: verify oil level if visible, check coolant level when the engine is cool, and inspect tire pressures if you can safely reach the tires.
- When in doubt, seek a professional diagnosis at a Honda service center to prevent potential damage or safety risks.
Urgent safety matters take precedence. If the red light is flashing or you notice unusual braking or engine behavior, pull over at a safe spot and contact roadside assistance.
In all cases, dash lights are signals about vehicle health and safety. Treat red warnings as emergencies, respond to amber warnings promptly, and use blue/green indicators as guidance for normal operation or system activity. When icons are unclear, a quick consult with your owner’s manual or a trusted technician is the safest move.
Summary
Dash warning lights in Honda vehicles use color and iconography to convey urgency. Red lights demand immediate action, amber lights warrant timely service, and blue/green lights point to system activity or normal operation. Always verify the exact meaning for your model-year in the owner's manual, address red and flashing lights without delay, and schedule maintenance for amber warnings to keep your Honda running safely and reliably.
