What is the green light on the dashboard of a Honda HRV?
The green dashboard light on most Honda HR-V models is the ECON (Eco Assist) indicator. It lights green when Eco mode is active to help maximize fuel efficiency, and its exact appearance can vary by year and trim (it may show as “ECON” text or a green leaf icon).
In practice, ECON mode tunes throttle response and transmission behavior to encourage efficient driving, especially at light to moderate speeds. The indicator serves as a visual cue that you’re in an efficiency-focused setting, rather than a fault warning.
What the green light means in context
The green light signals that the vehicle is operating under Economy mode. It is not a fault indicator; it shows that the Eco Assist system is actively helping you conserve fuel. If the light is off, ECON mode is not currently active or has been temporarily deactivated by driving conditions.
ECON status variations by model year
Depending on the HR-V generation and trim, the indicator may look different: a lit ECON label, a small green leaf, or an icon resembling a gauge. The color green simply indicates that economy mode is active; other colors may indicate off or a different state.
How to engage or disable ECON mode
Use these steps to control ECON mode on most HR-Vs. The exact sequence can vary slightly by year, but the general method remains consistent.
Steps to engage ECON mode:
- Turn on the ignition and start the engine, ensuring the vehicle is in a safe driving condition.
- Locate the ECON button (often near the steering column, dash, or center console) and press it until the indicator shows green or “ECON” appears on the instrument cluster.
- Drive and observe the throttle response and transmission shift pattern, which should become smoother and less aggressive when ECON is active.
- To turn ECON off, press the ECON button again; the indicator will turn off or change color depending on the model.
Notes: Some HR-V trims handle Eco Assist automatically and may not require a manual toggle to stay in ECON mode under certain driving conditions. Always consult the owner's manual for model-specific instructions.
Troubleshooting and related indicators
If the green ECON light behaves unusually—staying on when you expect it to turn off, or not illuminating when it should—it could indicate a sensor fault or a system glitch. In such cases, check the manual for troubleshooting steps or have the system inspected by a Honda dealer or qualified mechanic.
When the ECON light is on, you may notice changes beyond throttle response, such as smoother acceleration and delayed upshifts, intended to save fuel. If other dashboard lights appear alongside ECON, treat them separately according to their meanings.
Before exploring other indicators, it helps to know how ECON interacts with other dashboard signals.
Other dashboard indicators to know (besides the green ECON light):
- CRUISE: Indicates cruise control is engaged; typically green when active.
- TPMS: Tire Pressure Monitoring System light; amber; not related to ECON.
- Check Engine: Malfunction indicator; amber; not related to ECON.
Being aware of these indicators helps you understand overall vehicle status in conjunction with the green ECON light.
Summary
The green dashboard light on the Honda HR-V generally signals the activation of Eco Assist/ECON mode, which optimizes throttle response and shift timing to improve fuel economy. The exact symbol and color can vary by model year and trim, but green typically means the system is active. If the light behaves unexpectedly, consult the owner’s manual or a Honda technician for model-specific guidance.
In short, the green light is an efficiency indicator tied to Eco mode, guiding you toward more economical driving without compromising safety.
Conclusion
Understanding the green ECON indicator helps you maximize fuel efficiency on the Honda HR-V. Engage or disable ECON as needed, monitor related dashboard lights for a full picture of vehicle status, and consult the manual if you notice any irregular behavior.
What is the green symbol on my Honda dashboard?
A green light on a Honda dashboard generally indicates a system is active and functioning normally, so it is not a cause for concern. It could mean your turn signal is on, cruise control is engaged, your high beams are on (often blue or green), or you are in an Eco-friendly driving mode. A green flashing key symbol is different and means the immobilizer system isn't recognizing the key, which will prevent the car from starting.
This video explains what the green light around the speedometer means: 50sDmitry SapkoYouTube · Jul 18, 2024
Common green lights
- Turn Signal: A green arrow blinking to the left or right means your turn signal is activated.
- Cruise Control: A green cruise control indicator means the system is engaged and has set a speed.
- Eco Mode: A green light or green/light green/white lights around the speedometer indicate your fuel-saving mode is active.
- High Beams: The high beam indicator is often blue, but can sometimes be green, to show your high beams are on.
- Lane Keep Assist: A green icon may appear when the Lane Keep Assist system is on and ready.
Flashing green key light
- Immobilizer System: If you see a flashing green key symbol, the car's security system is having trouble recognizing your key.
- Cause: This can be due to a weak key fob battery or an issue with the key's connection to the immobilizer system.
- Action: The car will not start while this light is flashing. Try using a different key if you have one, or have the system checked by a dealer if the problem persists.
What does the green light symbol mean on my dashboard?
Lane assist – This green light means your lane assist system is on, helping to detect road markings. Press brake pedal – This green light appears when you need to press and hold your brake – only for cars with automatic transmission.
What is the green light around the speedometer on a Honda CRV?
A green light around the speedometer in a Honda CR-V typically indicates that the fuel-efficient backlight is active or that the Auto Idle Stop system is functioning correctly. The fuel efficiency light, which can be a bar or a line, turns green when you are driving in a fuel-efficient manner and changes to white when your mileage decreases. The Auto Idle Stop indicator is a green "A" that appears when the engine has stopped to save fuel.
This video explains the meaning of the green light around the speedometer and how to change the settings related to fuel efficiency: 55sDmitry SapkoYouTube · Jul 18, 2024
Fuel-efficient backlight
- Function: A green light or bar indicates you are driving efficiently, while a white or off-color light shows lower fuel efficiency.
- Location: It can appear as a line at the top of the display or a bar that changes color.
- Customization: You can change or turn off this feature in the vehicle's settings, according to this YouTube video and this YouTube video.
Auto Idle Stop system
- Function: A green "A" icon will appear on the display when the Auto Idle Stop system is active, meaning the engine has shut off while you are stopped to save fuel.
- Troubleshooting: If the indicator shows an amber or blinking light instead, it may signal a fault with the system that requires service.
This video demonstrates how to customize the fuel efficiency backlight and other personalized settings in a Honda CR-V: 45sJustin FullerYouTube · Mar 11, 2020
Other possibilities
- ECON mode: Some Honda models have a separate green ECON light shaped like a leaf, indicating that the more fuel-efficient mode is engaged.
- Other indicators: Green lights around the speedometer could also be related to other activated features like cruise control, turn signals, or fog lights, as explained by Phil Hughes Honda, Sheehy Honda of Alexandria, and Norm Reeves Honda Cerritos.
You can watch this video to learn how to change the settings related to the fuel efficiency backlight and other vehicle settings: 1mCrazy Honda ChrisYouTube · Apr 20, 2021
What is the green light on my Honda HRV?
ECON mode (green): This light looks like a small plant and it notifies you that ECON mode is engaged. For enhanced engine response and acceleration, turn off ECON mode. Electric power steering (amber): A steering wheel next to an exclamation mark indicates a possible problem with the electric power steering system.
