What the lights on your Honda dashboard mean

The quick guide: red lights usually mean stop as soon as it’s safe (urgent faults, overheating, low oil pressure, brake problems); amber/yellow lights mean check or service soon (emissions, stability control, TPMS, driver-assist alerts); green or blue lights are typically status indicators (systems on/active, high beams, engine cold). Below is a detailed breakdown of common Honda dash symbols, what they mean, and what to do next.

How to read your Honda’s signals at a glance: color matters

Dashboard colors convey urgency. Here are the most common red warning lights you may see in a Honda, what they indicate, and the safest immediate action to take.

• Brake system (red “BRAKE” or circle with “!”): Parking brake engaged, low brake fluid, or a serious brake fault. If it stays on after releasing the brake or appears with ABS, stop safely and have the car inspected immediately.
• Engine oil pressure (red oil can): Oil pressure is critically low. Safely pull over and shut off the engine immediately to prevent severe damage. Do not restart until checked.
• Engine coolant temperature (red thermometer): Engine is overheating. Pull over, shut off the engine, and allow it to cool. Do not open the radiator cap while hot.
• Battery/charging system (red battery): Alternator/charging fault; the car may soon lose electrical power. Minimize electrical load and drive to a safe location or service center promptly.
• SRS airbag (red “SRS”/airbag icon): Airbag/restraint system fault. Airbags may not deploy in a crash. Drive cautiously and schedule service as soon as possible.
• Seat belt reminder/door or trunk open (red icons): Occupant unbelted or a door/trunk is open. Secure immediately.

Red warnings mean potential safety risks or damage if you continue. When in doubt, pull over safely and seek professional assistance or roadside help.

Common amber/yellow Honda warnings (attention required soon)

Amber or yellow lights signal issues that need diagnosis or attention, but not always immediate stopping. Here are frequent Honda examples and recommended actions.

• Check Engine/MIL (engine icon): Emissions or engine-management fault. If steady, reduce strain and schedule service soon. If flashing, it’s likely a severe misfire—stop driving to avoid catalytic converter damage.
• ABS (amber “ABS”): Anti-lock braking system fault. Normal brakes work, but ABS is disabled. Drive cautiously and service soon.
• VSA/Traction control (car with squiggles): Blinking indicates the system is actively correcting traction; steady means a fault. “VSA OFF” means it’s been switched off. Drive carefully on slick roads; service if it stays on.
• TPMS (tire with exclamation): Low tire pressure in one or more tires—inflate to the door-jamb spec and recalibrate if required. If the light blinks for about a minute then stays on, the TPMS system has a malfunction.
• EPS/Power steering (steering wheel icon): Electric power steering issue. Steering may feel heavy. Have it checked soon.
• Low fuel (pump icon): Refuel soon; range is limited.
• Washer fluid low (spray icon): Top up washer fluid.
• Driver-assist alerts (ACC, LKAS, RDM, CMBS icons): Amber typically means the system is unavailable or has a fault—often due to a dirty camera/radar, weather, or calibration needs. Clean the Honda Sensing sensors and windshield area; if persistent, service the system.
• Emission System Problem/Emissions message (newer models): A generalized message indicating an engine/emissions control issue—treat as a Check Engine condition.

Amber lights warrant prompt attention. Check for obvious causes (loose gas cap, low tire pressure, blocked sensors) and book service if they persist.

Green and blue indicators (status/active systems)

Green or blue icons are typically informational—they show a system is on, available, or operating as intended.

• High-beam indicator (blue headlamp): High beams are on.
• Turn signals/hazard (green arrows): Directional indicators active.
• DRL (green “DRL”): Daytime Running Lights active (varies by model).
• Cruise/ACC “MAIN” and “SET” (green): Cruise control or Adaptive Cruise is ready (“MAIN”) or actively controlling speed (“SET”).
• ECON leaf (green): Fuel-economy mode enabled.
• Auto Idle Stop (A): Green when the engine is auto-stopped at a light; amber if the system is unavailable.
• Coolant temperature low (blue thermometer): Engine is cold; avoid hard acceleration until it warms up.
• Brake Hold (green “HOLD”): Auto brake hold is actively keeping the car stopped.

These indicators are normal and generally don’t require action—just awareness of what’s currently active.

Honda Maintenance Minder: the wrench light and service codes

Honda’s Maintenance Minder (wrench icon) calculates service needs based on time, mileage, and driving conditions. It displays a main code (A or B) and subcodes. Here’s how to read them.

• Main code A: Engine oil change.
• Main code B: Engine oil and filter, plus comprehensive inspections (brakes, fluids, suspension, etc.).
• Subcode 1: Tire rotation.
• Subcode 2: Replace engine air filter and cabin/pollen filter; inspect drive belt.
• Subcode 3: Replace transmission fluid (CVT/AT as applicable).
• Subcode 4: Replace spark plugs and inspect/adjust valve clearance (engine-specific intervals).
• Subcode 5: Replace engine coolant.
• Subcode 6: Replace rear differential fluid (AWD models).
• Subcode 7: Replace brake fluid.

Follow the displayed combination (e.g., “B16”) to complete the full service. Reset the Minder only after the service is performed.

Hybrid and EV-specific Honda indicators

Honda hybrids (e.g., Accord Hybrid, CR‑V Hybrid) and EVs (e.g., Prologue) add system-specific lights. These are the most relevant ones and what they imply.

• READY indicator (green): The vehicle is on and ready to drive (engine may be off). Press the accelerator normally to move.
• EV system warning (amber/yellow): High-voltage or hybrid system malfunction—drive gently to a safe location and have it inspected promptly.
• Power limit/Reduced power: System is limiting output (battery temperature, state of charge, or fault). Avoid heavy acceleration and service if it persists.
• Charging/plug indicators: Show external charging status (EV) or regenerative behavior (hybrid). Follow cluster or app prompts during charging.
• 12V battery warning: Still applies to hybrids/EVs; a weak 12V battery can cause no-start or system errors.

Because high-voltage systems carry extra safety considerations, don’t attempt DIY repairs on hybrid/EV components—seek qualified service.

What to do when a warning light comes on

Use this quick decision path to protect safety and prevent damage.

1. Check the color: Red means stop safely; amber means check soon; green/blue is informational.
2. Look for messages: Many Hondas display plain-language messages alongside icons—read them.
3. Address simple causes: Ensure the parking brake is fully released; tighten the gas cap; inflate tires to the door-jamb pressures; clear snow/mud from cameras and radar.
4. Watch behavior: A flashing Check Engine indicates a misfire—stop driving. Blinking TPMS (then steady) suggests a sensor/system fault rather than low pressure.
5. Check basics safely: For overheating, let the engine cool before checking coolant. For oil pressure, don’t restart—have it towed.
6. Scan codes if possible: An OBD‑II reader can reveal stored trouble codes—useful for planning service.
7. Decide on towing: Oil pressure, overheating, brake system, or airbag faults often justify a tow. Use Honda Roadside Assistance if available.
8. Schedule service: Persistent amber lights or any drivability issues warrant prompt inspection by a qualified technician.

When in doubt, prioritize safety: pull over, consult your owner’s manual, and call for help rather than risking further damage.

Useful clarifications and quick FAQs

Some icons behave differently depending on the situation or model year. These notes help decode common confusions.

• Flashing vs steady: Flashing almost always signals urgency (e.g., flashing MIL = misfire). Steady amber usually indicates a non-urgent fault.
• TPMS resets: After correcting pressures, many Hondas require a calibration/reset via the cluster menu or infotainment. A blinking TPMS light points to a sensor/system issue.
• VSA lights: Blinking = traction event. Steady VSA or ABS lights after driving often indicate a wheel-speed sensor issue.
• Immobilizer/key icon: If it flashes when trying to start, the key isn’t recognized—try a spare key or replace the fob battery.
• Coolant temperature blue: Normal at startup; avoid hard driving until it turns off. Red is the one that’s dangerous.
• Model differences: Icons and names can vary (especially with Honda Sensing and EVs). Always cross-check with your specific owner’s manual.

If your light isn’t listed or the symbol looks different, the vehicle’s manual and on-screen messages are the definitive guides for your model and year.

Summary

Honda’s dashboard uses a universal language: red means stop safely due to a critical issue, amber means service soon, and green/blue signals normal system operation. Know the high-priority warnings (oil pressure, overheating, brake system, charging system, airbag), use Maintenance Minder codes to stay on schedule, and address amber alerts like Check Engine, TPMS, and VSA promptly. When uncertain, consult the manual, scan for codes, and err on the side of safety by pulling over and arranging service.

What is the I symbol on my Honda?

System Message Indicator Light: The System Message Indicator Light is a yellow letter “i” inside a circle. This lets you know when there’s a message regarding your vehicle’s condition on the multi-information display. Maintenance Minder™ Indicator Light: What does the wrench light mean on your Honda Accord?

What do lights on a Honda dashboard mean?

Green dashboard lights are not cause for concern; continue driving normally. Yellow: A problem may be present. Caution should be exercised if these lights come on, and you should look into the issue. Red: Stop the car whenever possible, as a major problem has occurred. Bring your car to a service center immediately.

What is the most serious warning light?

The red oil can light and the red thermometer with waves are among the most serious warning lights, indicating critical engine or cooling system failures that require you to pull over immediately and turn off the engine to prevent catastrophic damage. Other red lights, such as those for the brake system or airbag system, also signal an immediate safety risk and require you to stop driving as soon as it’s safe to do so.
 
How to identify a serious warning light: 

• Color: . Opens in new tabRed lights indicate an immediate and serious safety risk, requiring you to stop driving as soon as it is safe.
• Symbol: . Opens in new tabLook for the specific symbol that matches your vehicle’s owner’s manual to understand the exact problem.

Examples of serious red warning lights:

• Red oil can: Signals low oil pressure, which can quickly lead to engine damage. 
• Red thermometer: Indicates the engine is overheating due to a coolant issue. 
• Brake system light: May indicate low brake fluid or a severe issue with the braking system. 
• Airbag warning light: Means the airbag system has a malfunction and could fail to deploy in a crash. 

What to do when you see a serious warning light:

1. Pull over safely: to the side of the road as soon as possible. 
2. Turn off the engine . 
3. Check your owner’s manual: to understand the specific light and its potential cause. 
4. Do not continue driving, as this can lead to expensive and dangerous damage. 
5. Contact roadside assistance: or a qualified mechanic to diagnose and repair the issue. 

What are the three warning lights?

The Importance of Dashboard Warning Lights

• Engine Warning Light. Also known as the “check engine” light, this icon shouldn’t be overlooked.
• Brake Warning Light. It’s obvious, but you’re going to want to make sure your brakes are working before you hit the road.
• Oil Warning Light.