Honda warning lights and dashboard symbols
We’ve all been there – suddenly seeing a yellow or red warning light flash up on the dashboard and had a panic, wondering: “what does that mean?”
If you're unsure about what a particular warning symbol means, don’t worry – we’re here to shine a light on all of the dashboard symbols you need to know.
These symbols appear in most Honda cars, including the latest Honda Civic, Honda CR-V, Honda Jazz and Honda HR-V. As a rule, think of the traffic light system: Green warning light – these warning lights provide information only, such as when a system is turned on. Amber warning symbol – an action is required when this light is on. If it’s an issue a professional needs to take a look at, now is the time to book into a garage. Red warning light – you should stop the car as soon as it is safe to do so when a red dashboard light appears.
What colour is your warning light?
ABS light
If the anti-lock braking system (ABS) light is on it means the anti-lock braking system isn’t working properly. You shouldn’t drive if this light is on as your vehicle may be in danger of skidding if you need to brake sharply.
Automatic brake hold system indicator
The automatic brake hold system is on – but it may be out of use. See ‘Automatic brake hold indicator’ for details.
Battery and charging system
Every car has a battery, whether you have a petrol-powered Honda Jazz or the all-electric Honda e. If the battery warning light appears, it may be a sign your car battery is coming to the end of its life. You should get it checked as soon as possible.
Electric power steering system
This warning light will appear if there’s an issue with the power-assisted steering in your vehicle. It could mean there’s an issue with the pump, or there might be a leak – so definitely get the vehicle checked at a garage.
Engine cooling system
If this warning symbol appears, it could indicate that coolant fluid is low or there may be a blockage which could cause overheating. Stop your vehicle when it’s safe to do so, locate the coolant reservoir in the engine bay, and check if the level is below the minimum.
Engine oil pressure
When this light appears, you should switch your vehicle’s engine off and check your oil levels (the handbook will give you a step-by-step guide on how to do this if you are unsure). You will need to top up the oil if it is below the minimum.
Engine oil pressure (with exclamation mark)
If the oil can with an exclamation mark lights up when your engine is on, the oil level sensor needs checking by a professional.
Open door
If this symbol appears when you’re driving, you should stop as soon as possible as it means a door is open.
Parking brake (handbrake) and brake system indicator
While stopped: The parking brake is on. The light will switch off after 30 seconds if you’ve stopped.
While driving: If this comes on while moving, stop immediately as the brake fluid might be low or there might be a problem with the brake system.
Seatbelts
This warning symbol provides a reminder to the driver – and sometimes front passenger – to put their seatbelt on while the vehicle is moving.
Supplemental restraint system
The SRS warning light will be illuminated if the airbag has been disabled. This will need attention as soon as possible as it means the airbags will not deploy if they need to.
Adaptive damper system indicator
If you see this warning light, it could mean there is a fault with the suspension.
Adjustable speed limiter
When the adjustable speed limiter button is pressed, this light will show and the vehicle won’t be able to exceed the given speed.
Auto idle stop system indicator
If your vehicle has auto idle stop, like the Honda CR-V, it means the vehicle will stop when idle to preserve fuel. If the warning light is green, it’s functioning correctly. If it’s amber, a fault has been detected.
Blind spot warning
The blind sport warning will alert you if it detects a car on either side of your vehicle. The symbol will appear on the relevant wing mirror and you may hear an alert sound.
Daytime running lights
Your daytime running lights are an extra safety measure to help make it easier for people to see you during the day. You’ll know they’ve been activated when you see this symbol.
Diesel particulate filter
Diesel cars have filters which trap harmful particulates. It this warning light appears on your dashboard, you can regenerate the filter by driving at a speed of 37mph until it disappears. If the light reappears with an exclamation mark, the filter may need to be replaced.
Engine warning light
The engine has multiple sensors along with the exhaust system. There could be many reasons why this warning symbol has appeared, so it should be taken to a garage as soon as possible.
Forward Collision Warning
This system works with the Lane Departure Warning System and will apply the brakes if there is a hazard detected. This is when you’ll see this light.
Fuel level low
When the fuel level warning light appears, it is a warning to drivers that they need to fill up. There will still be fuel in the tank, but not much. The fuel light tends to appear when there is less than 10% in the tank.
Glow plugs
This light will only appear on diesel cars. A sign of wear-and-tear, glow plugs help a vehicle start in cold weather. If the light stays on when car is driving, they may need to be replaced.
Lane Departure Warning System
If your car is equipped with a Lane Departure Warning System, this light will alert the driver if the car is veering out of its lane.
Parking brake and brake system indicator (amber)
This indicator comes on if there’s a problem with the electric parking brake system. If it stays on, avoid using your parking brake (if you must stop, in manual cars park in-gear, in automatic cars use P)
Power system indicator
This shows there’s a problem with the electric vehicle system or plug-in charging system. Have it checked by your dealer.
Ready indicator
The ready indicator comes on when the vehicle is ready to drive, such as in the all-electric Honda e.
Rear fog light
This warning light will let you know that your rear fog lights are on.
Service reminder
If you notice this warning light, it means your car is due a routine service – either an oil and filter change, or a full service. A garage will confirm the work required.
Smart entry system
If your Honda is equipped with a smart entry system, this light could signify an issue with the starting system for the push button.
Tyre pressure
The tyre pressure light is a very common warning symbol. It means that one tyre has low pressure. You should check the air pressure in all tyres – the handbook will advise the correct air pressure.
Vehicle Stability Assist
All new Hondas have this warning symbol installed. It’s part of a system which can help prevent your vehicle from skidding. If this light is on, it could mean the VSA has been turned off or that an inspection is needed.
Washer fluid level
This sign usually means you should top up your washer fluid. It can be dangerous to drive with a dirty windscreen – so it’s important to keep your screen wash at optimum levels.
Adaptive cruise control
This light should appear when adaptive cruise control is turned on.
ECON mode
ECON mode is fitted to help make your Honda as efficient as possible. When this button is pressed it will maximise the car’s efficiency by adjusting various elements, such as the air-conditioning.
EV indicator
Comes on for a few seconds when the power mode’s on, and when the car’s being moved by the electric motor, not the engine.
EV mode indicator
Comes on when you switch the power mode to ‘on’ and when the car’s in EV mode.
Front fog light
This light will appear when you activate your front fog lights.
Lights on indicator
This warning symbol appears when your lights are turned on. It will disappear once the lights are switched off.
Turn indicator
When you use your indictor, the arrow corresponding with the direction you’ve chosen will light green. You will usually hear clicking noise too.
Auto high-beam indicator
High beam will automatically come on when low light is detected.
High beam on
This light reminds you that your high beams are on.