Trying to understand car dashboard symbols can sometimes seem like you’re deciphering ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics. Read on for our breakdown of car dashboard signs and their meanings.
We all get confused about car dashboard symbols.
You’re driving along and all of a sudden your dashboard starts going off with different symbols and colours. It can get very confusing.
If you’ve ever wondered just What The H all these dashboard lights mean, we’ve broken down all the ones you can expect to see in a Honda.
Keep in mind that these symbols can change depending on the vehicle manufacturer as well as the make and model of the vehicle. If you’re ever in doubt, contact the vehicle manufacturer directly or go to your local mechanic.
Red Warning Lights
Low Oil
Engine oil is low. When safe, stop, check the engine oil and refill if necessary.
If the engine oil is already full, take your vehicle to your local Honda dealership or mechanic to be repaired as soon as possible.
Brake System
This warning light indicates that your handbrake isn’t fully released.
If the light remains on when your handbrake is fully released, then the brake fluid is low or there is a malfunction in the brake system. Pull over immediately and contact a roadside assistance provider.
Car Battery Not Charging
The battery isn’t charging. Have your vehicle repaired as soon as possible.
Seatbelt/Airbag Malfunction
There is an issue with one of the airbag systems or seat belts.
If there are no obvious visible issues, we recommend taking your vehicle to your local Honda dealership so they can take a look.
Seat Belt Reminder
Put your seatbelt on!
This car warning light will flash and you may hear a beep continuously if you and/or your passenger don’t have your seatbelt correctly fastened while driving.
Yellow Warning Lights
Smart Entry System
Only applicable if your vehicle has smart entry fitted.
This light will show if there is a problem with the smart entry system. If this happens we recommend taking your vehicle to your local Honda dealership or mechanic for them to take a look.
Lane Keeping Assist System
There may be an issue with the Lane Keeping Assist technology in your Honda vehicle. If this happens we recommend taking your vehicle to your local Honda dealership or mechanic for them to take a look.
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
There is an issue with the Anti-lock Brake System.
Your vehicle still has full braking capabilities but no anti-lock function. Your vehicle is still safe to drive, but you should take your car to your local Honda dealership or mechanic as soon as possible.
Tyre Pressure Monitoring System
Your vehicle's tyre pressure is low.
If this light stays on after inflating your tyres. Take it to your local Honda dealership or mechanic when possible.
Vehicle Stability Assist System
here is an issue with the VSA or hill start assist system.
If this happens we recommend taking your vehicle to your local Honda dealership or mechanic for them to take a look.
Collision Mitigation Braking System
There is a problem with the CMBS.
Check for an obstruction in front of the camera. If there’s nothing there, we recommend you take your vehicle to your local Honda dealership or mechanic when possible.
Road Departure Mitigation System
There’s an issue with the system
Check for an obstruction in front of the camera. If this happens we recommend taking your vehicle to your local Honda dealership or mechanic for them to take a look.
Electric Power Steering
There’s a problem with the EPS system.
Pull over when safe to do so and restart the engine. If the problem persists, If this happens we recommend taking your vehicle to your local Honda dealership or mechanic for them to take a look.
Adaptive Cruise Control
There’s an issue with the ACC system.
If this happens we recommend taking your vehicle to your local Honda dealership or mechanic for them to take a look.
Low Fuel
Refuel when possible
However If the light is blinking, it indicates an issue with the fuel gauge. If this happens we recommend taking your vehicle to your local Honda dealership or mechanic for them to take a look.
System Message
This indicates a message is available. Check the vehicle display for further information.
Green Warning Lights
Fog Lights
Green light indicates fog lights are on
Exterior Lights
Green light indicates exterior lights are on
Automatic High Beam System
Green light indicates the automatic system is on
Immobilizer
This warning light indicates that your key or transmitter isn't currently recognisable by the vehicle.
Restart the vehicle. If the problem persists, contact your local Honda dealership .
Honda SENSING
While most of these car warning lights are universal, some are unique to Honda vehicles, such as the ones referencing our suite of Honda SENSING technology.
Honda SENSING is our proprietary technology that has been developed to help protect you from collisions with pedestrians and other vehicles. It contains our Forward Collision Warning system and our Collision Mitigation Braking System.
Honda SENSING also contains Lane Departure Systems like Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keep Assist, Road Departure Mitigation Systems & Adaptive Cruise Control With Low-Speed Follow.
Driving has never been safer.
Find a Dealer today to learn more about Honda SENSING.*
*Honda SENSING technologies are driver-assist technologies and should not be used in place of safe driving practices. Drivers should continue to monitor the road at all times. The accuracy and operation of Honda SENSING technologies may vary based on weather, speed, traffic, road conditions, markings and other factors.