What Do the Honda Warning Lights Mean?

December 2nd, 2019 by

2019 Honda Fit Dashboard

The service experts at Honda of Kirkland get plenty of questions about Honda warning lights, such as what the Honda Accord warning lights mean or what the Honda CR-V warning lights mean. Fortunately, for Woodinville drivers, Honda warning lights are generally the same between models. We’re happy to help you understand what the Honda dashboard warning lights mean with this easy-to-follow guide. If you have any questions, please contact our service center!

Honda Malfunction Warning Lights

One of the first categories you’ll see are the malfunction warning lights, which can come in red and yellow. When they appear, they are meant to remind the driver that this is an automotive issue that should be addressed soon. Some of the Honda malfunction warning lights include: 

  • Yellow Wrench – This is your Maintenance Minder™, which simply means that it’s time to bring your vehicle to our Kirkland service bays for regularly scheduled maintenance.
  • Red Car Battery – If you see a picture of a car battery with a – and + sign on it, then it’s likely that your battery is low on juice and needs to be replaced. Make sure to check out your Honda battery warranty coverage to see if it’s still covered.
  • Red Oil Can – If you see a red oil can, it means you have low oil pressure and should get your oil checked right away. Fortunately, at Honda of Kirkland, we offer plenty of oil change specials, so no need to stress out if this warning light is illuminated.
  • Red “BRAKE” – This indicator means that there is an issue with your brake system that needs to be addressed. Perhaps your brake pads are worn, or perhaps there’s an object between the rotor and caliper.
  • Flat Yellow Tire with “!” – This is the Tire Pressure Monitoring System that shows if your tire pressure is low and that you should get your tires filled up. It’s also worth checking for puncture marks and make sure your spare is properly inflated.
  • Yellow Vehicle with Skidding Tires – This warning light means that your Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) system is engaged due to difficult road conditions.
  • Yellow Driver Assistance Indicators – Honda vehicles with Honda Sensing™ have a variety of yellow indicators to let you know your driver assistance features are engages, including Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Electric Power Steering, Smart System Entry, and Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS).
  • Red Seated Passenger – Your Supplemental Restraint System is in use.

Honda Condition Warning Lights

The next set of lights on a Honda dashboard are not as serious but will require the driver to take some sort of action soon to fix the issue. Some of the Honda condition warning lights you’ll see include: 

  • Red “BRAKE” – Once again this red symbol can be used to notify drivers that the parking brake is in use.
  • Red Passenger Symbol – This is notifying passengers to put on their safety belt. 
  • Flat Yellow Tire with “!” – Your tire pressure is low and must be refilled.
  • Yellow Gas Pump – This sign means you’re low on gas and should stop and the nearest gas station to fill up.

Honda On/Off Warning Lights

Another type of Honda warning lights you may see will not require the driver to take any action at all, and are not notifying the driver of any issues. Instead, they are reminders that certain features are or are not in use. These include:

  • Yellow VSA light – If you see your Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) system with or without an “OFF” sign, you can easily see if this feature is being used.
  • Yellow LKA light – This sign simply indicates the Lane Keep Assist feature is in use.
  • Green ACC light – This sign means your Adaptive Cruise Control is being used.
  • Green Hazard Arrows – The vehicle’s hazard lights are currently on. 
  • Green Fog light and Green Exterior light – The vehicle’s fog and exterior lights are currently on. 
  • Blue High Beams light and Green Auto High Beams light – The vehicle’s high beam and auto high beam lights are currently on.
  • Green Econ Mode light – Your Honda has its Econ Mode in use. 

Schedule Service Near Seattle at Honda of Kirkland!

Now that you know more about your Honda warning lights and how to recognize certain vehicle issues, you’re going to want to get it serviced right away, especially if there are other symptoms present like squeaky or shaky brakes. Fortunately, Honda of Kirkland’s service center has a full team of factory-trained and certified technicians to take care of your vehicle and get you back on the road. You can even check out more helpful features like how to fit a bike in a car. If you have any questions, please contact us online and schedule an appointment near Seattle andLynnwood!


Service Specials at Honda of Kirkland

Cabin Air Filter Replacement

$10 Off

Your vehicle’s cabin air filter helps remove allergens, particulates, and odors from the interior of your vehicle, keeping things nice and fresh. The cabin air filter also helps keep your interior clean, by removing dust from the air. Like all filters, your Honda’s cabin air filter will become clogged over time. As the filter becomes clogged, it will work less efficiently…you’ll get less airflow, more dust, more odors, etc.

If you suffer from allergies, asthma, or a great sense of smell, you NEED to replace your Honda’s Cabin Air Filter on a regular basis. And an OEM replacement is best, as Honda specifies the amount of filtration for each specific system. Some after-market filters are too light, meaning they won’t filter enough air. Other filters are too heavy, which will strain your vehicle’s HVAC system.

Prices may vary by model. Plus taxes and fees where applicable. Please present coupon during write-up. Not to be combined with any other discounts.

Expires: 10/02/2026

"B" Service Special

$10 Off

“B” Service Special:
oil and filter change, inspect front/rear brakes, check parking brake adjustment, inspect driveshaft boots, tie-rod ends, steering gearbox, gearbox parts, suspension components, brake hoses and lines, all fluid levels, exhaust system and fuel lines.

Valid only at Honda of Kirkland. Prices may vary by model. Plus taxes and fees where applicable. Up to 4.5 qts. $8.89 extra for 5.7 qt. systems. Coupon must be presented at time of write-up. One coupon per customer, per visit. Not valid with any other offer, promotion or special. Not to be used to reduce outstanding debt. No cash value. Not retroactive. See dealership for details. Void where prohibited by law.

Expires: 10/02/2026

"A" Service Special - Oil Change with Multi-Point Inspection

$5 Off

“A” Service Special – Oil Change with Multi-Point Inspection
In addition to providing top-quality Honda Genuine oil and a Honda Genuine oil filter, we’ll perform a free multi-point inspection. Competitive prices, Honda-trained technicians and Honda Genuine Parts. Why take your Honda anywhere else? Includes replacing engine oil per specifications, assessing and adjusting fluid levels and complimentary multi-point inspection.

Valid only at Honda of Kirkland. Up to 4.5 qts. $8.89 extra for 5.7 qt. systems. Coupon must be presented at time of write-up. One coupon per customer, per visit. Not valid with any other offer, promotion or special. Not to be used to reduce outstanding debt. No cash value. Not retroactive. See dealership for details. Void where prohibited by law.

Expires: 10/02/2026

Brake Pad Replacement

$35 Off

Front or Rear Brake Pad Replacement w/ Rotor Resurfacing

Valid only at Honda of Kirkland. Prices may vary by model. Plus taxes and fees where applicable. Please present coupon during write-up. Not to be combined with any other discounts. Includes brake pad replacement and rotor resurfacing. Discount does not apply if customer elects to defer resurfacing.

Expires: 10/02/2026

Brake Fluid Exchange

$10 Off

Honda recommends brake fluid replacement every 3 years. Brake fluid loses its ability over time to absorb moisture from the brake lines. This can result in loss of brake pedal pressure due to a lower boiling point and corrosion.

Prices may vary by model. Plus taxes and fees where applicable. Please present coupon during write-up. Not to be combined with any other discounts.

Expires: 10/02/2026

Discount on Vehicle Service

$15.00 OFF

Save on vehicle service (including parts and labor)
$10.00 – Discount on service from $100.00-$199.99
$15.00 – Discount on service from $200.00 or more

Prices may vary by model. Plus taxes and fees where applicable. Please present coupon during write-up. Not to be combined with any other discounts. Coupon not valid for tire purchase or vehicle alignment. Not Valid for Diagnostic Fees.

Expires: 10/02/2026

Battery Replacement

$15 Off

Have a Honda Genuine battery installed today and drive confidently! Includes our 100-month limited warranty.

Valid only at Honda of Kirkland. Prices may vary by year and model of the vehicle. Plus taxes and fees where applicable. Please present coupon during write-up. Not to be combined with any other discounts.

Expires: 10/02/2026

Tire Inspection and Alignment

$125.00+tax

Valid only at Honda of Kirkland. Prices may vary by year and model of the vehicle. Plus taxes and fees where applicable. Please present coupon during write-up. Not to be combined with any other discounts.

Expires: 10/02/2026

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