blue sailboat light on honda

Houston Auto Repair

• Auto Repair
• Brake Repair Experts
• Inspections
• Power Steering
• Preventative Maintenance
• Steering and Suspension
• Car Care Tips
• Night Drop Form
• European Car Repair Experts
• Japanese Car Repair Experts
• Domestic/American Car Repair
• Covid Safety
• Appointments

What Does A Blue Engine Coolant Temperature Light Indicate?

A blue engine coolant temperature light only indicates one thing: that your coolant, or antifreeze, is too cold. In fact, the temperature is so low that it is possible for your radiator to get too cold, thus resulting in your engine freezing up and not being able to start.

But for this light to come on right at startup is normal. If anything, it's simply telling you that you just need to let your engine warm up a bit. In the meantime, your vehicle's system is performing a routine temperature check, and that's normal. It's also an excellent safety feature that wakes up your engine prior to take-off. Allowing your vehicle a couple of minutes to warm up is equivalent to you enjoying that delicious first cup of coffee that starts you up and keeps you going the rest of the day.

In most cases, this blue light only stays on for a minute or two. When this happens, driving off right away is ill-advised, especially in certain gears. The blue light will go off when you've given your car sufficient time to warm up. If anything, once your engine warms, all of the other fluids can do their jobs effectively. Your oil will be able to lubricate all parts while your transmission fluid controls your speed and motion well. Plus, power steering fluid can be more readily distributed in hydraulic systems and using the wheel will be safe and effective.

But if the blue light persists beyond two minutes, your antifreeze may be at stake. If this happens, it is advised that you turn off your engine and wait for it to cool down sufficiently before checking your antifreeze levels. Failure to do so could be fatal in that you might face a shower of scalding, hot water spraying your face, and third-degree burns may result.

Low antifreeze levels may be the result of a leak hiding somewhere in your tank. If you're unsure of how to inspect it for a leak, it may be best to have a professional inspection done. If you feel you need service, we invite you to bring your vehicle into our auto repair shop today!

Honda Dashboard Lights and Meaning (FULL list, Free Download)

There are a lot of Honda dashboard lights that you don’t know what they mean.

Can you guess their meanings? Maybe. But that is not a good idea.

The dash lights on your Honda are the vehicle’s way of communicating with you.

So it’s important to understand what they indicate.

If you need to get to the bottom of the Honda dashboard light meanings, continue reading my guide below.

There is also a full list of Honda warning lights and meanings in an image and an E-book for FREE Download in this post.

Let’s take a look at my list first!

Honda Warning Lights/Indicators and Meanings

Click the symbols for details if you want.

Parking Brake and Brake System Indicator

Comes on when the parking brake is applied and goes off when it is released. Comes on when the brake fluid level is low. Make sure the parking brake is released. Stop in a safe place and check the brake fluid level. Comes on if there is a problem with the brake system.

Supplemental Restraint System Indicator

Comes on if a problem with any of the following is detected: ● Supplemental Restraint System ● Side airbag system ● Side curtain airbag system ● Seat belt tensioner Stays on constantly – Have your vehicle checked by a dealer.

High Temperature Indicator

Comes on for a few seconds when you turn the ignition switch to ON, then goes off. Blinks when the engine coolant temperature goes up and stays on if the temperature continues to rise. Action to be taken: ● Blinks while driving – Drive slowly to prevent overheating. ● Stays on while driving – Immediately stop in a safe place and allow the engine to cool.

Electric Power Steering System Indicator

Comes on if there is a problem with the EPS system. Action to be taken: ● Stop the vehicle in a safe place and restart the engine. If the indicator comes on and stays on, immediately have your vehicle inspected by a dealer. ● If “Do not drive” displays on the driver information interface, immediately stop in a safe place and contact a dealer.

Immobilizer System Indicator

Blinks if the immobilizer system cannot recognize the key information. You cannot start the engine. Set the power mode to VEHICLE OFF, then select the ON mode again. Repeatedly blinks – The system may be malfunctioning. Have your vehicle checked by a dealer. Do not attempt to alter this system or add other devices to it. Electrical problems can occur.

Charging System Indicator

Comes on when there is a problem with the charging system. Stop in a safe place and contact a dealer immediately.

Low Oil Pressure Indicator

Comes on when you set the power mode to ON, and goes off when the engine starts. Comes on when the engine oil pressure is low. Comes on while driving – Immediately stop in a safe place.

Security System Alarm Indicator

Blinks when the security system alarm has been set.

Seat Belt Reminder Indicator

Blinks and the beeper sounds for a few seconds if you and/or any passenger are not wearing a seat belt when you set the power mode to ON, then the indicator comes on. Blinks while driving if you and/or any passenger have not fastened a seat belt. The beeper sounds and the indicator blinks at regular intervals. The beeper stops and the indicator goes off when you and the passengers fasten your seat belts. Stays on after you and/or the passengers have fastened the seat belt(s) – A detection error may have occurred in the sensor. Have your vehicle checked by a dealer.

Door and Tailgate Open Indicator

Comes on for a few seconds if you turn the ignition switch to ON, then goes off. Comes on if any door or the tailgate is not completely closed. Also, the beeper sounds if any door or the tailgate is opened while driving. The indicator goes off when all doors and the tailgate are closed.

Electric Parking Brake Indicator

Comes on for a few seconds when you turn the ignition switch to ON, then goes off if the parking brake has been released. Comes on when the parking brake is applied and goes off when it is released. Comes on for about 15 seconds when you pull the electric parking brake switch while the ignition switch is in LOCK. Stays on for about 15 seconds when you turn the ignition switch to LOCK while the electric parking brake is set. Blinks – There is a problem with the electric parking brake system. The parking brake may not be set.

Malfunction Indicator Lamp

After you have set the power mode to ON, the vehicle performs system checks. However, if the readiness codes have not been set by that time, this indicator will blink five times and then go off. The indicator comes on if there is a problem with the emissions control systems. The indicator blinks when a misfire in the engine’s cylinders is detected.

Anti-Lock Brake System Indicator

Comes on if there is a problem with the ABS. Stays on constantly – Have your vehicle checked by a dealer. With this indicator on, your vehicle still has normal braking ability but no anti-lock function.

Vehicle Stability Assist System Indicator

Blinks when VSA is active. Comes on if there is a problem with the VSA system, brake assist system, hill start assist system, starting assist brake function, or agile handling assist. Stays on constantly – Have your vehicle checked by a dealer. Comes on if the VSA system is deactivated temporarily after the battery has been disconnected, then re-connected. Action to be taken: Drive a short distance at more than 12 mph (20 km/h). The indicator should go off. If it does not, have your vehicle checked by a dealer.

Maintenance Minder Indicator

Comes on when the scheduled maintenance is due soon.

There is a problem with a system related to braking other than the conventional brake system: Comes on while driving – Have your vehicle checked by a dealer. With this indicator on, your vehicle still has normal braking ability. There is a problem with the electric parking brake system and/or the automatic brake hold system: Stays on constantly – Avoid using the parking brake and have your vehicle checked by a dealer immediately.

Transmission Light

Comes on if the transmission system has a problem. Performance may be reduced. Avoid sudden starts and acceleration and have your vehicle checked by a dealer immediately.

Master Warning Light

This warning light serves as an icon for your Honda vehicle’s Vehicle Stability Assist system and indicates that there is something wrong with the system itself.

Low Tire Pressure/TPMS Indicator

May come on briefly if the power mode is set to ON and the vehicle is not moved within 45 seconds, to indicate the calibration process is not yet complete. Comes on and stays on when: ● One or more tires’ pressures are determined to be significantly low. ● The system has not been calibrated. Action to be taken: ● Comes on while driving – Stop in a safe place, check tire pressures, and inflate the tire(s) if necessary. ● Stays on after the tires are inflated to the recommended pressures – The system needs to be calibrated. Blinks for about one minute, and then stays on if there is a problem with the TPMS, or when a compact spare tire is temporarily installed. Action to be taken: Have your vehicle checked by a dealer. If the vehicle is fitted with a compact spare tire, get your regular tire repaired or replaced and put it back on your vehicle as soon as you can. Comes on if the TPMS is deactivated temporarily after the battery has been disconnected, then re-connected. Action to be taken: Drive a short distance at more than 12 mph (20 km/h). The indicator should go off. If it does not, have your vehicle checked by a dealer.

Electric Parking Brake System Indicator

Comes on for a few seconds when you turn the ignition switch to ON, then goes off. Comes on if there is a problem with the electric parking brake system. Avoid using the parking brake and have your vehicle checked by a dealer immediately.

System Message Indicator

Comes on along with a beep when a problem is detected. A system message on the driver information interface appears at the same time.

Adaptive Cruise Control Indicator

Comes on if there is a problem with ACC with Low-Speed Follow. In case the indicator stays on constantly, have your vehicle checked by a dealer. Comes on if the ACC with Low-Speed Follow is deactivated temporarily after the battery has been disconnected, then reconnected. Drive a short distance at more than 12 mph (20 km/h). The indicator should go off. If it does not, have your vehicle checked by a dealer. The indicator may come on temporarily when the Maximum Load Limit is exceeded. ACC with Low-Speed Follow has been automatically canceled. Make sure the total load is within the Maximum Load Limit.

Maintenance Required Light

Comes on to remind you that it is time to take your car in for scheduled maintenance.

Sport Mode Indicator

Comes on when you set the drive mode to SPORT.

Lane Keeping Assist System Indicator

Comes on if there is a problem with the LKAS. In case the indicator stays on constantly, have your vehicle checked by a dealer. The indicator may come on temporarily when the Maximum Load Limit is exceeded. Make sure the total load is within the Maximum Load Limit.

Smart Entry System Indicator

Comes on for a few seconds when you set the power mode to ON, then goes off. Comes on as soon as a problem is detected in the smart entry system or push button starting system. Have your vehicle checked by a dealer.

Low Fuel Indicator

Comes on when the fuel reserve is running low (approximately 1.8 U.S. gal/7.0 Liter left). Refuel your vehicle as soon as possible. Blinks if there is a problem with the fuel gauge. Have your vehicle checked by a dealer.

Hydrogen Leak Indicator

Comes on for a few seconds when you set the power mode to ON, then goes off. Comes on if a small hydrogen gas leak is detected. Your vehicle has less ability to accelerate and may be harder to start on an incline. Have your vehicle checked by an authorized Honda Clarity Fuel Cell dealer immediately. Comes on if a hydrogen gas leak is detected. Generating electricity by the fuel cell is stopped. Immediately stop in a safe place and have your vehicle checked by an authorized Honda Clarity Fuel Cell dealer.

Power System Indicator

Comes on if there is a problem with the electric vehicle system. Comes on when the High Voltage battery temperature becomes high. Have your vehicle checked by a dealer.

Collision Mitigation Braking System Indicator

Comes on for a few seconds when you turn the ignition switch to ON, then goes off. Comes on when you deactivate the CMBS. A driver information interface message appears for five seconds. Comes on if there is a problem with the CMBS. In case the light stays on constantly without the CMBS off – Have your vehicle checked by a dealer. Comes on if the CMBS is deactivated temporarily after the battery has been disconnected, then re-connected. Drive a short distance at more than 12 mph (20 km/h). The indicator should go off. If it does not, have your vehicle checked by a dealer. Comes on when the CMBS shuts itself off: ● The area around the camera and radar sensor is blocked by dirt, mud, etc. Stop your vehicle in a safe place, and wipe it off with a soft cloth. Have your vehicle checked by a dealer if the indicator does not go off even after you cleaned the camera and sensor. ● Indicator may come on temporarily when passing through an enclosed space, such as a tunnel. ● The temperature inside the camera is too high. Use the climate control system to cool down the camera. The system activates when the temperature inside the camera cools down. Indicator may come on temporarily when the Maximum Load Limit is exceeded. ● Make sure the total load is within the Maximum Load Limit. ● Stays on constantly – Have your vehicle checked by a dealer.

Road Departure Mitigation Indicator

Comes on for a few seconds when you turn the ignition switch to ON, then goes off. Comes on if there is a problem with the RDM system. In case the indicator stays on constantly, have your vehicle checked by a dealer. Comes on if the RDM is deactivated temporarily after the battery has been disconnected, then re-connected. Drive a short distance at more than 12 mph (20 km/h). The indicator should go off. If it does not, have your vehicle checked by a dealer. Comes on when the RDM system shuts itself off. ● Indicator may come on temporarily when passing through an enclosed space, such as a tunnel. ● The area around the radar sensor is blocked by dirt, mud, etc. Stop your vehicle in a safe place, and wipe it off with a soft cloth. ● The temperature inside the camera is too high. Use the climate control system to cool down the camera. ● The area around the camera is blocked by dirt, mud, etc. Stop your vehicle in a safe place, and wipe it off with a soft cloth. The indicator may come on temporarily when the Maximum Load Limit is exceeded. Make sure the total load is within the Maximum Load Limit.

Auto Idle Stop System Indicator

Blinks if there is a problem with the Auto Idle Stop system. Have your vehicle checked by a dealer.

Auto Idle Stop OFF Indicator

Comes on when the Auto Idle Stop system has been turned off by the Auto Idle Stop OFF button.

Vehicle Stability Assist OFF Indicator

Comes on when you partially disable VSA. Models without Auto Idle Stop: Comes on when you press and hold the (VSA OFF) button while +R mode is selected. Models with A-type meter: Comes on if the VSA® system is deactivated temporarily after the battery has been disconnected, then re-connected. Drive a short distance at more than 12 mph (20 km/h). The indicator should go off. If it does not, have your vehicle checked by a dealer.

Brake Depressing Indicator

Comes on for a few seconds when you turn the ignition switch to ON, then goes off. Electric Parking Brake System: Comes on when the electric parking brake switch is pressed without depressing the brake pedal while the electric parking brake is in operation. Press the electric parking brake switch with the brake pedal depressed. Automatic Brake Hold System: Comes on when the automatic brake hold button is pressed without depressing the brake pedal while the automatic brake hold is in operation. Press the automatic brake hold button with the brake pedal depressed. The indicator blinks if the automatic brake hold is automatically canceled while it is in operation. The beeper sounds.

Comes on when the vehicle is running low on fuel (3 or 2 fuel gauge bars illuminated). Refuel your vehicle as soon as possible.

All-Wheel Drive Indicator

Comes on for a few seconds when you set the power mode to ON, then goes off. Comes on if there is a problem with the AWD system. The engine drives the front wheels only in this state. Have your vehicle checked by a dealer. Blinks when the differential temperature is too high. Stop in a safe place, change to “P”, and idle the engine until the indicator goes off. If the indicator does not stop blinking, take your vehicle to a dealer.

Bed Lights On Indicator

Comes on when the bed lights are on. Comes on for 30 minutes when you set the power mode to ACCESSORY or VEHICLE OFF without turning off the bed lights, then goes off.

Safety Support Indicator

Comes on if there is a problem with the Road Departure Mitigation system, CMBS, Low-Speed Braking Control, or blind spot information system. In case the indicator stays on constantly, have your vehicle checked by a dealer. The indicator may come on temporarily when the Maximum Load Limit is exceeded. Make sure the total load is within the Maximum Load Limit. Comes on if the Road Departure Mitigation system, CMBS, and Low-Speed Braking Control are deactivated temporarily after the battery has been disconnected and then re-connected. Drive a short distance at more than 12 mph (20 km/h). The indicator should go off. If it does not, have your vehicle checked by a dealer. Comes on when the Road Departure Mitigation system and/or CMBS shuts itself off. ● The temperature inside the camera is too high. Use the climate control system to cool down the camera. ● The area around the camera is blocked by dirt, mud, etc. Stop your vehicle in a safe place and wipe the debris off with a soft cloth. ● It may come on when the ambient conditions are dark, such as when driving in a tunnel, or at night, dawn, or dusk.

Hill Start Assist Light

Comes on if there is a malfunction in the hill start assist system.

Blind Spot Information System Indicator

Comes on for a few seconds when you set the power mode to ON, then goes off. Stays on while the blind spot information system is turned off. Comes on when mud, snow, or ice accumulates in the vicinity of sensors. Remove the obstacle in the vicinity of the sensors. Comes on if there is a problem with the system. Have your vehicle checked by a dealer.

Lights up in green when the Road Departure Mitigation system, CMBS, Low-Speed Braking Control, and blind spot information system are on. Lights up in green and gray when the Road Departure Mitigation system, CMBS, Low-Speed Braking Control, blind spot information system or any two or three of these systems are off.

Auto Idle Stop Indicator

Comes on when Auto Idle Stop is in operation. The engine automatically shuts off.

Cruise Mode Indicator

Lights up in green when you have set a speed for cruise control.

Fog Light Indicator

Comes on when the fog lights are on.

Lights up in green when you press the RES/+/SET/- switch up or down.

Ready Indicator

Comes on when the vehicle is ready to drive.

Econ Mode Indicator

Models without a drive mode switch: Comes on when the ECON mode is on. Models with a drive mode switch: Comes on when you set the drive mode to ECON.

Lights On Indicator

Comes on when the light switch is in a position other than OFF or when the switch is set to AUTO and the exterior lights come on. If you remove the key from the ignition switch while the exterior lights are on, a chime sounds when the driver’s door is opened.

Shift Down Indicator

Comes on when shifting down is recommended.

Shift Up Indicator

Comes on when shifting up is recommended.

Automatic Brake Hold Indicator

Comes on when the automatic brake hold is activated.

Comes on when the automatic brake hold system is on.

Cruise Main Indicator

Comes on when you press the CRUISE button.

Lights up in green when the LKAS is in operation.

Auto High-Beam Indicator

Comes on when all the operating conditions of the auto high-beam are met.

EV Indicator

Comes on when the vehicle is moved by the motor, and the engine is not operating.

EV Mode Indicator

Comes on when the vehicle is in EV mode.

HV Indicator

Comes on for a few seconds when you set the power mode to ON, then goes off. Comes on when the vehicle is in HV. Comes on when the vehicle is in HV charge.

HV Charge Indicator

Comes on for a few seconds when you set the power mode to ON, then goes off. Comes along with the HV indicator when the vehicle is in HV charge.

Comes on briefly when you turn the ignition switch to ON, then goes off. Comes on if the immobilizer system cannot recognize the key information. Blinks Models without smart entry system: You cannot start the engine. Turn the ignition switch to LOCK, pull the key out, and then insert the key and turn it to ON again. Models with smart entry system: You cannot start the engine. Set the power mode to VEHICLE OFF (LOCK), then select the ON mode again. Repeatedly blinks – The system may be malfunctioning. Have your vehicle checked by a dealer. Do not attempt to alter this system or add other devices to it. Electrical problems can occur.

Cruise Control Indicator

Comes on if you have set a speed for cruise control.

Turn Signal and Hazard Warning Indicator

Blinks when you operate the turn signal lever. Blinks along with all turn signals when you press the hazard warning button.

Lights up in white when you change to cruise mode

Auto Idle Stop Suspend Indicator

Comes on while Auto Idle Stop is temporarily suspended in the following situations. Continuously variable transmission models: Brake pedal is not fully pressed. Depress the brake pedal firmly. Continuously variable transmission models: ● The transmission is in a position other than D ● System charging is prioritized ● Climate control system is prioritized ● Engine coolant temperature is not in the operating range ● SPORT mode* is selected. ● The battery temperature is too low. ● Auto Idle Stop does not activate for some reason.

Normal Mode Indicator

Comes on when pressing the Intelligent Traction Management button. The mode you select appears on the driver information interface. When the vehicle is turned off and restarted, Intelligent Traction Management mode will revert to Normal. Normal: Provides balanced driving performance on most road surfaces.

Lights up in white when you press the ACC button.

Snow Mode Indicator

Comes on when pressing the Intelligent Traction Management button. The mode you select appears on the driver information interface. When the vehicle is turned off and restarted, Intelligent Traction Management mode will revert to Normal. Snow: Use when driving on snowy road surfaces.

Mud Mode Indicator

Comes on when pressing the Intelligent Traction Management button. The mode you select appears on the driver information interface. When the vehicle is turned off and restarted, Intelligent Traction Management mode will revert to Normal. Mud: Use when driving on muddy roads or off-road surfaces.

Sand Mode Indicator

Comes on when pressing the Intelligent Traction Management button. The mode you select appears on the driver information interface. When the vehicle is turned off and restarted, Intelligent Traction Management mode will revert to Normal. Sand: Use when driving on soft, sandy roads or off-road surfaces.

Deceleration Paddle Selector Indicator

Comes on when the selector is pulled. Blinks when the rate of deceleration does not change while pulling the selector. Comes on with M when SPORT mode is selected and pulling the selector.

Lights up in white when you press the LKAS button.

Shift Position Indicator

Indicates the current shift position.

Gear Selection Indicator

Comes on when the sequential mode/7-speed manual shift mode is applied.

Transmission System Indicator

● The current shift position blinks if the transmission system has a problem. Avoid sudden starts and acceleration and have your vehicle checked by a dealer immediately ● The indicated current shift position blinks if you cannot put the transmission into “R” due to a transmission system failure. Avoid sudden starts, sudden acceleration, and high speed, and have your vehicle checked by a dealer immediately. ● The indicated current shift position blinks if the transmission system has a problem and the performance of the vehicle is reduced. Avoid sudden starts, sudden acceleration, and high speed, and have your vehicle checked by a dealer immediately. ● The indicated current shift position blinks if the transmission system has a problem and the paddle shifters cannot be used. Have your vehicle checked by a dealer immediately. ● The current shift position or all the shift positions blink if there is a problem with the transmission and the vehicle is no longer able to run. Immediately park your car in a safe place and have your vehicle checked by a dealer. ● The current shift position or all the shift positions blink if there is a problem with the transmission and it is not possible to select “P”. Depending on the circumstances, you can set the power mode to ON as an emergency measure. While the vehicle is stopped, apply the parking brake. Have your vehicle checked by a dealer immediately.

Gear Position Indicator

Indicates 1st to 6th gear position. If you shift gears very slowly, a different gear position may be displayed for a moment. The display can be turned ON/OFF in customized features in the driver information interface or audio/information screen. Under the following conditions, gear positions and frame borders are not displayed. ● The select lever is in the “R” position. ● The display of the gear position indicator is turned OFF in customized features. Under the following conditions, gear positions are not displayed. ● The vehicle is stopped (approximately less than 2 mph or 3 km/h) ● The select lever is in the “N” position.

Individual Mode Indicator

Comes on when you set the drive mode to INDIVIDUAL

Comfort Mode Indicator

Comes on when you set the drive mode to COMFORT

+R Mode Indicator

Comes on when you set the drive mode to +R.

Comes on when Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low Speed Follow indicator comes on.

Lights up in green and gray when the Road Departure Mitigation system, CMBS, Low-Speed Braking Control, blind spot information system or any two or three of these systems are off. Lights up in gray when the Road Departure Mitigation system, CMBS, Low-Speed Braking Control, and blind spot information system are off.

Low Temperature Indicator

Comes on while the engine coolant temperature is low, then goes off once the engine reaches normal operating temperature. If the indicator stays on after the engine has reached normal operating temperature, there may be a problem with the temperature sensors. Have your vehicle inspected by a dealer.

High Beam Indicator

Comes on when the high beam headlights are on.

Now you know what your car is trying to tell you and have a better understanding of Honda dashboard lights.

But it can be challenging to remember exactly the name and meaning of each symbol, right?

No problem!

I’ve compiled the full list of Honda warning lights and indicators with their meanings in an image and a PDF E-book for you. 

Don’t hesitate to download them for later use:

HONDA WARNING LIGHTS AND INDICATORS

Get access to my full list of these dashboard lights and become a better driver.

What’s Next?

Remember, these warning lights and indicators are here to keep you safe. If you see a yellow or red one pop up, it is best to get assistance ASAP.

Or you can get a scan tool to help you diagnose the problem.

Here is my in-depth review on the Best OBD2 Scanners for Honda/Acura . Remember to bring the scanner with you on road trips.

FOXWELL NT510

CGSULIT SC530

Share this article

Related Posts

Restraint system warning lamp, seat belt warning lamp, leave a comment cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Recommended for you

Drl light on honda: meaning and how to respond, srs light on honda: causes and solutions, what does wrench light mean on honda how to reset it, start typing and press enter to search.

Honda Warning Lights: What Each Symbol Means And How To Interpret Their Colors

A utomotive technology has advanced light years since Carl Benz built the world's first automobile in the late 1800s and Henry Ford made cars accessible to the average American after the turn of the century. Modern automobiles have engines many times as powerful as  the Model T's four-stroke T-4 , which, though advanced for its time, produced just 22 horsepower. To manage the electronic fuel injection, anti-lock braking systems , and other modern features that make 21st Century cars so complex requires a powerful array of computers that are also often able to tell us when something is wrong. 

This warning information is communicated via a set of dashboard warning lights and messages, which range from obscure-colored symbols to text that literally spells out the problem. Many dashboard warning messages come in the form of symbols and glyphs, some of which are easier to interpret than others. To add to the confusion, some of the warnings are simply helpful indicators, while others mean you have a serious issue that requires you to stop driving and get service immediately. Honda sold more than four million vehicles globally each year from 2013 to 2022, and if you're one of the many millions of drivers behind the wheel of a Honda, read on to learn how to interpret the lights on your dashboard.

Read more: 10 Of The Most Reliable Mazda Engines Ever Built

Stop Your Honda Immediately If Your Check Engine Light Is Flashing

Honda's warning lights are color-coded to convey the urgency of the warning. Blue or green lights are informational, usually indicating that a system is active, while amber or red lights are there to warn you of a malfunctioning system that requires attention. The graphic above shows some of the warning lights you might see on the dashboard of your Honda, but there are many others you should be aware of. The most serious dashboard indicator is a flashing check engine light. This warning light looks like an engine block and will glow steadily when your car's computer has logged an on-board diagnostics (OBD) trouble code . These codes can come up for anything from a loose gas cap to a bad transmission, but a flashing check engine light on your Honda's dashboard indicates an engine misfire. 

This means unburned fuel is being sent through your exhaust system. This condition can destroy your catalytic converter, which is expensive to replace. If your check engine light is flashing, stop driving immediately and have your car towed to a repair facility immediately. The problem can be as simple as a bad spark plug or loose plug wire, but it's best to have the issue addressed as soon as possible.

Oil Pressure And Brake System Warning Lights Should Not Be Ignored

Other warning lights that absolutely should not be ignored are the low oil pressure and brake system warning lights. The oil pressure warning light looks like an old-school oil can, and the brake system warning symbol is a circle surrounded by parentheses with an exclamation point inside. This light is different from the text warning reading "brake," which is just an indication that your parking brake is engaged. If you see the red circle with the exclamation point, pull over immediately and have your car towed to a repair facility.

Another warning light that requires you to stop driving and get service immediately is the supplemental restraint system warning, which is an icon of a person in a seat with a circle representing a deployed air bag near the head. This light indicates a potential issue with the air bags that could prevent them from protecting you in a crash. 

You should also stop driving and get service immediately if your charging system warning light illuminates. This light is a car battery icon; essentially a rectangle with positive (+) and negative (-) symbols on it. A charging system failure isn't a safety issue like a supplemental restraint system malfunction, but could leave you stuck in a dangerous location. Another warning light that isn't to be ignored is the high temperature warning light. This indicator is a red "H" next to an icon of a thermometer in water. Overheating can destroy your engine quickly, so pull over and get service immediately if you see this light.

Seat Belt And Tire Pressure Warnings Should Be Dealt With Immediately

Your Honda will display a similar warning light if engine operating temperature is too low. The low temp warning light is a blue "C" next to the same thermometer in water icon as the high-temp warning light. Low engine temperature is sometimes an indicator of a malfunctioning or stuck thermostat, but can sometimes simply mean your engine hasn't warmed up enough in cold conditions. The problem might also be with the temperature sensor or related wiring, but you could also have a radiator fan that is running constantly. If this is the case, getting the problem fixed quickly is important. If your radiator fan fails from running constantly, your car could overheat quickly in stop-and-go traffic. Another warning light you shouldn't ignore is the seat belt reminder, which means one or more occupants of the car don't have their belt fastened properly. 

Other safety-related warning lights include open door and trunk warnings, which are red icons showing open doors or an open trunk lid. The tire pressure warning light, which looks like a bulging tire as viewed from the front with an exclamation point inside, is another warning you should address immediately. Low tire pressure can make your car harder to control and bring to a stop, and will damage your tires if driven on for too long in this condition. A yellow gas pump icon means you are low on fuel and should stop for gas soon.

Some Honda Warning Lights Are For Driver Assist Systems

A yellow warning light that looks like a fountain in front of an arced water tank indicates that your washer fluid level is low. A yellow car icon with squiggly lines extending to the front indicates that your car's Vehicle Stability Assist, or VSA, system is activated or malfunctioning. A yellow steering wheel with an exclamation point next to it means there is a problem with your power steering system.  These issues shouldn't be ignored for too long. A sudden loss of power steering assist can cause you to lose control of the car and have an accident. If your car has the capability, a yellow warning light will also appear on your dashboard to let you know another car is in your blind spot. This light shows two car icons at a 45-degree angle to each other, with two arcs below and to the left of the larger car.

Another series of yellow lights will appear when certain systems are active. The letters "LKAS" indicate your lane-keeping assist function is working, and an "AWD" light tells you your car is in all-wheel drive mode. A light that shows two cars front-to back with a star between them indicates your automatic collision avoidance braking system is working, and an icon showing a car crossing a lane boundary means the road departure mitigation (RDM) system is active.

There Are Several Lamp-Related Indicator Lights On The Dash Of A Honda

Another set of green and blue lights are there simply to let you know that certain functions are active. Green "Cruise Main" and "Cruise Control" text symbols tell you those systems are in use, and a green lamp with a squiggly line with hash marks through it means your fog lights are on. A blue lamp with horizontal line indicates your high beams are in use, and two smaller lamps with diagonal lines extending outward means your exterior lights are on. Blinking green arrows are your turn signal and hazard indicators, and a headlamp light with an "A" inside it means your automatic high beams are active.

A green leaf symbol means your car is in Economy mode, a yellow wrench indicates it is time for routine maintenance, and a lower case yellow "i" in a circle means there is an additional informational message on your multi-function display. A yellow circle inside parentheses with the letters "ABS" inside indicates a problem with your anti-lock braking system, and usually comes on in conjunction with the brake system light. If you see a green key icon, this means your car's immobilizer is active, which usually means it's not recognizing the chip in your key or fob.  Charts to help you identify your Honda's warning lights are available on many dealership websites , and you can also consult your owner's manual for the meanings of the various pictographic warnings.

Read the original article on SlashGear .

Honda Dashboard Warning & Indicator Lights

• : 6614182698

43244 Drivers Way Directions Lancaster , CA 93534

• New Inventory
• Cash For Junkers
• Order Your Honda
• Vehicle Exchange Program
• Fuel Efficient Honda Models
• 2024 Honda Prologue EV
• Honda EV Education
• KBB Instant Cash Offer

Popular Models

• 2023 Honda HR-V
• Honda Accord
• Honda Civic

Shop By Model

• Pre-Owned Inventory
• Certified Pre-Owned Inventory
• Vehicles Under $15,000
• Pre-Owned Specials
• Honda True Certified
• Sell Us Your Car
• Sell It To Us

Shop All Models

• New Honda Specials
• Certified Pre-Owned Specials
• Service Specials
• Parts & Accessory Specials
• College Grad Bonus
• Military Appreciation
• Pre-Qualify

Finance Center

• Service and Parts Financing

Shopping Tools

• Payment Calculator
• Honda Lease vs Buy
• Honda Lease-End Options
• Service Center
• Schedule Service
• Tire Center
• Honda Recall
• Meet Our Service Team
• Warning & Indicator Symbols
• Honda Service Pass
• Service Hours
• Order Honda Parts

Parts Hours

• Meet Our Team
• Join Our Team
• Honda Tech Tutor

Showroom Hours

What do Honda's dashboard warning lights mean?

It can be stressful and frustrating when a warning light illuminates on your Honda's dashboard and you don't know what it means. Our team at Honda Lancaster never wants you to feel overwhelmed, so we're filling you in on what Honda's dashboard warning lights look like and what they mean.

• Service Coupons

Honda dashboard warning light symbols and meanings

Honda has a variety of dashboard warning lights that will illuminate from time to time, but there is somewhat of a trick to understanding them. Red or amber lights are the most critical and indicate that there may be a problem with the vehicle. Blue or green lights are informational for the driver and are designed to let the driver know that a system, such as cruise control, is on or running.

Honda dashboard malfunction indicators

Malfunction indicators are typically red or amber in color and should be taken seriously. If one of these lights comes on and stays on, your vehicle may be in need of some attention. We recommend bringing it into Honda Lancaster.

Honda dashboard condition indicators

Condition indicators let the driver know when an action, such as fastening a seatbelt or properly closing a door, needs to be taken. They may appear red or amber, but they are generally quick fixes that the driver can accomplish themselves. Take a look below at some common Honda condition indicator lights!

Honda on/off indicator lights

On/off indicator lights are the least critical of Honda's dashboard warning lights, as they simply indicate when a system is on or running. These indicators do not require immediate action or attention.

Visit Honda Lancaster to Learn More

Have questions about a specific dashboard warning light you don't see shown above? Give us a call and we'll give you all the information you need. If you notice a dashboard warning light illuminates on your Honda and you want to have an expert look at it, give our service department at Honda Lancaster a call or schedule a service appointment online today !

43244 Drivers Way Lancaster , CA 93534

• Sales : 6614182698

Get in Touch

• Contact our Sales Department at : 6614182698
• Monday 9:00AM-9:00PM
• Tuesday 9:00AM-9:00PM
• Wednesday 9:00AM-9:00PM
• Thursday 9:00AM-9:00PM
• Friday 9:00AM-9:00PM
• Saturday 9:00AM-9:00PM
• Sunday 10:00AM-8:00PM

Our Inventory

• Featured Vehicles
• Current Specials

Service & Parts

• Order Parts & Accessories
• Parts Specials
• Value Your Trade

Our Dealership

• American Honda

• Warning Lights

50+ Honda Dashboard Symbols and Meanings (Full List)

In this content, I will share with you the meanings of Honda   warning lights and Honda  dashboard symbols  in detail. I have prepared a very detailed and useful content for you on car warning lights. 

In the continuation of the content, you will see the warning light symbols on your car dashboard. When you click on any of these warning lights, you can see a detailed explanation of what the relevant symbol means.

The warning lights on Honda dashboard are designed to inform you in advance if there is a problem with your car. The Honda Dashboard symbols turn on when your car has a malfunction or any of your car’s systems are working. These Honda warning lights appear in different colors depending on the severity of the malfunction.

Degree of urgency based on colors:

• Red car warning lights indicate a potentially serious problem. Most emergency alerts on vehicle dashboard symbols appear in red. In this case, you should pull over and stop your vehicle as soon as possible so that it does not pose a danger to traffic. For example, when the engine temperature warning light comes on, it means that the engine is overheating. If you continue to drive your vehicle in this condition, you may incur more financial damage.
• Yellow or Orange car warning lights usually mean that something will need to be repaired or serviced and will need to be operated with caution soon.
• Blue or Green car warning lights usually indicate that a system is on or operational. For example, the headlights are on or the cruise control is working.

Additionally, a flashing dashboard warning light notifies the driver of an emergency condition of the system to which the light relates. It is recommended that you have your vehicle connected to a diagnostic device at the service as soon as possible.

Honda Dashboard Symbols and Meanings

The warning lights of the Honda  dashboard panel light up and go off for a few seconds when you bring the ignition key to the first stage. If the lights that are illuminated in red do not go out after the vehicle has started working, this indicates that there is a malfunction in your vehicle and it is recommended that you do not use your vehicle. You need to also know car dashboard symbols on to understand you what’s going on in your vehicle apart from means of colors.

Let’s see what the most common warning lights on Honda  dashboard lights mean . Not all symbols are universal.  If you are unsure, please  refer to your owner’s manuel or contact your dealer.

1. Engine Temperature Warning Light

Engine Temperature Warning Light; Indicates that the engine is overheating the coolant. One of the three most important warning lamps in your car is the (Others Oil Lamp and Charging Lamp).

When you see this red lamp on your car’s instrument panel, you should stop your vehicle as soon as possible and wait for the engine to cool to its proper temperature. Even if your car is cold, it is not recommended that you continue in this situation. It is recommended that you take your car to the nearest service. If you keep driving your car while this lamp is on, you can cause great financial damage to your car’s engine.

Click for detailed information :  What Does the Engine Temperature Warning Light Mean?

2. Oil Pressure Warning Light

Oil Pressure Warning Light; Oil is the lifeblood of your car. The entire engine system works thanks to lubrication. It’s like the water need for the human body. The most important is the warning lamp, which requires immediate action. If this lamp lights up, your car’s oil level is low. You should stop your vehicle as soon as possible and check the oil level after you have cooled off your engine. You must not drive your vehicle with in this light.

Click for detailed information:  Engine Oil Pressure Warning Light Meaning

3. Battery Charge Warning Light

Battery charge warning light; This dashboard symbol means  that your car’s charging dynamo is a problem and that your car only works with the battery.

Whatever the cause of the battery warning, the safest option is once again to take your car to the service station and to the car to check for the fault. When you are in trouble, turn off your radio and air conditioning system and consider going to the repair shop safely.

Click for detailed information:  What Does The Car Battery Warning Light On The Dashboard Mean?

4. Hand Brake Warning Light

Hand Brake Warning Light; It’s a warning light to show that the handbrake is ON.

5. Hand Brake Warning Light (Other)

6. Electric Parking Brake Warning Light

Electric parking brake warning light; On automatic-gear vehicles, lights up when you shift the gear position to park. (P)

7. Airbag Malfunction Warning Light

Airbag malfunction warning light;   When this lamp is lit, the airbag system is not functioning. You are advised to go to the service.

8. Seat Belt Not On Warning Light

Seat belt not on warning light; Warning light, which means that the seat belt is not attached.

9. Transmission Temperature  Warning Light

Transmission Temperature  Warning Light; The gearbox is a warning symbol that means that it is operating at an improper temperature. Check the gearbox oil level and engine coolant level. Wait for 5 minutes to cool at idle while the vehicle is in gearshift N.

10. Car Security Warning Light

Car Security Warning Light; This dashboard light flashes for about 15 seconds. It flashes because the vehicle security alarm is sounding and turns off automatically when the alarm goes away.

11. Electronic Throttle Control Warning Light

Electronic Throttle Control Warning Light; This dashboard symbols illuminate to indicate a malfunction in the electronic Throttle Control system. If this light flickers for a long time, you should stop your vehicle immediately and put it in PARK. Contact the Dodge service station as soon as possible.

12. Car Ahead Indicator Warning Light

Car Ahead Indicator Warning Light; This dashboard light flickers to show you that there is a vehicle in front of your car and you need to reduce your speed to avoid collision.

13. Lane Keep Assist Warning Light

Lane keep assist warning light; It is a warning lamp that lights up when the lane change is made without using the signal in the vehicles produced by today’s technolgy.

14. Check Engine Light or Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)

Check Engine Light or Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL); Engine malfunction warning light. It is one of the most frequently lit lamps. Most vehicles have 2 levels. If the light keeps ON and remains stable, it should be taken at some serious level. However, if the light is flashing it indicates a more serious problem and it is advisable to take the service to the car without driving.

The engine malfunction lamp can be lit for a number of reasons. The most common is the advance setting and the engine system is switched on and the result is lit when the vehicle is not properly installed. Other common causes may include; poor quality fuel, lambda sensor malfunction, catalytic converter malfunction, egr malfunction.

Click for detailed information :  Check Engine Light: What Does It Mean and How to Reset ? (The Complete Guide)

15. Check Engine Light or Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)

16. Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) Warning Light

Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) Warning Light: The particulate filter is the part of the exhaust gases that pollute the air that is blown out and allows the less harmful gas to be thrown out. This lamp is located on the diesel vehicle and shows that when it is lit, your vehicle is blocked by the exhaust system or due to different substances.

When the diesel particulate filter is on, you may notice that your car has fallen into a draft. If it is too clogged, your vehicle may stop occasionally. Your car’s exhaust emission values may rise. If you use the car for 10-15 minutes at high speeds while the car is running, the soot can be cleaned and the lamp may go out. If it does not go off, you are recommended to go to the service.

Click for detailed information:  https://carwarninglights.net/warning-light/diesel-particulate-filter/

17. Glow Plug Warning Light

Glow Plug Warning Light; This warning light is located on diesel vehicles and is the part that sets the ignition required for the vehicle to operate. The ignition in petrol vehicles is made by the spark plug while in diesel vehicles it is done by the heating plug in cold weather. If your vehicle does not work during cold weather and this fault lamp is lit, the heating busses are not functioning and must be replaced.

Click for detailed information:  Glow Plug Warning Light: What does Glow Plug Light Mean?

18. Low Fuel Indicator Symbol

Low Fuel Indicator Symbol; It is the warning light that goes ON when your car is low on fuel. When this lamp is lit, it indicates that you have fuel in your depot at varying rates depending on your brand name. This amount of fuel is written in the manual of your vehicle. The fuel in the depot is lit when the average is between 5 and 8 liters.

19. ABS Warning Light

ABS warning light; If ignition does not come on when the ignition switch is “ON” position, it means that it is defective if it does not go ON after burning, and if it is on when driving, you must use your vehicle carefully, drive at medium speed and avoid braking hardly.

Click for detailed information:  https://carwarninglights.net/warning-light/abs-warning-light/

20. SPORT Mode

Sport Mode; This warning sign indicates that sport mode is activated.

21. Service 4wd Warning Light

Service 4wd Warning Light; If the four-wheel drive warning sign on the instrument cluster and the 4WD lamp are on, there may be a malfunction in the system.

22. Electronic Stability Control Active Warning Light

Electronic Stability Control Active Warning Light;  Illuminates when the car is in traction control/anti-slip or electronic stability system in use. It is usually an indicator light that indicates the conditions are slippery.

23. Car Triangle with Exclamation Point

Car Triangle with Exclamation Point; The exclamation point in the yellow triangle that lights up on the dashboard of BMW cars is also known as the generic warning light or the service light. If this light came on the dashboard panel of your car, it usually indicates that it is not an emergency, but that there is a problem in your car that needs to be fixed. The color changes from white for a benign message, to yellow, needs attention, to red, critical.

Click for detailed information:   https://carwarninglights.net/car-guide/triangle-with-exclamation-point/

24. Door Open Warning Light

Door open warning light; A warning lamp that lights up when an individual door is open or closed, including luggage in your car.

25. Swing Gate Reminder Warning Light

Swing gate reminder warning light; Signs with vehicle dashboard which mean that the luggage compartment is open.

26. Hood Open Warning Light

Hood Open Warning Light;  If the engine hood is open, this vehicle warning light will appear on the panel

27. Service Electric Parking Warning Light

Service Electric Parking Warning Light; This warning symbol alerts you that there is a technical problem/defect in the parking brake system and needs emergency service.

28. All Wheel Drive Warning Light

All Wheel Drive Warning Light; If this instrument cluster warning symbol illuminates, it indicates a problem with the AWD system. It would be best to take your vehicle to your service provider.

29. Steering Wheel Warning Light

Steering Wheel Warning Light; In vehicles with hydraulic and / or electric steering systems, problems and failures that occur in the system can be seen on the instrument panel with the red steering wheel mark on the instrument panel.

30. Water in Fuel Filter Warning Light

Water in Fuel Filter Warning Light; This motor warning light indicates that the water level in the fuel filter has increased.

31. Loose Fuel Filler Cap Warning Light

Loose Fuel Filler Cap Warning Light; Check the fuel cap

32. Low washer fluid warning light

Low washer fluid warning light; Car warning light informing the user that the windshield washer liquid has decreased or run out.

33. Service Adaptive Cruise Control Warning Light

Service adaptive cruise control warning light; ACC is currently not available. When safe, stop the vehicle and turn off the engine. Restart the vehicle and check the radar for dirt, ice, etc. Check for obstructions. If the warning lamp stays on, please visit your nearest authorized service facility for assistance.

34. Traction Off Light

Traction off light; Most traction control systems illuminate the warning light when the system detects a loss of traction, such as in snow or rain. Typically, the light is seen when the system intervenes to maintain traction. It’s a good idea to read the chapter in your car owner’s manual to familiarize yourself with how your traction or stability system works.

If the traction control light comes on and stays on without flashing, it means that the traction control system is disabled and there is no traction control. A message may even be issued by the driver information centre, warning that the traction control system has been switched off and that extra care must be exercised, especially when driving on water, ice and snow.

The only way to properly resolve any of the above conditions is to properly diagnose the vehicle at a qualified repair shop. Always have the repair shop do a full computer system scan.

35. Electronic Stability Control Off Warning Light

Electronic stability control off warning light; The ESC system does not work the same in all vehicles. That’s why it’s always important to consult your manufacturer’s manual to understand how yours works. Generally, the ESC light illuminates when the vehicle loses control and stays on when a malfunction is detected or the system is turned off manually.

36. Tire Pressure Monitoring System Tpms Warning Light

Tire pressure monitoring system tpms warning light; The tire pressure in your car is low or there is a problem in the system.

Click for detailed information:   https://carwarninglights.net/warning-light/tyre-pressure-monitoring-warning-light/

37. Lane Departure  Warning Light

Lane Departure Warning Light; The lane change light means that it is detected that the vehicle is leaving its current lane without signaling. It can help keep you in your lane.

38. Smart Entry System Indicator Light

Smart Entry System Indicator Light; Indicates a malfunction in the smart entry & start system or The warning lamp informs that the ignition key is faulty.

39. Lane Depature Warning Light

Lane depature warning Light;   It is a warning lamp that lights up when the lane change is made without using the signal in the vehicles produced by today’s technolgy.

40. Suspension Control Warning Light

Suspension Control Warning Light; This warning light will appear if the suspension system fails.

41. Automatic Gearbox Warning Light

Automatic gearbox warning light; If there is a problem with the automatic transmission, this warning light is lit in yellow or red on the instrument panel. If the emergency warning lamp is illuminated when the emergency warning lamp ON, carefully drive the vehicle in the P, R, N, D (forward gears only 3rd and 5th gears) works. It is recommended that you drive your car at low speed and enter the nearest authorized service station.

42. Collision Mitigating Braking System Warning Light

Collision mitigating braking system warning light; The light comes on when the system is turned off, when the radar sensor is dirty or clogged, or when there is a malfunction in the system. In the last case, take the vehicle to your dealer or authorized workshop for diagnosis and repair.

43. Blind Spot İndicator Light

Blind spot indicator light; This light illuminates when a vehicle or obstacle is detected in your blind spot.

44. Pre sense warning light

Pre sense warning light; Pre Sense, uses sensors that trigger the electronic stability control system when the driver applies the brake forcefully. In turn, electric motors tighten or tighten the front seat belts in preparation for a possible accident. In addition, Basic turns on the hazard warning flashers, closes the windows and closes the sunroof (if equipped). This version of Pre Sense does not help the driver avoid collision. Instead, it prepares the cabin for impact to reduce the chance of serious injury should it occur.

45. Hill Descent Control Warning Light

Hill descent control warning light; If the hill descent control indicator light is steady ON, the system is ON and armed and is controlling the vehicle speed. If the hill descent control indicator light is flashing, the system is ON but is not activated and is not controlling vehicle speed.

46. Turn Signal Indicator Light

Turn signal indicator light; Indicates that the signal is on. When you lower the signal arm, the left turn indicates the right turn when you lift it up.

47. Service Stop Start System Warning Light

Service stop start system warning light; Many new car models are equipped with engine stop/start, which helps save fuel by turning your engine off when you’re at a red light. This warning light will appear if there’s something wrong with this system.

48. Cruise Control Indicator Light

Cruise control indicator light; Indicator light to indicate that the cruise control is activated.

49. Headlight On Indicator Light

Headlight on ındicator light; It indicates that the short headlamps and stop lights are on.

50. Dipped Head Lights

Dipped head lights; This sign appears on the front panel when the short headlights are on

51. High Beam Indicator Light Warning Light

High beam indicator light warning light; Indicates that the long beamed headlights are on.

52. Fuel Filter Warning Light

Fuel filter warning light;  A warning light that indicates that the fuel filter is dirty or worn. You must clean or replace the fuel filter as soon as possible.

Attention please !

Honda dashboard symbols help drivers stay safe on the road by letting them know that something needs attention. Not all symbols are universal. If you are unsure, please refer to your owner’s manual or contact your dealer.

You can send your questions in the comment section below.

50+ Honda Dashboard Symbols  (Full List)

Hüseyin Aksoy is an automotive expert with more than 10 years of industry experience.

Related Posts

50+ volvo xc60 dashboard symbols and meanings (full list), cadillac warning lights – cadillac dashboard symbols and meanings, 50+ nissan dashboard symbols and meanings (full list).

50+Vauxhall Zafira Warning Lights and Meanings (Full List)

50+ Toyota 4runner Dashboard Symbols and Meanings (Full List)

Car Dashboard Symbols and Meanings | The Complete Guide

Write a comment cancel.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Submit Comment Login

Comments (12)

A spanner symbol with letters HMMF What does this mean

The meaning of the lamp you are talking about is “A warning to contact the service as soon as possible”. It means there is a fault in the engine or transmission electronics. The electronic system switches to the emergency drive program. In this case, fuel consumption may increase and the driveability of the vehicle may deteriorate.

My Honda Shutter has a dashboard warning light that indicates a fault in the start system of the vehicle. What should my next course of action.

Hello, please take a photo of the warning light and send it to the email below. It would be wrong to comment without seeing it. Mail: [email protected]

I have a 2009 Honda Civic. I am in Canada. I left windows partially open last night. It rained a lot. Driving the car, all seems well, but I get an orange warning light. I do not see it in the manual or online. It is right above the green Cruise Main symbol. It shows a person with seat belt on and a large oval with an X through it.

Can you help?

Are you asking about the fault lamp in the link below? https://i.hizliresim.com/nzcud9q.png İf so, This warning lamp appears when the airbag system is off.

My 2017 Honda Civic will not start – all indicator warning lights flash at the same time – separate message after trying to start engine comes up alternatively with EP or VS. Any ideas will be appreciated?

My Hounda CRV showing a orange spanner and the letter i on the dashboard what dose this mean

My Haunda CRV showing an orange spanner and the letter i on the dashboard warning lights what dose this mean

Our Honda Jazz hybrid showing a petrol pump with a brown line above it.We are wondering what this means.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

No more posts to display!

Sign in now to take advantage of Car Warning Lights privileges!

• Car Warning Lights
• Maintenance

The Steele Honda Blog

Official blog.

What do the Honda dashboard and warning lights mean?

Common  2020 honda cr-v dashboard and warning light meanings  .

You can find a full list of 2020 Honda CR-V dashboard and warning light symbols and meanings in your official owner’s manual under the “Instrument Panel” section. Below, we have a selection of six common indicator lights that may appear. Keep reading to learn what Honda dashboard and warning lights mean. 

Six Honda dashboard and warning indicator lights  

Honda low oil pressure indicator light  .

This symbol indicates that your engine oil in your vehicle has low pressure. It also comes on when you turn the ignition switch to ON and turns off when the vehicle starts. If this light comes on when you are driving, immediately pull over to the side of the road in a safe place. 

Honda charging system indicator light  

The charging system indicator light will activate when you flip the ignition switch to the ON position and will go off when the engine starts up. It will come on for a longer period of time if the battery fails to charge. If it comes on when you are driving, then turn the climate control system and rear defogger off to help reduce electricity use.

Honda low fuel indicator light  

A low fuel indicator light will come on when the fuel reserve is close to empty and it will blink if there is an issue with the fuel gauge. Once it turns on, refuel your vehicle at the next opportunity. If it blinks, have it looked at by a Honda dealer.

Honda Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) indicator light  

This light means that there is a problem with the ABS. It will come on for a moment when you flip the ignition in your vehicle to ON and then go off automatically. If it stays on for more time, then you should have your dealer check it out. Your vehicle will still have the ability to brake but will not have an anti-lock function.

Honda Vehicle Stability Assist ™ (VSA) indicator and off indicator lights  

When you turn the ignition on, these two lights will briefly light up and then go off. The VSA system light will blink when VSA is active and will come on constantly if there is an issue with the system or hill start assist system. If that is the case, then have your vehicle checked by a dealer.  

The VSA off indicator will come on when you partially disable VSA or if the system is temporarily deactivated. If this indicator does not go off after driving a short distance, see a dealer. Drive slowly until this light goes off.

Honda low tire pressure monitor system or TPMS indicator light  

Like many of the other lights, this light will come on briefly when the ignition is turned to ON. If it stays on, then it indicates that one or more of the vehicle’s tires has significantly low tire pressure. If it comes on while driving, then stop in a safe area and inflate the  tires as needed.  

Related maintenance information

Frequently asked questions about Honda maintenance

If you lost your owner’s manual, please use the online PDF version. You can find that on owners.honda.com . You’ll need to know your Honda model and model year for accurate information.

Reference your owner’s manual to find out which light it on and what it means. The manual will also tell you the best solutions. Sometimes, you may need to make an appointment with a Honda dealership for maintenance.

A Honda warranty will cover a repair cost only when it is caused by a manufacturer defect. When that happens, Honda will issue a recall for that component, and you will get all repairs done free of charge. Other repairs due to natural wear and tear on a vehicle are not covered.

Frequently asked questions about Honda used vehicles

Does Steele Honda carry Certified Used Vehicles? Yes, we do have Certified Used Vehicles, otherwise known as Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles. Whether you know them as CUVs or CPOs, these vehicles come with some amazing benefits.

What benefits do CPO models come with? We have a blog on this topic. Check it out and watch the three video guides within to get a full understanding of what it means to buy a CPO or CUV model.

Is a flat tire covered by my Honda warranty?

More From Steele Honda

Where can i purchase the 2025 honda pilot in st. john’s, nl, beat the chill: remote starter in the 2024 honda cr-v, when is the right time to get your vehicle's transmission flushed, stay cool on the road: top tips for maintaining your car's cooling system.

• Find a Retailer
• Book a Test Drive
• Brochures / Price Lists
• Login to My Account My Account Saved Car Configurations My Test Drives My Digital Service Records MY ACCOUNT LOGIN TO MY ACCOUNT DO NOT HAVE AN ACCOUNT YET?

Honda warning lights and dashboard symbols guide

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 e, 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?

Red dashboard symbols and warning lights

Amber dashboard symbols and warning lights

Green dashboard symbols

Blue dashboard symbols

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.

The automatic brake hold system is on – but it may be out of use. See ‘Automatic brake hold indicator’ for details.

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.

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.

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.

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.

If the oil can with an exclamation mark lights up when your engine is on, the oil level sensor needs checking by a professional.

If this symbol appears when you’re driving, you should stop as soon as possible as it means a door is open.

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.

This warning symbol provides a reminder to the driver – and sometimes front passenger – to put their seatbelt on while the vehicle is moving.

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.

If you see this warning light, it could mean there is a fault with the suspension.

When the adjustable speed limiter button is pressed, this light will show and the vehicle won’t be able to exceed the given speed.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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)

This shows there’s a problem with the electric vehicle system or plug-in charging system. Have it checked by your dealer.

The ready indicator comes on when the vehicle is ready to drive, such as in the all-electric Honda e.

This warning light will let you know that your rear fog lights are on.

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.

If your Honda is equipped with a smart entry system, this light could signify an issue with the starting system for the push button.

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.

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.

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.

This light should appear when adaptive cruise control is turned on.

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.

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.

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.

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.

High beam will automatically come on when low light is detected.

This light reminds you that your high beams are on.

Owners Manuals

Read more about symbols and warning lights here

Featured articles

• Forum Listing
• Marketplace
• Advanced Search
• 2022+ Honda Civic Ownership Lounge
• 2022+ Honda Civic Dealers, Prices And Orders

Please help me identify what this light means?

• Add to quote

The information you’re looking for should be in your owners manual. I’d get up and look at mine but I’m too lazy right now🤣  

😂😂😂 I get it! When I googled it, I read that it might mean the coolant is low. Kind of weird so I’ll swing by the dealer and let them check it out.  

Ssweat487 said: Just purchased my 2022 Civic Sport two days ago. I’ve noticed the blue light come on and stay on for about two minutes. This only happens when I haven’t driven the car for several hours. I’m thinking it’s the temperature indicator? View attachment 1975 Click to expand...

Welcome to the forum @Usedtohaveacivicsi ! I have to ask, which Civic Si did you used to have? lol.  

From page 100 of the manual: "Comes on when the engine coolant temperature is low. ● If the indicator stays on after the engine has reached normal operating temperature, there may be a problem with the temperature sensors. Have your vehicle inspected by a dealer."  

Thank you so much! I probably wouldn’t worry about it if it were the winter time, but I live in Florida and it’s so hot right now your skin melts. This is why I thought it was kind of weird to be seeing this indicator.  

Well you see Honda decided we did not need an actual Temperature Gauge so they gave us this light that means our car is still warming up. If you want to drive your Honda forever like I do you should wait for that light to go out before you give it all the Bald Eagles.  

So after all my years of driving, Honda has decided that the engine temp gauge is only available on their high end Civics. If you bought a Civic Sport the dash display will not show temp. This is the A type meter. B type meter display will have temp gauge. I bet someone out their has already figured out how to read the engine temp on their phone. I'm sure all the sensors are there and the computer knows where the temp is at. This is a step back in progress. Even FORD Model T's came with a temp gauge. Sport model only gets message" Engine Temperature too hot. Do not drive. Allow Engine to cool." P.731  

• ?            
• 73.5K posts
• 10.5K members

Top Contributors this Month

Honda Dashboard Warning Lights, Symbols and Meanings

We have explained the Honda dashboard warning lights and symbols in detail. On this page, you can find the dashboard warning lights of all Honda vehicles and fix the problems. Honda is a Japanese car manufacturer. In 2014, it was the eighth largest automobile manufacturer in the world. Honda was founded in 1946, and the brand is liked by many people today. Each produced model is exported by over 100 thousand on average and contributes to the country's economy. Many models are widely used, especially in the United States.

Honda Dashboard Warning Sign and Meanings

Before you notice the Honda dashboard warning lights and their meanings, you need to have some basic knowledge. The most important of these is the color definition. Warning signs are separated according to colors and inform the user about the severity of the situation. In this case, too, the user may know how to fix the problem.

• Red colors:  If you get a red warning sign on your vehicle, you should realize that the situation is serious. Continuing to drive, in this case, will cause more permanent damage to your car. It is important to know the malfunction and who you can solve the problem with. We usually provide information on how to solve the problem next to the faults. You can view it in detail.
• Yellow and Orange colors:  This type of malfunction again means serious malfunction. In some cases, however, it allows you to continue driving and gains time to fix the problem. An experienced mechanic or authorized service can usually fix these faults.
• Green and blue colors:  Faults with this color are defined as simple faults, and there is no obstacle to continuing driving. However, this depends on your environment and time. For example, The high beam fault is identified as blue. However, not having your high beam headlights on at night is a serious problem. It does not prevent you from driving during the day, but continuing to drive at night with this malfunction can cause serious accidents. You must be careful.

The information we have conveyed here is shared in more detail on the vehicle detail page. You can access your vehicle page and view the entire fault list by typing your vehicle model in the search box. We will give you all kinds of support to fix the faults.

Our Latest Additions Related to Honda

South Lyon :

WHAT DOES A BLUE ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE LIGHT INDICATE?

At one time or another, every car owner has noticed a light flashing on the dashboard and had no idea what it means or what is happening with his or her car. Well, while each of these lights points to specific issues, some are more crucial than others. All the same, knowing exactly what each light means will save you preventable downtimes as well as costly damages.

Also known as the Coolant Temperature Low Indication Light, the blue light on your dashboard indicates that coolant temperature is extremely low. Once you turn the ignition key, the warning light illuminates for one to two minutes (until the engine is at optimal operative temperature) then goes off automatically. If it's one of those chilly winter mornings, the engine might longer to warm up, and the light equally takes longer to go out. However, if the blue light does not go out even after startup, it might be a red flag that there is a problem with the coolant temperature or its fluid level.

IS IT SAFE TO DRIVE WHILE THE COOLANT TEMPERATURE WARNING LIGHT IS ON?

While most car owners tend to ignore the blue light, they risk causing significant damage to the car engine. When this light comes on when you are driving, you should pull over immediately and contact a certified technician. They will run thorough diagnostics to identify the main problem then provide the necessary repair or maintenance services.

Remember that a low coolant level indicates a potential leak which a certified mechanic must address immediately. Otherwise, your engine will overheat, leading to major and irreversible damages, which are costly to repair. Once the light finally goes off, you should take your car on a test drive, as the warning light will automatically light up again if the problem has not been fixed.

If you are unsure of what a warning light appearing on your dashboard indicates, you can consult your car's owner manual. All the same, proper diagnostics from a professional technician will help you avoid unnecessary repairs. If you need vehicle service, we invite you to bring your vehicle to our auto repair shop today!

Why Mazur's Total Automotive Should Be Your Choice for Exhaust System Repairs

How Mazur's Total Automotive Keeps Your Vehicle Cool with AC Repair

Exploring the Benefits of Mazur's Total Automotive's Transmission Repair Services

Road Trip Readiness: Get Your Vehicle Checked at Mazur's Total Automotive in South Lyon, Pinckney/Hamburg, and Howell, MI

Stay Cool on the Road: Car Air Conditioning Maintenance and Repair

Understanding the Advantages of Mazur's Total Automotive's Wheel Alignment Services in Michigan

A Complete Guide to Tire Maintenance and Replacement at Mazur's Total Automotive

The Importance of Routine Maintenance at Mazur's Total Automotive: What You Need to Know

How Does Regular Oil Change Service at Mazur's Total Automotive Benefit Your Car?

Top 10 Signs Your Vehicle Needs a Tune-Up at Mazur's Total Automotive

Experience The Total

Automotive Difference.

© 2023 Mazur's Total Automotive . All Rights Reserved | Website managed by Shopgenie

Howell: (517) 548-1600

520 Victory Drive, Howell, MI 48843

Pinckney: (810) 231-2322 5759 E. M36, Pinckney, MI 48169

South Lyon: (248) 289-9661 22540 Pontiac Trail, South Lyon, MI, 48178

List of Services

• Air Conditioning Service Air Conditioning Service Air Conditioning Service
• Power Steering Repair Power Steering Repair Power Steering Repair
• Transmission Service Transmission Service Transmission Service
• Tire Replacement & Repair Tire Replacement & Repair Tire Replacement & Repair
• Engine Repair and Replacement Engine Repair and Replacement Engine Repair and Replacement
• Brake Repairs Brake Repairs Brake Repairs
• Cooling System Service Cooling System Service Cooling System Service
• Electrical Diagnosis and Repair Electrical Diagnosis and Repair Electrical Diagnosis and Repair
• RV Repair - Howell Location Only RV Repair - Howell Location Only RV Repair - Howell Location Only
• Check Engine Light Check Engine Light Check Engine Light
• Complete Vehicle Maintenance Complete Vehicle Maintenance Complete Vehicle Maintenance

© 2023 Mazur's Total Automotive . All Rights Reserved | Website managed by ShopGenie

Howell : (517) 548-1600

520 Victory Drive, Howell, MI 48843  

Pinckney :     (810) 231-2322      

5759 E. M36, Pinckney, MI 48169  

South Lyon:     (248) 289-9661   22540 Pontiac Trail, South Lyon, MI, 48178  

• Forum Listing
• Marketplace
• Advanced Search
• Pilot Discussions
• 2012-2015 Pilot

What is this blue light?

• Add to quote

There is a little blue light, that comes on once in awhile. It is located in the front of the ceiling between the moonroof switch and the interior light switch. And I did look through the owner's manual. Thanks  

I've wondered what it is also. I think it illuminates at night if you have your interior lights set to the auto setting, i.e., interior lights turn on when hitting unlock button on the key fob. I like it because it gives the cup holder area a nice blue color at night!  

It's a convenience LED light that illuminates the contents of the console storage area. Gives a gentle non-distracting blue 'glow' that helps you find stuff at night, bright enough but not too bright. I have old tired eyes and it's a handy feature I didn't know I needed until I saw how well it works. Now I need to find more places to use one, including in my other cars.  

Thanks, I found out the blue light goes on, when I turn the headlights on. Still trying to figure out all the bells and whistles.  

The Manual calls it "courtesy light" (aside from the door courtesy lights).  

• ?            
• 832.4K posts
• 160.9K members

Top Contributors this Month

• Forum Listing
• Marketplace
• Advanced Search
• Honda HR-V Forum
• 🔹 2023+ (Gen 3) HR-V General Discussion

Blue Thermometer Light on dashboard

• Add to quote

Hello, I picked up my 2024 Honda HR-V LX 2 days ago. When I started it up to drive to work yesterday, a blue thermometer light came on…and then went off about 30 seconds later. It came on again while driving home from work yesterday…and then by the time I exited the parking lot at work, it went off again. This morning, the same thing. is this blue thermometer light something I should be concerned with? Thanks!  

That means the engine is cold. When it warms up it turns off.  

EliNY said: Hello, I picked up my 2024 Honda HR-V LX 2 days ago. When I started it up to drive to work yesterday, a blue thermometer light came on…and then went off about 30 seconds later. It came on again while driving home from work yesterday…and then by the time I exited the parking lot at work, it went off again. This morning, the same thing. is this blue thermometer light something I should be concerned with? Thanks! Click to expand...

I suspect this light gets red with an overheat condition ????  

One of the first things I asked my sales rep after I took delivery. Just means that the engine is cold. It goes away within five minutes. I did notice that they removed the engine temperature gauge from the HRV. My former Honda Civic (2003) had one, and I depended upon that to make certain my engine wasn't overheating. I had to replace the radiator on that one when the engine temp needle started doing a yo-yo up and down.  

Dont take this the wrong way... But it is a good idea to sit down and read the book that came with the car. It explains all the different lights on the dash and what they mean and tell you if service or immediate action is required...  

Lots of good info in that book...  

• ?            
• 20.4K members

Top Contributors this Month

Everything To Know About Honda's Marine Engines

Unlike most vehicles, commercial boats can be considered a "power source sold separately" mode of transportation. Smaller boats such as canoes mostly use paddles, but anything larger requires an outboard motor — also known as a marine engine — that isn't always included in the price tag. Plenty of motor companies such as Yamaha produce their own lines of boat motors , but if you're looking for some of the strongest and most reliable motors , you'll probably go for a Honda.

Honda's line of boat engines belongs to the company's Honda Marine product catalog. Aside from the aforementioned motors, Honda also offers boats, propellers for engines, and accessories such as conversion and charging kits. As previously stated, Honda marine engines are only one brand in a sea of outboard motors — pun definitely intended — so why should you pick a Honda over a Suzuki or a Mercury? Well that's what we're here to discuss. 

If you're thinking of buying a Honda marine engine (or any outboard motor for that matter), we'll cover the brand's history and some reasons why you might want to favor a Honda over one of its competitors.

The brand started in 1964

The Honda Motor Company was founded in 1948 by Soichiro Honda and Takeo Fujisawa in Hamamatsu, Japan. The organization's first products consisted of bicycle auxiliary engines, but Honda eventually branched out to different countries and motor industries, one of which consisted of boat motors — sort of.

Honda offered its first outboard motor starting in 1964, This engine, the GB30, was simple in design but differed from other marine engines because it technically wasn't one, as the GB30 was actually an industrial engine. This motor was originally designed for the agricultural sector, but Honda retrofitted it with small-scale Japanese fishermen in mind to help them navigate Japan's rivers and lakes. The chief design principle of the GB30 and all subsequent Honda marine engines can be summed up by quoting Soichiro Honda when he said simply, "Mobility on the water should not pollute the water."

Still, the GB30 delivered 2.5 horsepower without requiring too much fuel, and the engine was relatively quiet, to boot. As time went on, Honda Marine started producing actual outboard motors that weren't repurposed tractor engines. While the GB30 couldn't handle the rough-and-tumble waves of the ocean, its successors could. In 1967, Honda started selling marine engines to U.S. customers, and these products are currently some of the most popular outboard motors available stateside.

Honda offers four sizes of engines

Boats come in different sizes, and this means that they need different sizes of outboard motors. If the engine is too small, your boat won't go anywhere, but if the engine is too big you could lose control. Thankfully, Honda offers plenty of engines that cater to different needs and commercial boats.

Honda sells engines in four different sizes – portable, mid-range, high power, and jet drive. The Portable line consists of lightweight motors designed for dinghies and johnboats. Depending on the model, these motors can boast anywhere between 57.2 to 350 cc of displacement and 2.3 to 20 horsepower. The mid-range engines, meanwhile, are the next step up in power. These engines are good for skiffs, flat boats, pontoons, and smaller fishing boats, and they provide anywhere between 552 to 1,496 cc of displacement and 25 to 100 horsepower.

The high power engines are where things start to get really juicy. While prior engines are ideal for shallow waters, High Power models are meant for oceanic locations and work best with charter boats, fishing boats, and even government vessels. These engines provide anywhere from 2,345 to 4,952 cc of displacement and between 115 and 350 horsepower. Finally, there's the jet drive engines. These motors fit all the boats that accept high power engines while offering between 998 to 2,354 cc of displacement and from 40 to 105 horsepower.

What sets Honda marine engines apart from others

To cut down on manufacturing and weight, many engine producers have built outboard motors as two-stroke engines . However, those kinds of devices are inefficient and prone to excessive pollution, so companies have started manufacturing four-stroke outboard motors. Honda is not one of those companies because it doesn't need to catch up with the times — it was ahead of them all along.

Even though Honda Marine's first engine, the GB30, was nothing more than a repurposed agricultural engine, it was still a four-stroke engine. This gives Honda the honor of offering the first four-stroke outboard motor. When Honda started selling these engines in foreign markets such as the United States, they were usually the first four-stroke outboards to hit their respective overseas markets. In 1985, Honda was also the first company to provide a full line of four-stroke outboard motors.

Thanks to their four-stroke designs, Honda marine motors were more fuel efficient and ran cooler than their main rivals. In fact, Honda outboards were so efficient that starting in 2005, every model either met or exceeded the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)'s emission standards. This means the company also manufactured the first outboard motors to ever exceed EPA emission guidelines. In addition, starting in 2008 Honda marine engines earned three-star ratings from the California Air Resources Board (CARB), which is impressive since that state has some of the strictest air quality laws in the United States.

Honda has won numerous awards for its engines

While not a foolproof metric, you can usually judge the quality of a product by the number of awards it or its manufacture has won. Razzies notwithstanding, the more the merrier. This rule can apply to cars, movies, video games, and even outboard motors.

Honda Marine's earliest awards were for its engine design prototypes. The company has won the IMTEC Innovation Award for the BF45 and BF90 motors, the latter of which also received Popular Mechanics' Design and Engineering Award in 1995. Later, Honda won the IBEX Innovation Award (the successor to the IMTEC Innovation Award) in 2011 and 2016 for the BF250 and BF6 engines, respectively.

While Honda received several awards for its motors, its most reliable recognitions are in the customer service front. Starting in 2004, Honda Marine got the Customer Service Award from the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), and as of 2023, the NMMA has given Honda Marine the same award for 21 years running. This might explain why many local and federal government agencies rely on Honda Marine engines — they run smoothly most of the time, and when they don't, Honda's there to make 'em work. 

Of course, Honda also offers a five-year warranty on all of its outboard engines, regardless of who buys it, so that probably bumped the company up a few positions in the NMMA Customer Service rankings.

Honda didn't make V8 engines before its marine motors

V8 engines are some of the most sought-after motors in the auto industry. If you own a car with one, you own a powerhouse and collector's item rolled into one. Honda never bothered constructing any commercially available V8s until the early 2020s, but even then the engines were not designed for their cars.

Honda currently only makes one V8 engine  – the BF350. The final offering in Honda's High Power line, this engine is the most powerful outboard motor in Honda Marine's product catalog. While V8 engines aren't known for their fuel efficiency, the BF350 is supposed to run longer than many other outboards. Moreover, Honda designed the engine to run on regular gas, which is a rarity among V8 engines and lets owners save on refueling costs.

The BF350 went on sale in 2023, almost a full 60 years after Honda Marine was founded and almost 100 years after the V8 engine was invented. While Honda once offered a car that included a V8 engine that predated the BF350, the Honda Crossroad, that SUV used a non-Honda V8 -– a 3.9 L Rover to be precise. Since the BF350 is Honda's first true stab at V8 engines, only time will tell if the company adapts the technology for its cars, keep V8s restricted to marine engines, or limits the V8 to a one-off experiment.

Fuel efficiency is built into many marine engine technologies

Motor manufacturers should always strive for fuel efficiency. After all, we have only so much crude oil on the planet. Fuel efficiency is literally built into the DNA of every Honda Marine engine, almost to the point of redundancy.

Many of Honda Marine's engines utilize at least one form of technology designed to help users save gas. One such system is Honda's Variable Valve Timing & Lift Electronic Control (VTEC), which alternates the lift and duration of intake valves depending on an engine's speed to maximize power and torque. Another common proprietary technology is Boosted Low Speed Torque (BLAST), which opens up the throttle quickly and improves the air-fuel ratio and ignition timing to maximize the engine's power. Depending on the mode, Honda's marine engines can also include power thrust, dual stage induction, and lean burn control systems.

One might wonder how these features improve a Honda outboard motor's fuel efficiency since they are seemingly more designed to let users floor it, which normally wastes gas. The answer is a term of art that every boater worth their salt knows — getting on plane. This occurs when a boat's lift increases to a point where it rides over its bow wave. Not only does getting on plane improve a boat's stability, but it also reduces drag, which means the engine will require less gas to maintain this speed and performance. Yes, a Honda engine might use more fuel to get on plane faster, but that sacrifice saves gas in the long run.

Many motors integrate with other systems

Interconnectivity is a main feature of modern technology. You can use a phone to control everything from your air conditioning to your PlayStation, and Honda offers similar services. Your phone can act like a digital key for certain Honda cars, and Honda Marine's motors can sync up with other boat-based devices.

With the exception of Honda Marine's portable line of engines as well as the mid-range BF25 and BF30 models, all of the company's outboard motors include NMEA 2000 functionality. This system is a communication protocol that utilizes Controller Area Network (CAN) tech. Originally, CAN technology was designed for automobiles, but NMEA helped it find a second home in marine engines.

While the NMEA 2000 lets many Honda motors communicate with GPS and sonar devices, the protocol wasn't designed by Honda. The system's name is partially formed out of the acronym of the organization that created it — the National Marine Electronics Association. The NMEA 2000 was built with universal communication in mind, so you can use sonar, GPS, and other nautical devices developed by companies such as Garmin, Navico, and Molex. However, you need to wire everything together with an NMEA 2000 kit or purchase a boat with NMEA 2000 wiring pre-installed before the devices will communicate.

Many engines feature plug-and-play technology

When you think of outboard motors, the image of an engine controlled by a stick probably comes to mind. Honda Marine's smaller marine engines provide this control method, but if you get anything bigger than their smallest engines, you need a different system that the company gladly provides.

While NMEA 2000 is technically a plug-and-play technology that lets Honda marine engines communicate with other devices, the company offers another plug-and-play system exclusive to its motors – Intelligent Shift & Throttle (IST). This protocol is primarily designed for boats with more than one Honda motor. Once they are hooked up, you can control both engines simultaneously. IST also lets you alter each engine's trim position as needed.

Even though IST is primarily designed for syncing up Honda engines, that's only part of the system's functions. IST also offers support for third-party controls such as SeaStar Solutions' Optimus 360 Joystick. Moreover, IST has theft-deterrent systems and superior docking controls that are improved even more when paired with the aforementioned joystick. In addition, IST technically utilizes NMEA 2000, which means it works with the SeaStar Solutions SeaStation GPS system. What's so important about this particular GPS? It can automatically tether a boat to a set location so you can fish in your favorite spot without worrying about drifting away.

Honda marine engines are easy to maintain

Maintenance is a crucial part of owning an engine, perhaps more so with outboard motors. If your engine breaks down in the middle of an ocean or lake, you can't exactly call AAA and expect them to tow your boat to a shop . However, Honda Marine's engines are so easy to maintain that you can DIY the process no matter your level of engine expertise.

Honda Marine engines have a huge advantage compared to other outboard motors thanks to four-stroke design. Granted, four-strokes are expensive to maintain because they have more moving parts, but by that same token, they require maintenance less often. When you need to work on your Honda outboard, you can usually start by easily unclasping the top.

Many Honda Marine engines contain features that make maintenance even easier than it already is. For instance the BF2.3 model utilizes a carburetor drain screw to quickly empty out the float bowl, and draining oil is designed to be as easy as filling it. Meanwhile, the BF 20, 30, and 50 cut down on maintenance time and cost by including side-mounted oil filters and screw-type valve adjusters. Ease of maintenance, especially when it comes to oil and filter changes, is a selling point for most if not all Honda outboard motors.

Honda offers several tools to help new users

If you're new to marine engines -– which you probably are if you're reading this article –- you probably need all the help you can get. An article like this can only get you so far. Even if you know what engine you want or need, how do you know what propeller will go with it? Can you even afford the engine? Honda Marine can throw you a few bones in these regards.

The first and most important tool Honda offers is a prop calculator built into its website. To start, select between eight different types of boat hulls, six performance goals (e.g., general purpose, racing, or fuel economy), and the various Honda Marine engines. Then select whether you will use one or two engines and your boat's performance and weight, and the calculator will provide the best prop to go with your engine of choice.

Honda also provides financing options to help make outboards more affordable. Currently, the company provides a 3.99% financing plan on outboard motors, but visitors can also find a 5.99% and 7.24% financing plan from Sheffield Financial. However, those are just the offers available on the Honda website. The company also has financing promotions available through various dealers, but in order to find which ones are near you, you have to search for them through the Honda website.

Recommended