What’s That Light Mean? Honda Dashboard Warnings Explained

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What’s That Light Mean? Honda Dashboard Warnings Explained

Posted on July 23, 2025

Few things are more unsettling than a dashboard light flicking on while you’re driving through Kamloops or heading down the Trans-Canada Highway. Whether it’s a blinking engine icon or an unfamiliar orange symbol, understanding what these lights mean can save you time, money, and stress.

 

At Kamloops Honda, we want to help drivers in the Thompson Valley stay informed and confident behind the wheel. Here’s a breakdown of the most common Honda dashboard lights and what you should do when one appears.

 

Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator Lamp)

This is one of the most recognized and misunderstood warning lights. It may be solid or flashing, and either way, it’s your Honda’s way of saying something in the engine or emissions system isn’t functioning as expected.

 

A solid light could mean a loose gas cap or a sensor issue, while a flashing light may signal something more serious—like engine misfiring.

 

What to do: Check your gas cap first. If it’s tight and the light stays on, schedule a diagnostic appointment with Kamloops Honda as soon as possible.

 

Oil Pressure Warning Light

This red oil can symbol means your engine isn’t receiving proper oil pressure. That can lead to major engine damage if ignored.

 

What to do: Pull over safely and shut off the engine. Check your oil level. If it's low, top it up. If the light remains on, contact our service department immediately.

 

Battery Charging System Warning

This light looks like a car battery and indicates an issue with the charging system—either the battery, alternator, or wiring.

 

What to do: If this light turns on while driving, your vehicle could lose power soon. Schedule a battery test at Kamloops Honda or bring your vehicle in for service.

 

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

A symbol that looks like a flat tire with an exclamation mark alerts you to low tire pressure in one or more tires. Kamloops’ temperature swings can cause pressure to fluctuate, so it’s a common light to see in spring and fall.

 

What to do: Check all tire pressures and inflate as needed. If the light doesn’t go away, visit our service lane for a quick inspection.

 

Brake System Warning Light

A red exclamation mark inside a circle usually indicates the parking brake is engaged—or something more serious like low brake fluid or a system malfunction.

 

What to do: Ensure your parking brake is fully released. If the light stays on or you notice changes in braking, schedule service immediately.

 

Maintenance Minder Light

This light looks like a wrench and reminds you that your Honda is due for scheduled maintenance. It’s part of Honda’s smart Maintenance Minder system, which adapts to your driving conditions.

 

What to do: Book your next service at Kamloops Honda to stay on schedule and preserve your vehicle’s performance.

 

ABS Warning Light

The ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) light means the system has been deactivated due to a fault. Your brakes will still work, but without the added safety of ABS.

 

What to do: Schedule a brake inspection to get your ABS system diagnosed and restored.

 

VSA (Vehicle Stability Assist) System Light

This light, showing a car with skid marks, indicates the VSA system is off or malfunctioning. It helps maintain traction in slippery conditions—especially helpful during Kamloops’ snowy winters.

 

What to do: Try turning the system on manually. If the light stays on, we recommend a quick diagnostic at our service department.

 

Trust Kamloops Honda for Accurate Diagnostics and Fast Fixes

Your Honda dashboard is packed with safety technology designed to give you real-time feedback—and when one of those lights comes on, it’s worth listening. Whether it’s routine maintenance or an urgent repair, our certified technicians are here to help.

 

We offer fast diagnostics, genuine Honda parts, and convenient service appointments for Kamloops drivers. Let’s keep your drive safe and stress-free.

 

Book your service appointment today.