Understanding the Accord’s dash alerts lets you act before a minor issue becomes a costly repair. Red lights signal “stop right away,” amber lights ask for prompt attention, and green lights simply confirm that a feature is active.
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Red Warning Lights (Stop Immediately)
Engine Oil Pressure
Oil pressure is critically low. Safely pull over, shut off the engine, and check the oil level; add oil or call for service.
Brake System
Hydraulic failure or parking brake left on. Stop, check brake fluid, release brake if set, and arrange towing if the light stays on.
Battery Charge
Alternator not charging. Switch off non-essential electrics and reach a workshop before the battery drains.
Engine Overheat
Coolant temperature is too high. Stop the car, let it cool, and inspect coolant level; do not open the cap while hot.
Airbag/SRS Fault
Airbag system disabled. Drive only if necessary and schedule immediate diagnostic service.
Seatbelt Reminder
Driver or passenger belt unfastened while moving. Stop and buckle up to silence the alert and restore airbag effectiveness.
Door Ajar
Any door isn’t fully latched. Pull over, close all doors firmly, then drive on.
Hood Open
Hood isn’t secured. Stop and close it completely to avoid visibility loss or damage.
Trunk Open
Trunk lid loose. Park safely and close it to prevent lost cargo or exhaust fumes entering the cabin.
Parking Brake Engaged
Handbrake still applied. Release fully before continuing to avoid brake damage.
Brake Fluid Low
Reservoir below minimum. Stop, top up with correct fluid, and check for leaks before resuming.
Power Steering Failure
Electric steering assist lost. Vehicle becomes heavy to steer; stop safely and seek repairs.
Transmission Overheat
CVT/AT fluid too hot. Pull over, shift to Park, idle until the light clears; service if it reappears.
Collision Mitigation Brake (CMBS)
System fault or blocked radar. Safety braking disabled; stop and clean sensors or visit dealer.
Low Brake Pad
Wear sensor tripped. Friction material nearly gone—replace pads before driving further.
Yellow/Amber Warning Lights (Action Required Soon)
Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine)
Engine or emissions fault detected. Car may run roughly; have codes read and fix soon.
ABS
Anti-lock brakes offline. Braking still works but wheels may lock; drive cautiously and repair promptly.
Tire Pressure Monitor
One or more tires under-inflated. Check pressures, inflate to spec, and look for punctures.
Traction Control (VSA)
Stability aid deactivated or faulted. Reduced grip assistance; drive carefully and troubleshoot.
VSA Off
Driver has turned stability control off. Re-enable when extra traction is needed.
Electric Power Steering
Reduced assist due to fault or low voltage. Steering feels heavy; inspect system soon.
Low Fuel
Range is short. Refuel at the next opportunity to avoid stalling.
Smart Entry/Key Battery
Key fob battery weak or detection error. Replace battery or hold fob near start button.
Adaptive Cruise Fault
Radar or camera issue disables adaptive cruise. Clean sensor area and service if light stays on.
Lane Keep Assist Fault
Camera blocked or system failure. Lane centering unavailable until fixed.
Collision Mitigation Amber
CMBS limited by weather or obstruction. Clean sensors; if persistent, seek service.
Brake Hold Fault
Auto-hold not available. System needs inspection to restore convenience.
Auto High Beam Fault
Camera or sensor error. Manual headlight control required until serviced.
Diesel Particulate Filter
Filter nearing full (diesel models). Drive at highway speed to regenerate or visit dealer.
Green Information Lights (Information Only)
Turn Signal (Left/Right)
Indicator flashes while signaling. Cancel after lane change.
Headlights On
Low-beam headlights active. Confirms exterior lighting.
High Beam
Blue icon shows main beams engaged. Dim for oncoming traffic.
Daytime Running Lights
DRLs are operating for daytime visibility.
Adaptive Cruise Set
Adaptive cruise engaged and maintaining chosen gap.
Lane Keep Assist Ready
LKAS active and tracking lane markings.
ECON Mode
Eco setting on; throttle and climate adjusted for fuel savings.
Sport Mode
Transmission and engine sharpened for performance driving.
EV Mode (Hybrid)
Car running solely on battery power.
Auto Stop Enabled
Idle-stop system primed to shut the engine at stops.
Parking Sensors Active
Ultrasonic sensors ready; listen for beeps when near objects.
Fog Lights On
Front fog lamps lit for improved low-visibility vision.
Hill Assist On
System holding brakes to aid uphill starts; releases when you accelerate.
When looking at Honda, make sure to check out our guides on models like the Honda Civic, Honda CR-V, and Honda Jazz. Understanding dashboard warning lights is essential. Our expert reviews break down what each light means, highlighting common alerts for these models and what they could signal about underlying issues, so you’re never left guessing behind the wheel.
