The Honda Civic comes equipped with a range of modern features and relies heavily on various sensors for its functionality. These sensors communicate important information through the instrument cluster in the form of symbols and warning lights.
Understanding the meaning of these warning lights is crucial, as they indicate various aspects of the vehicle’s status and performance.
A set of common dashboard indicator in Honda cars serves as a universal guide for drivers, remaining consistent across various models. These warning lights and symbols are vital tools that ensure drivers are informed about their vehicle’s functions and overall performance.
Some of these symbols relate to vehicle features (such as lights and sports mode), while others pertain to safety features (like blind-spot monitoring and lane departure warnings). Additionally, certain symbols may indicate mechanical issues (like low tire pressure and engine temperature warnings).
In this article, we’ll focus on the dashboard signs that are specific to the Honda Civic, providing drivers with insights into their meaning and importance for a better understanding of their vehicle’s functionality.
Types of Honda Civic’s Dashboard Warning Light
The color of warning lights or symbols in a Honda Civic indicates their importance and the nature of the issue they’re highlighting.
Warning lights in vehicles, including those in the Honda Civic, are typically categorized into three groups based on their colors and importance. These groups are:
- Green or Blue: These lights provide information about the vehicle’s features or systems, such as high beams, turn signals, or cruise control. They are for informational purposes and typically not cause for immediate concern.
- Amber or Yellow: Yellow or amber lights signify non-critical issues that require the driver’s attention but aren’t emergencies. They may indicate things like a fault in the ABS system, low fuel, or a service reminder.
- Red and/or flashing: These are the most critical warnings and demand immediate attention. They often indicate serious issues like engine problems, low oil pressure, or overheating, and issues related to safety, such as seat belt warnings. Ignoring red warning lights can lead to severe damage or safety risks.
Honda Civic Dashboard Warning Lights
The layout of the dashboard display and the location of warning lights may vary depending on the year of manufacture and the model version of your Honda Civic. Not all indicators discussed here may be applicable to your specific Honda Civic.
Honda Civic Dash Signs Meaning
Parking Brake and Brake System Indicator
Name : Honda Civic Parking Brake and Brake System Indicator
Description : The “Parking Brake and Brake System Indicator” serves various purposes in your vehicle:
- It illuminates when the parking brake is applied and turns off when the brake is released.
- A beeping sound and the indicator come on if you drive with the parking brake engaged. This is a safety feature to alert you to disengage the parking brake.
- The indicator comes on for about 30 seconds when you apply the electric parking brake while the power mode is in ACCESSORY or VEHICLE OFF, then it turns off.
- It stays on for about 30 seconds when you set the power mode to VEHICLE OFF while the electric parking brake is applied, then it goes off.
- The indicator also comes on when the brake fluid level is low, indicating a potential issue with the brake system. When this happens while driving, it’s essential to ensure that the parking brake is released, stop your vehicle in a safe location, and check the brake fluid level. Low brake fluid can affect braking performance and should be addressed promptly.
Parking Brake and Brake System Indicator
Name : Honda Civic Parking Brake and Brake System Indicator
Description : The “Parking Brake and Brake System Indicator” serves various functions in your vehicle:
- Comes on if there is a problem with a system related to braking other than the conventional brake system.
- If this light comes on while driving, it signifies an issue with a braking system other than the primary brakes. In this situation, avoid high speeds and sudden braking and promptly take your vehicle to a dealer for inspection.
- Comes on if there is a problem with the electric parking brake system and/or the automatic brake hold system.
- When this indicator stays on constantly, it suggests a problem with the electric parking brake system or the automatic brake hold system. Avoid using the parking brake and have your vehicle checked by a dealer immediately.
- Comes on if the brake system is temporarily deactivated after the battery has been disconnected, then re-connected.
- If the indicator comes on due to the temporary deactivation of the brake system after the battery has been disconnected and reconnected, you can resolve this by driving a short distance at speeds above 12 mph (20 km/h). The indicator should then turn off. If it does not, have your vehicle checked by a dealer.
- Indicator may come on temporarily when the Maximum Load Limit is exceeded.
- This light may temporarily illuminate if you’ve exceeded the Maximum Load Limit. Make sure that the total load in your vehicle remains within the specified Maximum Load Limit.
Automatic Brake Hold System Indicator
Name : Honda Civic Automatic Brake Hold System Indicator
Description : The “Automatic Brake Hold System Indicator” illuminates when the automatic brake hold system is activated. This system allows you to release the brake pedal when your vehicle comes to a stop, and the system will automatically hold the brakes for you until you press the accelerator pedal to resume driving.
Automatic Brake Hold Indicator
Name : Honda Civic Automatic Brake Hold Indicator
Description : The “Automatic Brake Hold Indicator” illuminates when the automatic brake hold feature is activated. This system holds the brakes for you when your vehicle comes to a stop, allowing you to release the brake pedal until you’re ready to resume driving.
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
Name : Honda Civic Malfunction Indicator Lamp
Description : The “Malfunction Indicator Lamp” (MIL) has a few functions:
- System Checks: When you turn on your vehicle, the system performs self-checks. If all systems are ready, the indicator stays off. However, if certain readiness codes related to emissions control have not been set, it will blink five times and then go off. These readiness codes are part of the vehicle’s emissions control system diagnostics.
- Problem with Emissions Control: If there’s a problem with the emissions control systems of your vehicle, this indicator will come on. Emissions control systems help reduce pollution from the vehicle.
- Misfire Detection: It will blink when the vehicle’s engine control unit (ECU) detects a misfire in one or more of the engine’s cylinders. A misfire can lead to increased emissions and reduced engine performance.
Read More about: Reasons Car Check Engine Light Comes.
Battery Charging System Indicator
Name : Honda Civic Battery Charging System Indicator.
Description : The “Charging System Indicator” comes on when there is a problem with the vehicle’s charging system. This system includes components like the alternator, battery, and associated wiring. If this indicator illuminates while you’re driving, it’s a warning that there might be an issue with your vehicle’s charging system, and you should have it inspected by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible. Problems in the charging system can lead to a dead battery and other electrical issues in your vehicle.
Read more about: Why Battery Light ON? Top 5 Common Causes & How To Fix It
Shift Position Indicator
Name : Honda Civic Shift Position Indicator.
Description : The “Shift Position Indicator” simply shows the current shift position of your vehicle’s transmission. It’s a visual display that helps you easily determine whether your vehicle is in park, neutral, drive, or other gear positions. This indicator is especially helpful for automatic transmissions, where it can be less obvious which gear the vehicle is in compared to a manual transmission.
Transmission System Indicator
Name : Honda Civic Transmission System Indicator.
Description : The “Transmission System Indicator” will blink if there is a problem with the transmission system in your vehicle. This warning is meant to alert you to a potential issue with your transmission that needs attention. If you see this indicator blinking, it’s advisable to have your vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic or service technician to diagnose and address the problem with the transmission.
Seat Belt Reminder Indicator
Name : Honda Civic Seat Belt Reminder Indicator.
Description : The “Seat Belt Reminder Indicator” functions as follows:
- It blinks and beeps for a few seconds when you set the power mode to ON without fastening your seat belt, and then the indicator remains on.
- If the front passenger isn’t wearing a seat belt, the indicator comes on a few seconds later.
- When the rear seat belt is unfastened while the power mode is ON, the indicator comes on for a while.
- While driving, if you or any passenger has not fastened a seat belt, the indicator blinks, and a beeping sound occurs at regular intervals to remind you to fasten your seat belt for safety.
Low Fuel Indicator
Name : Honda Civic Low Fuel Indicator.
Description : The “Low Fuel Indicator” operates as follows:
- It comes on when your fuel level is running low, indicating that you have approximately 2.2 U.S. gallons (8.4 liters) of fuel remaining in the tank.
- If the “Low Fuel Indicator” blinks, it suggests there might be an issue with the fuel gauge.
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) Indicator
Name : Honda Civic Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) Indicator.
Description : The “Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) Indicator” comes on if there is a problem with the ABS.
Supplemental Restraint System Indicator
Name : Honda Civic Supplemental Restraint System Indicator.
Description : The “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
Electric Power Steering (EPS) System Indicator
Name : Honda Civic Electric Power Steering (EPS) System Indicator.
Description : The “Electric Power Steering (EPS) System Indicator” comes on if there is a problem with the EPS system.
Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA®) System Indicator
Name : Honda Civic Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA®) System Indicator.
Description : The “Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA®) System Indicator” blinks when VSA® is active. It 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. It also comes on if the VSA® system is deactivated temporarily after the battery has been disconnected, then re-connected. If the indicator remains on, drive a short distance at more than 12 mph (20 km/h).
Read more about: Why ESP Warning Light is ON? Top 5 Common Causes
Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA®) OFF Indicator
Name : Honda Civic Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA®) OFF Indicator.
Description : The “Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA®) OFF Indicator” comes on when you partially disable VSA®.
Low Tire Pressure/TPMS Indicator
Name : Honda Civic Low Tire Pressure/TPMS Indicator.
Description : The “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, indicating that the calibration process is not yet complete.
Read More about: Why TPMS Light is ON & How To Reset It?.
Turn Signal and Hazard Warning Indicators
Name : Honda Civic Turn Signal and Hazard Warning Indicators.
Description : The “Turn Signal and Hazard Warning Indicators” blink when you operate the turn signal lever. They also blink along with all turn signals when you press the hazard warning button.
Lights On Indicator
Name : Honda Civic Lights On Indicator.
Description : The “Lights On Indicator” comes on when the parking, tail, and other external lights are turned on.
High Beam Indicator
Name : Honda Civic High Beam Indicator.
Description : The “High Beam Indicator” comes on when the high beam headlights are turned on.
Auto High-Beam Indicator
Name : Honda Civic Auto High-Beam Indicator.
Description : The “Auto High-Beam Indicator” comes on when all the operating conditions of the auto high-beam are met.
System Message Indicator
Name : Honda Civic System Message Indicator.
Description : The “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. You can roll the right selector wheel to see the message again.
ECON Mode Indicator
Name : Honda Civic ECON Mode Indicator.
Description : The “ECON Mode Indicator” comes on when the ECON mode is activated.
Immobilizer System Indicator
Name : Honda Civic Immobilizer System Indicator.
Description : The “Immobilizer System Indicator” blinks if the immobilizer system cannot recognize the key information.
Read more about : Why Honda Civic Immobilizer Light Stays ON? : How To Reset it?
Auto Idle Stop OFF Indicator
Name : Honda Civic Auto Idle Stop OFF Indicator.
Description : The “Auto Idle Stop OFF Indicator” comes on when the Auto Idle Stop system has been turned off by the Auto Idle Stop OFF button.
Auto Idle Stop System Indicator malfunction
Name : Honda Civic Auto Idle Stop System Indicator malfunction.
Description : The “Auto Idle Stop System Indicator malfunction” blinks if there is a problem with the Auto Idle Stop system.
Auto Idle Stop System Indicator Active
Name : Honda Civic Auto Idle Stop System Indicator Active.
Description : The “Auto Idle Stop Indicator active” comes on when the Auto Idle Stop system is in operation, which means the engine is automatically shutting off.
Auto Idle Stop Suspend Indicator
Name : Honda Civic Auto Idle Stop Suspend Indicator.
Description : The “Auto Idle Stop Suspend Indicator” comes on while Auto Idle Stop is temporarily suspended in various situations, such as:
- The brake pedal is not fully pressed.
- The transmission is in a position other than D.
- System charging is prioritized.
- The climate control system is prioritized.
- The defogger is ON.
- Engine coolant temperature is not in the operating range.
- The battery temperature is too low.
- Auto Idle Stop does not activate for some reason.
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low Speed Follow Indicator (Amber)
Name : Honda Civic Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low Speed Follow Indicator (Amber).
Description : The “Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low Speed Follow Indicator” (Amber) comes on if there is an issue with the ACC with Low Speed Follow system. It can also come on if this system is temporarily deactivated after the battery has been disconnected and then reconnected.
This indicator might also come on briefly if the Maximum Load Limit is exceeded, causing the ACC with Low Speed Follow to be automatically canceled.
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Standby
Name : Honda Civic Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Standby.
Description : The “Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Standby” indicator lights up in white when ACC is active. It also lights up if no vehicle is detected ahead of you while ACC with Low-Speed Follow is in operation.
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Active
Name : Honda Civic Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Active.
Description : The “Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Active” indicator lights up in green if a vehicle is detected ahead of you while ACC with Low Speed Follow is in operation.
Read More about: What is Cruise Control and How To Use It?.
Lane Keeping Assist System Malfunction
Name : Honda Civic Lane Keeping Assist System Malfunction.
Description : The “Lane Keeping Assist System Malfunction” indicator comes on if there is a problem with the Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS). It may also come on temporarily when the Maximum Load Limit is exceeded.
Lane Keeping Assist System Standby
Name : Honda Civic Lane Keeping Assist System Standby
Description : The “Lane Keeping Assist System Standby” indicator lights up in white when you activate LKAS.
Lane Keeping Assist System Active
Name : Honda Civic Lane Keeping Assist System.
Description : The “Lane Keeping Assist System Standby” indicator lights up in green when the LKAS is in operation.
Cruise Mode Indicator
Name : Honda Civic Cruise Mode Indicator.
Description : The “Cruise Mode Indicator” lights up in white when you switch to cruise mode.
Cruise Mode Indicator active
Name : Honda Civic Cruise Mode Indicator active.
Description : The “Cruise Mode Indicator Active” lights up in green when you have set a speed for cruise control.
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low Speed Follow Interval Indicator
Name : Honda Civic Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low Speed Follow Interval Indicator.
Description : The “Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low Speed Follow Interval Indicator” comes on when the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low Speed Follow indicator is active.
Safety Support Indicator
Name : Honda Civic Safety Support Indicator.
Description : The “Safety Support Indicator” comes on if there is a problem with the Road Departure Mitigation system, CMBSTM, or blind spot information system. The indicator may also come on temporarily when the Maximum Load Limit is exceeded. It comes on if the Road Departure Mitigation system and CMBSTM are deactivated temporarily after the battery has been disconnected and then re-connected. The indicator also comes on when the Road Departure Mitigation system and/or CMBSTM shuts itself off. Additionally, it comes on when mud, snow, or ice accumulates in the vicinity of the blind spot information system sensor or when the temperature of the blind spot information system sensor is high.
Safety Support Indicator Green
Name : Honda Civic Safety Support Indicator Green.
Description : Lights up in green when the Road Departure Mitigation system, CMBSTM, and blind spot information system are on.
Safety Support Indicator Gray
Name : Honda Civic Safety Support Indicator Gray.
Description : The “Safety Support Indicator” lights up in gray when the Road Departure Mitigation system, CMBSTM, and blind spot information system* are inactive.
