Start with the color
Dashboard lights follow a loose traffic-light convention that most manufacturers share:
- Red: a serious problem or a safety issue. Treat it as “stop and check” rather than “deal with it later.”
- Amber or yellow: something needs attention soon. It is usually safe to continue for a short time, but do not ignore it.
- Green or blue: a system is on and working, such as headlights, cruise control or turn signals.
Colors are a guide, not a guarantee. The exact symbol, color and wording can differ between makes, models and model years, so your owner’s manual is the final word for your car.
Flashing versus steady
A steady light usually means a fault has been detected or a reminder is due. A flashing light often signals something more urgent. The best-known example is a flashing check engine light, which generally points to an active problem such as an engine misfire that can damage the catalytic converter if you keep driving hard. If a light flashes, reduce speed, avoid heavy loads and get the car checked promptly.
Red warning lights
If one of these appears while driving, find a safe place to stop and consult the manual.
- Oil pressure: an oil can symbol. It can mean low oil pressure, and running an engine without enough oil pressure can cause severe damage. Pull over, switch the engine off and check the oil level once the engine has had a moment to settle.
- Engine coolant temperature: a thermometer in waves. It can mean the engine is overheating. Stop, let the engine cool before opening anything, and do not open a hot radiator or reservoir cap.
- Brake system: often a circle with an exclamation mark or the word BRAKE. It can mean the parking brake is still applied, the brake fluid is low, or there is a fault in the system. If the parking brake is off and the light stays on, have the brakes inspected before continuing.
- Charging system (battery): a battery outline. It usually means the battery is not being charged properly, often because of the alternator, a belt or a wiring issue. The car may run for a while on battery power alone, but it can stall. See our guide on how to diagnose car electrical problems for basic checks.
- Airbag or SRS: a person with a circle. The restraint system may not work as designed. This one is amber on some cars and red on others, so check your manual. Have it inspected.
- Seat belt and door: reminders that a belt is unfastened or a door is not fully closed.
Amber and yellow lights
- Check engine light (malfunction indicator lamp): an engine outline. The engine control computer has stored a fault, often tied to emissions or a sensor. Causes range from a loose fuel cap to a failing component. A simple first step is to check that the fuel cap is tight, then have the stored code read. Many parts stores read codes for free, and the code gives you something specific to research. Sensors play a big part here, which we cover in types of car sensors and what each one does.
- ABS: the letters ABS in a circle. The anti-lock function may be disabled, though normal braking usually still works. Drive with extra care and book an inspection.
- Tire pressure (TPMS): a flat tire shape with an exclamation mark. One or more tires may be under-inflated. Check pressures with a gauge when the tires are cold, and inflate to the figure on the driver’s door jamb label or in the manual. If it flashes and then stays on, it can indicate a fault in the monitoring system.
- Electric power steering: a steering wheel with an exclamation mark. Steering assistance may be reduced, so the wheel can feel heavy.
- Traction or stability control: a car with wavy lines. Flashing during slippery conditions is normal because the system is working. Staying on can mean it is off or faulty.
- Low fuel and washer fluid: simple level reminders.
- Maintenance reminders: many cars show a service or maintenance indicator based on a countdown or oil life estimate. This is not a fault, but it is a prompt to book service.
Green and blue lights
These are informational: headlights, high beams (typically blue), turn signals, fog lights and cruise control. If one is on and you did not expect it, it simply means the feature is active.
Honda Accord dashboard notes
Honda dealers describe the Accord’s lights in broadly the same groups listed above: check engine, charging, oil pressure, coolant temperature, brake, ABS, electric power steering, airbag, tire pressure, low fuel, and a maintenance reminder system. Details vary by generation and trim. Some Accords also use a message display, which shows text or an icon for items such as the smart key system or maintenance reminders. If your Accord shows a symbol that is not on this page, check the indicator section of the owner’s manual for your exact model year.
What to do when a light comes on
- Note the color and whether it flashes. That sets the urgency.
- Look at the gauges and how the car feels. Smoke, smells, strange noises, loss of power or heavy steering are reasons to stop.
- Check the obvious. Fuel cap, tire pressures, parking brake, fluid levels.
- Consult the manual. It shows the exact symbol and the manufacturer’s advice.
- Get codes read or book an inspection. Do not rely on clearing the light, since the fault is likely to return.
Frequently asked questions
Can I keep driving with a warning light on? It depends on the light. A red light generally means stop safely and investigate. An amber light often allows careful driving for a short time while you arrange a check. A flashing light deserves prompt attention.
What do the common dashboard symbols mean? The most common are the check engine light, oil pressure, battery or charging, coolant temperature, brake, ABS, airbag, tire pressure, and low fuel, all covered above.
Why did the light come on and then go off? Some faults are intermittent, and a system may clear a warning after several normal drive cycles. The fault code may still be stored, so it is worth having it read.
Do all lights come on briefly at start-up? Yes, many lights illuminate for a moment as a bulb check when you turn the ignition on, then go out. A light that stays on is the one to pay attention to.