Honda Civic Dashboard Warning Lights & Symbols: The Complete Guide (2001–2024)

Overview of Honda Civic Dashboard Symbols

We provide a fully comprehensive guide to every dashboard symbol, warning light, and system indicator found on the Honda Civic from 2001 to 2024. This includes petrol, diesel, hybrid, GX, Type R, GTi, sedan, hatchback, coupé, and all international trims. Our goal is to help you identify each symbol accurately, understand what your Civic is telling you, and determine the urgency of the issue.

To make the guide as clear as possible, we group symbols by system type: engine, safety, lighting, driver assistance, electrical, and general vehicle condition.

Engine & Powertrain-Related Warning Lights

Engine Fault / Check Engine Light

The engine fault light indicates an issue detected by the powertrain control module. Triggers include poor fuel mixture, blocked injectors, misfires, low compression, vacuum leaks, sensor failures, or transmission-related irregularities. Avoid ignoring this symbol as prolonged driving may cause catalytic converter damage or heavy power loss.

Low Engine Oil Pressure / Check Engine Oil

This symbol signals critically low oil levels or insufficient oil pressure. Causes often include an acute leak, failed oil pump, or degraded oil. Immediate engine shutdown is recommended to avoid severe internal damage such as bearing failure or piston scoring.

High Engine Coolant Temperature

This symbol means your Civic is overheating. Low coolant, a leaking radiator, thermostat failure, or a failing water pump are common triggers. Overheating can rapidly lead to head gasket failure, so the vehicle should not be driven until inspected.

Glow Plug Indicator (Diesel Variants Only)

A solid green indicator shows normal pre-heating. A flashing or yellow indicator suggests glow plug failure, relay issues, or heater circuit problems. Starting difficulties in cold climates often accompany this warning.

Electrical & Battery System Indicators

Battery Charging System Fault

This warns that the battery is receiving insufficient charge. Causes include alternator failure, worn belts, voltage regulator malfunction, or battery degradation. Driving with this warning risks sudden electrical shutdown.

Steering Wheel Lock Indicator

Indicates the steering lock is engaged or there is a malfunction in the electronic lock module. Failure to unlock can prevent starting.

Brake, ABS, and Stability Control Warnings

Handbrake / Parking Brake Engaged

Displayed when the handbrake or foot-operated parking brake is activated. If seen while driving, it can also indicate brake fluid loss or a malfunction in the braking system.

ABS System Fault

A fault in the ABS module means the vehicle can still brake but may lose anti-lock functionality. Wheel speed sensor or pump motor failure are typical causes that require prompt attention.

Brake Fluid Low

This symbol means the brake fluid level has dropped below the safe operating limit. Common causes include pad wear, system leaks, or a failing master cylinder.

Brake Pads Worn

When illuminated, the brake pad sensors have identified minimal pad thickness. Continuing to drive may cause rotor scoring or severely reduced braking performance.

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ESP / ESC Engaged

Indicates stability control intervention. Flashing during slippery conditions is normal, but a persistent symbol may point to wheel speed sensor issues or steering angle calibration errors.

Lighting System Indicators

Low Beam Lights On

Shows that your standard dipped headlights are engaged for normal visibility.

High Beam Lights On

Indicates full-beam illumination. Use only in low-traffic areas to avoid dazzling oncoming drivers.

Automatic Low Beam Activated

Signals that the auto-lighting system has turned on the dipped beams based on ambient light.

Automatic High Beam Activated

Represents automated high-beam operation. The system may not always detect oncoming vehicles, so manual override is sometimes necessary.

Automatic Lights Malfunction

Warns of a fault in the ambient light sensor or headlight control module. Manual operation remains usable.

Front Fog Lights Enabled

Shows activation of the front fog lights, designed for low-visibility environments such as fog or heavy mist.

Bulb Failure

Triggered when one of the exterior bulbs—headlight, tail lamp, indicator, or number plate light—has failed or when a wiring/fuse fault is present.

Driver Assistance & Safety System Indicators

Airbag / SRS Fault

Indicates an issue with the supplemental restraint system. Typically caused by sensor faults, seatbelt tensioner issues, or damaged wiring under the seats. Airbags may not deploy during an accident.

Parking Sensors Engaged

Shows that the parking proximity sensors are active. Audible beeps increase as the vehicle approaches an obstacle.

Front Radar Active

Represents active radar for adaptive cruise control or collision mitigation braking. Blocked sensors, dirt, or heavy rain can reduce performance.

Lane Keep Assist Active

Indicates that lane assistance is functioning. It may engage only above certain speeds depending on the model year.

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Cruise Control Activated

Means cruise control is ready for use but not yet set. A separate indicator confirms when speed has been set.

Air Suspension Fault (If Equipped)

Appears in models equipped with aftermarket or premium air suspension setups. A leak or compressor failure is the usual cause.

Transmission & Gear-Related Symbols

Press Foot Brake

Displayed when the brake pedal must be pressed to start the engine or shift out of Park.

Vehicle in Park

Indicates that the transmission lever is set to P. Some models may flash if the sensor detects incomplete engagement.

Body & Interior Indicators

Bonnet / Hood Open

Indicates that the hood is not fully latched. Even minor misalignment can trigger the sensor.

Boot / Trunk Open

Shows that the rear trunk is open or not properly latched.

Heated Seats Active

Vertical bars represent the selected heat intensity level for the seat.

Heated Windscreen Activated

Signals that the windscreen heating element is melting frost or ice.

Intermediate Windscreen Wipers Active

Indicates that automatic or intermittent wiper mode is enabled.

Tire & Suspension Condition Symbols

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Fault

Displayed when tire pressure is too low or when a sensor malfunctions. Incorrect wheel sizes or recent tyre replacement can trigger false alerts.

Check Wheel

Points to wheel-related issues such as misalignment, imbalance, or bent rims. It may also appear after hitting a pothole.

Eco & Performance Indicators

ECO Mode Activated

Shows that the vehicle is operating in fuel-efficient mode, optimizing throttle sensitivity and shift patterns.

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Symbol Color Meanings

Honda uses universal color-coding to signal severity:

• Green / Blue: Informational, feature active.
• Yellow / Amber: Caution — minor fault or system intervention detected.
• Red: Critical — stop driving immediately and seek urgent assistance.

Final Notes

Your Honda Civic's dashboard warnings are sophisticated diagnostic tools designed to keep your vehicle safe and performing at its best. While some lights simply inform you of active features, others demand immediate professional inspection. When in doubt, stop driving and have the vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic.

If you want to know other articles similar to Honda Civic Dashboard Warning Lights & Symbols: The Complete Guide (2001–2024) you can visit the category Service and Parts.