Dashboard Warning Light Guide in Chantilly, VA

If you’re greeted by several dashboard warning lights when you enter your car but aren’t quite sure what they all indicate, you’re not alone. In fact, from our experience, there are lots of folks who don’t have a clear grasp on what all the symbols stand for. That’s why we at Honda of Chantilly are here to bring everyone up to speed with this brief guide. If you have any questions, just contact our Service Department at 571-748-5611.

Signs that Need Immediate Attention

Typically, your dashboard warning lights will require either immediate attention or can be handled at a later time. The ones that need to be adhered to as soon as possible are generally the ones that involve your own safety. For instance, the seat belt reminder light will flash when you fail to strap yourself in for the ride. You’ll recognize it because the light looks like a person with a missing seat belt. You may also spot a symbol of a car with its doors open, as it will turn on whenever someone fails to close the entry behind them. Additionally, if you see a red BRAKE light appear, you’ll want to make sure that you’ve got your parking brake released.

Safety System Lights

Although we’ve just covered some general safety lights within your dashboard, your Honda will also have symbols that represent specific technologies. For instance, when you get a message that says TPMS in yellow, your Tire Pressure Monitoring System might need some attention from our mechanics. However, if the aforementioned feature is working properly, you may see a circle with an exclamation mark in the center. If you see this, it’s likely one of your tires needs to be inflated again.  On top of that, folks who have a 4WD system should keep an eye out for a sign that says VTM-4, as it indicates a potential malfunction. Last but not least, you should pull off to the side of the road when you see A/T TEMP because it means that your transmission fluid is too hot.

When to See a Service Department

Your dashboard lights can also give you a pretty good indication of when you need to visit a service bay. If you turn on your car and see a red battery light, it means the corresponding component is no longer being charged. Similarly, you may also notice an oil light turn on, which just lets you know that the pressure is low. Another sign to look out for is a yellow light in the shape of an engine. When this illuminates in your dashboard, you may be experiencing an emissions malfunction. Finally, a yellow wrench will appear when you’re overdue for a maintenance procedure.

If you found this dashboard warning light guide in Chantilly, VA, to be useful and want more information regarding the rest of the symbols to pay attention to, make your way to Honda of Chantilly. We can’t wait to meet you!