Error Messages and Warning Lights in Honda and Acura Cars

If you own a Honda or Acura vehicle, I bet you have seen numerous warning messages and lights that you couldn't understand. While sometimes those are just simple glitches, they can still be dangerous and denote some fatal situations that you can avoid if you react on time.

In this article, I'm gathering all the error messages and warning lights in Honda and Acura cars that I've already written about in this blog. I will give short takeaways for each message and will also give you a link to a more specific article about a certain message or light.

Hope this helps you drive your Honda safely and avoid fatal failures of the expensive and important units.

"Auto Engine Idle Stop System Problem" message in Honda

When you see the "Auto Engine Idle Stop System Problem" in a Honda car, your start-stop system shouldn't be working. This means that the vehicle noticed something weird and the conditions aren't met for the start-stop to work properly.

Sometimes, this message may come on the dash with no obvious reason. In this case, I would say you have an electrical problem - maybe some fuse is blown or there is a problem with one of the secondary control units.

You need a scanner to get the codes directly when this message is on because once it goes off and the engine is shut off, the codes will probably be erased.

Also, the weak 12V battery may be the reason for this issue.

Auto engine idle stop system problem message highlights:

• Common reasons:dying 12V battery, start-stop can't activate, weird codes in control units
• How to fix:check the battery, check the fuses, read the codes
• Possible consequences:no serious consequences, start-stop not working
• Priority level:Low
• Can you drive?Yes
• DIY repair:Possible but complicated
• Repair price range:$10-$250

"Tighten Fuel Cap" message in Honda

Whenever you see the "Tighten Fuel Cap" message in your Honda, you need to know that the problem may not be with the cap itself.

First of all, try reinstalling the cap and drive for some time to let the system recalibrate itself. It takes about 10 miles or half an hour to do this. If the problem persists, clean the cap and the filler neck.

If it's still causing the problems after that, check if the cap is damaged. Or you also may have a problem with the EVAP system if your Honda or Acura has a lot of miles on it.

Alternatively, there are some issues with the weak 12V battery that can trigger this problem just because it triggers some random codes in the ECU and all the electronics may start glitching.

Tighten fuel cap message highlights:

• Common reasons:bad cap, dirty filler neck, EVAP problems, dying 12V battery
• How to fix:check the cap, clean the filler neck, check the battery, read the codes
• Possible consequences:no serious consequences, the message may stay on for a long time
• Priority level:Low
• Can you drive?Yes
• DIY repair:Possible
• Repair price range:$0-$50

"Electric Parking Brake Problem" message in Honda

When it comes to brakes, you should be extremely careful and never ignore the problems. The "Electric Parking Brake Problem" message usually means that the parking brake motor or control module is not feeling well.

In Honda vehicles, it may fail because of actual physical damage or at high mileage. The message will come on to inform you that the brake may not work at all, so if you see this, try parking your car on level ground to avoid parking pawl damage in your transmission.

Sometimes, the problem is about the weak 12V battery. In other cases, the issue is all about the braking system and it needs a professional touch for proper inspection and repairs.

Electric parking brake problem message highlights:

• Common reasons:parking brake motor, EPB control module issue, 12V battery weak
• How to fix:check the battery, read the codes, try disconnecting the battery for some time
• Possible consequences:parking brake may not be engaged
• Priority level:High
• Can you drive?Yes
• DIY repair:Possible but complicated
• Repair price range:$50-$500

"Brake System Problem" message in Honda

While the "Brake System Problem" message can also mean problems with the parking brake system, it may tell you about much more serious problems with the main braking system. This message should never be ignored because your life and health depend on how well the brakes work in your car.

So, when you see this message in a Honda or Acura car, you should stop the vehicle safely. The next step is to check whether the brake fluid is at a normal level. After that, if it's possible, look at the pads and verify they are still thick enough to brake properly.

If the braking system throws an error message, it's very helpful to have a scanner and read the codes. Sometimes, you may get a deeper understanding of what's happening. For example, you will see that the thin pads cause the issue and you may carefully drive further. Or you may find out that the brake problem message is about the electric parking brake motor.

Also, it's possible that the braking system error message popped up because of the weak battery. In this case, you will need to charge or replace the battery to get rid of the wrong warning.

Brake system problem message highlights:

• Common reasons:brake fluid low, brake pads thin, EPB problems, bad battery
• How to fix:check the brake fluid level, check the battery, check pads, read the codes
• Possible consequences:you may lose the brakes, be careful
• Priority level:High
• Can you drive?Not recommended
• DIY repair:Possible but complicated
• Repair price range:$150-$500

"Anti-Lock Brake System Problem" message in Honda

While the "Anti-Lock Brake System Problem" message also has something to do with brakes, it usually pops up on the dash of your Honda or Acura vehicle when the voltage in the system is low. In this case, just check the battery and charge it.

If the problem is actually with the brakes, there are usually two possible triggers for this message. First of all, this is a faulty wheel-speed sensor. And secondly, the problem may be with the ABS control module being damaged by water or heat.

Also, the message may have other wording with the same meaning: "Check ABS System"

Anti-lock brake system problem message highlights:

• Common reasons:ABS sensor failure, ABS control module problem, weak battery
• How to fix:check the battery, read the codes for ABS sensor or module problems
• Possible consequences:ABS may not be working properly
• Priority level:High
• Can you drive?Carefully
• DIY repair:Possible but complicated
• Repair price range:$100-$650

"All-Wheel-Drive System Problem" message in Honda

When you see the "All-Wheel-Drive System Problem" message in your Honda vehicle, it's quite obvious that the vehicle has some problems with the AWD - the differential, the half shafts, or the transaxle. Sometimes, transmission problems may also trigger this message.

Also, this message can have another appearance and pop up as the "Check AWD System", especially in Acura cars.

In some cases, the issue may be connected with a sensor or actuator and it's easy to fix. But Honda diffs are known to be faulty, especially between 2010 and 2015. You should change the fluid in the differential a little more often than Honda recommends to avoid issues. Replacing the differential is not that cheap.

All-wheel-drive system problem message highlights:

• Common reasons:differential problem, low fluids in AWD units, sensor or actuator problems
• How to fix:read the codes, take it to a professional
• Possible consequences:driving the car further may destroy the AWD units
• Priority level:High
• Can you drive?Not recommended
• DIY repair:Impossible
• Repair price range:$200-$2,500

"Charging System Problem" message in Honda

The "Charging System Problem" in any Honda or Acura car will be connected to the battery, alternator, and wiring. Also, this problem may trigger the "Check Charging System" message in some generations of Honda cars. These messages are equal.

This is one of the most common problems in Honda vehicles, so thousands of drivers see the message in their cars regularly.

The reason for the charging system issues is usually the failing alternator. It may start producing lower voltage and the battery will not be charged properly. Also, the electronics may start glitching heavily because of voltage issues.

Also, the old and worn-out battery will be one more possible reason for this issue. Actually, the problem is really easy to solve - you need to charge the battery or replace it if it's over 4-5 years old. But before this, try checking the battery.

The least common reason for this annoying message is the problem with wiring. If your car was in an accident or you were off-roading, the wiring between the alternator and the battery may be bad. The problems with corroded connections are also worth checking.

Finally, you may want to check the ground cable connection. If it's loose, the car may show all kinds of different problems.

Charging system problem message highlights:

• Common reasons:alternator issues, dying battery, wiring problems
• How to fix:check the battery, check the alternator, take it to a good mechanic
• Possible consequences:the car may eventually refuse to start
• Priority level:High
• Can you drive?Yes, but not long
• DIY repair:Possible, sometimes complicated
• Repair price range:$150-$450

"Emission System Problem" message in Honda

Whenever you see the "Emission System Problem" message, you may be sure that your Honda has seen the issue with the control of emission gases. This can be anything starting with the catalytic converter or oxygen sensor failure, finishing with the issues with fuel combustion or air supply.

It's hard to say what the emission system warning is trying to tell you. But it's obvious that if you see this message in a high-mileage vehicle, the problem is most likely with the converter. this is the filter that catalyzes harmful gases and turns them into harmless elements. Over time, the converter tends to ruin and it stops working properly, so the oxygen sensor registers the problem with emissions system.

The problem is common for older Honda and Acura vehicles. But before you decide to replace the converter, you will need a proper inspection. Sometimes, the emission issue is triggered by something else which is much cheaper to repair or replace.

Emission system problem message highlights:

• Common reasons:catalytic converter problems, oxygen sensor faulty, issues with fuel combustion
• How to fix:read the codes, inspect the emission system units
• Possible consequences:you won't pass the fog test
• Priority level:High
• Can you drive?Yes
• DIY repair:Impossible
• Repair price range:$300-$1,500

"Road Departure Mitigation System Problem" message in Honda

Usually, you will see this message when there is a problem with the adaptive cruise control feature. It happens when the radar sensor is blocked or the camera is obstructed by something. But sometimes, the problem may be tricky.

For example, I've written an article explaining why the "Road Departure Mitigation System Problem" may pop up in your dash when you have a flat tire. After you inflate the tire, the TPMS system will need some time to recalibrate, and the warning will stay on the dash.

Of course, there is a myriad of possible reasons why the ACC stopped working and triggered the road-departure-mitigation message. So, you need a good inspection.

Road departure mitigation system problem message highlights:

• Common reasons:ACC problems, flat tire, other problems
• How to fix:check the radar sensor, check the camera, confirm the tires are good, read the codes
• Possible consequences:ACC, emergency brakes won't work
• Priority level:Low
• Can you drive?Yes
• DIY repair:Possible
• Repair price range:$0-$250

"Check TPMS System" message in Honda

If you see the "Check TPMS System" in your Honda, it means that the vehicle suspects one of the sensors gives wrong readings. The message may also sometimes pop up when the tire pressure is incorrect.

But, in most cases, you will see this message when the system requires service. Other than the sensors, the control module can also malfunction and need some attention. This is not a DIY task as even getting to the sensors is pretty hard without using professional equipment.

Check TPMS system message highlights:

• Common reasons:bad TPMS sensor, glitch in TPMS module, low tire pressure
• How to fix:check tire pressure, get it to a professional mechanic
• Possible consequences:tire monitoring won't be working
• Priority level:Low
• Can you drive?Yes
• DIY repair:Impossible
• Repair price range:$150-$300

"FCW System" message in Honda

FCW stands for Forward Collision Warning. The system relies on the front radar sensor and the camera, depending on the generation of the safety system.

Usually, the "FCW System" message means that the radar sensor isn't working or the camera is obstructed. While this can be the result of the radar failure, there are also several other possible reasons like faulty wires or connections, bad weather, or just software glitch.

So, even the fog or heavy rain or snow may actually lead to the FCW System message popping up. It won't need any fixes, in this case - just wait till the weather is better.

FCW system message highlights:

• Common reasons:blocked radar or camera, bad weather, software problems
• How to fix:clean the radar and camera, check weather, disconnect the battery for some time
• Possible consequences:several safety features and ACC won't work
• Priority level:Low
• Can you drive?Yes
• DIY repair:Possible
• Repair price range:$0-$500

"Engine Management System Problem" message in Honda

While the "Engine Management System Problem" message sometimes may be pretty depressing because it may mean that the engine control unit is malfunctioning, it's very often displayed just because the battery terminals aren't tightened well.

Before you spend money on inspection and repairs, take a 10-mm wrench and tighten the terminals on your battery. Make sure there is no white or blue buildup on the terminals that would prevent the power from flowing from the battery to all the systems in your vehicle.

If this doesn't help, you will need a professional inspection because the problem is most likely in the ECU or its wiring.

Engine management system problem message highlights:

• Common reasons:loose battery terminals, ECU problems
• How to fix:tighten the terminals, clean the terminals if needed, have the car inspected
• Possible consequences:car may lose electrical power and stall
• Priority level:Medium
• Can you drive?Yes
• DIY repair:Possible
• Repair price range:$0-$750

"Blind Spot Information System Problem" message in Honda

The blind spot monitoring system in your Honda relies on several sensors around the vehicle. When something is wrong with these sensors, you may see the "Blind Spot Information System Problem" message and the indicators won't show information about the objects in the blind spot.

So, the main sensors are located under the rear bumper cover and they may be damaged during even a very small accident. Any impact may change their position and you will need to recalibrate or even replace them.

Also, there may be problems with wiring and water damage. But first of all, you should check whether the rear bumper is clean. If it's dirty, the sensors may be just blocked. I had a dead bug stuck to the rear bumper once and this prevented the blind spot monitoring from working.

Blind spot information system problem message highlights:

• Common reasons:rear sensors are blocked or broken
• How to fix:clean the bumper, disconnect the battery for some time
• Possible consequences:blind spot monitoring will not work
• Priority level:Low
• Can you drive?Yes
• DIY repair:Possible
• Repair price range:$0-$250

VTM-4 light in Honda

The VTM-4 light in your Honda may pop up on the dash along with the check engine light. It means that the Variable Torque Management is activated and is working or it may mean that there is a problem with some traction control unit.

Unfortunately, it's virtually impossible to guess what exactly malfunctions just by seeing the VTM-4 light. You will need a good scanner to check the possible codes in various control modules first.

Also, the system may just reset after you restart the car or change the driving conditions. In this case, there is nothing to worry about - this just was a temporary glitch.

VTM-4 light highlights:

• Common reasons:VTM-4 is active, problems with VTM functions
• How to fix:read the codes, restart the engine
• Possible consequences:no serious consequences
• Priority level:Medium
• Can you drive?Carefully
• DIY repair:Possible
• Repair price range:$0-$200

Malfunction Indicator Lamp in Honda

The Malfunction Indicator Lamp in your Honda vehicle is actually the check engine light. So, it shows that there is a problem with the engine management system. Essentially, it tells you about the issues registered by the ECU or other related control modules.

When the malfunction indicator light is on, there is a code behind it. For reading this code, you may need a proper scanner, not just a cheap ELM scanner. Alternatively, you may want to pay for a professional inspection.

It's hard to say how safe it is to drive further. The problem is that you just can't predict what exactly is going wrong with the car. So, it's important to check it as soon as possible.

Malfunction indicator lamp highlights:

• Common reasons:any ECU code or other codes
• How to fix:read the codes, have the vehicle inspected
• Possible consequences:anything can happen
• Priority level:High
• Can you drive?Carefully
• DIY repair:Possible
• Repair price range:$100-$1,000

LKAS light in Honda

When you see the LKAS light in your Honda vehicle, you will most likely also have problems with the ACC - adaptive cruise control. LKAS stands for the Lane Keeping Assist System. This is the system based on the camera to keep your car automatically within a certain road lane.

It means that the car may not rely on the camera right now, so the LKAS light popped on the dash. In most cases, this means that the camera is blocked or obstructed. But sometimes, it may also say about electrical connection problems or software issues.

You may want to clean the camera lens, defog the window, check for any other obstructions, and then, if nothing helps, inspect the car in the shop or dealership.

LKAS light highlights:

• Common reasons:obstructed camera, wiring or software problems
• How to fix:clean the camera, defog windows, disconnect the battery for some time
• Possible consequences:ACC won't work
• Priority level:Low
• Can you drive?Yes
• DIY repair:Possible
• Repair price range:$0-$350

VSA light in Honda

The VSA light will usually come on the dash when the Vehicle Stability Assist is active. But if the light is on without any reason for the VSA system to activate, there may be a problem with the VSA system itself or one of its components.

I believe there is no simple way to diagnose the problem. You will need to scan the vehicle for codes with a good scanner and see if there are codes in various control units. Also, you may want to disconnect the battery for some time to reset the control modules and see if this helps you solve the problem, at least for some time.

VSA light highlights:

• Common reasons:any issue with the VSA system
• How to fix:disconnect the battery for some time, read the codes
• Possible consequences:safety issues
• Priority level:High
• Can you drive?Not recommended
• DIY repair:Impossible
• Repair price range:$150-$550

Parking Brake Light Blinking in Honda

When the parking brake light is blinking in your Honda, you may be sure there are problems with the electronic parking brake.

One of the most common issues is that the brake was engaged but couldn't disengage when needed. Now you may be driving with the rear brake pads engaged and the pads will be destroyed very quickly.

Another possible reason is the problem with the electronic parking brake motor. Also, I've seen this light blinking when the voltage in the system was low due to a bad 12V battery. This is also worth checking.

Parking brake light highlights:

• Common reasons:issues with EPB
• How to fix:check the battery, disconnect the battery for some time
• Possible consequences:brake pads dying, no parking brake
• Priority level:High
• Can you drive?Not recommended
• DIY repair:Impossible
• Repair price range:$150-$600

Red light blinking in Honda

If you see the red light blinking in your Honda after you lock the doors, it's completely OK. This light means that the security and anti-theft systems are activated and your car is now protected against any unauthorized penetration.

If the red light blinks on the dash when you drive, it means that you need to stop your vehicle and check what's wrong with it. The problem will largely depend on the shape of the light and the consequences when it starts blinking. Usually, a good inspection is needed.

Red blinking light highlights:

• Common reasons:anti-theft activated
• How to fix:no fix needed
• Possible consequences:no consequences
• Priority level:Low
• Can you drive?Yes
• DIY repair:No repair
• Repair price range:$0

ECO light in Honda

If you see the ECO light illuminating on the dash of your Honda, there is a high chance that your big engine is using the cylinder management system advantage right now and several cylinders are deactivated.

There are different scenarios of cylinder deactivation in bigger V6 engines to save some fuel during calm driving and highway driving. But if you press the gas pedal hard, the ECO light should go off and all the cylinders should immediately kick in.

There is nothing wrong with your car if the ECO light is on the dash. But if it doesn't turn off when you try to accelerate, this may mean there are issues with the cylinder management system.

ECO light highlights:

• Common reasons:ECO mode is active
• How to fix:no fix needed
• Possible consequences:no consequences
• Priority level:Low
• Can you drive?Yes
• DIY repair:No repair
• Repair price range:$0

Green light around speedometer in Honda

When you see the green light around speedometer in your Honda vehicle, it means that the fuel economy is now above average. There is a function in several Honda models to inform you about the current fuel consumption.

The light may be green, white, or amber. And you can turn this feature off in the settings of your Honda. If you do this, the light around your speedometer will always be white. But getting used to this feature may be beneficial for you and your budget.

I personally have this light in my Honda CR-V and I use it during city driving. When it becomes white, I understand that I need to take my foot off the gas pedal and not accelerate so hard to save up some fuel.

Green light around speedometer highlights:

• Common reasons:fuel-efficient ride
• How to fix:no fix needed
• Possible consequences:no consequences
• Priority level:Low
• Can you drive?Yes
• DIY repair:No repair
• Repair price range:$0