After you lock your Honda CR-V, you want it to sit calmly and not drain the battery. But then suddenly you notice that the annoying red light starts blinking in the interior of your car. It may cause several questions some of which are pretty hard to answer without understanding how the security system works in your vehicle.
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
Why do you see those security alarm indicators flashing in the CR-V?
This is just how the security alarm system works in your CR-V. It has a blinker or two that are active when the car is locked and is protected by the anti-theft system. These lights don't have any other function - they just inform you or anyone around the vehicle that the security alarm is on and it's better to stay away from the car unless you have the proper key with you.
Just like in many other car models, this red blinking light is just informative. It doesn't tell you about any kind of failure or problem with the system. Also, it won't trigger a problem with the security system and won't drain the battery fast.
The indicator is located in the right bottom part of the dash, right under the fuel gauge. It blinks red only after the car is locked or the alarm system is activated automatically. It won't and shouldn't blink in cases when the alarm system is not activated.
Why are there two anti-theft lights in some Honda CR-V cars?
As far as I know, the CR-V from 2012 to 2017 has two alarm system lights. The first is in the bottom part of the dahs and is quite a big red light. The second is much smaller and located above the infotainment system. I personally have this in my 2014 Honda CR-V with the navigation touchscreen and I'm not sure if the models without the screen have this second small light.
As Honda says, the small light above the navigation screen indicates that the special anti-theft system is activated that protects the infotainment system from being stolen. There is little information on how it works but I believe this is the part of the alarm system that has several additional sensors protecting the touchscreen section.
So, if someone is trying to get the navigation system out of your Honda, the alarm will go off.
Can I stop those red lights from blinking?
Well, there can be two reasons why you may want to stop those alarm system lights in your Honda CR-V from blinking. The first is that you want your car to sit for several months and don't want the battery to be drained. The second one is that you are disturbed by those lights because the CR-V may be parked right near your bedroom window and in the darkness, you see that red blinking light and it disturbs you.
Here are the two possible ways you can deal with this:
1. Disconnect the battery
If you keep your CR-V in a safe garage with a good alarm system and you don't need the Honda anti-theft system to work, you may decide to disconnect the battery. This will turn off all the safety systems and the car will have to be locked and unlocked only manually.
This is not recommended though. The battery will still be drained when sitting and the small red blinking light will not accelerate this process much. But the car with the disconnected battery may eventually be an easy target for some bad guys.
2. Cover the lights with something
You may invent some small sticker to cover the red light. Given it doesn't have any other function but to blink and happily inform everyone that the alarm system is active, you will not lose any functionality.
The stickers may be permanent or temporary, depending on the reason why you want to stop the red light from blinking.
Final thoughts
You should know more about the anti-theft system in your Honda CR-V from the driver's manual. If you learn about all its functions, you will be able to use it to the full and operate the system just how you need this. But when it comes to the blinking alarm lights in your Honda CR-V interior, just don't worry about them - they are the normal thing and they are only telling you that the system is activated and is now protecting your car from theft.
About the authors
The CarAraC research team is composed of seasoned auto mechanics and automotive industry professionals, including individuals with advanced degrees and certifications in their field. Our team members boast prestigious credentials, reflecting their extensive knowledge and skills. These qualifications include: IMI: Institute of the Motor Industry, ASE-Certified Master Automobile Technicians; Coventry University, Graduate of MA in Automotive Journalism; Politecnico di Torino, Italy, MS Automotive Engineering; Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, Mechanical University in Skopje; TOC Automotive College; DHA Suffa University, Department of Mechanical Engineering
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