Acura Warning Lights and Meanings

Complete guide to Acura dashboard warning lights and symbols. Learn what each indicator means and what action you should take when they illuminate.

Understanding Acura Dashboard Warning Lights

Acura vehicles are equipped with an advanced diagnostic system that monitors various components and systems. When an issue is detected, a corresponding warning light will illuminate on your dashboard.

These warning lights are color-coded to indicate the severity of the issue:

Red: Indicates a serious issue that requires immediate attention. You should stop driving as soon as it's safe to do so.
Amber/Yellow: Suggests a less urgent problem that should be checked soon, but doesn't require immediate action.
Green: Usually informational, indicating that a system is active or functioning normally.
Blue: Usually informational, indicating features like high beam headlights or coolant temperature.
White: Usually informational, indicating that certain systems or features are currently active.

Below you'll find a comprehensive list of warning lights that may appear on your Acura vehicle's dashboard.

Acura Warning Light Categories

Critical Warning Lights

These red warning lights indicate serious issues that require immediate attention.

Service Warning Lights

These amber/yellow lights suggest issues that need attention soon but aren't immediately critical.

Information Indicators (Green)

These green lights simply inform you that certain systems are active.

Information Indicators (Blue)

These blue lights indicate that certain features or systems are enabled.

Information Indicators (White)

These white lights provide status information about various vehicle systems.

Critical Warning Lights

Charging System Indicator

Comes on when there is a problem with the charging system. Stop in a safe place and contact a dealer immediately.

Electric Parking Brake Indicator

Comes on for a few seconds when you set the power mode to ON, then goes off. Comes on when the parking brake is applied and goes off when it is released. Comes on when you try to drive with the parking brake applied. Comes on for about 15 seconds and then goes off when you pull the electric parking brake switch with the power mode in OFF. Comes on for about 15 seconds and then goes off when you set the power mode to OFF with the parking brake applied. Blinks and the electric parking brake system indicator comes on at the same time – There is a problem with the electric parking brake system. The parking brake may not be set. Action to be taken: Release the Parking Brake manually or automatically. Comes on when you push the electric parking brake switch without depressing the brake pedal. Action to be taken: Depress the brake pedal to release the parking brake.

Electric Parking Brake Indicator

Electric Power Steering System Indicator

Comes on if there is a problem with the EPS system. Action to be taken: ● Stop the vehicle in a safe place and restart the engine. If the indicator comes on and stays on, immediately have your vehicle inspected by a dealer. ● If “Do not drive” displays on the driver information interface, immediately stop in a safe place and contact a dealer.

High Temperature Indicator

Comes on for a few seconds when you turn the ignition switch to ON, then goes off. Blinks when the engine coolant temperature goes up and stays on if the temperature continues to rise. Action to be taken: ● Blinks while driving – Drive slowly to prevent overheating. ● Stays on while driving – Immediately stop in a safe place and allow the engine to cool.

Immobilizer System Indicator

Blinks if the immobilizer system cannot recognize the key information. You cannot start the engine. Set the power mode to VEHICLE OFF, then select the ON mode again.

Low Oil Pressure Indicator

Comes on when you set the power mode to ON, and goes off when the engine starts. Comes on when the engine oil pressure is low. Comes on while driving – Immediately stop in a safe place.

Parking Brake and Brake System Indicator

Comes on when the parking brake is applied and goes off when it is released. Comes on when the brake fluid level is low. Make sure the parking brake is released. Stop in a safe place and check the brake fluid level. Comes on if there is a problem with the brake system.

Parking Brake and Brake System Indicator

Seat Belt Reminder Indicator

Blinks and the beeper sounds for a few seconds if you are not wearing a seat belt when you set the power mode to ON, then the indicator comes on. If the front passenger is not wearing a seat belt, the indicator comes on a few seconds later. Comes on for a while when the rear seat belt is unfastened while the power mode is ON. Blinks while driving if you and/or any passenger have not fastened a seat belt. The beeper sounds and the indicator blinks at regular intervals. The beeper stops and the indicator goes off when you and the passengers fasten your seat belts. Stays on after you and/or the passengers have fastened the seat belt(s) – A detection error may have occurred in the sensor. Have your vehicle checked by a dealer.

Security System Alarm Indicator

Blinks when the security system alarm has been set.

Supplemental Restraint System Indicator

Comes on if a problem with any of the following is detected: ● Supplemental Restraint System ● Side airbag system ● Side curtain airbag system ● Seat belt tensioner Stays on constantly – Have your vehicle checked by a dealer.

Service Warning Lights

Adaptive Cruise Control Indicator

Comes on for a few seconds when you set the power mode to ON, then goes off. Comes on if there is a problem with ACC with Low Speed Follow (LSF). Comes on while driving – Have your vehicle checked by a dealer.

Adaptive Cruise Control Indicator

Anti-lock Brake System Indicator

Comes on if there is a problem with the ABS. Stays on constantly – Have your vehicle checked by a dealer. With this indicator on, your vehicle still has normal braking ability but no anti-lock function.

Auto Idle Stop OFF Indicator

Comes on when the Auto Idle Stop system has been turned off by the Auto Idle Stop OFF button.

Auto Idle Stop System Indicator

Blinks if there is a problem with the Auto Idle Stop system. Have your vehicle checked by a dealer.

Blind Spot Information System Indicator

Comes on for a few seconds when you set the power mode to ON, then goes off. Stays on while blind spot information system is turned off. Comes on when mud, snow, or ice accumulates in the vicinity of sensor. Action to be taken: Remove the obstacle in the vicinity of sensor. Comes on if there is a problem with the system. Action to be taken: Have your vehicle checked by a dealer.

Brake Wear Indicator

Comes on for a few seconds when you change the power mode to ON, then goes off. Comes on if a worn brake pad is detected. The brake pads may need to be replaced. Have your vehicle inspected by an authorized Acura NSX dealer.

Brake Wear Indicator

Collision Mitigation Braking System Indicator

Comes on for a few seconds when you turn the ignition switch to ON, then goes off. Comes on when you deactivate the CMBS. A driver information interface message appears for five seconds. Comes on if there is a problem with the CMBS. In case the light stays on constantly without the CMBS off – Have your vehicle checked by a dealer. Comes on if the CMBS is deactivated temporarily after the battery has been disconnected, then re-connected. Drive a short distance at more than 12 mph (20 km/h). The indicator should go off. If it does not, have your vehicle checked by a dealer. Comes on when the CMBS shuts itself off. ● The area around the camera and radar sensor is blocked by dirt, mud, etc. Stop your vehicle in a safe place, and wipe it off with a soft cloth. Have your vehicle checked by a dealer if the indicator does not go off even after you cleaned the camera and sensor. ● Indicator may come on temporarily when passing through an enclosed space, such as a tunnel. ● The temperature inside the camera is too high. Use the climate control system to cool down the camera. The system activates when the temperature inside the camera cools down. Indicator may come on temporarily when the Maximum Load Limit is exceeded. ● Make sure the total load is within the Maximum Load Limit. ● Stays on constantly – Have your vehicle checked by a dealer.

Electric Parking Brake System Indicator

Comes on for a few seconds when you set the power mode to ON, then goes off. Comes on if there is a problem with the electric parking brake system. Comes on while driving – Avoid using the parking brake and have your vehicle checked by a dealer immediately.

Keyless Access System Indicator

Comes on for a few seconds when you set the power mode to ON, then goes off. Comes on as soon as a problem is detected in the keyless access system or keyless starting system. Stays on constantly or does not come on at all – Have your vehicle checked by a dealer.

Lane Keeping Assist System Indicator

Comes on if there is a problem with the LKAS. Action to be taken: Stays on constantly – Have your vehicle checked by a dealer. Indicator may come on temporarily when the Maximum Load Limit is exceeded. Action to be taken: ● Make sure the total load is within the Maximum Load Limit. ● Stays on constantly – Have your vehicle checked by a dealer.

Lane Keeping Assist System Indicator

Low Fuel Indicator

A low fuel indicator near the fuel gauge comes on briefly when the ignition is turned on as a check to show it is working. It also comes on when the fuel gauge indicator nears empty. The light turns off when fuel is added. If it does not, have the vehicle serviced.

Low Tire Pressure/ TPMS Light

May come on briefly if the power mode is set to ON and the vehicle is not moved within 45 seconds, to indicate the calibration process is not yet complete. Comes on and stays on when: ● One or more tires’ pressures are determined to be significantly low. ● The system has not been calibrated. Action to be taken: ● Comes on while driving – Stop in a safe place, check tire pressures, and inflate the tire(s) if necessary. ● Stays on after the tires are inflated to the recommended pressures – The system needs to be calibrated. Blinks for about one minute, and then stays on if there is a problem with the TPMS, or when a compact spare tire is temporarily installed. Action to be taken: Have your vehicle checked by a dealer. If the vehicle is fitted with a compact spare tire, get your regular tire repaired or replaced and put it back on your vehicle as soon as you can. Comes on if the TPMS is deactivated temporarily after the battery has been disconnected, then re-connected. Action to be taken: Drive a short distance at more than 12 mph (20 km/h). The indicator should go off. If it does not, have your vehicle checked by a dealer.

Maintenance Minder Indicator

Comes on when the scheduled maintenance is due soon. Consequently, Maintenance Due Now and Maintenance Past Due follow.

Maintenance Required Light

Comes on to remind you that it is time to take your car in for scheduled maintenance.

Malfunction Indicator Lamp

After you have set the power mode to ON, the vehicle performs system checks. However, if the readiness codes have not been set by that time, this indicator will blink five times and then go off. Readiness codes are part of the onboard diagnostics for the emissions control systems. Comes on if there is a problem with the emissions control systems. Blinks when a misfire in the engine’s cylinders is detected.

Power System Indicator

Comes on for a few seconds when you set the power mode to ON, then goes off. Comes on if there is a problem with the electric vehicle system. Have your vehicle checked by an authorized Acura NSX dealer immediately.

Parking Brake and Brake System Indicator

Comes on if there is a problem with a system related to braking other than the conventional brake system. Comes on while driving – Have your vehicle checked by a dealer. With this indicator on, your vehicle still has normal braking ability. Comes on if there is a problem with the electric parking brake system and/or the automatic brake hold system. Stays on constantly – Avoid using the parking brake and have your vehicle checked by a dealer immediately.

Parking Brake and Brake System Indicator

Precision All Wheel Steer System Indicator

Comes on for a few seconds when you set the power mode to ON, then goes off. If it comes on at any other time, there is a problem with the Precision All-Wheel Steer (P-AWS) system. Action to be taken: Comes on while driving – Have your vehicle checked by a dealer. The system may limit the vehicle speed to 50 mph (80 km/h) or less.

Road Departure Mitigation Indicator

● Comes on for a few seconds when you turn the ignition switch to ON, then goes off. ● Comes on if there is a problem with the RDM system. If the light stays on constantly – Have your vehicle checked by a dealer. ● Comes on if the RDM is deactivated temporarily after the battery has been disconnected, then re-connected. Drive a short distance at more than 12 mph (20 km/h). The indicator should go off. If it does not, have your vehicle checked by a dealer. ● Comes on when the RDM system shuts itself off. Action to be taken: – Indicator may come on temporarily when passing through an enclosed space, such as a tunnel. – The temperature inside the camera is too high. Use the climate control system to cool down the camera. The system activates when the temperature inside the camera cools down. – The area around the camera and radar sensor is blocked by dirt, mud, etc. Stop your vehicle in a safe place, and wipe it off with a soft cloth. The indicator may take some time to go off after the camera and radar sensor are clean – Have your vehicle checked by a dealer if the indicator does not go off. ● Come on temporarily when the Maximum Load Limit is exceeded. Action to be taken: – Make sure the total load is within the Maximum Load Limit. – Stays on constantly – Have your vehicle checked by a dealer.

Sport Mode Indicator

Comes on for a few seconds when you set the power mode to ON, then goes off. Comes on when you press the Dynamic Mode button if the Sport or Sport+ mode was selected.

Safety Support Indicator

● Comes on if there is a problem with the Road Departure Mitigation system, CMBS, Low-Speed Braking Control, or blind spot information system. If the light stays on constantly – Have your vehicle checked by a dealer. ● Comes on temporarily when the Maximum Load Limit is exceeded. Make sure the total load is within the Maximum Load Limit. If the light stays on constantly – Have your vehicle checked by a dealer. ● Comes on if the Road Departure Mitigation system, CMBS, and Low-Speed Braking Control are deactivated temporarily after the battery has been disconnected and then re-connected. Drive a short distance at more than 12 mph (20 km/h). The indicator should go off. If it does not, have your vehicle checked by a dealer. ● Comes on when the Road Departure Mitigation system and/or CMBS shuts itself off. – The temperature inside the camera is too high. Use the climate control system to cool down the camera. The system activates when the temperature inside the camera cools down. – The area around the camera is blocked by dirt, mud, etc. Stop your vehicle in a safe place and wipe the debris off with a soft cloth – Have your vehicle checked by a dealer if the indicator and message are still displayed even after you have cleaned the area around the camera. ● Comes on when the ambient conditions are dark, such as when driving in a tunnel, or at night, dawn, or dusk.

Super Handling All Wheel Drive Indicator

Comes on for a few seconds when you set the power mode to ON, then goes off. Comes on if there is a problem with the SH-AWD system. Blinks when the differential temperature is too high. Action to be taken: ● Stays on constantly – The engine drives the front wheels only in this state. Have your vehicle checked by a dealer. ● Blinks while driving – Stop in a safe place, put the transmission into “P”, and idle the engine until the indicator goes off. If the indicator does not stop blinking, take your vehicle to a dealer.

Super Handling All Wheel Drive Indicator

System Message Indicator

Comes on along with a beep when a problem is detected. A system message on the driver information interface appears at the same time.

Transmission Light

Comes on if the transmission system has a problem. Performance may be reduced. Avoid sudden starts and acceleration and have your vehicle checked by a dealer immediately.

Vehicle Stability Assist OFF Indicator

Comes on when you partially disable VSA. Models without Auto Idle Stop: Comes on when you press and hold the (VSA OFF) button while +R mode is selected. Models with A-type meter: Comes on if the VSA® system is deactivated temporarily after the battery has been disconnected, then re-connected. Drive a short distance at more than 12 mph (20 km/h). The indicator should go off. If it does not, have your vehicle checked by a dealer.

Vehicle Stability Assist System Indicator

Blinks when VSA is active. Comes on if there is a problem with the VSA system, brake assist system, hill start assist system, starting assist brake function, or agile handling assist. Stays on constantly – Have your vehicle checked by a dealer. Comes on if the VSA system is deactivated temporarily after the battery has been disconnected, then re-connected. Action to be taken: Drive a short distance at more than 12 mph (20 km/h). The indicator should go off. If it does not, have your vehicle checked by a dealer.

Washer Fluid Low

Appears when the washer fluid is low. Refill washer fluid.

Information Indicators (Green)

Adaptive Cruise Control Indicator

Lights up in green when you press the RES/+ button or SET/- button.

Adaptive Cruise Control Indicator

Lights up in green when you press the RES/+ button or SET/- button.

Auto High-Beam Indicator

Comes on when all the operating conditions of the auto high-beam are met.

Auto Idle Stop Indicator

Comes on when Auto Idle Stop is in operation. The engine automatically shuts off.

Automatic Brake Hold Indicator

Comes on when the automatic brake hold is activated.

Automatic Brake Hold Indicator

Comes on when the automatic brake hold is activated.

Automatic Brake Hold System Indicator

Comes on when the automatic brake hold system is on.

Cruise Control Indicator

Comes on if you have set a speed for cruise control.

Cruise Main Indicator

Comes on when you press the CRUISE button.

Cruise Mode Indicator

Lights up in green when you have set a speed for cruise control.

Econ Mode Indicator

Comes on for a few seconds when you set the power mode to ON. Comes on when you press the Dynamic Mode button if the Econ mode was selected.

Fog Light Indicator

Comes on when the fog lights are on.

Immobilizer System Indicator

Comes on briefly when you set the power mode to ON, then goes off. Comes on if the immobilizer system cannot recognize the key information. ● Blinks – You cannot start the engine. Set the power mode to VEHICLE OFF (LOCK), then select the ON mode again. ● Repeatedly blinks – The system may be malfunctioning. Have your vehicle checked by a dealer. ● Do not attempt to alter this system or add other devices to it. Electrical problems can occur.

Lane Keeping Assist System Indicator

Lights up in green when the LKAS is in operation.

Lights On Indicator

Comes on when the parking, tail, and other external lights are on.

Ready Indicator

Comes on when the vehicle is ready to drive.

Safety Support Indicator

● Lights up in green when Road Departure Mitigation system, CMBS, Low Speed Braking Control and blind spot information system are on. ● Lights up in green and gray when Road Departure Mitigation system, CMBS, Low Speed Braking Control, blind spot information system or any two or three of these systems are off.

Turn Signal and Hazard Warning Indicators

Blinks when you operate the turn signal lever. Blinks along with all turn signals when you press the hazard warning button. Does not blink or blinks rapidly – Have your vehicle checked by a dealer.

Information Indicators (Blue)

High Beam Indicator

Comes on when the high beam headlights are on.

Information Indicators (White)

Active Damper System Indicator

Comes on for a few seconds when you change the power mode to ON, then goes off. Comes on if there is a problem with the Active Damper System. The speed of the vehicle will be limited. Stays on constantly – Have the vehicle checked by an authorized Acura NSX dealer. With this indicator on, your vehicle has normal damping ability without the active damper feature

Adaptive Cruise Control Indicator

Lights up in white when you press the ACC button.

Adaptive Cruise Control Indicator

Lights up when Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low Speed Follow indicator comes on.

Auto Idle Stop Suspend Indicator

Comes on while Auto Idle Stop is temporarily suspended in the following situations. ● Brake pedal is not fully pressed. Depress the brake pedal firmly ● The transmission is in a position other than D ● System charging is prioritized ● Climate control system is prioritized ● Engine coolant temperature is not in the operating range ● SPORT mode* is selected. ● The battery temperature is too low. ● Auto Idle Stop does not activate for some reason.

Cruise Mode Indicator

Lights up in white when you change to cruise mode

Dynamic Lift Mode Indicator

Comes on when the suspension is being adjusted or Dynamic Mode is set to LIFT. ● The current height of the vehicle is shown using the bars. The number of bars will increase and decrease depending on the height of the vehicle. ● The target height of the vehicle is shown using the arrows

Gear Position Indicator

Indicates the current gear selection.

Gear Selection Indicator

Comes on when the sequential mode is applied.

Lane Keeping Assist System Indicator

Lights up in white when you press the LKAS button.

Safety Support Indicator

Lights up in green and gray when the Road Departure Mitigation system, CMBS, Low-Speed Braking Control, blind spot information system or any two or three of these systems are off. Lights up in gray when the Road Departure Mitigation system, CMBS, Low-Speed Braking Control, and blind spot information system are off.

Transmission System Indicator

The indicated current gear selection blinks if you cannot put the transmission into “R” due to a transmission system failure. The indicated current gear selection blinks if the transmission system has a problem and the performance of the vehicle is reduced. Avoid sudden starts, sudden acceleration, and high speed. Have your vehicle checked by a dealer immediately. The indicated current gear selection blinks if the transmission system has a problem and the paddle shifters cannot be used. Have your vehicle checked by a dealer immediately. The current gear position or all the gear positions blink if there is a problem with the transmission and the vehicle is no longer able to run. Immediately park your vehicle in a safe place. Have your vehicle checked by a dealer. The current gear position or all the gear positions blink if there is a problem with the transmission and it is not possible to select “P”. ● Depending on the circumstances, you can set the power mode to ON as an emergency measure. ● While the vehicle is stopped, apply the parking brake. ● Have your vehicle checked by a dealer immediately.