To disable Eco mode, press the ECON button to toggle it off; the Eco indicator on the dashboard should disappear and the car will return to normal throttle response and climate control behavior.
What Eco Mode Does
Eco mode in Honda vehicles is designed to maximize fuel efficiency by moderating throttle response, reducing nonessential engine load, and sometimes adjusting climate control and transmission behavior. While it saves fuel, you may notice slower acceleration and more modest HVAC performance while Eco mode is active.
How to Turn It Off
Follow these steps to disable Eco mode in most Honda models that have a dedicated ECON button or a drive-mode selector:
- Locate the ECON button on the center console near the shifter. It is usually labeled "ECON" and may feature a leaf icon.
- Press the ECON button once to toggle Eco mode off. The green Eco indicator on the instrument cluster or dash should turn off, and throttle response should become more immediate.
- If your model uses a drive-mode selector with options like Normal, Eco, and Sport, switch to Normal (or the non-Eco setting) to disable Eco mode.
- In some vehicles, Eco can automatically re-engage under certain conditions (such as specific climate or battery management settings). If Eco keeps turning back on, try cycling the ignition off and on, or consult the owner's manual for model-specific behavior.
Turning Eco mode off is typically quick and straightforward. If the indicator remains on, check for a second Eco-related setting or consult your manual for model-specific steps.
Model-Specific Variations
Different Honda lines may place the ECON button differently or use a drive-mode selector. The following summarize common patterns across popular models.
- Civic (2016-2021): ECON button on the center console; press to toggle off; look for a green ECO light in the instrument cluster to verify off.
- Civic (2022-Present): Similar arrangement; ECON toggles Eco; some trims use a drive-mode selector—set to Normal to disable Eco.
- CR-V (recent generations): ECON button near the shifter; press to turn off; dash indicator shows ECO off when disabled.
- HR-V, Accord, Pilot, and other models: Most use the same approach—ECON button or drive-mode selector; turn off to revert to normal.
In most Honda SUVs and sedans, turning off Eco mode is straightforward with the button or drive-mode control, and you should notice a quicker throttle response and more assertive HVAC behavior after turning it off.
What If It Won’t Turn Off?
If Eco mode won’t turn off or keeps re-enabling itself, try these troubleshooting tips:
- Ensure you’re pressing the correct button or selecting the correct drive mode for your trim.
- Check if there is a secondary setting or an “Eco Off” notification in the instrument cluster.
- Consult the owner's manual for model-specific behavior; some models re-engage Eco under certain climate or battery conditions.
- If the indicator remains on and you cannot disable Eco, contact a Honda dealer or qualified mechanic to inspect for a potential sensor or control fault.
Always prioritize safety — perform adjustments when the vehicle is safely parked if possible, and seek professional help if you suspect a malfunction.
Summary
Eco mode is a fuel-efficiency feature that can soften throttle response and HVAC behavior. In most Honda vehicles, turning it off is as simple as pressing the ECON button or selecting Normal in a drive-mode selector. If you’re unsure about your specific model, consult the owner's manual or contact a dealer for guidance. Remember, you can usually revert to normal performance quickly whenever you need more immediate acceleration or stronger climate control.