The emergency lights on a Honda are the hazard flashers. They flash all four turn signals to warn other drivers of a problem or hazard when your vehicle is stopped or moving slowly in a dangerous situation. This article explains what those lights mean and how to respond safely.
Hazard lights: what they are and when to use them
The emergency lights in Honda vehicles are activated by the red triangle button on the center console. When pressed, every turn signal on the car flashes in unison to alert other road users to a hazard or obstruction.
Where to find the hazard switch
In most Honda models, the hazard warning switch is a red triangle button located on the center stack near the climate controls. If you’re unsure, consult the owner’s manual or the vehicle’s diagrams for your specific year and trim.
Use cases include a breakdown, an accident, or an obstruction on the road, severe weather with poor visibility, or when you need to alert following drivers while signaling for assistance. Do not use hazard lights for routine driving.
Here are common situations where hazard lights are appropriate:
- You’re broken down or experiencing a mechanical issue and need to stop safely on or beside the road.
- You're involved in or approaching a collision or road blockage and need to warn others.
- Visibility is severely reduced by weather (heavy rain, snow, fog) and you want to increase awareness of your vehicle.
- You're towing a trailer or another vehicle and want to alert other drivers.
- You are stopped on a highway shoulder or in a hazardous location and require assistance or a safe exit from traffic.
In most situations, the hazard lights should be turned off as soon as you can safely move again or exit the hazard area. Prolonged use can confuse other drivers and drain the battery.
How to activate the emergency lights on a Honda
To switch on the hazard lights, press the red triangle button located on the center console. All four turn signals will flash. Press the button again to turn them off. In general, hazards operate when the vehicle’s electrical system is active, but the behavior can vary by model and year—consult your owner’s manual for specifics on your Honda model.
Note that improper use can be illegal in some jurisdictions or may raise safety concerns, especially when driving in traffic. Hazard lights should be used to warn others, not to indicate turning or lane changes.
Dashboard warning lights and what they mean
Beyond hazard lights, Honda dashboards display warning lights that indicate potential faults or required maintenance. Meanings can vary by model and year, but several symbols recur across most recent Hondas.
Here are common warning lights you might see on a Honda’s instrument cluster:
- Check Engine / MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL): amber engine symbol indicating an emissions or engine fault. Have the vehicle diagnosed as soon as possible.
- Oil Pressure / Oil: red oil can or drop symbol. Stop the engine if it stays on; low oil pressure can damage the engine.
- Engine Coolant Temperature: blue thermometer during warmup, red/orange symbol if overheating.
- Battery / Charging System: red or amber battery icon indicating charging problems or a failing alternator.
- ABS (Anti-lock Braking System): amber ABS light indicating a fault in the braking assist system; have the system checked.
- Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) / Traction Control: amber triangle with an exclamation mark; indicates a fault or that stability control is actively limiting wheelspin.
- Brake System / Brake Warning: red circle with exclamation or similar icon; brake fluid or system alert; pull over safely and check brakes.
- TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System): amber icon of a tire with an exclamation; check tire pressures and inflate to recommended levels.
- Airbag / SRS: red or amber airbag symbol indicating a fault in the supplemental restraint system; have it checked promptly.
- Seat Belt Reminder: red icon of a person with a belt; buckle up and check belt status.
- Maintenance Minder / Service Due: yellow/orange wrench or maintenance light indicating service is due or the oil/change interval has been reached.
If a warning light stays illuminated, consult the owner’s manual or a qualified technician. A red light or a blinking light usually signals a more urgent issue requiring immediate attention; amber/orange lights generally indicate a problem to be addressed soon.
What to do if a warning light stays on
Safer driving begins with recognizing the seriousness of the symbol. If a red warning light remains on or flashes, pull over safely and assess the situation. If the vehicle is drivable, schedule service promptly. If you notice a sudden loss of power, unusual noises, or a significant handling change, stop driving and seek roadside assistance to avoid potential damage or a safety risk.
Safety tips and model-year differences
The exact icons and meanings can vary by Honda model, year, and trim. Always refer to the owner’s manual for your specific vehicle. If you’re unsure about a symbol or if a light behaves abnormally, contact a Honda dealer or qualified mechanic for guidance.
Summary
In Honda vehicles, emergency lights mainly refer to hazard flashers that warn other drivers during emergencies or breakdowns. The dashboard also uses a range of warning lights to flag engine, braking, tire, and maintenance issues. Knowing how to activate hazards, recognizing common symbols, and consulting the manual can help you respond quickly and safely when something goes wrong on the road.