Stop Safely When Needed
Some warnings, such as low oil pressure, abnormal brake-system behavior, or a blinking malfunction indicator, can call for stopping in a safe location and following the vehicle-specific instructions in your Owner's Manual.
Acura Warning Lights Guide in Nashua, NH
Acura dashboard indicators can range from routine informational messages to warnings that require immediate attention. This guide explains several common Acura warning lights, what they generally mean, and the safest next step when one appears.
What should you do when an Acura warning light comes on?
First, note the symbol, color, message and whether the light is steady or blinking. Then pay attention to how the vehicle feels.
- Red warnings generally deserve the quickest response.
- A blinking check-engine light is more urgent than a steady one.
- A low-oil-pressure warning can require stopping the vehicle safely.
- An ABS warning is different from a conventional brake-system warning.
- A blinking TPMS light can indicate a monitoring-system fault rather than simply low tire pressure.
Need help identifying a warning?
If a warning stays on, returns repeatedly, or is paired with a change in braking, steering, engine operation or drivability, Sunnyside Acura can inspect the vehicle and identify the cause.
Arrange Inspection Soon
ABS, steering, charging-system and persistent driver-assistance warnings generally deserve prompt diagnosis even when the vehicle still appears to drive normally.
Correct the Condition
Some alerts, such as low tire pressure, may be corrected by checking the affected system. If the warning remains on after the condition is corrected, have the vehicle inspected.
Dashboard Guide
Warning lights do not all mean the same thing
Acura dashboards use different warning colors, symbols and messages to communicate vehicle status. Some indicators briefly illuminate when the vehicle starts as part of a normal system check.
A light that stays on, begins blinking, or appears while driving can indicate a different condition. The exact meaning varies by Acura model and model year, so your Owner's Manual remains the vehicle-specific authority.
- Note whether the warning is red or amber.
- Check whether the light is steady or blinking.
- Read any message shown in the driver information display.
- Notice changes in braking, steering, engine operation or handling.
Common Acura warning lights and what they mean
Check Engine Light
A steady malfunction indicator lamp can indicate a problem with the emissions-control system or another engine-related condition. If it comes on while driving and stays on, have the vehicle checked.
A blinking check-engine light can indicate an engine misfire and deserves a more urgent response. Follow the instructions in your Owner's Manual and avoid continuing to drive normally until the condition is addressed.
Brake System Warning
A red brake-system warning can indicate low brake fluid or a malfunction in the conventional brake system. If braking feels abnormal or pedal pressure is not normal, take immediate action and have the vehicle repaired.
Some Acura models can also display an amber brake-system warning for a related braking or brake-assist system while conventional braking remains available.
Low Oil Pressure Warning
A low-oil-pressure warning should not be treated like a routine oil-change reminder. Acura guidance calls for stopping in a safe place and checking engine oil level as directed in the Owner's Manual.
If the warning does not turn off after the condition is checked and corrected, the vehicle should be repaired before normal driving continues.
Low Tire Pressure / TPMS Warning
A steady low-tire-pressure indicator generally means one or more tires are significantly underinflated. Stop in a safe place, check the tire pressures and inflate the affected tire or tires to the specified pressure.
If the TPMS indicator blinks and then remains on, that can indicate a problem with the tire-pressure monitoring system rather than simply low pressure.
Charging-System Warning
The battery-shaped warning light indicates that the battery is not being charged properly. The cause can involve the charging system rather than the battery itself.
Reduce unnecessary electrical load and have the vehicle inspected promptly, because continued operation can eventually discharge the battery.
ABS Warning Light
An ABS warning indicates a problem with the anti-lock brake system. Acura guidance notes that conventional braking may still be available, but the anti-lock function may not operate.
Have the vehicle inspected promptly, especially if another brake-system warning appears at the same time.
Electric Power Steering Warning
An electric power steering warning can indicate a problem with the steering-assist system. Steering effort may change depending on the fault.
If the warning stays on or steering feels unusually heavy or inconsistent, stop safely and arrange inspection.
CMBS / Driver-Assist Warning
A Collision Mitigation Braking System warning can indicate a system problem, but on some Acura models a blocked camera or radar sensor, or excessive system temperature, can also trigger an alert.
If the warning persists after obvious sensor obstructions or temporary conditions are resolved, have the system inspected.
When to Get Help
When should an Acura warning light be professionally diagnosed?
A professional inspection becomes especially important when a warning remains on, returns repeatedly, begins blinking, or appears with a noticeable change in how your Acura drives.
- The vehicle does not brake or steer normally.
- The warning is red or accompanied by an urgent message.
- The check-engine light is blinking.
- A charging-system warning remains illuminated.
- A warning remains after the obvious condition is corrected.
- Multiple related warning lights appear together.
Sunnyside Acura Service
Acura warning-light diagnosis in Nashua, NH
Sunnyside Acura's Service Department at 482 Amherst Street in Nashua provides Acura diagnostic, maintenance and repair support for drivers throughout Southern New Hampshire and nearby Northern Massachusetts.
Our Acura Master-Trained Technicians can inspect warning-light concerns, identify the underlying fault and explain the appropriate repair or maintenance path. Sunnyside Acura uses Genuine Acura Parts for Acura repairs and maintenance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Acura Warning Lights
What does a steady Acura check-engine light mean?
A steady malfunction indicator can indicate an emissions-control or engine-related problem. If it stays on while driving, have the vehicle checked.
What does a blinking Acura check-engine light mean?
A blinking check-engine light can indicate an engine misfire and deserves more urgent attention than a steady light. Follow the vehicle-specific instructions in your Acura Owner's Manual.
What should I do if the brake-system warning comes on?
A red brake-system warning can indicate low brake fluid or a conventional brake-system malfunction. If braking feels abnormal, take immediate action and have the vehicle repaired.
Why is my Acura tire-pressure warning light on?
A steady tire-pressure warning usually means one or more tires are significantly underinflated. If the TPMS light blinks and then remains on, the monitoring system itself may have a fault.
What does the battery-shaped warning light mean?
The battery-shaped indicator is a charging-system warning. It means the battery is not being charged properly and does not necessarily mean the battery itself is the failed component.
Can I still brake if the ABS light is on?
Acura guidance indicates that conventional braking may remain available with an ABS fault, but the anti-lock function may not. Have the vehicle inspected promptly.
Does a CMBS warning always mean the system has failed?
Not necessarily. Depending on the Acura model, a system fault, blocked sensor or camera, or excessive system temperature can trigger a warning. Persistent warnings should be inspected.
Need help with an Acura dashboard warning light?
If a warning remains on, returns repeatedly or is paired with a change in how your Acura drives, Sunnyside Acura can help diagnose the cause and determine the appropriate next step.