Hey guys! Ever been cruising in your 2017 Honda HRV and suddenly a light pops up on your dashboard? It can be a little unnerving, right? No worries, we've all been there. Understanding what those symbols mean is super important for keeping your ride in tip-top shape and ensuring your safety on the road. Let’s dive into the world of 2017 Honda HRV dashboard symbols so you can decode your car's messages like a pro!

Understanding the Basics of Dashboard Symbols

Dashboard symbols, or warning lights, are your car's way of communicating potential issues or important information. These symbols generally fall into a few categories: warning lights (usually red or amber), information lights (often green or blue), and indicator lights. Warning lights signal a problem that needs immediate attention, information lights provide status updates, and indicator lights confirm that a system is active.

Why is it important to know what these symbols mean? Well, ignoring a warning light can lead to serious damage to your vehicle, potentially leaving you stranded or facing costly repairs. Plus, being aware of what each symbol represents can give you peace of mind while driving. You’s be surprised how many people drive around with warning lights on, oblivious to the potential danger! So, let's get familiar with the common symbols you might encounter in your 2017 Honda HRV.

Common Warning Lights

Warning lights are the ones you really need to pay attention to. These lights indicate a problem that could affect your car's performance or safety. Some of the most common warning lights include:

• Brake System Warning Light: This light, often shaped like an exclamation point inside a circle, could mean several things. It might indicate that your parking brake is engaged, or it could signal a more serious issue with your braking system, such as low brake fluid or a problem with the ABS (Anti-lock Braking System). Never ignore this light! If it stays on even after you release the parking brake, get your car checked by a mechanic ASAP.
• Battery Warning Light: Shaped like a battery, this light indicates a problem with your car's charging system. It could mean that your alternator isn't charging the battery properly, or there's an issue with the battery itself. If this light comes on, your car might eventually stall, so it’s crucial to get it checked out quickly.
• Oil Pressure Warning Light: This light looks like an old-fashioned oil can. It warns you that your engine's oil pressure is too low, which can cause serious damage to the engine. Pull over immediately if you see this light and check your oil level. If the oil level is fine, have your car towed to a mechanic, as continuing to drive with low oil pressure can ruin your engine.
• Engine Temperature Warning Light: This light, shaped like a thermometer in water, indicates that your engine is overheating. Overheating can cause severe damage to your engine components. If this light comes on, pull over and let your engine cool down before checking the coolant level. If the coolant level is low, add coolant (or water in an emergency) and monitor the temperature gauge. If the light persists, get your car to a mechanic.

Common Information Lights

Information lights provide you with helpful status updates about your vehicle's systems. These lights are typically green or blue and don't usually indicate a problem. Some common information lights include:

• Headlights On Indicator: This light, shaped like a headlight, simply indicates that your headlights are turned on. Pretty straightforward, right?
• Turn Signal Indicators: These flashing green arrows indicate which direction your turn signals are activated.
• Cruise Control Indicator: This light lets you know when your cruise control system is engaged.
• ECON Mode Indicator: Unique to Honda vehicles, this light indicates that the ECON mode is active, which optimizes fuel efficiency.

Specific 2017 Honda HRV Symbols to Watch Out For

Now, let's zoom in on some symbols that are particularly relevant to your 2017 Honda HRV. Knowing these can save you a headache down the road:

• Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) Light: This light looks like a car with squiggly lines behind it. It indicates that the VSA system is active, which helps to stabilize the vehicle during slippery conditions. If the light is on continuously, it means the system is malfunctioning and needs to be checked.
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Light: Shaped like a horseshoe with an exclamation point, this light indicates that one or more of your tires has low pressure. Maintaining proper tire pressure is crucial for safety and fuel efficiency, so check your tire pressures and inflate them to the recommended levels.
• Brake Hold System Indicator: This light indicates that the brake hold system is active, which automatically holds the brakes when you come to a stop, allowing you to remove your foot from the brake pedal. This is particularly useful in stop-and-go traffic.
• Hill Start Assist Indicator: This light indicates that the hill start assist system is active, which helps prevent the car from rolling backward when starting on a hill.

Decoding Other Important Symbols

Beyond the common and HRV-specific symbols, there are a few other important ones you might encounter:

• Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) or Check Engine Light: This light, often shaped like an engine, can indicate a wide range of problems, from a loose gas cap to a more serious engine issue. If this light comes on, it's best to get your car scanned by a mechanic to diagnose the problem.
• Airbag Warning Light: This light, shaped like a person sitting with a seatbelt on and a circle in front of them, indicates a problem with your airbag system. This is a serious safety issue, so get it checked out immediately.
• ABS Warning Light: This light indicates a problem with your Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), which helps prevent your wheels from locking up during hard braking. While you can still brake, the ABS won't function properly, so it's best to get it fixed.

What to Do When a Warning Light Comes On

Okay, so a warning light pops up. What should you do? First, don't panic! Take a deep breath and assess the situation. Check your owner's manual to identify the symbol and understand what it means. If it's a serious warning light like the oil pressure or engine temperature light, pull over immediately and take appropriate action. If it's a less urgent light, such as the TPMS light, you can usually continue driving, but address the issue as soon as possible.

Here’s a quick checklist:

1. Identify the Symbol: Consult your owner's manual.
2. Assess the Severity: Is it a critical warning or a minor issue?
3. Take Action: Pull over if necessary, check fluids, or schedule a service appointment.
4. Don't Ignore: Even if the light goes off, get it checked out if it reappears.

Using Your 2017 Honda HRV Owner's Manual

Speaking of owner's manuals, your 2017 Honda HRV owner's manual is your best friend when it comes to understanding dashboard symbols. It contains a comprehensive list of all the symbols, along with detailed explanations of what they mean and what actions you should take. Keep your owner's manual in your glove compartment so you can refer to it whenever you need it.

Pro Tip: Many manufacturers now offer digital versions of their owner's manuals, so you can access it on your smartphone or tablet. This can be super convenient when you're on the road and need to quickly look up a symbol.

Preventing Dashboard Light Problems

Prevention is always better than cure, right? Here are a few tips to help you prevent dashboard light problems:

• Regular Maintenance: Follow your car's recommended maintenance schedule, including oil changes, fluid checks, and tire rotations.
• Monitor Tire Pressure: Check your tire pressure regularly and keep your tires properly inflated.
• Check Fluid Levels: Regularly check your engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and power steering fluid levels.
• Address Issues Promptly: Don't ignore minor problems, as they can often lead to more serious issues down the road.

Conclusion: Stay Informed and Drive Safely

So there you have it – a comprehensive guide to understanding the dashboard symbols in your 2017 Honda HRV! By knowing what these symbols mean, you can stay informed about your car's condition and take appropriate action when necessary. Remember, your dashboard is your car's way of communicating with you, so listen to what it has to say. Drive safely, guys, and keep those wheels turning!

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional automotive advice. Always consult with a qualified mechanic for any car-related issues.