Honda Civic Dashboard Warning Lights Guide in Jersey City, NJ
The instrument cluster inside your Honda Civic model is a sophisticated communication tool, and one that is often misunderstood. At the Metro Honda Service Department, we want every driver to feel confident behind the wheel while exploring Jersey City. Here's what the most important warning lights on your car’s dashboard actually mean, and what you should do when they appear.
Check Engine Light
That amber engine silhouette is arguably the most anxiety-inducing icon on any dashboard. It can signal anything from a loose gas cap to a misfiring cylinder or failing catalytic converter. Don't ignore it, but don't panic either. A solid check engine light means bring the car in soon for a diagnostic scan. A flashing check engine light is more urgent, so reduce your speed and get to our Service Department as quickly as safely possible, as it typically indicates an active misfire that can damage your catalytic converter if left unaddressed.
Oil Pressure Warning
This symbol looks like an old-fashioned oil can with a drop falling from the spout. If it illuminates while driving along Route 9, treat it as an emergency. Pull over safely and turn off the engine. Low oil pressure can cause catastrophic engine damage within minutes. Check your oil level once the engine has cooled. If the level is fine but the light comes on, the issue may be with the pressure sensor or the oil pump itself, and either way, do not continue driving until a technician has evaluated it.
Battery / Charging System
A rectangular battery icon signals that your charging system isn't functioning properly. This could mean a failing alternator, a weak battery, or a problem with the charging circuit. Your Civic may run for a short while on battery power alone, but it will eventually shut down and could leave you stranded at Bayside Park. To buy yourself time, minimize electrical loads by turning off the A/C, radio, and heated seats, then drive directly to a service facility.
TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System)
The horseshoe-shaped light with an exclamation point is your tire pressure warning. The Civic's TPMS activates when one or more tires fall roughly 25% below the recommended pressure. This affects fuel efficiency, handling, and tire wear. Check all four tires with a gauge and inflate to the PSI listed on the sticker inside your driver's door jamb, not the number on the tire sidewall itself. Fill out our Ask a Tech form for expert advice if you’re uncertain.
Brake System Warning
If a red circle with an exclamation point (or the word BRAKE) lights up while driving, your first step is to check that the parking brake is fully released. If it is, the light may indicate low brake fluid or a more serious hydraulic issue. Either scenario warrants immediate professional attention, as your braking ability may be compromised.
VSA (Vehicle Stability Assist)
A car with squiggly lines beneath it indicates the stability control system is actively working to keep the vehicle under control. A brief flash while cornering or accelerating on a slippery surface is normal. If the light stays on continuously, the system may have a fault and should be diagnosed.
Temperature Warning
A thermometer partially submerged in liquid means your engine coolant temperature is critically high. Pull over, shut the engine off, and let it cool before opening the hood. Never remove the radiator cap on a hot engine, as overheating can warp cylinder heads and cause engine failure quickly.
A Final Word from Our Team
Dashboard lights are your Civic's way of asking for help, and the earlier you respond, the less likely a small issue becomes an expensive repair. If you're ever unsure what a light means, our service advisors are always happy to take a look. We'd rather spend five minutes putting your mind at ease than see you stranded on the side of the road, so don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment!
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Testimonials
“ (Translated by Google) My experience with Mr. Derek Mohamed was very good; he helped me a lot with everything. He did everything possible to get me the car and helped me a lot with the insurance and the monthly payment. I definitely recommend him. (Original) Mi experiencia el con el señor Derek Mohamed fue muy bueno me ayudo mucho en todo.iso todo lo posible para irme en el carro me ayudo mucho en el seguro con la mensualidad definitiva mente tienes lo recomiendo ”
Fantastic experience, Jay and Jesse were awesome,
“ Fantastic experience, Jay and Jesse were awesome, couldn't be happier, love the crv and the color is great. Ty ”
“ It’s good . ”
I don’t know who Jason Brown is.
“ I don’t know who Jason Brown is. It asked me to review Jason Brown, but he is not my sales person. Ashraf Ghobrial worked with me and my 5 star rating is directed towards him. He was amazing and went above and beyond by picking me up in front of the KIA dealership in the car I wanted to test drive. I went with Honda because KIA screwed me over. Ash got me in a great car and I am very happy. ”
“ Lee, Was amazing sales rep.. I has so many options and he knew what I was looking for.. He was so friendly, energetic, full of energy and was so patient with me especially when i was undecided. I recommend Lee to be your Sale Rep in the future. Ask for Lee at the front desk. Thanks you Lee. ”
“ Our family got a CR-V with Jesse and had a great experience. He got us a great price, got us an insurance contact, and made sure there were no problems with an upcoming move out of state. ”
“ Awesome experience! Staff friendly and knowledgeable... Gave me above fair market value for trade! Will use again... ”
“ Jesse and Jay are amazing ”
“ I recently purchased a new vehicle from Metro Honda, and I want to recognize Jesse James for the outstanding service he provided throughout the entire process. From the moment we arrived, Jesse was professional, knowledgeable, and genuinely focused on helping us find the right vehicle for our needs. He took the time to answer all of our questions, explained everything clearly, and made the car-buying experience smooth and stress-free. Jesse was patient, honest, and never made us feel pressured, which made a huge difference. His attention to detail and commitment to customer satisfaction truly stood out. If you’re looking for someone who will go above and beyond to help you with your vehicle purchase, I highly recommend Jesse James at Metro Honda. Thank you for making our new car purchase such a positive experience! ”
“ I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. I would highly recommend Metro Honda to anyone looking for a dealership that truly values its customers. Customer service like Jesse's is hard to find. He was patient, attentive, and as always went above and beyond to ensure a positive experience. I had an excellent experience, and I especially want to recognize Jesse James for his outstanding service. From start to finish, the process was professional and Jesse was genuinely committed to making the process as smooth as possible. He took the time to answer all of my questions, kept me informed throughout, and made sure I felt comfortable with every step. ”
“ Best experience I’ve ever had! Everything was smooth and easy, perfect customer service. I honestly could not have left there any happier! ”
“ Jesse was awesome and helped me with a great deal on my new CRV lease along with all the paperwork. Very smart, friendly, responsive and terrific throughout the entire process! A++ ”
“ I cannot say enough good things about my experience, and a huge part of that was my sales specialist Jesse James. From the moment I walked in, he treated me with kindness, patience, and genuine respect. He listened to what I was looking for, never made me feel pressured, and went above and beyond to make sure I found the perfect vehicle for my needs. What stood out most was how honest, professional, and dedicated he was throughout the entire process. He took the time to answer every question, explained everything clearly, and made what can often be a stressful experience feel easy and enjoyable. It’s rare to find someone who truly cares about their customers the way he does. Because of his outstanding service, I left not only with a vehicle I love but also with complete confidence in my purchase. I am incredibly grateful for all his help and would highly recommend him to anyone looking for a trustworthy and knowledgeable salesperson. Thank you Jesse for making this such a wonderful experience! ”
“ I don’t normally leave reviews, but Jesse James at Metro Honda earned this one. I recently purchased a new Honda CR-V, and the experience was smooth from start to finish. Jesse was honest, knowledgeable, and easy to work with. No pressure, no games—just good communication and great customer service. He took the time to answer my questions and made sure I was comfortable throughout the process. I appreciate people who do what they say they’re going to do, and Jesse did exactly that. If you’re looking for a Honda, I’d definitely recommend giving Jesse a call. Thanks again to Jesse and the Metro Honda team. ”
“ Joseph is vest sales at metro Honda thank you my son ”
“ Lee is a good person. Thank you for my new vehicle. ”
“ Jesse James and Jason Brown they give us a great deal and no arguing! ”
“ Jesse James and Jason Brown are amazing !!! Go see them !!!! ”
Thank you my son 4th car from my Josh he's the best so
“ Thank you my son 4th car from my Josh he's the best so far in metro Honda ”
“ Danny Evangelista provided excellent customer service ”
“ I had an amazing experience working with Jesse James at Metro Honda! He helped my mom get into a brand new Honda CR-V, and the whole process was smooth from start to finish. This is actually the second car we’ve purchased with him, and once again, he went above and beyond to make sure everything was perfect. Jesse is professional, patient, and genuinely cares about his customers. He took the time to explain all the details, answered every question, and made sure my mom felt comfortable and confident with her purchase. No pressure, no stress—just great service. If you’re looking for someone you can trust when buying a car, I highly recommend asking for Jesse James. Definitely the best experience we’ve had at a dealership! CHICO BLANCO THE GOAT 🐐❤️ ”
“ Best experience I’ve had at a dealership in a long time! Jesse James is the guy to see. He’ll get you set up with the right vehicle and keep you laughing throughout the process. He definitely makes the car-buying experience 100 times better. If you’re looking for great service and a stress-free experience, ask for Jesse James! Highly recommended. ”
“ Had an amazing experience at Metro Honda in Jersey City! The whole process was smooth, fast, and stress-free from start to finish. Huge shoutout to Jesse James—super friendly, professional, and made everything really easy to understand with no pressure at all. If you’re looking for a great car-buying experience, definitely ask for Jesse. Highly recommend Metro Honda! 🔥🚗 ”
“ Jesse James at Metro Honda really looked out for us like family. He helped my mom get her new Honda CR-V, and this is already the second car we’ve bought with him. Every time, he makes the process smooth, easy, and stress-free. He’s patient, honest, and truly cares no pressure, just real help. I’m super grateful and would definitely recommend him to anyone CHICO BLANCO 🐐❤️ ”
“ My wife and I recently purchased two vehicles from Honda, and the entire experience was outstanding from start to finish. Our salesperson, Jesse, was absolutely tremendous. Buying a car can often feel stressful or high-pressure, but Jesse made the process smooth, professional, and enjoyable. He was knowledgeable, patient, honest, and took the time to answer every question we had. At no point did we feel rushed or pressured. He genuinely cared about making sure we found the right vehicles for our family’s needs. I also want to recognize General Manager Jason Brown, who was incredibly welcoming and hospitable throughout the process. It was clear that customer satisfaction is a priority at this dealership, and that attitude comes from the top down. A special thank you as well to our family friend Joe for referring us here. Thanks to his recommendation, we found a dealership that truly values its customers. If you’re looking for a Honda dealership that treats people with respect, operates with integrity, and provides exceptional customer service, I highly recommend this team. Jesse and Jason made what is often a stressful experience into a fantastic one. We couldn’t be happier with our purchase and will absolutely be back for future vehicles. Thank you again for such a great experience! ”
“ I had such an amazing experience working with Jesse James at Metro Honda! He helped me get into my brand new Honda CR-V, and I’m honestly so happy with everything. This is actually the second car my family has purchased with him, and he made the whole process feel so easy and stress-free again. Jesse was so kind, patient, and professional throughout everything. He really took his time explaining all the details, answered every question I had, and made sure I felt completely comfortable with my decision. I never felt pressured at all, which meant a lot to me. I’m truly grateful for all his help and would absolutely recommend Jesse James to anyone looking for a car. It was such a smooth and pleasant experience—I couldn’t have asked for better! ”
“ I had the pleasure to meet Gabriella Garcia and Chetti they are so nice and listen to exactly what you want . The experience of getting my vehicle was so smooth and satisfying I highly recommend that if you choose to go to Metro Honda in Jersey city make sure to ask for both of them and you will be one happy customer . ”
“ Jesse James was incredible! He was so helpful with determining the right CRV for us and was such a genuinely honest, kind person to work with. Highly recommend! ”
“ Shout out to Jesse James on helping me buy a CRV. Transparent and straight to the point on pricing. ”
“ Lee was great 👍 I bought my 2nd car here thank you again ”
“ Buying my first car was a huge milestone, and the team at the dealership made the entire experience amazing. Jesse James helped me get a fantastic deal on my brand new car and was professional, transparent, patient, and never pushy throughout the process. He answered all my questions, worked with my budget, and made everything smooth and stress-free. I truly appreciated his honesty and effort, and I couldn’t be happier with my new car. Highly recommend metro Honda to anyone looking for a great car-buying experience! ”
Fast and easy , in and out in less than 2 hours ,
“ Fast and easy , in and out in less than 2 hours , respectful, Honda cars are great ”
“ Lee was very professional, helpfull and he gave perfect price for perfect car ”
“ (Translated by Google) The best (Original) Lo mejor ”
“ (Translated by Google) I have no words to explain it. (Original) no Tengo palabra para explicarlo ”
“ Ash got the job done ”
“ Having been to two other Honda dealerships before Metro, I was frustrated and a little annoyed with the company, however I decided to try once more. By the time I met Shawn, I was not up for anymore BS, and I let him know it. I must say, he knows his business and was well equipped to work with someone like me. I'm from NY and it shows 🤦🏾♀️😁. Thank God I didn't settle for mediocre. From the beginning with test drives and giving me information on the vehicle itself, to the paperwork and financial aspect, everything went smoothly. I purchased a 2026 Honda Civic sport with 3 miles. Metro Honda was professional, patient and polite. Shawn my salesman was phenomenal 💗 ”
“ Great service and a very smooth buying experience. The staff were honest, patient, and helped me choose the perfect car for my needs. Everything was handled professionally from start to finish. ”
“ Lee helped me so much with my car purchase! He is the best and helped me with the process and made it very smooth for me! Come get your car here! ”
“ Thank you Genaro for the new car! and for your wonderful service ”
“ I tried to schedule a service appointment - they have a terrible AI system, which put me on hold for ages, and when the system said I could leave a number and someone would call back - I did so - and never got a callback. I also emailed Elvis one of their service staff to ask someone to call me back - no answer. They dont have an online schedule system either. So frustrating !! ”
“ Very disappointed in the service that I received from this company. I experienced a lot of back and forth information between multiple with no solution. Today my temp plates expired. They waited an entire month to even explain that the information that I gave for the lien release wasn’t sufficient enough for them to give me the official plates. I called in because I was told that they received everything today and nobody ever informed me that I would need to be at the dealership at a certain time to receive my plates. Instead they told me that the lady Tina who does them has left for the day. This information is coming for an additional person. Very disappointed at how they disregard the needs of their customers. Clearly after you spend your money they no longer feel obliged to make sure the service that you receive is sufficient. I would never recommend them to anyone. ”
“ They don’t know how to talk with customers, I have seen one of the sales person mad at one poor customer and telling them to get out from here. Such a bad people there! Never ever buy anything from there. I went out as well without doing any deal with them. ”
“ The worst experience ever. The staff is extremely rude. The manager literally came over where I was sitting and started talking loudly. He then literally started talking loudly while I was politely asking him questions. Would never recommend anyone to go through this. ”
“ I came to this dealership to buy a car. We got a good deal on the car. Everything was okay until the salesman asked me for my Social Security number, saying that the DMV needs it for the registration, and that was a lie. I got a notification that he tried to run my credit score even though I had a credit union on top of that. I gave a five-thousand-dollar down payment. The next day, I got the remaining money and I forgot that I had already put a down payment, so the check that I got from the bank and credit union was $5,000 over. I told them, and they said that I was going to receive my money immediately, and that didn't happen. I am still waiting for my refund, and they didn't even want to give me my original down payment receipt. The salesman kept it and he didn't want to give me a receipt, saying that I would get a refund. Something very fishy is going on in this place, and I believe all the reviews are fake. ”

“ Lee was wonderful to deal with, vey helpful and accommodating ”