As an owner of various Hondas over the years, including Accord, Civics, and C-RVs, I’ve had my fair share of dashboard warning lights to deal with. One of the ones that often comes up with questions on social media, is when the D light starts blinking on the dashboard.
Here’s all you need to know about it…
The D light is blinking on your Honda to warn you of a problem with the transmission, and as such, it’s important to address the issue before it becomes a bigger problem. There are several reasons why you might see the D light flashing on your Honda, and below I explain how to fix them.
Most likely cause of a blinking / flashing Honda D light
One of the most common reasons for the D light to blink and flash on your Honda will be when the transmission fluid gets too low. Transmission fluid lubricates the gears and keeping the transmission running smoothly. If the fluid level gets too low, the gears in your Honda can stop engaging properly, causing the D light to blink.
Another possible cause is a faulty fluid pressure sensor switch, which can also trigger flashing of the warning D light.
If you can feel issues in the transmission and the D light is blinking, don’t wait to fix it. Ignoring the problem could lead to more serious damage and costly repairs down the line.
Why is the D Light blinking on my Honda?
A blinking D light on your Honda can mean several things, not just the transmission. With that in mind, here’s all the possible reasons why the D light is flashing.
1. Faulty shift solenoid
The shift solenoid is responsible for directing transmission fluid to the appropriate gear in your Honda Accord or Civic. If the solenoid develops a fault, the D light can start to blink.
2. Battery issues
If your Honda’s battery is weak or failing, it can also cause the D light to blink. Check your battery voltage with a voltmeter and replace the battery if necessary. More on this a little lower down the page.
3. Wiring problems
Wiring issues can also cause the Honda D light to blink. Check for any loose or damaged wiring and repair or replace as necessary.
4. Low transmission fluid
And lastly, to reiterate, if your Honda’s transmission fluid level is low, it can cause the D light to blink.
What to do when the D light starts blinking
1. Check the transmission fluid
Check the transmission fluid level with the dipstick. Your Honda needs to be on a level surface and the engine should be running to get an accurate check.
If the fluid level is low, add more until it reaches the appropriate mark.
2. Check battery voltage
A flickering D light in a Honda Civic or Accord may signal a defective alternator, which is responsible for recharging the battery. If the alternator is malfunctioning, the battery’s charge will eventually run out.
You can diagnose whether the alternator is supplying enough power to the battery, a voltmeter can be used to measure the battery voltage, which may be low if the alternator is not functioning properly.
And finally… here’s more info on the Honda D light.
What is the D Light on a Honda?
The D light on your Honda stands for “Drive” and shows what gear your Honda Accord or Civic is in at that moment in time. When you then shift into drive mode, the D light comes on.
Can you continue driving with a blinking D Light on a Honda?
If you notice the D light blinking on your Honda, I do not recommend that you still drive. it is important to address the issue as soon as possible. However, you may be wondering if it is safe to continue driving with the blinking D light.
The answer depends on the severity of the issue causing the blinking D light. According to Vehicle Freak, a common cause of the blinking D light is low transmission fluid level. In this case, it may be safe to drive your Honda for a short distance to get to a mechanic or auto parts store to purchase transmission fluid. However, you should avoid driving long distances or at high speeds.
On the other hand, if the blinking D light is due to a mechanical transmission fault or a pressure switch issue, it is not recommended to drive your Honda at all. Continuing to drive with these types of issues can cause further damage to your transmission and result in costly repairs.
