Acura RL Warning Lights: What They Mean

Red: stop or act now

Low Oil Pressure Indicator

Engine can be severely damaged if it flashes or stays on while running, or if a CHECK ENGINE OIL LEVEL message appears. PDF page 68

Charging System Indicator

Comes on with engine running: the battery is not being charged; a CHECK CHARGING SYSTEM message also appears. PDF page 68

Seat Belt Reminder Indicator

Reminds you and your passenger to fasten seat belts; it flashes with a beeper if belts are unfastened.
What to do: Fasten your seat belt. PDF page 68

Amber: check soon

Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) Indicator

If on at any time other than briefly at startup, there is an ABS problem. Normal braking remains but without anti-lock function.
What to do: Take the vehicle to your dealer to have it checked. PDF page 70

Electronically Controlled Power Steering System (ECPS) Indicator

If on after startup, there is a power steering problem; ECPS is off and the vehicle may be harder to steer.
What to do: Stop safely, turn off engine, restart. If it stays on or returns while driving, have your dealer check it. PDF page 74

Malfunction Indicator Lamp

Indicates an emission system problem; a CHECK EMISSION SYSTEM message also appears on the display. PDF page 68

Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) System Indicator

If it stays on after startup, there is a VSA problem. Normal driving ability remains, without VSA traction and stability enhancement. Flashes when VSA is active.
What to do: Pull over safely, turn off engine and restart. If it stays on or returns, have a dealer inspect it. PDF page 441

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Indicator

Amber means there is a problem with the ACC system; a CHECK ACC SYSTEM message also appears. Green means ACC is on.
What to do: Take your vehicle to your dealer to have it checked. PDF page 72

Super Handling-All Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) Indicator

If on after startup, there is an SH-AWD problem. Blinking while driving means the differential temperature is too high.
What to do: Take your vehicle to a dealer to have it checked. PDF page 72

Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) Indicator

Comes on if the radar sensor is blocked by dirt or if the CMBS has a problem. While on, CMBS is not working.
What to do: Clean the radar sensor; for other problems, have a dealer check the vehicle. PDF page 75

Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS) Indicator

Blinking means a problem with the AFS. It also comes on as a reminder that AFS has been turned off.
What to do: Stop safely, turn ignition to ACCESSORY or LOCK, restart. If it stays on or blinks again, see a dealer. PDF page 75

Keyless Access System Indicator

If on after the initial few seconds at startup, there is a problem with the keyless access system. PDF page 74

Low Fuel Indicator

Reminder to refuel soon; about 2.69 US gal of fuel remain, and a FUEL LOW message appears.
What to do: Refuel soon. PDF page 72

Other warnings and indicators

Immobilizer System Indicator

Blinks and the engine will not start if the remote is not properly coded. PDF page 70

VSA OFF Indicator

Reminder that you have turned off the vehicle stability assist system. PDF page 441

Message Indicator

Comes on when a system message is shown on the multi-information display.
What to do: Press the INFO button on the steering wheel to see the message. PDF page 74

Security System Indicator

Comes on when the security system is set. PDF page 75

Green: system on

Turn Signal and Hazard Warning Indicators

Blinks when signaling; if one does not blink or blinks rapidly, a turn signal bulb is usually burned out.
What to do: Replace the bulb as soon as possible. PDF page 70

Lights On Indicator

Reminds you that the exterior lights are on; a chime sounds when the driver's door opens if lights are left on. PDF page 70

Fog Light Indicator

Comes on when the fog lights are turned on. PDF page 71

Cruise Main Indicator

Comes on when you turn on cruise control with the CRUISE button on the steering wheel. PDF page 71

Blue: system on

High Beam Indicator

Comes on with the high beam headlights, and dimly when daytime running lights are on. PDF page 71

Summarized in our own words from the 2012 Acura RL owner's manual (AI-assisted; every light name was matched against its cited page 2026-10-18). Your vehicle may not have every light, and other years can differ. A red warning that stays on usually means stop safely and check: your manual has the final word.