Question: I was driving the other week and the D light on my Civic dashboard started blinking out of nowhere. I turned my engine off, which solved the problem for a day, but then it started blinking again. Do you know why the D light is blinking on my Honda?
Answer: The D light usually indicates that your car is in Drive, so it can be alarming if it suddenly starts blinking. If the D light is blinking on your Honda, it’s an indication that you have a faulty transmission. You should avoid driving your vehicle and get it to a trusted auto repair shop immediately.
The Check Engine light may also come on when the D light (or Drive light) starts flashing, but it won’t always, so don’t rely on this as a signal of how serious the issue is.
OBD codes related to a flashing Drive light
If you have access to an OBD-II scanner, you may be able to diagnose the problem yourself. Just plug the scanner into the OBD port (usually under the steering wheel) and look up the diagnostic trouble code that appears.
If you don’t have an OBD-II scanner, you can usually visit an auto parts shop and ask the employees to scan your vehicle for trouble codes. But since you’ll need to address the transmission issue right away, you can save time by just taking your car to a repair shop.
Here are some transmission-related trouble codes you might see if your Honda D light is flashing:
- P0218: Transmission is overheating
- P0700–P0702: Transmission control system error
- P0705–P0709: Transmission range sensor circuit error
- P0710–P0714: Transmission fluid temperature sensor error
- P0810: Transmission fluid pressure manual valve position switch error
- P0812: Transmission fluid overheating
- P0840–P0849: Transmission fluid pressure sensor
In some cases, transmission issues will not send a code to an OBD-II scanner—a professional will need to diagnose the problem.
If your D light is flashing, head to a repair shop right away
You should not continue driving your vehicle if you have a flashing D light. Transmission repairs can be costly, but ignoring the problem can lead to significant damage to your transmission—and that could cost you thousands in additional repairs.
Fortunately, if you act quickly, you may discover that the fix is as simple as replacing a sensor, which could cost less than $100.
Can I fix a flashing D light myself?
There’s a wide range of problems that can lead your D light to flash. Some of these may be relatively easy DIY fixes, like adjusting your transmission fluid levels or replacing a sensor. But transmission problems can quickly leave your Honda undriveable, so unless you have an extensive mechanical background and you’re confident you can diagnose and fix the problem yourself, it’s best to at least take your vehicle in for a diagnostic inspection.
FAQ
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What Honda models might display a flashing D light?
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How do I know what is causing my Drive indicator light to flash?
Expert insurance writer and editor Amy Bobinger specializes in car repair, car maintenance, and car insurance. Amy is passionate about creating content that helps consumers navigate challenges related to car ownership and achieve financial success in areas relating to cars. Amy has over 10 years of writing and editing experience. After several years as a freelance writer, Amy spent four years as an editing fellow at WikiHow, where she co-authored over 600 articles on topics including car maintenance and home ownership. Since joining Jerry’s editorial team in 2022, Amy has edited over 2,500 articles on car insurance, state driving laws, and car repair and maintenance.
Kevin Berry is the Senior Director of Content at Jerry and has been working in the digital content space since 2011 across the car insurance/repair, personal finance, travel and sports industries. Prior to Jerry, Kevin was a content team lead at NerdWallet overseeing the Multimedia Production and Travel Rewards teams. Previously, he worked for NBC Sports, Comcast Cable and Nike. He has a Master`s Degree from Arkansas State and a Bachelor`s from Oregon State University.
