* Low Battery Voltage: A weak battery can cause intermittent electrical problems, including glitches in the car's computer systems. The maintenance minder relies on the car's computer, so a low voltage could be causing the temporary blinking. Have your battery tested.
* Faulty Maintenance Minder System: The system itself might have a minor fault. This could be a loose connection, a failing sensor within the system, or even a problem with the control unit. A mechanic would need to diagnose this using a scan tool to check for stored codes related to the maintenance minder.
* Loose Connection: Check all the connections related to the car's computer system. A loose connection somewhere in the circuit could be causing an intermittent issue.
Things to check yourself (before taking it to a mechanic):
1. Battery Voltage: Have your battery tested at an auto parts store. This is the easiest and cheapest thing to check first.
2. Check all fuses: Make sure all fuses related to the car's computer system are intact. Your owner's manual will show you the fuse box location and diagrams.
Why it might only happen at startup:
The car's computer system performs various checks during startup. A temporary voltage drop or a glitch in the system during this self-test could be the reason the light blinks only then and not afterward.
If the problem persists:
Take your car to a qualified mechanic or Honda dealership. They can diagnose the issue accurately using a scan tool designed for Honda vehicles and determine the source of the problem. Describing the intermittent nature of the blinking light will be helpful for them. Don't just ignore it—while it might not indicate an immediate serious problem, it's a sign something isn't quite right with the car's electrical system.
