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How do I fix my DRL light?

Start by identifying whether your daytime running lights (DRLs) themselves are out or if a dashboard DRL warning is lit. Then follow a systematic diagnostic of bulbs, fuses, relays, wiring, and the control module. If you’re unsure or uncomfortable with automotive electrical work, seek a professional technician.

What DRLs are and why they fail

Daytime running lights are a safety feature that keeps your vehicle visible in daylight. Depending on the model, DRLs may use dedicated bulbs, the low beams, or a separate LED module controlled by the vehicle’s body control module (BCM). Common failure points include burned-out bulbs, blown fuses, faulty relays, corroded or loose wiring, moisture in connectors, or a malfunctioning DRL/lighting control module. Some vehicles also require certain ignition or headlight switch settings for DRLs to operate correctly, so car configuration and manual instructions matter.

This overview helps you approach the problem methodically. Start with the simplest checks—bulbs and fuses—before moving to more complex diagnostics that involve the vehicle’s control systems.

Check and fix DRL bulbs and basic lighting circuitry

These steps cover the most common, user-serviceable causes of DRL failure: bulb status, wiring connections, and basic lighting circuitry. Follow them in order to rule out the easiest fixes first.

Inspect the DRL bulbs on both sides. Determine whether the DRLs use dedicated DRL bulbs or share a bulb with headlights. Look for a burned filament, a broken filament, or obviously darkened glass. If a bulb is burned out, replace it with the correct type specified for your vehicle. Note that some modern DRLs are LEDs or integrated modules that aren’t serviceable as a simple bulb replacement; in those cases, the entire module or assembly may need replacement.

Reconnect and reseat all relevant connectors. With the hood open and the engine off, gently disconnect and reconnect the bulb sockets and any DRL modules. Look for signs of corrosion, bent pins, or moisture. Clean any corrosion with appropriate electrical contact cleaner and ensure a snug, secure fit.

Test the lights with the ignition in daytime running mode. After replacements or reseats, start the car and verify that DRLs illuminate as intended in daylight. If only one side works or neither side lights, recheck the bulb type, polarity (if applicable), and connector seating.

Confirm that the DRLs aren’t dependent on other lighting settings. Some vehicles require the headlights to be in a specific position or require the engine to be running for DRLs to function. Consult the owner’s manual for model-specific behavior to avoid misinterpretation of a normal setting as a fault.

Bulb issues are the most common and easiest fixes. If replacing bulbs doesn’t restore DRL operation, move on to checking fuses, relays, and wiring in the next section.

Check fuses, relays, and the DRL control circuit

These steps cover the electrical power and control side of the DRL system. Fuses protect the circuit, relays switch it on/off, and the control module or BCM governs DRL behavior. This sequence helps you identify problems beyond simple bulb replacement.

Locate the DRL fuse and related relay. Use the vehicle’s owner manual or a fuse box diagram to identify the fuse and relay that power the DRL circuit. If a fuse is blown, replace it with a fuse of the exact same rating; if it blows again, there is likely a short or overload that needs professional diagnosis.

Test or swap the DRL relay with a known-good relay. If the relay is faulty, swapping with a similar relay from another circuit can confirm whether the relay is the culprit. If the DRLs come on after swapping, replace the bad relay with a proper new part.

Inspect wiring harnesses and grounds associated with the DRL circuit. Look for damaged insulation, cracked wires, or loose ground connections. Clean or repair corroded connectors and ensure ground points are solid and free of rust.

Use an inline voltmeter or a multimeter to verify voltage at the DRL power feed when the vehicle is in the proper mode. If voltage is absent or inconsistent, the problem may lie upstream in the BCM/DRL module or in wiring harnesses rather than in the bulbs themselves.

Electrical checks of fuses, relays, and wiring address most non-mechanical faults. If the DRLs still don’t function after these steps, the issue might involve a vehicle-specific control module or a fault code that requires professional diagnosis and specialized tooling.

Dealing with a DRL warning light on the dashboard

Sometimes the DRL indicator on the dashboard signals a fault rather than simply a failure of the lights themselves. This section covers how to identify and respond to a DRL warning code.

Read diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) with an OBD-II scanner. A DRL-related fault will often generate a code stored in the vehicle’s onboard computer. Note the code and any accompanying freeze-frame data to guide the next steps.

Investigate stored codes one by one. Common DRL-related issues involve the circuit powering the DRLs, the DRL control module, or related sensor inputs. Some codes point to a specific bulb circuit, while others reference the BCM or a wiring fault.

Clear the codes and recheck. After performing repairs, clear the codes with the scanner and run the vehicle to see if the warning returns. If the warning persists, re-run targeted diagnostics or consult a professional for deeper module or wiring testing.

In many cases, a DRL warning is a sign of a fault in the circuit, not just a burned-out light. Reading and clearing codes will guide you toward the correct repair path, which may range from a simple connector reseal to module replacement.

Summary

DRL issues come in two broad flavors: the lights themselves failing or the dashboard warning signaling a fault in the DRL circuit. Start with the easiest fixes—verify and replace bulbs if needed, then check fuses and relays, and inspect wiring and grounds. If a dashboard DRL warning appears, use an OBD-II scanner to read codes and follow the repair path those codes indicate. Because DRLs and their control logic vary by model, always consult your vehicle’s manual for model-specific instructions, and seek professional help if you’re unsure about electrical work or if the problem involves the BCM or DRL control module.

Where is the DRL sensor located?

You can usually find the daytime running light (DRL) module at the vehicle's front or near one of the headlights. The location of the DRL module can vary between models, so consult your owner's manual. The DRL module operates the headlights and DRLs according to the light level of the surroundings.

What causes daytime running lights not working?

If your daytime running lights (DRLs) are not working, the most common causes are a blown fuse, a bad bulb, or a faulty ambient light sensor. Less common issues include problems with the DRL module, wiring damage, or a malfunctioning light switch. Start by checking the fuse and bulbs, then consider the sensor, and if the problem persists, look into the DRL module.
This video demonstrates how to check and replace daytime running light fuses and bulbs: 57s2CarProsYouTube · Feb 23, 2016
1. Check the simple things first

Check the fuse: Find your vehicle's fuse box (there may be more than one) and look for the fuse(s) labeled for DRLs. Visually inspect it for a break in the wire, and if you find one, replace it with a new one of the same amperage.
Inspect the bulbs: If only one DRL is out, the bulb is the most likely culprit. If both are out, they could both have failed simultaneously, but a blown fuse is more likely. A burnt filament or a dark bulb indicates it's time for a replacement.
Check the ambient light sensor: This is a small, dome-like sensor, usually on the dashboard. To test it, cover the sensor completely with your hand. Your headlights should turn on. If they do, the sensor is likely working. If the headlights don't turn on, the sensor may be faulty or the DRLs may be disabled in your car's settings.

2. Investigate more complex issues

Test the DRL module: If the fuse and bulbs are fine, the DRL module may be the issue. A faulty module can prevent the lights from turning on or off, or even cause them to stay on when they shouldn't. Some modules are relatively inexpensive and can be replaced by a DIYer.
Examine the wiring and sockets: Check the bulb sockets for corrosion or damage, as this can interrupt the circuit. If the fuse is fine and the bulbs are new, a wiring issue could be the cause, particularly if the problem started after a recent electrical component replacement.
Check vehicle settings: Some modern vehicles have DRL settings that can be adjusted or disabled in the infotainment system. Check your settings menu to ensure the DRLs are enabled and try toggling the setting off and on a few times to see if it resets them.

How to fix DRL light on dash?

To fix a DRL light on your dashboard, first check for a burnt-out bulb and replace it. If the light is on after replacing the bulb, or if you have installed LED bulbs, the issue is likely the low power draw causing the system to think the light is out. You can resolve this by installing a CANbus decoder or a resistor, or by switching back to the stock incandescent bulb.
This video shows how to install a CANbus decoder to fix the DRL light on a Honda Odyssey: 56sGuy of All TradesYouTube · May 16, 2024
Step 1: Diagnose the problem

Check for a burnt-out bulb: The most common cause is a simple burnt-out bulb.
Check the fuse: If both DRLs are out, check the fuse for the DRL system.
Consider recent bulb changes: If you recently replaced your bulbs with LEDs, the system is likely being tricked because LEDs draw less power, and a CANbus decoder or resistor is needed.

Step 2: Fix the DRL light

Replace burnt-out bulbs: If a bulb is the issue, replace it with a new, compatible bulb. The warning light should clear after the new bulb is installed and the car is restarted.
Install a CANbus decoder: If you've installed LED bulbs, connect a CANbus decoder in-line with the new LED bulb. This device adds a small electrical load to trick the car's computer into recognizing the bulb is working.
Add a resistor: If a CANbus decoder isn't available, you can add an in-line resistor to the LED bulb's wiring to draw enough power to satisfy the car's system.
Return to stock bulbs: As a last resort, if the above steps don't work, you can remove the LEDs and install the original stock incandescent bulbs, which will likely resolve the issue.

How much does it cost to replace DRL lights?

Daytime running light (DRL) replacement costs vary widely, from about $10 to over $2,700, depending on whether you need a simple bulb, a new headlight assembly, or an aftermarket kit. The cheapest options are DIY-friendly bulb replacements costing under $50, while complex, integrated LED assemblies can be very expensive, often requiring professional installation and labor costs.

Cost Component	Estimated Price	Details
Bulb Replacement	$10 - $50+	For older vehicles that use a separate, standard bulb, you can purchase a replacement at an auto parts store.
DIY Kit Installation	$50 - $200	If you are comfortable with DIY projects, a universal DRL kit can be purchased online and installed yourself.
Professional Installation	$750 (approx.)	Includes the kit cost ($150) plus labor ($600) for vehicles that need a more complex installation from a custom shop.
Headlight Assembly Replacement	$300 - $2,700+	This is a major expense that applies when the entire headlight assembly needs to be replaced, which is common with modern integrated LED systems.

Type of vehicle: Newer cars, especially luxury or electric models, often have integrated LED systems that are significantly more expensive to replace than older cars with simple bulb-based DRLs.
Part of the assembly: Replacing a single bulb is cheap, while replacing the entire assembly can cost thousands of dollars.
Labor: Professional installation can be expensive, especially if it requires removing bumpers or complex wiring.
DIY vs. Professional: If you are a DIYer, you can save a lot on labor costs. However, if you are not comfortable with basic car repairs, it may be safer and more cost-effective to pay for professional installation.

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.