How do I turn off the lights inside my Honda Civic?
To turn off the interior lights in a Honda Civic, switch the ceiling dome light control to OFF or DOOR, or manually toggle the map lights off. If you want the lights to come on only when you open a door, set the dome switch to DOOR and rely on the door sensors.
Where to find the lighting controls
In most Civics, the main dome light control sits on the overhead console between the sun visors. This control typically has three positions: OFF, DOOR, and ON. Front map lights also have small switches to turn them on or off individually. Some trims place these controls closer to the rearview mirror or on the edge of the ceiling console.
Dome light and map light layout
The dome/center light is usually a single housing with a rotary or push switch. The map lights on either side of the rearview mirror can be toggled independently. Using these controls allows you to manage which areas are illuminated without affecting other interior lights.
How to turn off the lights: step-by-step
Use this quick, model-agnostic set of steps to disable interior lighting. The steps assume a standard 10th- or 11th-generation Civic interior light setup.
- Locate the dome light switch on the overhead console (near the front ceiling, between or above the sun visors).
- Move the dome switch to OFF to disable the main interior light entirely.
- If you want the light to come on only when a door is opened, set the dome switch to DOOR.
- To ensure additional map lights are off, press or flip each map-light switch to OFF (if your model uses separate switches).
- Close all doors and test by opening a door to verify the behavior; if the lights stay on, review the previous steps or check for a stuck door courtesy sensor.
Note: If the interior lights behave unexpectedly after following these steps, check for a misaligned or faulty door sensor or any aftermarket lighting accessories that might override stock controls. In most Civics, the above controls are sufficient to manage interior illumination.
Troubleshooting common issues
If the lights won’t turn off at all or stay on after doors are closed, try these quick checks:
- Ensure all doors are fully closed; a misaligned door can keep the courtesy lights on.
- Make sure the dome light switch remains firmly in OFF or DOOR position and isn’t loose or stuck.
- Inspect for aftermarket lighting fixtures that might override stock controls.
- If the vehicle is equipped with cabin lighting linked to ignition, verify the ignition position is appropriate for your model (OFF or ACC) when the car is stationary.
If issues persist, consult the owner's manual or contact a Honda dealer for a diagnostic, as door sensors or wiring faults may require professional attention.
Summary
In most Honda Civics, interior lights are controlled by a dome light switch with OFF, DOOR, and ON positions, plus individual map-light switches. Setting the dome switch to OFF turns off the main interior light, while DOOR keeps lights off until a door is opened. By locating the overhead controls and using the appropriate positions, you can quickly manage cabin illumination and prevent unnecessary battery drain.
