How do I turn the lights on my Honda Civic?
The lights on a Honda Civic are controlled by a dedicated headlight switch on the left side of the steering column. In most models you’ll either rotate a small dial or use a toggle on the end of the stalk to choose Auto, Off, Parking, or Full headlights. Fog lights and high beams are additional functions that may be available depending on trim level.
This guide walks you through locating the controls, understanding their common settings, and using them safely in a variety of driving conditions across recent Civic generations.
Where to find and identify the headlight controls
Before using the lights, it’s helpful to know where the controls live and what each setting means. The exact layout can vary by year and trim, but these locations cover the vast majority of Civics on the road today.
- Left multifunction stalk: On most Civics, the headlight control is at the end of the left stalk (the same lever used for turn signals). You rotate the end cap to select Off, Auto, Parking Lights, or Headlights.
- Dash-mounted headlight dial (less common in newer Civics): Some trims place a round dial on the left side of the dash near the steering wheel. Turn this dial to Off, Auto, Parking Lights, or Headlights.
- Fog lights switch: If your car has fog lamps, there is usually a separate button near the headlight switch marked with the fog-lamp symbol. Fog lights typically operate only when the headlights are on or in Auto mode.
- High-beam stalk operation: The left stalk also controls high beams—pushing it forward (away from you) engages high beams, while pulling it back momentarily flashes the high beams.
- Instrument cluster indicators: When you change the headlight setting, check the instrument cluster for corresponding icons to confirm the lights are on (e.g., a headlamp icon for headlights, a small “AUTO” indicator if in automatic mode).
Note: If you drive an older Civic or a very specific trim, the exact location may differ slightly. When in doubt, consult your owner's manual for the precise diagram for your model year.
Using the headlight controls
Once you’ve located the controls, here’s how to operate them in common driving situations. The guidance applies to most recent Civics, with minor variations by generation.
- Auto headlights: Set the switch to Auto. The system uses an ambient light sensor to turn headlights on and off as lighting conditions change. In twilight, night, or tunnels, the lights will switch on automatically. If the sensor is covered (for example, by snow or dirt on the windshield area), it may not operate correctly.
- Manual headlights: Set the switch to Headlights (on). This keeps the headlights on regardless of ambient light, which can be useful when driving through bright, but shaded, areas or countryside roads where you want consistent illumination.
- Parking lights: Select Parking Lights when you only need a low-light signal—useful when you’re parked on the side of the road or waiting in a vehicle lot. These provide visibility without fully lighting the road.
- Daytime Running Lights (DRL): Many Civics have DRLs that operate when the engine is running, even if the headlights are off. In most models you can’t manually disable DRLs; if you want to change behavior, you’ll need to adjust the headlight selector to Auto or On depending on the model.
- Fog lights: If equipped, press the fog-light button when the headlights are on or in Auto mode to activate them. Fog lights provide extra illumination close to the ground in fog or heavy rain; use them only in appropriate conditions to avoid glare for other drivers.
- High beams: To enable high beams, push the left stalk forward until it clicks. This provides brighter, longer-range illumination. To flash the high beams quickly, pull the stalk toward you momentarily. If your Civic has automatic high-beam assist (AHB) on some trims, the system may dim or switch between high and low beams automatically under certain conditions; refer to your manual for specifics.
Tip: Always switch to low beams when driving in heavy traffic, fog, rain, or snow to reduce glare for others. If you notice the auto function isn’t activating at dusk or dawn, ensure the switch is set to Auto and that the vehicle’s electrical system is functioning correctly.
Summary
In most Honda Civics, turning on and using the lights is a straightforward four-step process: locate the headlight control (on the left stalk or dash), choose Auto or Headlights for your preferred operation, use the fog-light button if available when conditions warrant, and operate the high beams with the left stalk. Always adapt to lighting and weather conditions and consult your owner’s manual for any model-specific quirks or features. Safe driving depends on reliable lighting—keep sensors clean and be mindful of other road users.
