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How to turn off headlights on a Honda Fit?

To turn off the headlights on a Honda Fit, rotate the headlight control knob on the left side of the steering column to the Off position. If your model has Auto headlights, switching to Off will disable automatic activation. Be aware that Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) may remain on in some markets even when the headlights are off.


Where to find the headlight switch


The headlight control is typically a round knob mounted on the left side of the dash near the steering wheel. Depending on year and trim, the knob may be labeled Off, Auto, Parking Lights, and Headlights On. Some models also include a separate fog light control nearby.


Auto headlights and DRLs: what you should know


Many Honda Fits offer an Auto setting that turns headlights on or off based on ambient lighting. DRLs, when equipped, may operate independently of the main headlights in certain regions and trims. In such cases, simply setting the switch to Off will not always completely extinguish all exterior lighting.


Step-by-step: turning off the headlights


Use the following quick steps to manually switch off the headlights. This list is intended to be a practical reference you can follow in most driving situations.



  1. With the ignition on, locate the headlight switch knob on the left side of the dashboard.

  2. Rotate the knob from its current position to the Off position. If the knob is currently in Auto, rotate through Auto to reach Off.

  3. Check that the exterior headlights are off by visually inspecting the front of the vehicle or verifying the dashboard indicator has switched off.


After turning the switch to Off, the headlights should be off. If DRLs or other lights remain on, consult the owner’s manual or contact a dealer for model-specific guidance, as some regions and trims constrain disabling certain lights.


What happens if the lights won’t turn off


If you find the lights won’t turn off using the switch, try these quick checks before seeking service:



  • Ensure the ignition is in the correct position and the switch is fully rotated to Off.

  • Try turning the switch to the Auto position, then back to Off, to reset the control.

  • Check for any aftermarket lighting accessories or electrical faults that could be keeping lights on.


If the issue persists, it may indicate a malfunction in the headlight switch or an electrical fault, and you should have the vehicle inspected by a certified technician.


Summary


In most Honda Fits, turning off the headlights is as simple as rotating the headlight control knob to the Off position. If your model uses Auto headlights, you can still manually set Off to prevent activation. Be aware that DRLs may remain on in certain markets, and some trims do not allow complete isolation of all exterior lights. Always consult your owner’s manual for model-specific instructions and, when in doubt, contact a dealer for assistance.

How do I turn my Honda headlights off?


To turn off Honda headlights, rotate the light switch to the OFF position, which is the standard method on most models. On some newer models with automatic headlights, you may need to manually switch the lights off via the touchscreen menu. Be aware that even when the headlights are off, daytime running lights (DRLs) may still be on and will often come back on automatically if the car detects low light conditions or if you are in motion.
 
This video demonstrates how to turn on and off the headlights on a Honda CRV: 1mDIY PintoYouTube · Oct 23, 2017
Standard method (Most models)

  • Find the light control switch, which is usually on a stalk on the left side of the steering wheel. 
  • Rotate the end of the switch to the OFF position. The lights will turn off, but the DRLs might remain on. 
  • To turn the lights back on manually, simply rotate the switch back to AUTO or the ON position. 

Newer models with automatic headlights 
  • Look for the headlight shortcut icon, which is often a lamp icon, on the infotainment touchscreen. 
  • Tap the icon to open the lighting menu. 
  • Select the OFF or DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS option to turn them off. 
  • Note that even in "OFF" mode, the headlights may come on automatically in low-light situations or when certain conditions are met. 

This video explains how to use the headlight controls on a Honda Prologue: 34sHondaYouTube · Feb 21, 2024
Special cases
  • DRLs staying on: Some states require DRLs to be on when in motion, so they may automatically come back on even if you manually turn the headlights off. 
  • Turning off DRLs in some newer models: You may be able to turn the DRLs off manually by rotating the light switch to the OFF position, but this may not work while driving. 
  • Pulling the parking brake: On some models, applying the parking brake and then turning the car off and on again can turn off DRLs. 



How do I turn off my headlights while the car is running?


To turn off your headlights while the car is running, turn the headlight switch to the "off" or "parking light" position, and then engage the parking brake, turn off the engine, and turn it back on to disable daytime running lights (DRLs). If the headlights remain on after this, try a different method such as pulling the fuse or checking user settings via the infotainment system. 
Turn off automatic headlights and DRLs 
This video demonstrates how to turn off daytime running lights on a Honda CR-V: 1mCrazy Honda ChrisYouTube · Apr 12, 2022

  • Manually position the headlight switch: Turn the headlight switch to the "off" position. If you have automatic headlights, this may also deactivate the DRLs, but it's not guaranteed. 
  • Engage the parking brake: With the headlights off, pull the parking brake up. You will see a "brake" indicator light on the dashboard. 
  • Turn the car off and on again: Turn the engine off completely, wait a couple of seconds, and then turn it back on. The DRLs should now be off. 

Alternative methods
This video demonstrates how to turn off daytime running lights on a Toyota model: 47sSteven WelchYouTube · Oct 15, 2022
  • Use user settings: Some newer cars allow you to turn off DRLs through the infotainment system. Look for settings related to "vehicle," "customize," or "light settings" in the menu. 
  • Pull the fuse: If the other methods don't work, you can manually disconnect the headlight fuse to completely disable them. You can find the fuse location in your owner's manual. 
  • Consult your owner's manual: For specific instructions, consult your car's owner's manual for the exact procedure for your make and model. 



Do Honda Fit headlights turn off automatically?


The headlights, all other exterior lights, and the instrument panel lights turn off 15 seconds after you remove the key or set the power mode to VEHICLE OFF (LOCK), take the remote with you, and close the driver's door.
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How do I turn off Honda Fit headlights?


The headlight switch is on the turn signal lever on the right side of the steering wheel, as shown in the photo below.

  1. To turn on/off the headlights, twist the knob up or down.
  2. To activate a quick flash of the high beam, pull the signal lever towards you. To keep it on, push it away from you.


Kevin's Auto

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.