How to turn on headlights on a Honda Civic?

The quick answer: headlights are activated with a control on the left side of the steering column or a dash-mounted dial. Set to Auto for automatic operation, or rotate to the headlight symbol to switch on manually. High beams are controlled by the turn-signal stalk.

Headlight controls can vary by model year and trim. Some Civics use a stalk-based control, others use a dash dial, and a few offer Auto High Beam or more advanced sensor-based lighting. This guide walks you through the common layouts and how to use low beams, parking lights, and high beams across recent Civics.

Where to Find the Headlight Control

The exact location depends on the generation of your Civic. In most modern Civics, the control is either a small dial on the left side of the instrument panel or a switch integrated into the left turn-signal stalk. If you’re unsure, consult your owner’s manual or a Honda dealer for a model-specific diagram.

Note that daytime running lights (DRLs) may be active automatically regardless of headlight switch position and will stay on when the engine is running.

1. With the ignition on, locate the headlight control (left stalk or dash dial).


2. Rotate the dial or switch to Auto to enable automatic headlights; or rotate to the headlight symbol to turn on low beams manually. In some configurations, you may also see a parking light icon.


3. If you want parking lights only (in low-visibility or when parked), align the control with the parking light symbol.


4. When you’re done, you can return the control to Off or to Auto depending on your preference.

Using these steps allows you to operate basic lighting. For most driving situations, using Auto or manual low beams is sufficient, but remember to use headlights whenever visibility is reduced, or required by law.

Using High Beams and Auto High Beams

High beams provide maximum illumination and are controlled separately from the low-beam headlights. On most Civics, the turn-signal stalk controls high beams. When you push the stalk forward, the headlights switch to high beams; pull it back to return to low beams. If your Civic supports Auto High Beam (AHB), you can enable it so the car automatically switches between high and low beams based on ambient light and oncoming traffic. This feature is available on newer models and may be configurable through the instrument cluster or the headlight switch.

Note: Always use high beams responsibly and switch to low beams when there is oncoming traffic or when you are within a certain distance of other vehicles to avoid dazzling other drivers.

1. To activate high beams, push the turn-signal stalk away from you (or as indicated in your owner's manual) to engage the high-beam pattern, shown by the high-beam indicator on the instrument cluster.


2. To flash the high beams temporarily, pull the stalk toward you and release.


3. If equipped, enable Auto High Beam in the settings. The system will toggle between high and low beams automatically, subject to sensor input.

High-beam operation may differ slightly by model year or trim, so check your owner’s manual for exact steps. Always observe road conditions and traffic laws when using high beams.

Tips and Variations by Model Year

Honda has tweaked headlight controls across Civic generations. Here are the common patterns you’ll encounter in recent models, with the caveat that exact controls can vary by trim and market:

• 2016–2021 Civics: Headlight control commonly appears as a left-side stalk or a dash-mounted dial; Auto headlights are frequently available on mid and higher trims; DRL run during the day automatically.


• 2022–present Civics: A more standardized dash/dial or enhanced stalk control with Auto and feature options like Auto High Beam on select trims; headlight behavior may be integrated with the vehicle’s i-Vision or infotainment settings in the system.


• If in doubt, check the owner’s manual or contact a Honda dealer for a model-specific diagram or online manual for your VIN.

Effective use of headlights depends on the exact model year and trim. Always verify with the vehicle’s documentation if you’re unsure about the control layout or features such as Auto High Beam.

Summary

Headlights in a Honda Civic are typically operated via a left-side control (either a stalk or a dash knob) with an Auto setting available on many trims. Manual low-beam activation is done by rotating to the headlight symbol, while high beams are controlled by the turn-signal stalk. Auto High Beam is present on newer models and varies by trim. If in doubt, consult the owner’s manual or your local dealer for a model-specific explanation. Remember to use headlights in low visibility and at dusk or dawn to stay safe on the road.

Summary: For most Civics, you’ll find the headlight control on the left side of the dash or steering column. Use Auto for automatic operation, or manual to turn on low beams; use the stalk for high beams. Always adapt to road conditions and local laws, and consult your manual for any model-specific quirks.

How do I turn on Honda Civic headlights?

On with the headlights. On you can push forward to turn on your high beams. Or you can pull back on the stock anytime to flash them on. Those are the headlight controls on the Honda Civic.

How do I turn on the headlights on my Honda Civic 2016?

Position. When in auto the headlights. And other exterior lights will switch on and off automatically depending on ambient light brightness to manually operate the highbeam headlights push the lever.

Do Honda Civic headlights turn on automatically?

Headlights turn on or off depending on ambient brightness when the vehicle is on. Headlights automatically come on after the wipers are engaged for a certain time. The headlights come on when you unlock a door in dark areas with the headlight switch in AUTO. Turn on all exterior lights including headlights.
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How do I turn my Honda Civic headlights off?

To turn off your Honda Civic headlights, rotate the light switch on the headlight lever to the "OFF" position if the vehicle is parked. For most modern Civics, headlights in the "AUTO" setting will turn off automatically when the vehicle is in park, the engine is off, the driver's door is closed, or the key fob is removed. If you are driving and need to manually turn them off for a moment, you can pull the parking brake and turn the switch to "OFF".
 
For a parked or stopped vehicle

• Ensure the car is in park or the parking brake is engaged. 
• Rotate the light switch on the end of the headlight lever to the "OFF" position (usually a line or the symbol with a line through it). 

For a running vehicle (manual override)

• Pull the parking brake up. 
• The headlights should turn off when you rotate the switch to the "OFF" position. 
• Note: If you are in drive mode, the daytime running lights (DRLs) may remain on automatically. 

Automatic operation (in "AUTO" mode) 

• The lights will turn off automatically when you turn the vehicle off. 
• They will also turn off when you lock the door after a short delay. 
• The auto-off feature has a timer that can be adjusted in the settings menu. 

If you are trying to turn off daytime running lights (DRLs)

• It's important to understand that DRLs are designed to stay on while driving. 
• You can manually turn them off for a short period by pulling the parking brake, turning the light switch to "OFF," and then you can restart the car in accessory mode. 
• They will turn back on as soon as you shift out of park or release the parking brake. 

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