What is the DRL light on my Honda?

Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) are a safety feature designed to make your Honda more visible during daytime driving. If you see a DRL-related indicator on the dash, it usually signals either normal operation or a fault in the DRL system. In normal operation, you may not need to take any action; if a warning light appears, it’s worth checking the system or having it inspected.

What DRLs are and how they work on Honda

DRLs are lights that illuminate automatically during daylight to increase your vehicle’s visibility to other drivers. On Honda vehicles, the implementation can vary by model year and trim. Some models use dedicated daytime running lamps, while others use the same headlamps that serve as low beams but operate at reduced brightness during the day. The exact behavior—such as when DRLs turn on or off, and how they interact with the headlights—depends on the configuration your car came with.

Model variations you might notice

Across Honda’s lineup, you may encounter these common DRL setups:

• Dedicated DRLs: separate LED or halogen daytime lamps located in the front fascia or corners that stay on when the engine is running in daylight conditions.


• Low-beam DRLs: the headlamp bulbs serve as DRLs at reduced brightness during the day and switch to full brightness when headlights are needed.


• Integrated DRLs: a single headlight assembly housing DRLs and low beams, with the system automatically controlling brightness based on ambient light and ignition state.


• Headlight-on behavior: in some trims, DRLs dim or turn off automatically when the actual headlights (low beams or auto headlights) are engaged.

The exact arrangement for your car depends on its model year and trim level, so consulting your owner’s manual or a Honda dealer can confirm the precise behavior for your vehicle.

What a DRL warning light on the dash means

If your dash shows a DRL warning light or message, it typically signals a fault in the DRL circuit rather than a routine operation. The symbol or wording can vary by model year, but a warning of any kind generally indicates a potential issue with bulbs, fuses, wiring, or the DRL control module. If there is no warning and DRLs are operating normally, the dash light would not indicate a problem. Always refer to your owner’s manual for the exact symbol used on your car.

Before you troubleshoot, be aware that some dashboard indicators may be related to overall lighting or a related system rather than DRLs specifically. Correct interpretation depends on your exact Honda model and year.

To get precise guidance for your car, identify your model year and trim, then check the owner’s manual or contact a Honda service center for model-specific information.

Below are practical steps you can take if a DRL warning light appears.

Before you start troubleshooting, note that electrical work should be performed safely and, if you’re unsure, a professional technician can diagnose and fix issues properly.

Common steps to diagnose and address a DRL warning include the following:

1. Verify whether both DRLs illuminate as expected during daylight; if one side is out, a faulty bulb is a common cause.


2. Inspect the exterior lighting bulbs for burnout or damage, and replace any burnt-out DRL or headlight bulbs as needed.


3. Check for obvious wiring issues, such as loose connectors, damaged harnesses, or corrosion near the front lighting assemblies.


4. Inspect the DRL fuse and related fuses in the vehicle’s fuse box; replace any blown fuse with the correct rating as specified in the owner’s manual.


5. Ensure there are no aftermarket lighting modifications (such as non-OEM LEDs) that could interfere with the DRL circuit or its control module.


6. If the warning persists after bulbs and fuses are checked, schedule service with a certified Honda technician to test the DRL control module and related sensors or wiring with factory tools.

If you notice additional symptoms—such as unrelated electrical glitches, headlights that flicker, or the DRL warning reappearing after replacement parts—the issue may be more complex and should be diagnosed by a professional.

Summary

DRLs are designed to enhance daytime visibility and safety. The DRL indicator on your Honda’s dash can mean either normal operation (if your DRLs are functioning as designed) or a fault in the DRL system (if a warning light appears). Since DRL implementations vary by model year and trim, consult your owner’s manual or a Honda dealer for model-specific details. When a warning is present, start with simple checks like bulbs and fuses, then inspect wiring for obvious damage, and seek professional service if the issue persists. Regular maintenance can help keep DRLs functioning properly and keep you visible on the road.

What is the DRL warning light on my Honda?

A "DRL" light on a Honda dashboard indicates an issue with the daytime running lights, most commonly a blown bulb. Other causes include a blown fuse, faulty relay, bad wiring, or a malfunctioning sensor. To fix it, the first step is usually to check for and replace a burnt-out bulb, or if LEDs were installed, add a CANbus decoder or resistor to prevent a false error.
 
Common causes and solutions 
This video shows how to diagnose and fix issues with your DRL system: 46sInnova Diagnostic SolutionsYouTube · Feb 2, 2025

• Burnt-out bulb: This is the most common reason. The dashboard light comes on because the system has detected that one of the DRL bulbs is not working. 
  • Solution: Identify and replace the faulty bulb. Refer to your owner's manual for the correct type (e.g., a 9005 bulb for some Honda Civics). 
• Blown fuse: The fuse for the DRL system may have blown, preventing the lights from working. 
  • Solution: Check the fuse box for the DRL fuse and replace it if it is blown. 
• Faulty relay or control module: The system's relay or control module might be malfunctioning and causing the DRL to fail. 
  • Solution: This may require professional diagnosis and repair. 
• Wiring or connection issues: Corroded or loose wiring can interrupt the circuit. 
  • Solution: Inspect the wiring for any obvious damage or loose connections. 
• Malfunctioning sensor: If your car has an automatic light sensor, a malfunction or a dirty sensor can trigger the warning light. 
  • Solution: Clean the sensor and check the surrounding wiring. Blocking the sensor will often make the light turn off at night. 
• Incorrect LED replacement: If you recently installed LED bulbs, they may be drawing less power than the stock halogen bulbs, which can trigger the DRL warning light. 
  • Solution: Install a CANbus decoder or a resistor to simulate the power draw of the original bulbs. 

What causes the DRL light to come on?

The DRL (daytime running light) light comes on when there's a problem with the system, which is most commonly caused by a burned-out bulb, a blown fuse, or issues with the wiring and electrical connections. Other less common causes include a malfunctioning ambient light sensor or a faulty control module, which the vehicle's computer can detect, triggering the warning light. 
This video explains what the DRL system is and how to fix the warning light: 1mAnother LapYouTube · Feb 20, 2025
Common causes

• Burnt-out bulbs: This is one of the most frequent reasons for the DRL light to come on. The warning light often indicates that a bulb has failed. 
• Blown fuse: A blown fuse can interrupt the power supply to the DRLs, causing the light to illuminate. 
• Wiring and connection problems:
  • Damaged wires: Frayed or damaged wires can disrupt the electrical flow to the DRLs. 
  • Corrosion: Corrosion on the connectors can cause a poor connection and trigger the warning light. 
• Faulty sensors: Some DRL systems are controlled by an ambient light sensor. If this sensor malfunctions or gets dirty, it can incorrectly report a problem, causing the DRL light to turn on, especially during daylight hours. 
• Control module or relay issues: Problems with the DRL control module or a faulty relay can cause the system to malfunction, and the vehicle's computer will often detect this and turn on the warning light. 
• Incorrect LED bulb installation: If you've recently switched to LED bulbs, the system may trigger the warning light because LEDs use less power and the computer interprets this as a bulb failure. 

This video explains how to diagnose DRL problems: 44s1A Auto: Repair Tips & Secrets Only Mechanics KnowYouTube · Jun 9, 2021
What to do

• First, check the bulbs: Inspect all DRL bulbs to see if any are burnt out. Replacing a burnt-out bulb is often the simplest fix. 
• Check for simple issues: Make sure the light sensor isn't blocked or dirty. Also, check the fuses related to the DRL system. 
• Use a scan tool: If the problem isn't obvious, a mechanic can use a diagnostic scan tool to pull up error codes, which can pinpoint the exact issue in the system. 
• Consult a mechanic: If you've checked the basics and the light is still on, it's best to have a professional diagnose and fix the problem to ensure the system is working correctly and safely. 

How to fix DRL on dashboard?

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. 

Can you drive with a DRL light on?

Daytime running lights should only be on while you're driving during the daytime – the clue is in the name with this one! At night, daytime running lights should automatically turn off when you activate your headlights.