Where is the cigarette lighter in a Honda Civic?
In most modern Honda Civics, the term “cigarette lighter” refers to the 12-volt power outlet rather than a removable lighter. The exact location depends on the model year and trim, but you’ll usually find the outlet in the front center console area or on the lower section of the dash near the driver's side. If your Civic has two 12V outlets, one may be in the front console and another closer to the rear or within a storage area. This guide helps you locate it quickly and understand how these outlets are used across generations.
Where to look in recent Civics (roughly 2016–present)
Common locations for the 12V accessory outlet in newer Civics are concentrated in the center console and the dash area. The following spots cover most trims from this era.
- Front center console: a round 12V socket near the gear shifter, often tucked under a small flip cover or inside a storage cubby just ahead of the armrest.
- Lower dash near the climate controls: on some trims the outlet sits on the lower portion of the dash, close to the driver’s knee area.
- Rear of the center console (for certain trims): a secondary 12V outlet may be available behind the front cupholders or in the rear portion of the console for rear passengers.
These locations cover the majority of Civics built since 2016. If you’re unsure for your exact model/year, consult the owner’s manual or Honda’s official support page for precise placement.
Locations in older Civics (pre-2016)
Earlier generations of the Civic also used 12V outlets, but their placement could differ by year and market. In many older models, the outlet was typically found in the center console area or on the lower dash near the steering column, sometimes behind an ashtray door or within a small storage bin.
- Center console or dash-mounted 12V outlet near the gear lever or under a small cover in the console area.
- Occasional rear-center console outlet on certain trims, though not universal across all pre-2016 Civics.
For exact positioning on a specific pre-2016 Civic, the owner’s manual is the best reference, as layout varied by year and market.
How to use and verify the outlet
To use the outlet, ensure the ignition is on or in the accessory position in most Civics, then insert a compatible 12V plug or adapter. If the outlet feels loose or not powering accessories, check the fuse panel for the dedicated 12V circuit and consult the manual for the correct fuse rating and location.
What to do if you still can’t locate it
If you cannot locate the cigarette lighter socket in your Civic after checking the common spots, search the official owner’s manual by model year, trim, and market. You can also contact a Honda dealer for a quick confirmation of the exact outlet placement for your car’s configuration.
Summary
Most Honda Civics house a 12-volt power outlet in the front center console area, with some trims adding a second outlet in the rear portion of the console or in the dash near the climate controls. The exact location varies by year and trim, so when in doubt, the owner’s manual or Honda support page is the quickest way to confirm the precise spot for your vehicle. Modern Civics no longer emphasize a dedicated “cigarette lighter” unit; they rely on the universal 12V outlet for accessories.
Does a Honda Civic 2016 have a 12V outlet?
There is a 12 volt power socket. No cigaret lighter.
Where is the cigarette lighter fuse on a 2012 Honda Civic?
So I try and do this onehanded. And hold the camera. There we go and that is Oops that should be our culprit.
Does the Honda Civic have a cigarette lighter?
Yes, most modern Honda Civics have a 12V accessory power outlet, which functions like a cigarette lighter, located in the center console or near the dashboard. However, some models do not come with a built-in cigarette lighter element, and instead provide the socket for use with other 12V accessories like USB chargers or air compressors.
This video shows the location of the power outlet in a Honda Civic X: 37sHardReset_info CARsYouTube · Oct 14, 2024
- Location: The outlet is usually in a covered socket in the front center console, often near the USB ports.
- Functionality: It powers 12V accessories and can be used with the engine on or in accessory mode.
- Compatibility: You can use the socket for devices like phone chargers, but it is not designed to be used with an automotive cigarette lighter element, as this can cause overheating.
- Capacity: The outlet can handle accessories rated at 180 watts (15 amps) or less.
Does the Honda Civic have a power outlet?
The front accessory power socket is located under the audio system. The second socket is located in the center console compartment. The rear socket is behind the third seat on the driver's side. To use the socket in the console compartment, pull the cover up.
