Why is my DRL light on in my Honda?

If the Daytime Running Lights (DRL) indicator light is illuminated on your Honda, it typically indicates that the DRL system is functioning as intended. The DRL light serves as a visual confirmation that the DRL feature is active and helping to improve the visibility of your vehicle during daylight hours.

What are Daytime Running Lights?

Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) are automatic lights that turn on when the vehicle is in operation, even during the day. They are designed to make your vehicle more visible to other drivers, enhancing road safety. DRLs are required by law in many countries, including the United States, Canada, and the European Union.

Why is the DRL Light On in My Honda?

The DRL light on your Honda is illuminated to indicate that the DRL system is active and functioning correctly. This light serves as a visual confirmation that the DRL feature is turned on and helping to improve the visibility of your vehicle during daylight hours.

Some key reasons why the DRL light may be on in your Honda include:

• Normal Operation: The DRL light is designed to be illuminated whenever the DRL system is active, which is the case during normal driving conditions when the vehicle is in operation.


• Automatic Activation: Honda's DRL system is typically set to activate automatically when the vehicle is started, without any additional input from the driver.


• Improved Visibility: The DRL light indicates that the DRL feature is working as intended, helping to make your Honda more visible to other drivers on the road.

Unless the DRL light is accompanied by other warning lights or indications of a problem, the illuminated DRL light is generally not a cause for concern and is simply a normal part of your Honda's safety features.

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. 

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. 

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.

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.