Why is the DRL light on for Honda Civic?

In most Honda Civics, the Daytime Running Light (DRL) can be on by design and not a sign of a malfunction. DRLs are intended to improve daytime visibility and are controlled by the car’s lighting system, with behavior that varies by year, trim, and market.

What DRLs do in the Civic

Daytime Running Lights are designed to illuminate the front of the car during the day so other drivers can see it more easily. In Civics, DRLs are typically either LED strips or a dedicated set of bulbs integrated into the headlight assembly, and they may be managed automatically by the vehicle’s computer. Depending on regional regulations, DRLs may always be on when the engine is running or may engage automatically in daylight even if the headlights are off.

How the system is typically controlled

The Civic’s DRL behavior is governed by the lighting controller and can vary by model year. In many configurations, DRLs engage automatically when the ignition is on and daylight is detected, and they may change brightness or switch off when full headlights are needed. Some markets require DRLs to stay on during daylight hours, while others allow the driver to toggle headlight modes without disabling DRLs.

Before diving into why you might see the DRL light in a particular way, note that exact behavior depends on your exact Civic model, year, trim, and the country where it was sold. If in doubt, consult the owner’s manual or a Honda dealer.

Common scenarios where the DRL light is expected to be on include the following situations:

• The engine is running and the ignition is in Run/On, with DRLs configured to operate automatically.


• The vehicle is in a daytime driving condition and the lighting system is set to Auto or Daytime mode, prompting DRLs to illuminate.


• LED daytime running lights are part of the headlamp cluster and illuminate even when parking or driving at moderate speed during daylight.


• Some markets require DRLs to stay on even if you switch off other exterior lights, resulting in a persistent DRL presence during the day.


• The instrument cluster may display a DRL indicator when the system is active, but this does not necessarily indicate a fault.

In short, these scenarios describe typical DRL behavior in a Civic. If the DRL light appears in unusual conditions, it is often a normal setting or, less commonly, a sign of a fault that should be checked by a professional.

When DRL might appear to be on unexpectedly

There are a few reasons you might notice the DRL light on in ways that seem out of the ordinary. Understanding these helps distinguish normal operation from a potential issue.

Before listing the possibilities, acknowledge that some appearances are simply how the car is designed to operate under local laws and driver settings.

• The ignition is on and the system is configured to run DRLs automatically in daylight, so the DRL light remains visible even if you expect it to be off.


• The headlight switch is in Auto or On mode, and daylight readings keep the DRLs active while you drive.


• Ambient daylight is low enough to trigger DRLs in a sensor-based system, especially on cloudy or overcast days.


• A member of the DRL circuit (bulb/LED module or driver) has failed, causing the system to behave differently or appear to stay on when it shouldn’t.


• A fuse, relay, or wiring issue affecting the DRL circuit could cause abnormal behavior or warning indicators on the dash.

If you notice DRLs behaving oddly, it’s prudent to treat it as a potential issue rather than a guaranteed feature change. A licensed technician can diagnose lighting faults using the car’s onboard diagnostics.

What to check if the DRL behaves incorrectly

If your DRL light stays on when you don’t expect it, or if DRLs fail to illuminate when they should, use these steps to troubleshoot or prepare for service.

• Verify the headlight switch position. If it’s set to On or Auto, DRLs may stay active differently than you expect when daylight levels change.


• Confirm the ambient lighting conditions. DRLs are often more active in daylight or when sensors detect sufficient light, depending on local regulations.


• Look for any DRL indicator on the instrument cluster. A lit or flashing DRL icon can indicate the system is active or there’s a fault code stored.


• Inspect DRL bulbs or LED modules. Some Civics use dedicated daytime running light bulbs or LED strips that, if burned out or degraded, may affect DRL operation or trigger warnings.


• Check fuses and related wiring for the DRL circuit. A blown fuse or damaged wiring can disrupt normal DRL function.


• If the issue persists, schedule a diagnostic with a Honda service center. They can pull fault codes and test the DRL driver circuitry and sensors.

These steps can help you determine whether the DRL behavior is a normal design feature or a sign of a component needing service. When in doubt, a professional inspection provides the most reliable guidance.

Summary

DRLs in the Honda Civic are designed to improve daytime visibility and are often active by default when the engine is running. The exact behavior varies by model year, trim, and market, with some regions requiring DRLs to stay on during daylight. If the DRL light appears unexpectedly, consider whether it is a normal setting or a potential fault in the DRL bulbs, driver, fuse, or wiring. When in doubt, consult the owner’s manual or a Honda dealer for a precise diagnosis and guidance on any needed repairs.

What does DRL light mean on a Honda Civic?

The DRL light on a Honda Civic dashboard means that the Daytime Running Light system has a malfunction, most commonly a burnt-out bulb. The DRL system makes your car more visible to other drivers during the day. If the light is on, you should check the DRL bulbs for one that has failed. 
This video explains what DRL stands for and why the warning light might be on: 46sInnova Diagnostic SolutionsYouTube · Feb 2, 2025
Common causes and solutions

• Burnt-out bulb: A single bulb in the DRL system is the most frequent cause of this light. 
  • Solution: Inspect all DRL bulbs and replace any that are burnt out. For example, the driver's side bulb is often located near the battery and can be replaced by turning the bulb counterclockwise and installing a new one, as shown in this YouTube video. 
• Wiring issues: Damaged or corroded wiring and connectors can also trigger the warning light. 
  • Solution: Check the wiring harnesses and connectors near the headlights for any signs of damage or corrosion. 
• Sensor problems: Some models may have an ambient light sensor that controls the DRLs. If this sensor is dirty or faulty, it can cause the warning light to come on, particularly during the day, according to JustAnswer. 
  • Solution: Check the sensor for dirt or damage and clean it. If the problem persists, there may be a more significant sensor or wiring issue. 
• Other faults: A fuse or relay issue could also be the cause. 
  • Solution: Check the DRL fuses and relays, which are typically in the under-hood fuse box. 

You can watch this video to learn how to check and replace a burnt-out DRL bulb: 1mAnother LapYouTube · Feb 20, 2025

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.

Why did my DRL light come on?

Your DRL (daytime running light) light likely came on because a DRL bulb is burnt out, a fuse is blown, or there's an issue with the wiring or sensors. To fix it, first check for burnt-out bulbs, then inspect the wiring and fuses, and finally, check for any sensor or relay problems. 
Common causes and solutions 
This video explains why the DRL warning light comes on and how to fix it: 46sInnova Diagnostic SolutionsYouTube · Feb 2, 2025

• Burnt-out bulbs: The most common cause is a burned-out DRL bulb. Check all DRL bulbs for burnout. If one is out, replacing it will likely solve the problem. 
• Wiring issues: Damaged or frayed wires, corrosion, or loose connections can interrupt the electrical flow to the DRLs. Inspect the wiring harnesses and connectors, especially around the headlight area, for any signs of damage. 
• Blown fuse: A blown fuse can also cause the DRL system to fail. Check your vehicle's fuse box for a blown DRL fuse and replace it if necessary. 
• Faulty sensor: Some vehicles have an ambient light sensor that controls the DRLs. If the light only comes on during the day, the sensor might be dirty or malfunctioning. Clean the sensor and check its wiring. 
• Malfunctioning relay: A faulty DRL relay can prevent the system from working correctly. A scan tool can help pull error codes that may point to a faulty relay or control unit. 
• LED bulb issues: If you've recently switched to LED bulbs, the system may not recognize them due to low power draw. Installing a CANbus decoder can help the system "see" the new LED bulbs correctly and resolve the warning light, as shown in this YouTube video. 

What to do next

• Start with the simplest checks, like replacing any burnt-out bulbs. 
• If the problem persists, inspect the wiring and fuses. 
• If you're uncomfortable with electrical components, use a scan tool to retrieve error codes or have a mechanic diagnose the problem. 
• A mechanic can properly inspect the entire DRL system, including the relay, control unit, and any sensors, to ensure everything is working correctly for visibility and safety. 

How to turn off DRL lights on Honda Civic?

To turn off the daytime running lights on a Honda Civic, you can turn the light switch from "AUTO" to "OFF" while the vehicle is in park and the parking brake is engaged. Another method for certain models is to stop the car, engage the parking brake, turn the vehicle completely off, then start it back up again, keeping it in park. 
Method 1: Use the light switch 

• Make sure the vehicle is in Park (P) and the parking brake is engaged. 
• Locate the light control stalk or knob on the steering column. 
• Turn the control to the "OFF" position. Some models will require you to turn it to "OFF" and then release it for the lights to stay off, says this YouTube video. 
• Your daytime running lights will be off until the switch is turned back to "AUTO" or the vehicle is put into gear. 

This video demonstrates how to turn off daytime running lights using the light switch: 55sCrazy Honda ChrisYouTube · Sep 23, 2024
Method 2: Use the parking brake and ignition 

• Make sure the vehicle is in Park (P) and the parking brake is fully engaged. 
• Turn the engine completely off. 
• Wait a few seconds, then start the engine again. 
• The daytime running lights should remain off as long as the vehicle stays in Park and the parking brake is engaged. 
• To turn them back on, you can either put the vehicle in drive or disengage the parking brake, as shown in this YouTube video. 

You can watch this video to see how to turn off daytime running lights by using the parking brake and ignition: 43sCrazy Honda ChrisYouTube · Dec 8, 2021