If you’ve seen the abbreviation DRL on your Honda Accord’s dashboard or in the manual, you might be wondering what it means. DRL stands for Daytime Running Lights, and they are a standard safety feature on many modern vehicles, including the Accord.
These are the lights that automatically turn on at a reduced brightness when you start your car during the day. Their purpose is simple: to make your car more visible to other drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians, which helps prevent accidents. This article will explain everything you need to know about DRLs on your Honda Accord, from how they work to common issues and fixes.
What Does DRL Mean on a Honda Accord
As mentioned, DRL means Daytime Running Lights. They are not your headlights. Instead, they are a separate, always-on lighting system designed for daytime use.
On most Honda Accords, the DRLs use either a dedicated set of LEDs or your high-beam headlights at a lower power. This depends on your model year and trim level. You’ll usually find them at the front of the vehicle, integrated into the headlight assembly.
Why Are DRLs Important?
DRLs are primarily a safety feature. Studies have shown that vehicles with daytime running lights are more noticeable in various lighting conditions, such as dawn, dusk, or on overcast days. This increased visibility gives other road users a crucial extra moment to see you and react.
Many countries, like Canada and those in Scandinavia, actually require DRLs by law. While not federally mandated in the United States, they are a common feature due to their proven safety benefit. It’s a simple, automatic step that adds a layer of protection for you and your family.
How Do DRLs Work on a Honda Accord?
The system is designed to be completely automatic. You don’t need to flip a switch. Here’s the typical sequence:
- You turn the ignition to the “ON” position or start the engine.
- The vehicle’s computer checks the ambient light sensor (usually on the dashboard).
- If it’s daytime, the computer automatically powers the DRL circuit.
- The DRLs illuminate at their set brightness.
- When you turn on your regular headlights (either manually or automatically at night), the DRLs usually turn off or dim further to avoid glare.
Identifying Your Accord’s DRLs
Not sure which lights are your DRLs? Here’s a quick way to check:
- Park your car in a safe, well-lit area during the day.
- Put the parking brake on and ensure the car is in “Park.”
- Turn the ignition to the “ON” position but do not start the engine (or start it if your model requires it).
- Walk to the front of the car. The illuminated lights are your DRLs. They will be noticeably dimmer than your regular low-beam headlights.
Common DRL Locations by Model Year
The location and style of DRLs have evolved over the years:
- Older Models (e.g., 2003-2007): Often used the high-beam bulbs at a reduced power.
- 8th & 9th Generation (2008-2017): Many used a dedicated LED strip or array positioned below or beside the main headlight.
- 10th Generation & Newer (2018-Present): Typically feature sophisticated LED DRL signatures that are part of the headlight’s design, sometimes acting as a “brow” or outline.
Understanding the DRL Indicator Light
Your dashboard has a light to tell you when your Daytime Running Lights are on. It’s usually a green symbol that looks like a simplified car with light beams coming from the front. This light should illuminate briefly when you start the car and then stay on as long as the DRLs are active.
If this light behaves strangely—like flashing, not coming on, or staying on when the headlights are activated—it could signal a problem with the DRL system. It’s a good idea to pay attention to it during your startup sequence.
Can You Turn Off DRLs on a Honda Accord?
This is a very common question. In most Honda Accords sold in the United States, the DRLs are designed to be always on when the car is running and in gear. There is usually no simple dashboard switch to disable them.
However, some owners choose to disable them for personal reasons. This typically involves more advanced methods, such as:
- Removing a specific DRL relay or fuse from the under-hood fuse box.
- Inserting a diode or resistor into the wiring harness (common on older models that use the high-beams).
- Using a specialized scan tool to access body control module settings (not always possible).
Important Note: Disabling your DRLs may reduce your vehicle’s visibility to others. It might also be against the law in your area. Always check local regulations before modifying any safety equipment.
Troubleshooting DRL Problems
Like any electrical component, DRLs can sometimes fail. Here are some common issues and steps you can take to diagnose them.
One or Both DRLs Not Working
If a single DRL is out, it’s often a simple fix. If both are out, it’s likely a system issue.
- Check the Bulb or LED Module: For models that use a bulb or a sealed LED unit, that component may have burned out. You’ll need to inspect and likely replace it.
- Inspect the Fuse: Locate the DRL fuse in your engine bay fuse box. Refer to your owner’s manual for its exact location. Pull it out and see if the metal strip inside is broken. Replace it with a fuse of the same amperage.
- Check the Relay: The DRL relay, also in the fuse box, can fail. Try swapping it with an identical relay (like the horn relay) to see if the problem moves.
- Look for Wiring Issues: Inspect the wiring around the headlight assembly for any obvious damage, corrosion, or loose connectors.
DRL Indicator Light is Flashing
A flashing DRL indicator on the dash usually indicates a system fault. The most common cause on modern Accords with LED DRLs is a failing LED module or a problem with its power supply. The car’s computer detects an abnormal current draw and triggers the warning light. A diagnostic scan with a tool that can read body control module codes is often needed to pinpoint the exact issue.
DRLs Stay On With Headlights
Normally, DRLs should turn off or dim when you switch on your headlights. If they stay on at full brightness, it can be annoying for other drivers. This is often caused by:
- A faulty light sensor on the dashboard.
- A problem with the multi-function control switch (the turn signal stalk).
- A wiring short or an issue with the body control module.
Replacing a DRL Bulb or Module
Replacement procedures vary widely by model year. Here’s a general guide, but always consult your owner’s manual or a service manual for specifics.
For Models with Replaceable Bulbs:
- Ensure the car is off and the headlights are switched to “OFF.”
- Open the hood and locate the back of the headlight assembly.
- Find the DRL bulb socket (it’s often separate from the low/high-beam sockets).
- Twist the socket counter-clockwise and pull it out gently.
- Remove the old bulb, insert the new one (don’t touch the glass of halogen bulbs with your bare fingers), and reinsert the socket.
- Test the DRLs before reassembling everything.
For Models with Sealed LED Units:
This is more complex. Often, the entire headlight assembly or a significant sub-assembly must be removed to access the DRL module. In many cases, the LED strip is not serviceable separately, and the whole headlight unit needs to be replaced, which can be expensive. It’s recommended to have a professional technician handle this type of repair.
DRLs vs. Other Lighting Functions
It’s easy to confuse DRLs with other lights. Let’s clarify:
- DRLs vs. Headlights: Headlights (low and high beams) are for illuminating the road at night. DRLs are for making you seen during the day. DRLs are not bright enough for nighttime driving.
- DRLs vs. Parking Lights: Parking lights are small lights on all four corners used when parked on the side of the road for visibility. DRLs are typically brighter and only at the front.
- DRLs vs. Fog Lights: Fog lights are a separate, optional beam pattern designed to cut through fog and heavy rain. They are usually mounted lower and have a specific switch to turn them on.
Remember, you must still manually turn on your headlights in rain, fog, or at night. Do not rely on your DRLs alone for driving in low-visibility conditions.
FAQs About Honda Accord DRLs
Q: What does “DRL” stand for on a car?
A: It stands for Daytime Running Lights, a safety feature to increase daytime visibility.
Q: Can I use LED bulbs for my DRLs if they’re not standard?
A: You can often find aftermarket LED replacement bulbs for models that use halogen DRL bulbs. Ensure they are the correct size and type (like 7443 or W21W). Be aware that some LED bulbs may cause hyper-flashing or error messages if they don’t have built-in resistors to mimic the power draw of a halogen bulb.
Q: My DRLs are too dim. Can I make them brighter?
A: It’s not recommended. The brightness is set by the vehicle’s design to be visible without causing glare. Installing brighter bulbs or modifying the circuit can overload wiring, cause glare for other drivers, and potentially be illegal.
Q: Why did my DRLs suddenly stop working after a battery change?
A: Sometimes, the vehicle’s computer needs to relearn parameters after a battery disconnect. Drive the car for a few minutes, turning the lights on and off through their cycles. If they still don’t work, check fuses as one may have blown during the battery connection process.
Q: Are daytime running lights the same as automatic headlights?
A: No, they are related but different systems. DRLs are always on during the day. Automatic headlights use a sensor to turn your actual headlights and taillights on at dusk or when entering a tunnel. Many cars, including the Accord, have both systems working together.
Understanding your Honda Accord’s DRL system helps you appreciate this important safety feature and empowers you to handle basic maintenance and troubleshooting. By keeping them in good working order, you contribute to safer roads for everyone. If you encounter a complex electrical issue, consulting a qualified Honda technician is always the best course of action to ensure everything is repaired correctly.