Want to give your Honda Civic’s interior a personal touch? Changing the speedometer color is a popular and effective way to do it. This guide will show you exactly how to change the speedometer color on your Honda Civic, covering different model years and methods. It’s a project that can really refresh your dashboard’s look without a huge investment.
You have a few main paths to choose from. The method depends on your Civic’s generation and your comfort level with DIY projects. We’ll break down the most common techniques, from simple bulb covers to advanced gauge cluster swaps.
Always start by disconnecting the negative battery terminal. This is a crucial safety step to prevent any electrical shorts or damage. Give the car a few minutes to fully power down before you begin working.
How To Change the Speedometer Color on Honda Civic
This section covers the overarching concepts. The specific steps for your car will follow. The color of your instrument cluster is determined by a few factors. In older models, it’s usually the color of the bulbs behind the gauges and the color of the gauge faces themselves. In newer models with full digital or hybrid clusters, the color is often generated by LEDs or even a digital screen.
Identifying your Civic’s generation is the first real step. A 1996-2000 model (6th gen) is very different from a 2016-2021 model (10th gen). The tools and difficulty vary widely.
Understanding Your Civic’s Gauge Cluster Type
Not all clusters are modified the same way. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Traditional Backlit Clusters (6th-8th Gen Typically): These use incandescent bulbs or early LEDs shining through colored plastic gauge faces. Changing color often involves changing both the bulb covers (or LEDs) and sometimes the gauge face overlay.
- Hybrid Clusters (9th Gen Often): These might have a mix. The main gauges could be backlit, but the center information screen is digital. Modification usually focuses on the backlit sections.
- Full Digital or Advanced Clusters (10th & 11th Gen): These are trickier. The color may be controlled by the factory software. For these, a full cluster swap or specialized programming might be the only option, which we’ll discuss as a advanced method.
Method 1: Using Bulb Covers or LED Replacement (6th-8th Gen Focus)
This is the classic and most accessible method for older Civics. The stock bulbs have little blue or green rubber covers on them. By changing these covers, you change the light color.
Tools and Materials Needed
- Phillips head screwdriver
- Trim removal tool (plastic pry tool)
- New bulb covers or wedge-base LED bulbs in your desired color (e.g., red, white, blue)
- Small container for screws
Step-by-Step Process
- Disconnect the Battery: As mentioned, always start here. Safety first.
- Remove the Instrument Cluster Bezel: This is the plastic trim surrounding the gauges. Gently pry it away from the dashboard starting at the top or sides. It’s usually held by clips.
- Remove the Cluster Screws: Once the bezel is off, you’ll see four screws holding the cluster in place. Remove these and place them in your container.
- Pull the Cluster Out: Carefully pull the cluster toward you. It will still be connected by wiring harnesses. You don’t need to fully disconnect them; just give yourself enough slack to work.
- Access the Back of the Cluster: Flip the cluster over. You’ll see several small bulbs (usually #74 wedge base) screwed into the back.
- Replace Bulbs or Covers: For a simple color change, unscrew a bulb, peel off the old colored cover, and slide on a new cover of your chosen color. For a brighter, more modern look with a different color, replace the entire bulb with an LED equivalent. Make sure the LED is canbus-error free if your model checks for bulbs.
- Test Before Reassembly: Reconnect the battery briefly, turn your ignition to the “ON” position (without starting the engine), and check if all your new lights work. This saves you from taking everything apart again if a bulb is faulty.
- Reassemble: Once testing is done, disconnect the battery again, push the cluster back into place, reinstall the screws, and snap the bezel back on. Reconnect the battery.
Method 2: Gauge Face Overlay Replacement
If you want a more dramatic change, like going from white numbers on black to black numbers on white, you’ll need to replace the gauge face itself. This is more involved but offers the most customization.
You can buy aftermarket gauge faces online for many Civic models. They come in various styles and colors. The process involves carefully removing the needles, which is the most delicate part.
- Follow Steps 1-5 from Method 1 to completely remove the cluster from the dashboard.
- Disconnect the Wiring Harnesses: This time, you’ll need to fully unplug the cluster to work on a bench.
- Open the Cluster Housing: There will be small screws around the edge of the clear plastic lens. Remove these to seperate the front housing from the back.
- Remove the Needles: This requires a gentle touch. Use a small fork or a dedicated needle puller tool. Place the tool under the needle’s base and lift straight up evenly. Do not twist or pry at an angle, or you may damage the sensitive motor beneath. Mark the “off” position of each needle with a bit of tape before removal to aid in recalibration.
- Swap the Gauge Face: Peel off the old face (it’s usually just adhered) and align the new one perfectly. Press it down firmly.
- Reinstall Needles: Carefully press the needles back onto their posts. They should go on at their rest position (pointing to 0 MPH/RPM, etc.). You may need to do a calibration drive to ensure accuracy, which we’ll cover later.
- Close the Cluster and Reinstall: Put the housing back together, reconnect it in the car, and test.
Method 3: Full Cluster Swap (Advanced & For Newer Models)
For 10th and 11th generation Civics, especially those with the full-color LCD or advanced clusters, changing the color via physical means is often impossible. The color is software-defined. In these cases, enthusiasts sometimes perform a full cluster swap.
This means buying a cluster from a higher trim level (like an Si or Sport model) that has the desired color scheme. However, this is not plug-and-play. The new cluster will likely need to be professionally programmed to match your car’s VIN, mileage, and immobilizer system. This requires a specialized technician with the right software. It’s the most expensive method but can yield professional, factory-looking results.
Calibration is Key
If you removed the needles, your speedometer and tachometer might be slightly off. Here’s a simple way to recalibrate:
- Use a GPS-based speedometer app on your phone as a reference. They are very accurate.
- Take the car for a drive on a straight, safe road. Have a passenger compare the GPS speed to your cluster speed.
- If it’s off, you’ll need to remove the cluster again and carefully pull the needle off. While the car is on and you have a helper watching the GPS, gently press the needle back on at the correct speed (e.g., when GPS says 60 MPH). This process requires patience and may need a few attempts.
Important Tips and Warnings
- Take Photos: Take pictures with your phone at every stage of disassembly. This is your best guide for putting everything back together correctly.
- Mind the Airbag Light: On some models, removing the cluster can trigger an airbag warning light. This might need to be reset with a scanner tool if it doesn’t go away after a few drive cycles.
- LED Polarity: If installing LEDs, remember they have polarity. If one doesn’t light up, simply pull it out, rotate it 180 degrees, and plug it back in.
- Check Local Laws: Some jurisdictions have laws about certain colors of dashboard lights (especially red or blue, which can be reserved for emergency vehicles). Make sure your modification is street legal.
FAQ Section
Can I change the speedometer color on a 2022 Honda Civic?
On the latest 11th generation Civics, the digital cluster’s color themes are typically tied to the drive mode (Normal, Sport, Econ). There is no simple user setting to change them permanently. A full cluster swap with programming is the only reliable method, which is complex and costly.
Is it hard to change Honda Civic gauge lights?
The difficulty is moderate. For older Civics, it’s a straightforward DIY job if you’re careful with plastic clips and screws. The hardest part for most people is carefully removing the needles if going for a full face replacement. For newer Civics, it becomes very difficult or impractical for a home mechanic.
How much does it cost to change dashboard light color?
If you do it yourself with bulb covers or basic LEDs, it can cost less than $20. A set of aftermarket gauge faces runs between $50 and $150. A professional cluster swap and programming for a new Civic can cost several hundred dollars for parts and labor.
Will changing the lights void my warranty?
It could. If an electrical issue arises that the dealer can trace back to your modification, they may deny a warranty claim for that specific system. For newer cars under warranty, it’s best to consult your dealership first or wait until the warranty expires.
Can I make my speedometer different colors?
With standard bulb/LED changes, the entire cluster will be one solid color. To have multi-colored gauges (e.g., red tach, blue speedo), you would need to use different colored bulbs/LEDs in specific sockets and possibly modify the gauge face to allow the different colors to show through seperately, which is a highly custom project.
Changing your Honda Civic’s speedometer color is a satisfying project that makes the car feel more like your own. By choosing the right method for your model year and following the steps carefully, you can achive a great look. Remember to work safely, disconnect the battery, and take your time. With a bit of effort, you’ll be enjoying your new custom dashboard lights every time you drive.