If you’re looking for information on how to turn off daytime running lights Honda Accord, you’ve come to the right place. This guide will walk you through the simple steps for various model years, explaining why you might want to disable them and what you need to consider before you do.
Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) are a standard safety feature on modern vehicles, including the Honda Accord. They automatically illuminate at a lower intensity whenever the car is running, making you more visible to other drivers during daylight hours.
However, there are valid reasons you might want to turn them off temporarily or permanently. Maybe you’re working on the vehicle’s electrical system, you find them unnecessary in certain conditions, or you’re preparing for a specific event like a car show.
It’s crucial to note that disabling DRLs may affect your vehicle’s safety and could be illegal in some regions. Always check your local traffic laws before making any modifications. This guide is for informational purposes.
How To Turn Off Daytime Running Lights Honda Accord
The method for turning off your Accord’s DRLs varies significantly by model year and trim level. The process changed as Honda updated the electrical systems and lighting technology. We’ll cover the main generations and methods below.
First, gather what you might need: your owner’s manual, a small flat-head screwdriver, a 10mm socket or wrench, and perhaps a plastic trim removal tool to avoid scratches. Always disconnect the negative battery terminal before working on electrical components for safety.
Method 1: Using the Parking Brake Lever (Older Models)
For many older Honda Accord models (roughly mid-1990s to early 2000s), the DRLs are linked to the parking brake system. This is often the simplest method.
- Start your vehicle’s engine. You should see the DRLs come on.
- Pull the parking brake lever up by just one click. You don’t need to engage it fully to stop the car.
- Observe the DRLs. They should turn off immediately. The tail lights will not be affected by this action.
- Release the parking brake to turn the DRLs back on. Remember, driving with the parking brake even slightly engaged is not recommended and can cause wear.
This method only works while the vehicle is stationary. As soon as you release the brake to drive, the DRLs will reactivate. It’s a temporary fix, ideal for situations like waiting in a drive-thru or during a brief stop where the lights might be distracting.
Method 2: Pulling the DRL Relay or Fuse
This is a common and more permanent solution for many Accord generations. The DRL system is controlled by a specific relay or fuse in the under-hood fuse box. Removing it breaks the circuit.
- Open the hood and locate the main fuse box. It’s usually a black rectangular box near the battery or the strut tower.
- Open the fuse box lid. On the underside of the lid, you’ll find a diagram labeling each fuse and relay.
- Identify the fuse or relay for the Daytime Running Lights. It is often labeled “DRL,” “DAYTIME,” or “RUNNING.” If your unsure, consult your owner’s manual for the exact location.
- Use the fuse puller tool (often found inside the fuse box) or a pair of needle-nose pliers to gently but firmly pull the correct fuse or relay straight out.
- Close the fuse box lid and start your car to verify the DRLs are off. Your low-beam headlights should still function normally when turned on manually.
Keep the removed fuse or relay in a safe place, like the glove box. This allows you to reinstall it quickly if needed for a safety inspection or if you sell the car. Be aware that on some models, removing the DRL relay might also disable other features, so test all your lights afterward.
Common DRL Fuse Locations by Model Year
- 1998-2002 (6th Gen): Look for a 15-amp fuse in the under-hood fuse box.
- 2003-2007 (7th Gen): Often uses a DRL control module or a specific relay. The fuse box diagram is essential here.
- 2008-2012 (8th Gen): Typically involves pulling the “DRL” relay from the under-hood fuse/relay box.
- 2013-2017 (9th Gen): May require accessing the DRL module itself, often located behind the dashboard or in the fuse box.
Method 3: Disconnecting the DRL Module
For some Accords, especially if the fuse/relay method doesn’t work, the solution is to unplug the DRL control module. This is a bit more involved.
- Find the DRL module. Its location varies. Common spots include behind the glove box, under the driver’s side dashboard, or near the interior fuse panel. Online forums for your specific year are a great resource.
- Disconnect the negative battery terminal to prevent any electrical shorts.
- You may need to remove some trim panels or the glove box to access the module. Use your trim tool to carefully unclip panels.
- Once you locate the small, rectangular module, simply unplug the wiring harness connector from it.
- Reconnect the battery and test. The DRLs should be disabled while all other lighting functions remain intact.
This method is very effective but requires more disassembly. Take your time and keep track of any screws or clips you remove.
Method 4: For Newer Models with Auto-On Headlights
Newer Honda Accords (roughly 2018 and later, 10th Gen and up) have more integrated lighting systems. The DRLs are often LED light strips or the high beams at low intensity, controlled by body control modules. There is usually no simple fuse to pull.
- Check Settings: First, explore your vehicle’s settings menu using the steering wheel controls and driver information interface. Some models may have an option to disable DRLs within the vehicle settings.
- Parking Brake Trick: Try the parking brake method mentioned earlier. Some newer models still use this as a temporary override.
- Professional Disable: For a permanent disable, you may need to visit a dealership or an auto electrician. They can often use a diagnostic scanner to reprogram the body control module to turn the DRL function off. This is the safest way to avoid affecting other electronic systems.
Attempting to modify the wiring or modules on a newer car can void warranties and cause expensive problems. Professional help is strongly advised for these models.
Important Safety and Legal Considerations
Before you proceed, please consider these points carefully. Your safety and compliance with the law are paramount.
- Legality: In Canada, DRLs are legally required on all new vehicles. In the United States, they are not federally required but are standard equipment. Some states may have laws regarding their use. Disabling them could make your vehicle fail a safety inspection.
- Safety: Studies show DRLs reduce daytime multi-vehicle accidents by increasing conspicuity. Turning them off reduces your visibility to other drivers, especially at dawn, dusk, or in poor weather.
- Insurance: While rare, modifying safety equipment could theoretically affect an insurance claim. It’s best to check with your provider if you have concerns.
- Resale Value: A permanently disabled safety feature may lower your car’s appeal to future buyers.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
What if the lights don’t turn off, or something else stops working? Here are a few tips.
- DRLs Stay On: Double-check you removed the correct fuse/relay. Consult the manual again. On some models, the DRL circuit might be shared with another system.
- Other Lights Malfunction: If your turn signals or tail lights act strange after your modification, you likely pulled the wrong fuse. Reinstall it and review the diagram.
- Battery Drain: This is uncommon with just a fuse pull, but if you disconnected a module incorrectly, it could cause a parasitic drain. If your battery starts dying, reconnect the module or see a professional.
- Dashboard Warning Light: Some newer cars may illuminate a warning light if it detects a fault in the lighting circuit. This is another reason the scanner-based disable is cleaner for modern vehicles.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I turn off the DRLs on my Honda Accord permanently?
Yes, by removing the DRL fuse, relay, or disconnecting the module, you can create a permanent disable. Remember the legal and safety implications before doing so.
Will disabling DRLs affect my automatic headlights?
No, the automatic headlight system that turns on your low-beams at dusk is a separate sensor and circuit. It should continue to function normally.
Is there a DRL on/off switch for the Honda Accord?
Honda does not provide a dedicated switch for DRLs. The systems are designed to be always on when the car is running, hence the need for the workarounds described in this guide.
Why would someone want to turn off daytime running lights?
Common reasons include reducing wear on the headlight bulbs (on older models that use the high-beams as DRLs), during electrical work, for aesthetic purposes at car meets, or if the driver finds them unnecessary in their typical driving environment.
Can I install a switch to control my DRLs?
Yes, with some wiring knowledge, you can install an aftermarket toggle switch in-line with the DRL power wire or relay control wire. This gives you manual control. We recommend having a qualified auto electrician perform this installation to avoid any electrical issues.
Do all Honda Accords have daytime running lights?
Most Honda Accords from approximately 1995 model year and newer in the Canadian market, and from the early 2000s in the U.S. market, came equipped with DRLs. It became a standard feature across all trims in later years.
We hope this step-by-step guide has been helpful in explaining the process for your specific Honda Accord. Always prioritize safety, both during the procedure and when considering the implications of driving without this safety feature. If you are ever in doubt, consulting a professional mechanic or your Honda dealership is the best course of action. They can provide model-specific advice and ensure any modifications are done correctly.