How to Turn Off the Daytime Running Lights on a Civic?
4 Answers
It is not possible to turn off the daytime running lights while the car is in motion. They will only turn off after the engine is shut off and the car is locked. Here’s how to operate the Civic's lights: 1. Turn signals: Push the light control lever downward to activate the left turn signal, and upward for the right turn signal. 2. Automatic headlights: Rotate the outermost ring on the light control lever to the AUTO position to turn on the automatic headlights. 3. Parking lights: Rotate the outermost ring to the parking light position to activate them. 4. Low beam headlights: Rotate the outermost ring to the low beam position to turn them on. 5. Rear fog lights: Rotate the inner ring on the light control lever to the REAR position to activate the rear fog lights. 6. Front fog lights: Rotate the inner ring to the front fog light position to turn them on.
As someone who loves studying cars, I think disabling the Civic's daytime running lights should be approached with caution. Most Civics aren't designed with an off switch, and directly tampering with the circuitry carries risks. Last time I tried pulling the fuse - you can locate the DRL-labeled fuse in the engine compartment's fuse box and remove it, but note its position may vary across model years. After removal, the dashboard might display a warning light, and it could affect the automatic headlight function. If you prefer a less crude approach, having a professional tuning shop disable it through hidden programming is more reliable, though it might void the warranty. I recommend checking your vehicle manual or consulting a dealership before attempting any modifications, as circuit alterations involve safety hazards.
I've noticed many friends want to turn off their daytime running lights (DRLs) because they find them too bright or want to save power, but honestly this feature is really useful. Last time I drove in the rain, the DRLs made other drivers spot my car from far away, and I clearly noticed vehicles behind me giving way more promptly when I changed lanes. There's a good reason why new cars now mandate DRL installation - they can reduce accident rates by 30%. From my experience, you either learn to accept them or switch to lower-wattage bulbs. If you absolutely must disable them, find a reputable auto repair shop - their technicians understand circuit diagrams, know fuse locations, and can handle trouble codes. Remember, safety comes first in daily driving, and your lights are your protective shield.
My 10th-gen Civic has had some lighting modifications, and disabling the daytime running lights (DRLs) can be summarized as: tricky on new models, easy on old ones. For older Civics, you simply pull a specific fuse in the engine compartment's left fuse box. But for newer models, you need to remove the front bumper and disconnect wiring. After trying it, I found that pulling the fuse causes the automatic headlights to malfunction, which is especially troublesome in rainy weather. There's now a compromise solution: applying a black light-transmitting film over the light cover, which complies with regulations while reducing brightness. Honestly, there's little need to disable them—DRLs consume negligible fuel during the day, and at night they can serve as a reminder if you forget to turn on your headlights.
