How to Turn On the Lights in a Honda Civic

Use the left-hand stalk behind the steering wheel: rotate the end of the stalk to the headlight icon (or to Auto if equipped) to turn on the headlights, push the stalk forward to latch high beams and pull it toward you to flash, and use the fog-light ring or dashboard fog button if your Civic has fog lights. This quick guide explains how the lighting controls work across recent and older Honda Civic models, what each position does, and how to troubleshoot common issues.

Basic headlight controls (most Civic models)

Nearly all Honda Civics place the exterior light controls on the left steering-column stalk. The exact labels vary slightly by model year and market, but operation is broadly the same.

1. Find the left stalk behind the steering wheel. Look for a rotating collar at the end with icons.
2. Turn the collar to:
   – OFF: All exterior lights off (DRLs may still operate when the engine is on).
   – AUTO: If equipped, headlights/taillights switch on automatically based on ambient light.
   – Parking/Side lights: First light position (marker/taillights on, headlights off).
   – Headlights: Second light position (low beams and taillights on).
3. Start the car or turn the ignition to ON to ensure lights can operate. Some functions won’t activate in Accessory mode.
4. Confirm operation on the cluster: a green headlight icon appears with low beams; tail lamps illuminate at the rear.

Once set, you can leave the switch in AUTO for everyday driving, or use the manual headlight position when conditions require constant lighting.

High beams and Auto High-Beam (if equipped)

High beams provide maximum forward illumination on unlit roads; Auto High-Beam (AHB) manages them automatically on many newer Civics.

1. High beams: Push the left stalk forward to latch high beams on (blue high-beam indicator lights on the cluster). Pull the stalk back to cancel.
2. Flash-to-pass: Pull the stalk toward you momentarily to flash high beams, then release.
3. Auto High-Beam (AHB), if equipped: With the headlight switch in AUTO, push the stalk forward. Some models also require pressing an AHB button on the end of the stalk or enabling AHB in the vehicle settings. A green “A” high-beam icon indicates AHB is active; the system will dip to low beams when it detects oncoming traffic or tail lamps ahead.

Use high beams responsibly: switch to low beams for oncoming traffic or when following another vehicle to avoid glare.

Fog lights (equipment-dependent)

Fog lights are fitted on specific trims and markets. They’re designed for poor visibility, not for clear-weather use.

1. Check for a fog-light control:
   – Many Civics: a separate inner ring on the headlight stalk (fog icon).
   – Newer Civics: a dedicated fog-light button on the lower left side of the dashboard.
2. Turn on low-beam headlights or set the switch to AUTO in low-light conditions; fogs typically work only with low beams on.
3. Activate the fogs: rotate the inner ring or press the button. A green fog-light indicator appears on the cluster.
4. Note: In many regions, fog lights won’t stay on with high beams.

Use fog lights only in fog, heavy rain, dust, or snow; switch them off in clear conditions to prevent glare for other drivers.

Parking lights and instrument panel brightness

Parking lights enhance vehicle visibility when stopped, and the dimmer controls how bright the instrument panel appears when lights are on.

1. Parking/side lights: rotate the stalk collar to the first light position (marker and tail lamps on; headlights off).
2. Cluster brightness: use the dashboard dimmer near the instrument panel (buttons with sun icons or a small wheel, depending on year). Adjust while the lights are on to set night brightness; press-and-hold on some models to set daytime brightness.
3. Interior illumination: some trims allow additional brightness settings via the infotainment menu under Vehicle Settings > Lights or Instrument Panel.

Proper dimming reduces eye strain and maintains outside visibility at night; avoid setting the cluster too bright after dark.

Daytime Running Lights and automatic behavior

Most Civics have DRLs and, on many trims since 2016, automatic headlights. Understanding how they behave can prevent common mistakes.

• DRLs: Illuminate automatically with the engine on; they do not activate tail lights and are not a substitute for headlights at dusk, in rain, or at night.
• AUTO mode: Uses a light sensor atop the dash to switch between DRLs and full headlights/taillights. Keep the sensor area clear of objects or dash covers.
• Wiper link (market-dependent): With AUTO selected, turning on the windshield wipers may automatically activate headlights in some regions.
• Battery protection: Many Civics turn off exterior lights after shutdown if left on; however, always switch off manually to avoid draining the 12V battery.

Rely on AUTO for convenience, but confirm at night that your tail lights are on—especially when driving in lit urban areas where DRLs can be mistaken for full headlights.

Quick troubleshooting if your lights don’t turn on

If the lights don’t respond as expected, these checks resolve most issues without a service visit.

• Ignition state: Ensure the vehicle is in ON/Ready mode (engine running or power on).
• Switch position: Move the stalk from OFF to AUTO or Headlights; confirm the cluster indicator.
• Dimmer setting: Increase panel brightness—an overly dim cluster can feel like the lights aren’t working.
• Parking brake: DRLs may not illuminate if the parking brake is engaged.
• Obstructed sensor: Clear items from the dash-top light sensor (AUTO won’t work if covered).
• Bulbs/LEDs: A failed bulb (older halogen models) or a lighting fault (LED-equipped models) may need replacement; look for warning messages.
• Fuses: Check relevant light fuses in the cabin or engine-bay fuse box (see your owner’s manual for locations).
• Software/settings: On newer Civics, verify Auto High-Beam or light settings in the infotainment menu if features aren’t behaving.

If the issue persists, consult your owner’s manual for year-specific guidance or have a qualified technician inspect the system.

Model-year differences to know

Controls are consistent across generations, with a few changes in features and switch placement.

• 2022–2025 (11th gen): AUTO headlights standard on most trims; Auto High-Beam common with Honda Sensing; fog lights (if fitted) usually controlled by a dash button; full LED headlamps on many trims.
• 2016–2021 (10th gen): Similar stalk controls; AUTO and LED lights on many trims; fog lights typically via stalk ring; AHB available on trims with Honda Sensing.
• Pre-2016 (earlier gens): Stalk operation remains the same; more halogen bulbs; fewer models with AUTO. Some markets include a headlight-leveling wheel near the dimmer.

Regardless of year, the left stalk remains the primary control; consult the owner’s manual for trim-specific functions like AHB activation and fog-light placement.

Safety and legal reminders

Using your lights correctly is both a safety imperative and, in many places, a legal requirement.

• Turn on headlights (not just DRLs) at dusk, in tunnels, during rain/snow/fog, and when visibility is reduced.
• Use fog lights only in poor visibility; turn them off in clear weather.
• Avoid blinding others: dip high beams for oncoming traffic and when following closely.
• Keep lenses clean and free of condensation; replace failed bulbs promptly and avoid mis-aimed aftermarket kits.
• Check local laws on daytime headlight use and fog-light restrictions.

Proper use ensures you can see—and be seen—without creating glare or violating regulations.

Summary

To turn on a Honda Civic’s lights, rotate the left stalk’s end to Headlights (or Auto), push the stalk forward for high beams and pull to flash, and activate fogs via the stalk ring or a dash button if equipped. DRLs run automatically but don’t replace headlights at night. If lights don’t work, verify ignition, switch position, dimmer settings, and sensor obstruction, then check bulbs and fuses. For specifics on Auto High-Beam and fog-light controls, refer to your Civic’s model-year owner’s manual.

How do I turn on automatic lights on my Honda Civic?

Using the lever:

1. Pull the lever towards you and release it.
2. Turn the light switch to and then to AUTO when the lever is in the low beam position.

How do I turn the headlights on?

To turn on your headlights, find the headlight control switch, usually a dial or lever on the steering column to the left of the wheel. Turn the dial to the “Auto” setting to have them come on automatically in the dark, or turn it to the “On” position (often indicated by a headlight symbol) to manually activate your low beams. To switch on high beams (brights), push the lever forward until you hear a click.
 
This video demonstrates how to control the headlights using the lever on the steering column: 44sHelpful DIYYouTube · Nov 14, 2024
Locate the Headlight Controls 

1. 1. Find the switch: Look for a control panel or a stalk-mounted switch to the left of your steering wheel. 
2. 2. Identify the settings: This switch often has several positions: 
   • Off: All headlights are off. 
   • Auto: Lights turn on and off automatically based on ambient light. 
   • Parking Lights (or Interior/Corner Lights): Activates the small parking and corner lights. 
   • Headlights (On/Dipped Beams): The standard, low-beam headlights. 

Manually Turn On Headlights 

1. 1. Rotate the dial: Turn the control dial from the “Off” or “Auto” position to the “On” position to engage the standard low-beam headlights. 
2. 2. Activate High Beams: To switch to high beams, push the lever forward until it clicks. A blue indicator light will appear on your dashboard. 

Using Automatic Headlights

1. Select “Auto”: Set the control dial to the “Auto” position. 
2. Wait for the sensor: The headlights will turn on automatically when the light sensor detects darkness. 

Are Honda Civic lights automatic?

AUTO: Turn on the automatic lighting feature. Headlights turn on or off depending on ambient brightness when the vehicle is on. Headlights automatically come on after the wipers are engaged for a certain time. The headlights come on when you unlock a door in dark areas with the headlight switch in AUTO.
PDF

How do I turn the lights on in my Honda Civic?

To turn on the headlights, twist the knob away from you in a clockwise direction. The first click will turn on the dashboard lights. The second click will turn on the headlights. To activate the high beam, pull the lever towards you.