How to Turn On the Lights in Your Honda

In most Honda cars and SUVs, rotate the left-hand steering-column stalk to Auto or Headlights to turn on the exterior lights; push the stalk forward for high beams, pull to flash, and use the fog-light ring or button (if equipped). Interior lights are controlled by the overhead dome/map switches, and the instrument panel brightness is adjusted with the dash dimmer. Below is a concise, model-agnostic guide that covers the controls found on most recent Hondas and notes where exceptions are common.

Exterior Lights: The Basics

Headlights and Parking Lights

Nearly all modern Hondas place the headlight control on the left stalk behind the steering wheel. You’ll find a rotating collar with positions such as Off, Auto, Parking, and Headlights. Auto mode uses a light sensor to switch the lights on when it’s dark or when the wipers are on in many models.

1. Set the ignition to ON (or start the engine). Some lighting functions work only with the vehicle powered.
2. Locate the left stalk’s rotating collar:
   

   • Off: All exterior lights off (DRLs may still illuminate when driving).
   • Auto: Headlights/taillights turn on automatically as needed.
   • Parking: Sidelights/taillights on, headlights off.
   • Headlights: Low-beam headlights and taillights on.

3. Turn to Auto for set‑and‑forget convenience, or Headlights for manual control.

Choosing Auto is recommended for everyday use, as it handles dusk, tunnels, and many wiper-activated scenarios on newer models; use Headlights for certainty in poor visibility.

High Beams and Flash-to-Pass

High beams share the same left stalk. Use them only when you won’t dazzle other road users. Most Hondas also support a momentary “flash-to-pass.” Some newer models offer Auto High-Beam, which toggles high beams on and off automatically when enabled.

1. To activate high beams: Push the left stalk forward until it clicks; a blue high-beam icon appears in the cluster.
2. To cancel high beams: Pull the stalk back to center.
3. To flash-to-pass: Pull the stalk toward you briefly and release.
4. If equipped, enable Auto High-Beam in the vehicle settings or via a steering-wheel/menu option; high beams will then engage automatically when conditions permit.

Remember to lower your beams for oncoming traffic or when following another vehicle to avoid glare.

Fog Lights (If Equipped)

Fog lights, when fitted, are usually controlled by an inner ring on the same left stalk or by a dashboard button. They typically work only with low-beam headlights on and should be used in fog, mist, or heavy rain—not in clear conditions.

1. Turn the headlight switch to Headlights (or Auto when the system has turned the lights on).
2. Activate fog lights by rotating the fog-light ring on the stalk or pressing the fog-light button; a green fog-light icon should illuminate.
3. Turn them off by returning the ring/button to the off position.

Use fog lights sparingly to reduce glare and comply with local laws, which often restrict their use to low-visibility conditions.

Daytime Running Lights (DRLs)

On most Hondas, DRLs come on automatically when the vehicle is in gear and the parking brake is released. They are not a substitute for full headlights at night or in poor visibility; switch to Auto or Headlights when needed so taillights and instrument lighting adjust appropriately.

Turn Signals and Hazard Lights

Turn signals are also on the left stalk, while hazard lights use a dedicated triangular button on the dash. Use turn signals to indicate lane changes and turns, and hazards to alert others to a stationary vehicle or an emergency.

1. Turn signals: Move the left stalk up for right, down for left; a three-blink lane-change feature is common with a light tap.
2. Hazard lights: Press the red triangle button on the dashboard to activate all indicators; press again to turn off.

Correct signaling and timely hazard use are essential for safety and required by law in many jurisdictions.

Interior Lighting

Dome and Map Lights

Cabin lighting typically includes a center dome light and front map lights. Depending on trim, they may be controlled by physical switches or touch-sensitive lenses.

1. Front map lights: Press the lens or the adjacent switch to turn each light on/off.
2. Dome light: Set the slider to Door (lights come on when doors open), On, or Off.
3. Cargo/trunk lights: Usually automatic when the hatch or trunk is open.

If the interior lights don’t come on with door opening, ensure the dome light is set to the Door position and confirm the dimmer isn’t at its minimum (some models link these behaviors).

Instrument Panel Dimmer

The dashboard brightness control is commonly a small rocker or scroll wheel near the cluster (often to the left of the steering wheel), or adjustable via the instrument cluster menu on newer models.

1. Locate the dimmer control and increase/decrease brightness to preference.
2. At night with headlights on, some models allow further dimming; in Auto mode, brightness can change with ambient light.
3. If brightness seems stuck, verify the headlights are on and check the dimmer isn’t at its minimum.

Proper brightness reduces eye strain at night while keeping gauges readable.

Tips and Best Practices

These practical habits help you use your Honda’s lighting effectively and legally.

• Leave the headlight switch in Auto for everyday driving; it handles dusk, tunnels, and many wiper-on situations in newer models.
• Use low beams in rain, fog, or snow; reserve high beams for clear, unlit roads with no nearby traffic.
• Use fog lights only in reduced visibility to avoid glare and compliance issues.
• Clean headlight lenses and replace dim bulbs in pairs for uniform illumination.
• If you park facing traffic at night, use Parking lights sparingly; they don’t provide full visibility.

Adopting these habits improves safety, courtesy, and compliance with local regulations.

Troubleshooting If Lights Won’t Turn On

If your lights aren’t behaving as expected, run through these quick checks before scheduling service.

• Ignition mode: Ensure the vehicle is in ON or READY (hybrids); some functions won’t work in ACC.
• Switch position: Confirm the stalk is in Headlights or Auto (and that Auto has actually activated at night).
• Brightness/dimmer: Instrument panel or infotainment screens may be dimmed to minimum.
• Bulbs/LEDs: A failed bulb (older models) or LED module may need replacement.
• Fuses/relays: Check the appropriate fuse box (see your owner’s manual for locations).
• Dirty sensor: The light sensor (often on top of the dash) can be blocked by dash covers or debris, preventing Auto activation.
• Regional differences: DRLs and Auto behaviors vary by market; consult your manual for specifics.

If issues persist, a dealer or qualified technician can diagnose switch, wiring, or control-module faults.

When Your Model Differs

While the left-stalk layout is standard across most Honda Civics, Accords, CR‑Vs, Pilots, HR‑Vs, Odysseys, and Ridgelines from the past two decades, details can vary by year and trim. For exact instructions and fuse diagrams, consult your owner’s manual or the official Honda owners’ site: owners.honda.com (U.S.) or your regional Honda site. If your vehicle has Honda Sensing with Auto High-Beam, setup may be in the instrument cluster settings or infotainment menu.

Summary

Turn on your Honda’s exterior lights by rotating the left stalk to Auto or Headlights, use the same stalk for high beams and flash‑to‑pass, and control fog lights with the stalk ring or a dash button if equipped. Interior dome/map lights are managed overhead, and the dash brightness uses a dimmer near the cluster or in settings. When in doubt—or if behavior varies—refer to your model’s manual for precise controls.

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 on the lights on a Honda?

This one turns on the parking lamps including all lamps except the headlamps. The headlamp button turns on the headlamps. Together with the parking lamps and instrument panel lights.

How do I turn my headlights on?

Okay auto means that the headlights will automatically turn on when it is dark enough. Outside. This right here is just your interior lights. And your corner lights of uh the exterior of your car.

How do I turn the interior lights on in my Honda Accord?

And from there select interior light dimming. Time. Choose 15 30 or 60 seconds before your lights fade out after closing the last door.