If the check DRL system warning light appears on a Honda vehicle, then there is something wrong with the lighting system. A blown-out fuse, bad circuitry, or a burnt-out bulb are common issues.
What does the CHECK DRL System mean?
A well-made vehicle has many warning lights and signals, so it can alert the driver when there is an issue. Gone are the days of CHECK ENGINE LIGHT being the only indicator that there is a problem with your vehicle.
When a Honda driver notices the CHECK DRL SYSTEM they must not ignore it. This warning means there is an issue with the Daytime running lamp.
This warning is a general warning statement. It is not tied to one specific issue. You or your mechanic will have to investigate to find out what is wrong with the DRL system.
Here are the common problems with the DRL system.
Burnt out DRL bulbs – all light bulbs will eventually burn out, so you should expect the bulbs to burn out within a year or so. The average cost of a 4-pack of DRL bulbs is $18. Changing out the DRL bulbs is too difficult.
If you would like to change out the bulbs yourself, you can. You’ll just need to use your vehicle’s manual to help you remove the bulb and replace it. You only have a flashlight, a screwdriver, a flathead screwdriver, replacement bulbs, and a place to put the screws in so you do not lose them.
But you can have a mechanic replace them for you. The cost of parts and labor shouldn’t be more than $100.
If there is an issue with the bulb, then it could also mean that there’s an issue with the fuse.
Bad wiring or circuitry – a collision, moisture in the wrong area, or engine overheating could damage the wiring to the DRL system. It is not easy to replace the wiring in a DRL system, so it is best if you hire a mechanic.
A bad fuse- the purpose of a fuse is to lower the amount of electric flow before it reaches a device or system. If the fuse does not work, it cannot prevent the DRL system or the bulb from receiving an excessive amount of electricity.
Too much electricity could cause the bulb to burn out faster or blow. Replacing a fuse is simple and you should be able to do it by yourself. A box of fuses should not cost more than $20.
A quick note about bulbs
When purchasing new DRL bulbs, you may not be able to just walk in and grab the nearest pack. Depending on the manufacturer, let Toyota or Honda, or Nissan, may or may not require a special set of DRL bulbs.
You’ll have to consult your owner’s manual to see which bulbs are compatible with your vehicle. If you live by a knowledgeable auto body store, they may be able to tell you which bulbs you should buy.
What is a DRL system?
All vehicles have a DRL system although some may be more than others. DRL stands for daytime running lamp and it is part of the light system in a vehicle.
The main task of the DRL system is to alert other drivers that there is a vehicle driving in front of them and the movements of that vehicle. The DRL system was invented in the 70s because the government and manufacturers wanted to make driving safer, especially at night.
The DRL system may not include a vehicle’s low beams or high beams. These are independent of the DRL system. Your vehicle blinkers might be a part of the DRL system.
When a driver turns on the ignition to power the vehicle, the DRL lighting system automatically turns on the front and back lights.
All these lights are not noticeable during the daytime, in the nighttime they are crucial. It shows drivers there is a vehicle ahead of them and that vehicle is on.
Other DRL systems turn on the DRL lights when the vehicle shifts into a different gear or when the driver releases the parking brake.
How to check the Honda DRL system
If you don’t know why your Honda DRL system is malfunctioning, keep reading. Use the steps below to check on the DRL system.
- First, if your vehicle is off, make sure it is in park. Then, turn on your vehicle so the engine is running.
- Now shift the gear to drive. The Check DRL System light should turn on. Now turn your vehicle off.
- Retrieve the owner’s manual from the glove box. If you do not have an owner’s manual, use Google to download the owner’s manual for your vehicle’s make, model, and line.
- Locate the section titled Fuses in your owner’s manual. The manual will be able to help you locate the fuses for the DRL system.
- Once you find the number connected to the DRL system, head over to the fuse box. Locate the DRL fuse
- Remove the DRL fuse, but do not remove it with your bare hands. Use a fuse puller or another nonmetal device.
- Check the fuse and see if it is burnt out. If it is, replace it with the replacement fuses that came with your vehicle. You can also buy replacement fuses at an auto body store.
- If the fuse is fine, then place it back in the fuse box.
- Turn your vehicle back on and check the lights. If one of the lights is not working, then the bulb is the issue.
Conclusion
The DRL system helps other drivers see the vehicle around them. Without the DRL system lights, cars would not be able to see each other at night. If you need to replace a bulb, check to see which bulbs will fit in your vehicle. If the fuse blows, then the bulb might blow too.
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