Honda Accord DRL Not Working? Causes and the Fix (2016-2018)

TL;DR

If your 2016-2018 Honda Accord's daytime running lights (the sleek LED strip) are flickering, dim, or completely out, the issue is almost always the DRL LED board inside the headlight. The fix is replacing just that board—not the whole headlight assembly. The Honda Accord 9.5 DRL LED Board (2016-2018) is a direct replacement that restores full brightness in about an hour.

The Problem: Why DRLs Die on This Generation

The 9.5th-gen Accord's DRLs are a light guide strip illuminated by an LED board located at the bottom of the headlight housing. Over time, the LEDs on this board overheat or suffer from solder joint fatigue, causing sections to dim or fail entirely. This is a known issue, with some owners reporting failures as early as 30,000 miles. Unlike bulbs, you can't just swap a lamp—the board is sealed inside the housing, but it is serviceable.

Diagnose: Is It the Board or Something Else?

Before you tear apart your bumper, confirm the diagnosis. Turn on the ignition and check the DRLs. If both sides are out, check the DRL relay and fuse (under the hood, #15 and #10). If only one side is dim or dead, the board on that side is the culprit. You can also do a quick test: swap the boards between sides (if you're comfortable) to see if the problem moves. In 90% of cases, it's the board, not the wiring.

Step-by-Step Replacement

You'll need a Philips screwdriver, a plastic trim tool, and a 10mm socket. Total time: 60-90 minutes. 1. Disconnect the negative battery terminal. 2. Remove the three 10mm bolts securing the headlight assembly (two on top, one behind the bumper). You may need to partially remove the bumper cover to access the lower bolt—just pull it forward slightly with the trim tool. 3. Unplug the electrical connectors and slide the headlight out. 4. Place the headlight on a soft surface. Remove the black plastic cover on the back of the housing (it's clipped on). 5. Locate the DRL LED board—it's the long, thin board behind the light guide. Carefully unclip the board and disconnect its wire. 6. Install the new Honda Accord 9.5 DRL LED Board (2016-2018) by plugging it in and clipping it into place. 7. Reassemble the headlight, reinstall it, and test the DRLs before fully tightening everything.

Fitment Tips & What to Expect

This replacement board is designed to match the OEM board exactly, so no cutting or splicing is needed. It's plug-and-play. One tip: while you have the headlight out, clean the inside of the lens with a microfiber cloth—it's easy access and prevents dust spots. Output matches the factory board, and the redesigned board runs cooler, which is what extends its service life.

Fix vs. Replace

The common alternative is replacing the entire headlight assembly, which can cost $400-$800 per side (aftermarket or used) plus labor. Replacing just the LED board costs a fraction of that, and you keep your original housing—so no alignment issues or seal worries. Install time is about the same (1-1.5 hours), but you save hundreds and maintain the factory look.

FAQ Q: There is moisture inside my Accord headlight - will a new board survive it? A: Not unless you deal with the moisture first. Water ingress is what usually kills the board, so dry the housing completely, replace the butyl seal and check the vent caps, then fit the new board. A cracked lens means the assembly itself is due.

Q: Will this fix the DRLs on both sides? A: Yes, if both sides are failing, you'll need two boards—one for each headlight. Q: Do I need to remove the bumper entirely? A: No, you can just pull it forward slightly to access the lower bolt. No need to fully remove it. Q: How long does the new board last? A: The upgraded design addresses the overheating issue, so it should outlast the original. The redesigned board addresses the original heat problem, which is what caused most failures. Q: Is it legal to have non-working DRLs? A: In many regions, DRLs are a safety feature, and driving with them out could result in a fine. Replacing the board is the most cost-effective way to stay compliant. Repairing the original headlight with a new board keeps the car factory-original and costs far less than a complete assembly replacement.

Standards & further reading

Reference material for the standards and technology that govern vehicle lighting equipment:

Keep reading - Why DRLs flicker and how to fix it - Daytime running lights explained - Browse every vehicle we cover

• FMVSS No. 108 - Lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment - the US federal standard governing vehicle lighting equipment - ams OSRAM - automotive lighting - light-source and LED technology reference - HELLA - automotive lighting and electronics - vehicle lighting systems reference

Standards reference: for the Honda Accord, the daytime running lamp is governed by UN ECE Regulation 148 (which superseded R87) in most markets and by FMVSS 108 in the United States - these define when the lamp runs and at what output. A replacement board or guide puts the lamp back inside that specification.