Honda HR-V & Light: 10 Questions Answered (For Newbies)

Since its arrival in 2016, the Honda HR-V has become a favorite for those looking for a great subcompact SUV.

The HR-V is a good option for drivers hoping to move from sedans to SUVs.

Knowing how the lights on your Honda HR-V work is important as a driver.

In this article, we’ll go over common questions new owners have concerning the lights on their HR-Vs.

Let’s go!

Which Light Bulbs Sizes and Types Do Honda HR-V Use?

Your bulbs will need replacement someday, either due to wear or damage. When that time comes, you’ll need to know the right type and size of bulb to buy.

Here is a guide to the types and sizes of light bulbs on the Honda HR- V:

1. Low Beam Headlights

HR-V models released between 2016 and 2018 used a 9003 bulb for the low beam headlights. But they switched to H11 bulbs for low beams in 2019 and have continued to use them. 

2. High Beam Headlights

The 2016-2018 Honda HR-Vs used a 9003 bulb for the high beam headlights. However, Honda changed to using a 9005 bulb for the high beam headlights in 2019.

Click here for the prices of Honda HR-V light bulbs on Amazon

How to Turn Off Daytime Running Lights on a Honda HR-V?

Your Daytime Running Lights (DRL) is a safety feature that makes it easy for drivers to see you while driving.

It can help prevent collisions and accidents, especially in the daytime when your regular headlights are off.

However, some prefer to have the DRLs off. This is because DRLs have been said to shorten bulb life and reduce fuel economy.

Some also think DRLs are unsafe, because their brightness can blind other drivers.

It’s possible to disable the DRLs on your HR-V—simply disconnect the DRL fuse (7.5A) in the fuse-box on the driver’s side.

The fuse-box is under the dashboard on any Honda, including the HR-V.

Honda HR-V Light indicator Symbols Explained

The light sensors on your vehicle monitor several aspects of its performance and condition.

Understanding them helps you stay on top of any situation with your HR-V.

The table below lists some of the light indicators and highlights their meanings:

How Do You Adjust the Light on a Honda HR-V?

Badly adjusted lights on your vehicle can cause several problems; they won’t illuminate the road properly and may blind other drivers.

You can adjust the lights on your Honda HR-V by turning the adjustment screws with a screwdriver.

There are two adjustment screws on your Honda HR-V. Turning the first adjustment screw, located on top of the headlight assembly, raises and lowers the headlights.

Meanwhile, turning the other adjuster, located on the inside part of the headlight assembly, moves the headlights left and right.

It is advisable to have your vehicle parked on flat ground, facing a wall, before adjusting headlights.

Inspecting the way your headlights project light beams on the wall will tell you if they are out of position or not.

Also, get someone to sit in the vehicle while you adjust the headlights. Ideally, this should be someone of the same, or similar, weight as you.

Please also read our article about where Honda HR-Vs are made.

How Does the Auto Light Sensitivity Work?

The Auto Light Sensitivity system on your Honda HR-V allows you to set the sensitivity of your automatic head- and taillights.

Automatic lights switch on and off based on information provided by your vehicle’s photoelectric sensors.

These sensors are sensitive to light and can tell if it’s dark so the headlights can come on.

By adjusting the sensitivity of the light sensors, you can control when your headlights come on (or go off).

Available sensitivity settings for the Honda HR-V include Max, High, Mid, Low, and Min.

High sensitivity means your headlights will come on pretty early in the evening. Min sensitivity means your lights will come on only when it’s really dark.

Also check our article about how long the Honda HR-V lasts. 

What Can Cause the Drive Light to Blink?

The Drive Light blinking tells you that there’s a malfunction with your transmission.

You must address this issue promptly or risk putting your transmission at risk of more damage.

A mechanical part of the transmission, like the shift solenoid, may have suffered damage.

Also, it could be an electrical component in the transmission, e.g., the transmission speed sensor.

You can have a trained tech run a diagnosis to detect what’s causing the drive light to blink. This will remove human error from the mix and lead to a faster solution to the problem.

Can I Use Headlight Covers On a HR-V?

A headlight cover is great for protecting your headlights. They can also keep the headlight assembly clean and bright for months.

However, you can only use headlight covers on a HR-V if your local laws permit it.

Headlight covers are banned in some states, so confirm if yours allow their usage before buying.

Make sure to also read our article about the Honda HR-V in snow and winter driving.

The Dome/Interior Light Isn’t Working

The interior/dome light switches on when you open one of the doors.

However, the dome light may malfunction such that it will stay off even if a door is open.

A malfunctioning dome light is likely the result of a blown fuse or missing mount screw. Other suggested causes include aged bulbs and shorted circuits.

If your dome light isn’t working, we recommend having a technician inspect your car.

This way, you don’t have to spend time and energy on trying to work out the cause of the problem.

Do Honda HR-V Have LED Lights?

Unlike halogen lamps, LED lights are brighter and more energy-efficient. Honda HR-Vs have always had LED lights—since the first model released in 2016.

However, not all bulbs on the HR-V are LED, with some of them using the normal halogen filament. But you can easily buy replacement LED bulbs for your Honda HR-V if you want.

The Lights Come on But the Car Won’t Start

When you twist the ignition, your engine and the lights on your vehicle should come to life.

However, if only the lights come on without the engine starting, you have a problem on your hands.

Here are some problems that can cause your car not to start:

1. Bad ignition
2. Faulty starter mechanism
3. Low battery
4. Bad starter

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