2017 Honda Accord Daytime Running Lights Replacement

Ever notice your 2017 Honda Accord’s daytime running lights (DRLs) looking a little dim, flickering, or worse, completely out? You’re not alone. These crucial safety features are often overlooked until they fail, leaving your vehicle less visible on the road and potentially inviting a ticket. But don’t sweat it – tackling a 2017 Honda Accord daytime running lights replacement is a perfectly achievable DIY project for most car owners and weekend warriors.

At FatBoysOffroad, we believe in empowering you to keep your ride in top shape without breaking the bank. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from understanding why your DRLs fail to a step-by-step breakdown of the replacement process. We’ll promise to arm you with the knowledge and confidence to get your Accord shining bright again, enhancing both its safety and curb appeal. Get ready to dive in and discover how straightforward this essential maintenance task can be!

Why Your 2017 Honda Accord Daytime Running Lights Need Attention (and Replacement!)

Your DRLs aren’t just for show; they play a vital role in road safety. They make your vehicle more visible to other drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists, especially during daylight hours, inclement weather, or when emerging from shadows. When they fail, that visibility—and your safety—is compromised.

Common Problems with 2017 Honda Accord Daytime Running Lights

DRLs, like any other automotive component, have a lifespan. For your 2017 Accord, you might encounter a few common issues:

Dimming or Flickering: This is often an early sign of a bulb nearing its end or a loose connection. It reduces effectiveness.
One Light Out: A single DRL failing usually indicates a burnt-out bulb or a localized wiring issue.
Both Lights Out: While less common for simultaneous bulb failure, this could point to a fuse, relay problem, or a wiring harness issue affecting both sides.
Error Messages: Some Accords might display a dashboard warning light when a DRL fails, prompting you to take action.

Addressing these issues promptly with a 2017 Honda Accord daytime running lights replacement is not just about aesthetics; it’s about maintaining your vehicle’s safety features and complying with local regulations.

Benefits of 2017 Honda Accord Daytime Running Lights Replacement

Beyond fixing a problem, upgrading or replacing your DRLs offers several advantages:

Enhanced Safety: The primary benefit is improved visibility, reducing the risk of accidents.
Restored Aesthetics: A fully functioning set of DRLs keeps your Accord looking sharp and well-maintained.
Compliance: In many regions, DRLs are a legal requirement. Keeping them working avoids potential fines.
Opportunity for Upgrade: Replacing allows you to consider brighter, more efficient LED options.

Gearing Up: What You’ll Need for Your DRL Replacement

Before you begin your 2017 Honda Accord daytime running lights replacement, gathering the right tools and parts is crucial. This isn’t a job you want to start and then realize you’re missing something essential.

Essential Tools for the Job

You won’t need a full mechanic’s garage for this, but a few specific items will make the job much smoother:

New DRL Bulbs/LEDs: Ensure they are the correct type for your 2017 Honda Accord. The original incandescent bulb type is typically a 9005 or H11, but always double-check your owner’s manual or the existing bulb. If upgrading to LEDs, ensure they are compatible and possibly require a resistor to prevent hyper-flashing or error codes.
Phillips Head Screwdriver: For various screws, primarily around the fender liner.
Flathead Screwdriver or Trim Removal Tool: Handy for prying plastic clips without damaging them.
Gloves: Protect your hands and prevent transferring oils to new bulbs, which can shorten their life.
Safety Glasses: Always a good idea when working under the hood or near delicate components.
Jack and Jack Stands (Optional but Recommended): If you need more room to work, especially on the passenger side, lifting the front end can help. Always use jack stands for safety!
Wheel Chocks: If jacking up the car, use these on the rear wheels.

Choosing Your Replacement Parts: OEM vs. Aftermarket vs. LED

When it comes to the actual bulbs for your 2017 Honda Accord daytime running lights replacement, you have choices:

OEM Halogen Bulbs: These are direct replacements for what came from the factory. They are reliable and fit perfectly.
Aftermarket Halogen Bulbs: Often cheaper than OEM, but quality can vary. Stick to reputable brands.
LED Conversion Kits: A popular upgrade! LEDs offer brighter light, consume less power, and last significantly longer. Make sure to get “plug-and-play” kits designed for DRLs, and be aware some might require load resistors to prevent “bulb out” warnings or flickering, especially if your DRLs also function as high beams.

For sustainable and eco-friendly 2017 Honda Accord daytime running lights replacement, LED options are often the best choice due to their extended lifespan and lower energy draw, reducing waste and fuel consumption over time.

The Step-by-Step 2017 Honda Accord Daytime Running Lights Replacement Guide

Ready to get those DRLs shining bright again? Follow these detailed steps for a successful 2017 Honda Accord daytime running lights replacement. Remember, safety first!

Step 1: Prepare Your Vehicle for Safety

Before you touch anything, ensure your safety:

Park on a Level Surface: This provides stability for working.
Engage Parking Brake: Crucial for preventing accidental movement.
Turn Off Engine and Lights: Ensure all power to the DRLs is cut.
Disconnect Battery (Optional but Recommended): For maximum safety, especially if you’re uncomfortable working near electrical components, disconnect the negative terminal of your car battery.
Allow Bulbs to Cool: If your DRLs were recently on, the bulbs can be hot. Give them a few minutes to cool down before handling.

Step 2: Accessing the Daytime Running Light Bulbs

The DRLs on your 2017 Accord are accessed from within the wheel well, behind the fender liner. You’ll need to do this for both the driver’s and passenger’s sides.

Turn Wheels: To gain better access, turn the steering wheel all the way to the side you’re working on (e.g., turn wheels left for the driver’s side, right for the passenger’s side).
Locate Fender Liner Clips/Screws: Look inside the wheel well. You’ll see several plastic clips and possibly a few Phillips head screws holding the fender liner in place.
Remove Fasteners: Using your flathead screwdriver or trim removal tool, carefully pry out the center pins of the plastic clips, then remove the entire clip. Remove any screws. You don’t need to remove the entire fender liner, just enough to peel it back.
Peel Back Fender Liner: Gently pull the fender liner back to expose the area behind the headlight assembly. You should now see the back of the DRL housing.

Step 3: Removing the Old DRL Bulb

This is where the actual bulb removal happens.

Locate DRL Connector: The DRL bulb will be housed in a socket. It’s usually one of the larger bulb housings you’ll see. The DRL is often the same bulb as the high beam on this generation of Accord.
Disconnect Electrical Connector: Gently grasp the electrical connector attached to the bulb socket. Press the release tab (if present) and pull the connector straight off. Avoid pulling on the wires themselves.
Twist and Remove Bulb: Grasp the bulb socket firmly and twist it counter-clockwise (typically a quarter turn) until it unlocks from the headlight assembly. Carefully pull the entire socket and bulb assembly straight out.
Remove Old Bulb from Socket: Once the socket is out, you can pull the old bulb straight out of the socket. It might be snug.

Step 4: Installing the New DRL Bulb

Now for the brighter future!

Handle New Bulb with Care: If you’re installing a halogen bulb, avoid touching the glass portion with your bare hands. Oils from your skin can create hot spots and significantly reduce bulb life. Use gloves or a clean cloth. For LEDs, this isn’t as critical, but still good practice.
Insert New Bulb: Push the new bulb firmly into the socket. Ensure it’s seated correctly.
Insert Socket into Headlight Assembly: Align the tabs on the bulb socket with the corresponding slots in the headlight assembly. Push the socket in and twist clockwise until it locks securely into place. You should feel a definite click or resistance when it’s seated.
Reconnect Electrical Connector: Plug the electrical connector back onto the bulb socket until it clicks. Give it a gentle tug to ensure it’s secure.

Step 5: Testing and Reassembly

Almost done!

Test the Lights: Before fully reassembling, reconnect your car battery (if disconnected) and turn on your DRLs. Verify that the new bulb is working correctly and is as bright as expected. If not, recheck your connections and bulb seating.
Reinstall Fender Liner: Once you’ve confirmed the lights are working, push the fender liner back into its original position. Reinstall all plastic clips and screws you removed earlier. Ensure everything is snug and secure.
Repeat for Other Side: If both DRLs are out or you’re upgrading both, repeat the entire process for the other side of your Accord.

Congratulations! You’ve successfully completed your 2017 Honda Accord daytime running lights replacement. Take a moment to appreciate your DIY skills and the renewed safety of your vehicle.

Choosing Your DRLs: Sustainable & Performance Upgrades

When considering a 2017 Honda Accord daytime running lights replacement, you have a prime opportunity to not just fix a problem, but to upgrade. The move from traditional halogen bulbs to LED technology offers significant advantages, aligning with both performance and eco-friendly principles.

The Case for LED DRL Upgrades

While OEM halogen bulbs are reliable, LEDs bring a host of benefits:

Brighter Illumination: LEDs often provide a whiter, brighter light, significantly improving your vehicle’s visibility to others.
Extended Lifespan: LED bulbs typically last much longer than halogens—often tens of thousands of hours compared to a few thousand. This means fewer replacements over your car’s lifetime.
Lower Power Consumption: LEDs are far more energy-efficient. This reduces the load on your car’s electrical system and can even contribute to minor fuel savings.
Instant On/Off: Unlike halogens that have a slight warm-up time, LEDs illuminate instantly.
Sustainable & Eco-Friendly 2017 Honda Accord Daytime Running Lights Replacement: Due to their longevity and energy efficiency, LEDs are a more sustainable choice. Less frequent replacement means less waste, and lower energy consumption translates to a smaller carbon footprint over time.

When selecting LED kits, ensure they are specifically designed for DRL applications in your Accord model and come with any necessary CANbus decoders or load resistors to prevent “bulb out” warnings or flickering.

Troubleshooting & 2017 Honda Accord Daytime Running Lights Replacement Best Practices

Even with a clear guide, sometimes things don’t go exactly as planned. Here’s some advice for troubleshooting and maintaining your DRLs.

Common Problems After Replacement

If your DRLs still aren’t working after a 2017 Honda Accord daytime running lights replacement, consider these common issues:

Bulb Not Seated Correctly: Double-check that the bulb is fully inserted into the socket and the socket is twisted securely into the housing.
Loose Electrical Connection: Ensure the wiring harness connector is firmly plugged into the bulb socket.
Blown Fuse: A short circuit during replacement or a pre-existing issue could have blown the DRL fuse. Consult your owner’s manual for the fuse box location and the specific DRL fuse to check and replace if necessary.
Wrong Bulb Type: Confirm you have the correct bulb type (e.g., 9005 or H11) for your specific Accord trim level.
LED Compatibility Issues: If you upgraded to LEDs, you might need a load resistor to prevent hyper-flashing or “bulb out” warnings, as the car’s computer expects a certain resistance from incandescent bulbs.
Damaged Wiring: Inspect the wiring for any cuts, pinches, or corrosion that might prevent power from reaching the bulb.

2017 Honda Accord Daytime Running Lights Replacement Best Practices

To ensure your DRLs last and perform optimally:

Use Quality Parts: Invest in reputable brands for bulbs, especially if choosing LEDs. Cheap bulbs often fail prematurely.
Avoid Touching Glass: For halogen bulbs, always use gloves or a clean cloth when handling the glass to prevent oil transfer.
Check Connections: Periodically ensure all electrical connections are clean and secure, especially after other under-hood work.
Regular Inspection: Make it a habit to check your DRLs (and all other exterior lights) regularly, perhaps during your weekly walk-around or before long trips.
Proper Disposal: Dispose of old bulbs responsibly. Some automotive parts stores offer recycling programs for certain types of bulbs.

When to Call a Professional

While a 2017 Honda Accord daytime running lights replacement is a common DIY task, there are times when calling a certified mechanic is the best course of action:

If you’ve checked the bulb, fuse, and connections, and the DRLs still aren’t working.
If you suspect deeper electrical issues, such as a faulty DRL module, relay, or complex wiring problems.
If you’re uncomfortable working with electrical systems or accessing tight spaces.
If you’re dealing with aftermarket LED kits that require advanced wiring or modifications.

Don’t hesitate to seek professional help if you’re out of your depth. Your safety and the integrity of your vehicle’s electrical system are paramount.

Frequently Asked Questions About 2017 Honda Accord DRL Replacement

Are DRLs required on my 2017 Honda Accord?

While the 2017 Honda Accord came equipped with DRLs from the factory, specific legal requirements vary by region. However, having functional DRLs significantly enhances safety by making your vehicle more visible to others, regardless of legal mandates.

Can I upgrade my 2017 Honda Accord DRLs to LED?

Yes, you absolutely can! Many owners upgrade their 2017 Accord’s DRLs to LED bulbs for brighter light, longer lifespan, and lower power consumption. Just ensure you purchase a compatible LED kit, and be prepared that some may require additional components like load resistors to prevent error messages or flickering.

How long does a DRL replacement take for a 2017 Honda Accord?

For an experienced DIYer, replacing one DRL bulb on a 2017 Honda Accord typically takes about 30-60 minutes, assuming you have all the tools ready. If you’re new to the process or encounter stubborn clips, it might take a bit longer, perhaps 1-1.5 hours per side.

What type of bulb does a 2017 Honda Accord use for its DRLs?

The 2017 Honda Accord typically uses a 9005 or H11 halogen bulb for its daytime running lights, which often doubles as the high beam bulb. However, it’s always best to verify the exact bulb type by checking your owner’s manual or inspecting the existing bulb before purchasing replacements.

Do I need to disconnect the battery before replacing DRLs?

Disconnecting the negative terminal of your car battery is an optional but highly recommended safety measure when working on any electrical component, including a 2017 Honda Accord daytime running lights replacement. It eliminates the risk of accidental short circuits or electrical shocks.

You’ve just tackled a vital maintenance task for your 2017 Honda Accord, proving that with a little guidance and the right tools, you can handle more than you think. Replacing your daytime running lights isn’t just about avoiding a ticket; it’s about making your vehicle safer for you and everyone else on the road.

By following these detailed steps and embracing best practices, you’ve not only saved money but also gained valuable experience and confidence in working on your own vehicle. Whether you stuck with OEM halogens or opted for a bright LED upgrade, you’ve made a smart choice for your Accord’s longevity and your peace of mind.

Keep those lights shining bright, stay vigilant on the road, and remember that with a little elbow grease, you can keep your ride running smoothly for years to come. For more DIY guides and performance tips, keep rolling with FatBoysOffroad!

Author
Recent Posts

Thomas Corle

Founder & Automobile expert at FatBoysOffroad

Automobile expert and off-road enthusiast, sharing in-depth knowledge of vehicles, gear, and adventures. Helping readers make smart decisions and enjoy the thrill of off-roading safely and confidently.