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Honda Accord: How to Replace Your Dome Light

Your dome light may stop working either because you need to replace the bulb or you have a blown fuse. Both issues are easy to resolve, and should take you less than 10 minutes from start to finish.

By William Henderson - March 6, 2015

This article applies to the Honda Accord (1990-2002).

The dome light is one part that often goes unnoticed—until it stops working, that is. Most times, you can resolve the problem by changing your light bulb. Some Accord owners prefer using LED lights because they last longer, but they are a tad more expensive. If you need to replace your bulb, this may be a good time to switch to LED lighting. If you changed the light bulb and the light still won't turn on, then you probably have a blown fuse. Before replacing a fuse, change the bulb first to be sure you actually need a fuse replacement.

Materials Needed

  • Small flat head screwdriver
  • Electrical tape
  • New light bulb (LED optional)
  • Fuse puller or needle nose pliers
  • 7.5A fuse

Step 1 – Remove the dome light cover

Slide the light switch to the "OFF" position. Wrap the end of a small flat head screwdriver with electrical tape. This prevents damaging the plate cover when you remove it. Locate two small tabs on the side of the dome light cover. Insert the screwdriver into each, and gently pry the cover up. Remove the cover and set it aside.

Figure 1. Locate the two tabs to pry off the dome light cover.

Step 2 – Remove and replace the old light bulb

Hold one end of the light bulb, and pull it out of the socket. The other end of the bulb should come loose. Now you can pull the light bulb out completely.

Then, insert the new light bulb (or LED) by snapping one side of the bulb into the socket. Snap the other side in, and make sure it is fully secured. Slide the light switch to the "ON" position. If the bulb lights up, correctly position the dome light cover to pop it back into place. If the light bulb does not turn on, you will need to replace the fuse.

  • Figure 2. Remove the old light bulb.
  • Figure 3. Pop the dome light cover back into place.

Step 3 – Replace the fuse

Slide the light switch to the "OFF" position. Pop the hood of the car and locate the fuse box. It should be in the corner and near the front passenger's side seat. Remove the cover of the fuse box, and locate the No. 16 fuse. You can find the diagram of fuses and what they control on the outside cover of the fuse box, or in the owner's manual. With your fuse puller or needle nose pliers, remove the No. 16 fuse. Replace this fuse with a new 7.5A fuse by simply snapping it in. Slide the dome light switch to the "ON" position to check if the light turns on. If not, there may be a larger electrical issue, and you will need to take it to an auto shop.

Figure 4. Under-hood fuse box diagram.

Featured Video: Honda Accord Dome Light Replacement

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