There are several reasons why your interior light isn't turning on or off. Fortunately, you don't have to spend a fortune-or even take your car to a mechanic-to diagnose and resolve the problem.
This article applies to the Honda Civic/Del Sol (1992-2000), and Accord (1990-2002).
Nine out of ten times, your dome light isn't turning on because you need to replace the light bulb. If this doesn't work, then the other primary culprit is a blown fuse. You can diagnose and resolve both of these issues in under a few minutes, and at next to no cost. If these fixes don't resolve the problem, don't worry. The other primary ways to resolve a problem with your interior light are just as easy, and you likely already have the tools you need. If your dome light isn't turning on, consider replacing the light bulb first before buying a new main dome light. A light bulb replacement costs under $10.
Materials Needed
Small flat head screwdriver
Electrical tape
Small Phillips head screwdriver
Replacement light bulb
Number 10 fuse
Main dome light unit
Step 1 – Change the light bulb
A burnt-out bulb will prevent your interior light from turning on.
Move the dome light switch to the "OFF" position.
Wrap electrical tape around the end of a flat head screwdriver. This will help prevent you from accidentally damaging your dome light cover when you pry it open.
Remove the dome light cover.
Remove the old light bulb. Pull it out at an angle instead of straight towards you.
Install the new light bulb.
Move the dome light switch to the "ON" position. If the light turns on, then you've resolved the issue and you can re-install the light cover. If not, then you may need to replace a fuse.
Figure 1. Use small screwdriver to remove the dome light cover.
Pro Tip
Leave the cover off until you have confirmed the issue has been resolved.
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A burnt-out fuse will prevent your dome light from turning on.
Turn the dome light switch to the "OFF" position.
Open the fuse box. The fuse box is located inside your car and under the dashboard.
Find the fuse that is wired to your dome light. Your owner's manual will likely have a diagram of your fuses, and some models also have diagrams on the inside of the driver's side door.
Remove the fuse and replace it with a new fuse. You will need a number 10 fuse. You might have a spare in your fuse box. If not, you can find them at any auto parts store.
Turn the dome light switch to "ON" position. If the light turns on, then you've resolved the issue. If not, then the mounting screw in the dome light is loose or missing.
Figure 2. If you need to replace a fuse, you likely have a spare one in your fuse panel.
A missing or loose mounting screw can prevent the dome light from turning on.
Look for the mounting screw going through the metal tabs. This will be a small flat head screw, which doubles as one of the grounds for the "ON" setting.
If it is missing, replace the screw.
If it is loose, tighten the screw.
Turn dome light switch to the "ON" position. If the light turns on, then you've resolved the issue. If not, then your light switch may be faulty.
Figure 3. A missing or loose mounting screw can prevent the dome light from turning on.
Step 4 – Replace main dome light unit
A loose switch can affect the connection, which will prevent the light from turning on. Since you can't simply replace the switch, you'll need to install a new main unit. Of all of the potential reasons why your dome light isn't turning on or off, this is likely the most expensive to resolve. If you've put your dome light cover on at some point, remove it before beginning.
Remove the light bulb, and then use a small Phillips head screwdriver to remove the two mounting screws.
There is a latch on the side of the unit. You have to detach it from the base unit before you can pull it out. Once that is done, pull it out of the base unit.
Insert the new base unit, and click the latch into place.
Inset the light bulb, and the two mounting screws.
Turn the dome light switch to "ON" position. If light turns on, then you've resolved the issue. If not, then you may have a problem with your door jamb switch.
Figure 4. A faulty dome light switch can prevent your dome light from turning on or off.
Step 5 – Check door jamb switch
A problem with a door jamb switch can prevent your interior light from turning on. An easy way to diagnose this is to turn your dome light switch to "ON" position. If the light comes on when your dome light is on the "ON" position, but doesn't come on when your dome light is on the "DOOR" position, then you know the problem is related to the door jamb switch.
Open driver's side door. On the exterior of the door jamb is a small unit. There is also a switch that depresses when you close your door. This signals the car to turn off the dome light when dome light switch is on "DOOR". Sometimes the switch gets pressed all the way inside the door jamb, and does not sense the door when it opens or closes.
Open the round cover on the bottom of the unit. Under the cover is a small Phillips head screw. Unscrew it.
Pop off the unit. You can likely see the switch inside the door jamb, hanging on its wire. Fish out switch.
Replace the unit, screw in mounting screw, and close the round cover.
With dome light switch on the "DOOR" position, open and close your door. If dome light comes on, then you've resolved the problem. If not, then check the door jamb switches on other doors. Follow these same steps for each door.
Figure 5. If the door jamb switch has fallen, then it can affect your dome light.
Figure 6. Be sure not to damage the wire attached to the door jamb switch.
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