DIY: Why Isn't My Dome Light Working?

Introduction

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.

Time: 10 minutes

DIY Cost: $30-80

Pro Cost: $60-100

Difficulty: Easy

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.

Step 2- Replace the dome light fuse

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. For a 1990-2007 Accord, the fuse for your interior lights is located under the hood. For Accord years 1998-2001, it will be located in the passenger side fuse box. For Civics between 1992-2000, the fuse box is located under the dashboard. 
• Find the fuse that is wired to your dome light. Your owner's manual or the inside cover of your fusebox will likely have a diagram of your fuses, but our research indicates that for the 1990-1997 Accord it's #16, for the 1998-2001 Accord it's it's #11, and for the Civic during 1992-2000, it's #3. 
• Remove the fuse and replace it with a new 7.5 amps 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.

Step 3 - Check the mounting screws in dome light

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.

Step 4 - Replace 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 yellow tab 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 tab into place.
• Inset the light bulb, and the two mounting screws.
• Turn the dome light switch to "ON" position. If the light turns on, then you've resolved the issue. If not, then you may have a problem with your door jamb switch.

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.

Related Discussions and Videos

• Dome Light Will Not Turn Off Automatically - Honda-Tech.com
• Dome Light Not Turning On - Honda-Tech.com
• 1994 Accord LX Dash/Interior Lights Won't Work - Honda-Tech.com
• Interior Lights Not working - Honda-Tech.com
• 1997 Civic HX Dome/Ceiling Light Won't Come On When Door Is Open - Honda-Tech.com
• My Dome Light Will Not Go Off - Honda-Tech.com
• How To Change Acura or Honda Dome Light - YouTube.com
• DIY 1998-2002 Honda Accord Dome LED Swap - YouTube.com
• How To Replace Dome Light Switch in an Acura or Honda - YouTube.com
• How To Fix Honda Civic Door Jamb Switch - YouTube.com