2018–2022 Honda Accord Amber DRL Override Kit Guide
The 2018–2022 Honda Accord (10th Generation) is known for its distinctive LED daytime running lights (DRLs). From the factory, these vehicles illuminate the white LED DRL bar during daytime driving while the amber turn signal section is used only when signaling.
Many Accord owners prefer the appearance of a factory-style amber daytime running light similar to what is seen on other modern vehicles.
One of the most common questions is:
Can you make the amber turn signal stay on during the day without changing the factory headlight assemblies?
The answer is yes.
The 2018–2022 Honda Accord Amber DRL Override Kit is designed to use the factory amber turn signal section as the daytime running light while preserving normal turn signal operation and the factory lighting behavior at night.
This guide explains how the system works, what changes to expect, and how the different headlight switch positions affect operation.
Why Choose Amber Daytime Running Lights?
Amber daytime running lights have become increasingly popular because they give the front of the vehicle a more distinctive and aggressive appearance while maintaining an OEM-inspired look.
Many Accord owners install this kit because it provides:
- Unique factory-style amber daytime running lights
- Plug-and-play installation
- No permanent wiring modifications
- Full factory turn signal operation
- Automatic white DRL operation at night
- Compatibility with all factory headlight options
Unlike replacing the entire headlight assembly, this upgrade retains your factory headlights while changing the daytime lighting behavior.
How Does the Amber DRL Override Kit Work?
The Amber DRL Override Kit changes how the factory daytime running lights operate during the day.
Instead of illuminating the factory white DRL bar, the kit allows the factory amber turn signal section to remain illuminated during daytime driving.
When the turn signal is activated, normal turn signal operation is maintained.
At night or whenever the headlights automatically turn on, the system returns to the factory white daytime running light behavior to preserve the original nighttime appearance.
This creates a seamless transition between daytime and nighttime operation without requiring driver intervention.
The White DRL Bar Does Not Change Color
One of the biggest misconceptions about this product is that it converts the factory white DRL bar into an amber light.
It does not.
The factory white LED DRL bar remains exactly as Honda designed it.
Instead:
- The white DRL bar does not turn orange.
- The amber turn signal section becomes the daytime running light.
- The factory white DRL automatically returns during nighttime operation when appropriate.
This preserves the factory headlight appearance while giving the vehicle a distinctive amber DRL during the day.
Compatible With All Factory Headlight Models
One advantage of this kit is its broad compatibility.
The Amber DRL Override Kit is designed to work with all factory headlight configurations found on the 2018–2022 Honda Accord (10th Generation).
Whether your Accord is equipped with one factory headlight option or another, the kit is designed to integrate with the original lighting system while preserving factory functionality.
Plug-and-Play Installation
The Amber DRL Override Kit is designed for a clean installation without permanently modifying the vehicle.
Benefits include:
- Plug-and-play installation
- No cutting or splicing
- Factory wiring remains intact
- Fully reversible installation
- OEM-style integration
Keeping the original wiring intact allows the vehicle to be returned to its factory configuration if desired.
How Each Headlight Switch Position Works
The kit operates differently depending on the factory headlight switch position.
OFF Mode
During both daytime and nighttime operation:
- Amber light remains on
Parking Light Mode
During both daytime and nighttime operation:
- Amber light remains on
AUTO Mode
This is the recommended operating mode.
During daytime driving:
- Amber light functions as the daytime running light
At night or in low-light conditions:
- Factory white DRL automatically returns
Leaving the switch in AUTO allows the lighting system to transition automatically between daytime amber operation and factory nighttime operation.
Low Beam / Headlight Mode
When the headlight switch is manually placed in the Low Beam (Headlight) position:
- Factory white DRL operates during both daytime and nighttime
This allows the driver to manually return the vehicle to its factory white daytime running light appearance whenever desired.
Parking Brake Operation
Some owners notice that the daytime running lights may not illuminate immediately after starting the vehicle.
This is normal.
Honda disables the daytime running lights when the parking brake is engaged.
After releasing the parking brake, the daytime running lights will operate normally.
This behavior is controlled by Honda's factory lighting logic and is not caused by the Amber DRL Override Kit.
What This Kit Fits
This Amber DRL Override Kit is designed for:
- 2018 Honda Accord
- 2019 Honda Accord
- 2020 Honda Accord
- 2021 Honda Accord
- 2022 Honda Accord
The kit is compatible with all factory headlight models available on the 10th Generation Honda Accord.
Before You Purchase
Before ordering your Amber DRL Override Kit, verify the following:
- Your vehicle is a 2018–2022 Honda Accord
- Your vehicle is a 10th Generation Accord
- Your vehicle retains factory headlight assemblies
- You understand that the factory white DRL bar does not change to amber
- You want the factory amber turn signal section to function as the daytime running light
Taking a few minutes to verify these details helps ensure the kit meets your expectations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this turn the white DRL bar orange?
No. The factory white DRL bar remains white. The kit uses the factory amber turn signal section as the daytime running light.
Does the amber light still work as a turn signal?
Yes. Full factory turn signal functionality is retained.
What happens at night?
When the vehicle is in AUTO mode, the lighting system automatically switches back to the factory white DRL in low-light conditions and at night.
Can I manually switch back to the white DRL during the day?
Yes. Turning the factory headlight control knob counterclockwise to the Low Beam/Headlight position restores the factory white DRL during daytime operation.
Why aren't my DRLs on immediately after starting the vehicle?
Honda disables the daytime running lights when the parking brake is engaged. Once the parking brake is released, normal DRL operation resumes.
Are the headlights included?
No. This kit includes one Amber DRL Override Kit only. Factory headlights are not included.
Final Thoughts
The 2018–2022 Honda Accord Amber DRL Override Kit provides a simple way to give your 10th Generation Accord a unique factory-inspired appearance without replacing the headlights or permanently modifying the vehicle.
Rather than changing the color of the factory white DRL bar, the kit uses the factory amber turn signal section as the daytime running light while preserving full turn signal functionality and automatically restoring the factory white DRLs during nighttime operation when the headlight switch is in AUTO mode.
With plug-and-play installation, compatibility with all factory headlight models, no cutting or splicing, and a fully reversible design, this kit delivers a clean OEM-style upgrade that enhances the appearance of your Honda Accord while maintaining factory lighting behavior.