What bulb does my daytime running light use?

It depends on the vehicle. Many cars use the same bulb as the headlight (H11, 9005, or 9006) but run it at reduced power for the DRL. Others use a dedicated DRL bulb like a 3157, 7443, or a wedge-type bulb like a 194. Some newer vehicles use non-replaceable LED modules. Check your owner's manual or use our vehicle finder to look up the exact bulb for your year, make, and model.

Is the DRL the same bulb as the headlight?

On many vehicles, yes. A lot of manufacturers use the low beam or high beam headlight bulb as the DRL, just running it at lower power. On other vehicles, the DRL is a completely separate bulb in its own housing. The easiest way to tell is to start the car in daylight without turning on the headlights. Whichever bulbs are on are your DRLs. Then turn on the headlights and see if different bulbs light up.

Can I drive with a burned out DRL?

In most U.S. states, DRLs are not legally required, so you won't get a ticket for a burned out one. Canada does require them. That said, DRLs make you more visible to other drivers during the day, which reduces your accident risk. It's worth fixing even if your state doesn't mandate them.

Can I upgrade my DRLs to LED?

If your car uses a standard bulb for the DRL (not a sealed LED module), you can usually swap in an LED bulb. LED DRL bulbs are brighter, last longer, and draw less power. Make sure the LED bulb matches your stock bulb size. Some vehicles may show a dashboard warning with LED bulbs because they draw less current. An anti-flicker resistor or a CAN bus compatible LED bulb usually fixes that.

Why does my DRL light come on the dashboard when both bulbs are fine?

Some vehicles have a DRL monitoring system that watches for changes in current draw. If you installed LED bulbs or one bulb is starting to fail (but still works), the system can detect the difference and trigger a warning. If both bulbs look fine to your eyes, try swapping in the stock bulbs temporarily. If the warning goes away, the aftermarket bulbs are probably the issue. A CAN bus error canceller can sometimes fix it.

How to Replace a Daytime Running Light Bulb (Step by Step)

DRL burned out? On most vehicles, this is a 20 minute job. Sometimes it's literally the same swap as a headlight bulb. Here's how to figure out what you're dealing with and get it done.

What You'll Need

New DRL bulb (matched to your exact year, make, and model)
Phillips head screwdriver (if you need to remove a cover or the headlight assembly)
10mm socket and ratchet (some vehicles require removing a small panel or bracket)
Gloves (important if you're handling a halogen bulb)
About 20 minutes

Step by Step Instructions

Figure Out Which Bulb Is Your DRL

Before you start pulling things apart, figure out which bulb is actually the DRL. Start your car in daylight without turning on the headlights. The lights that come on by themselves are your daytime running lights. On a lot of vehicles, the DRL is just the headlight bulb (usually the high beam or low beam) running at lower power. If that's the case, you're replacing a headlight bulb. On other vehicles, especially newer ones, the DRL is a separate dedicated bulb. It might be in its own little housing in the bumper, fender, or lower part of the headlight assembly. Once you know which bulb it is, look up the bulb number for your specific vehicle.

Access the Bulb

If your DRL shares the headlight bulb, pop the hood and reach behind the headlight assembly. The socket is usually accessible without removing anything. Twist it counterclockwise and pull it out. If your DRL is a separate bulb mounted lower on the car, you might need to get underneath or go through the wheel well. Some vehicles have a small access panel behind the bumper. Others require pulling back the fender liner. A few newer vehicles mount the DRL behind a lower grille insert that pops off with a couple clips. Check a forum or YouTube video for your specific model if you're not sure where to start.

Remove the Old Bulb

Once you've got the socket out of the housing, remove the old bulb. For twist-lock bulbs (H11, 9005, 9006, H7), twist the bulb counterclockwise about a quarter turn and pull it straight back. For bayonet-style bulbs (1157, 3157), push in slightly and twist counterclockwise. For small wedge-type bulbs (194, 168), just pull straight out. While the socket is out, check the contacts. If you see green corrosion or signs of heat damage, clean the contacts with fine sandpaper or a wire brush. Corroded sockets kill new bulbs fast.

Install the New Bulb

Insert the new bulb into the socket. If it's a halogen bulb, wear gloves or hold it by the plastic base. The oils from your fingers create hot spots on halogen glass that will shorten the bulb's life. For twist-lock bulbs, align the tabs and twist clockwise until it locks. For bayonet bulbs, line up the pins, push in, and twist clockwise until you feel the click. For wedge bulbs, push straight in until it seats firmly. If you're installing an LED replacement and it doesn't light up when you test, pull it out and flip it 180 degrees. Most LED bulbs are polarity-sensitive.

Test and Reassemble

Plug the socket back into the housing and twist clockwise to lock it in. Start the car (don't turn on the headlights) and walk to the front to check that both DRLs are lit. On some vehicles, the DRLs only activate when the parking brake is released, so make sure you're fully in drive mode. If the new bulb works, put back any panels, fender liner clips, or covers you removed. Close the hood and you're done.

Tips and Things to Watch For

Some DRLs aren't replaceable. Many newer vehicles use integrated LED DRL strips or modules that are built into the headlight assembly. If your car has an LED strip that runs along the headlight housing, you can't just swap a bulb. You'll need to replace the entire headlight assembly or the LED module. That's a bigger job and a bigger cost.
DRL and headlight might be the same bulb. If your car uses the headlight bulb as the DRL, replacing the DRL means replacing the headlight bulb. Follow our headlight replacement guide for the full walkthrough. The bulb is the same, the process is the same.
Check the DRL module and relay if the new bulb doesn't work. If you put in a new bulb and it still doesn't light up, the problem might not be the bulb. DRLs are controlled by a dedicated module or relay on many vehicles. A bad DRL module will keep the light off even with a good bulb. Check our DRL troubleshooting guide for diagnostic steps.
Don't forget to check both sides. If one DRL burned out, the other is running on borrowed time. DRL bulbs take a lot of abuse since they're on every time the car is running. Do both sides now and save yourself a repeat trip.

Need the right DRL bulb?

Enter your vehicle info and we'll show you exact-fit bulbs from multiple retailers.

Find Your DRL Bulb

Common Questions

Get Deal Alerts

We'll let you know about deals and new options for your vehicle.

DRL Not Working? How to Fix It How to Replace a Headlight Headlight Not Working?How to Replace a Turn Signal Bulb Find Parts for Your Vehicle All Guides