The color of your Honda Civic speedometer is a great way to customize and personalize your vehicle’s interior. While you can’t directly change the color, there are some simple modifications you can make to alter the look of your speedometer. This article will walk through the process step-by-step so you can easily Change the Speedometer Color on your Honda Civic.
The Importance Of Properly Functioning Dashboard Lights
Your Honda Civic’s dashboard lights provide important information about the status and function of your vehicle’s systems and parts. That’s why it’s crucial to pay attention to any warning lights or changes in illumination that could signal a potential problem.
There are four main colors used for the dashboard lights in your Civic:
- Green – Indicates systems are functioning normally.
- Blue – Signals that high beam headlights are on.
- Orange – Warns that a minor issue needs attention soon.
- Red – Means there is a serious problem that requires immediate action.
The red and orange malfunction indicator lights are especially critical. If one of these lights up while driving, you should pull over and shut off the engine as soon as safely possible. Attempting to operate a vehicle with a known malfunction can lead to further damage or hazardous driving conditions.
Some key warning lights to keep an eye on include:
- Check Engine Light – Indicates a problem with the emissions control system.
- Oil Pressure Warning Light – Low oil pressure detected.
- Charging System Warning Light – Issue with alternator or battery charging system.
- Brake System Warning Light – Problem detected with brakes or brake fluid level.
- Airbag Warning Light – Malfunction with airbag system.
While you may want to Change the Speedometer Color on your Honda Civic for customization, it’s important not to interfere with any critical dashboard functions. Always consult your owner’s manual if you have questions about what a warning light means. Promptly addressing problems signaled by the lights can prevent costly repairs down the road.
How To Change The Speedometer Color In A Honda Civic?
If you want to customize your Honda Civic interior, one of the easiest ways is to Change the Speedometer Color. While you can’t directly alter the backlit color, there are some simple modifications you can make to change the appearance.
Here is a step-by-step overview of how to change your speedometer color:
Remove the Dashboard Cover
The first step is to remove the dashboard cover which sits over the gauge cluster.
- Open the hood and disconnect the negative battery cable. This will avoid any electrical issues while you work.
- Using a Phillips head screwdriver, remove the four screws located at the bottom corners of the dashboard cover.
- Gently pry the cover up and away from the dash. Use care not to bend or break any of the plastic clasps.
Modify the Plastic Overlay
With the cover removed, you’ll see a plastic overlay protecting the backlit speedometer. Here’s how to modify it:
- Use a razor blade or X-acto knife to carefully cut out the plastic around the speedometer needle. Avoid cutting into any wires.
- Cut a piece of translucent colored film to fit over the opening you created. Good options are colored vinyl sheets or tinted light filters.
- Attach the colored film with adhesive, sealing the edges so no light can leak through.
Replace the Dashboard Cover
Once your plastic overlay modification is complete, simply replace the dashboard cover:
- Line up the cover and press back into place, reconnecting all the plastic clasps.
- Replace the four Phillips head screws at the bottom corners and tighten down.
- Reconnect the negative battery cable once finished.
After reinstalling the dashboard cover, turn your lights on and start the engine to see your newly customized speedometer lighting! Make sure everything is sealed and secured before driving.
Tips For Modifying Your Honda Civic Speedometer
Customizing your Honda Civic speedometer can allow you to create a unique interior style. But there are some important tips to keep in mind for a successful modification:
Choose Colors Wisely
Think about what color will look best with your Civic’s interior and which shades will be easy to read. Soft white, light blue, or violet can give a modern look. Avoid darker hues like red or green that may reduce visibility.
Use Durable Materials
You don’t want the materials covering your speedometer to tear or peel. Vinyl sheets, tinted polycarbonate, and transparent films like Laminex provide durable options. Avoid paper or low-quality plastic that can scratch or fade over time.
Don’t Block Lights
When cutting plastic overlays or adding color filters, be careful not to block any important indicator lights surrounding the speedometer. You still need critical alerts visible like check engine notifications.
Check Local Laws
Some states prohibit any front window tinting or requirements on minimum light transmittance. Check your local laws to ensure your speedometer modifications don’t violate any vehicle codes.
Consider Reversibility
Think about whether you may want to revert the changes back to stock condition someday. Opt for modifications that are reversible without permanent alterations to your dash.
Practice First If Needed
The plastic cutting and fitting involved takes precision. If you don’t have experience modifying instruments, practice first on spare plastic sheets so you don’t damage your Civic on the first try.
Maintain Access To Gauges
When designing your modifications, make sure you can still access any gauges or switches that might be located behind the speedometer cluster if repairs are needed.
By keeping these tips in mind, you can successfully customize the speedometer lighting in your Honda Civic while preserving function and road safety. Take it slow and double check each step of your work.
Potential Issues When Changing Speedometer Color
Although modifying the color of your Honda Civic speedometer only requires simple interior customizations, there are some potential issues to be aware of:
Electrical Problems
If improperly disconnected, removing the dashboard cover can cause shorts or electrical problems in your gauges. Always disconnect the battery before working around the speedometer to avoid this risk.
Airbag Deployment
Your Civic’s airbags are electronically connected to the dash. Attempting modifications without disconnecting the battery could lead to accidental airbag deployment.
Check Engine Light
If your colored film or filter fully blocks the check engine light, you’ll have no warning of problems. Be sure this critical light remains fully visible.
Reduced Visibility
Darker colored filters may look cool but reduce the brightness and clarity of your gauges. Make sure your speedometer remains clearly legible.
Local Regulations
As mentioned earlier, tinted instrument panel covers are illegal in some states. Research regulations in your area first before making changes.
Damage from Cutting
Using blades or knives near delicate electronics can lead to damage if you slip. Take precautions and work slowly to avoid costly repairs.
Loose Components
If dashboard pieces are reinstalled improperly, components can shake loose leading to rattles and noises. Double check all screws, clips and fittings are properly fastened.
By planning ahead and working carefully, you can avoid these potential pitfalls when performing custom interior modifications like changing the speedometer color on your Honda Civic. just take your time and put safety first.
How Do You Change The Color Of The Dashboard On A Honda Civic?
The dashboard lighting color in a Honda Civic cannot be directly changed, but you can modify it by carefully cutting out the plastic around the speedometer, applying colored tint film or acrylic filters, then replacing the dashboard cover. This alters the backlighting hue. Use durable, transparent materials and avoid blocking warning lights. Disconnect the battery before working to prevent electrical issues.
How Do You Change The Speedometer On A 2016 Honda Civic?
To change the speedometer display in a 2016 Civic, you would need to replace the entire instrument cluster or gauge assembly. This involves removing the dash, disconnecting wiring harnesses, swapping in the new cluster, then recalibrating it with a diagnostic scanner. Most opt for overlay tints instead of a full replacement.
How Do You Change The Brightness On A Honda Civic Dashboard?
On most Honda Civics, you can adjust dashboard illumination brightness in the settings menu of the infotainment screen. Use the brightness slider to increase or decrease the backlighting level. On older models without screens, there may be a brightness dial next to the gauges to manually adjust lighting.
Why Is My Car Dashboard Dark?
A dark car dashboard is usually caused by failed backlighting bulbs or a blown fuse for the gauge cluster. Check for burnt out bulbs first. If the bulbs are working, locate the dashboard fuse using the owner’s manual diagram and test it with a multimeter. Replace any bad fuses.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Materials Can I Use To Change The Color?
Colored window tint film, transparent colored acrylic sheets, and camera lens filters all work well to change the light hue. Avoid paper, thin plastic, or cellophane that will scratch or fade.
Do I Need Any Special Tools?
You’ll need basic hand tools like screwdrivers, razor blades, and trim removal tools. No specialty tools are required for basic speedometer modifications.
How Long Will It Take?
Plan on 1-3 hours for the complete speedometer color change process, including test fitting and reassembly. It can be done in an afternoon.
Can I Damage My Car If I’m Not Careful?
Yes, you can potentially harm electrical components or airbag systems if proper precautions are not taken. Work slowly and disconnect the battery.
Is This Modification Reversible?
Yes, you can return your Civic’s speedometer to stock condition by removing the tint or filter and reinstalling the original plastic overlay. No permanent changes are made.
Will Changing The Color Affect The Speedometer Accuracy?
No, as long as the materials you use are transparent and don’t interfere with the gauge movement. The performance will be unaffected.
Conclusion
Customizing your interior is one of the best ways to personalize your ride. Changing the lighting color of your Honda Civic speedometer allows you to easily give your dash a unique look that matches your style.
With simple plastic modifications, color filters, and vinyl tints, you can alter the backlit hue of your gauges without affecting functionality. Just be sure to use durable materials, avoid blocking indicator lights, and check local laws first.
Also Read:
- How To Adjust Honda Civic Headlights
- What Does The Blue C Mean On Honda Civic?
- what is DRL system in honda civic?
- How To Change Spark Plugs 2012 Honda Civic?
