dzdoesit

I got to my car and noticed my headlights were on. I checked the switch and it was off but for some reason my headlights were on. The only way I was able to turn them off was to remove the relay.

Has anyone had this problem? I've checked the fuses and the relay and they all checked out.

I'm going to change the switch today and hope that works! Any advice would be great!!

thanks

gearbox

iTrader: (95)

prolly a stuck switch.

CraigW

iTrader: (1)

My guess is a stuck relay, Put it back in and see if they come back on again, If so tap the case of the relay lightly (flick it with your finger or use a med plastic screwdriver handle)

Also, many of the relays are the same part # (on the case) swap out with another as a free test.

dzdoesit

I installed the new Headlight Dimmer Switch and within 20 mins the headlights came on again.

Right now I swapped the relay with a known working one and I am currently waiting to see if they'll come on. Any other advice would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

CraigW

iTrader: (1)

https://www.civicforums.com/forums/a...0&d=1267189121

dzdoesit

Thanks for your input...I'll look into that and post an update

civicbyrc

Relay

dzdoesit

So I switched the relay out with a known working one and after about 45 mins my headlights came on again. I'm kinda lost as what could be causing my headlights to randomly turn on. I'm having no other electrical issues and everything else works fine.

CraigW

iTrader: (1)

When the headlights come on by themselves, are the high beams also coming on when the dimmer stalk is pushed forward ?? (the normal high beams "on" position)

Also, When the headlights are acting up are your front marker and rear licence plate lights also coming on as well.

You should check to see if your car was part of the safety recall (01s and early 02s) & if so if the work was ever performed.

dzdoesit

No, the low beams are the only ones that come on. If I push the dimmer switch then the high beams will engage.

No other lights come on when the headlights randomly turn on. Neither the front nor rear marker lights come on.

I ran my VIN through Honda and it says that my vehicle is not a part of any recalls.

Thanks for everyone's input thus far. I'm hoping I can figure out this issue as it will probably be very exspenseive to have someone diagnose it.

CraigW

iTrader: (1)

So if you left your stalk pushed forward would the high beams be the ones to come on by themselves ??

dzdoesit

CraigW, Yes I tried this and when the lights came on the High beams were the ones to come on.

CraigW

iTrader: (1)

Here is the 01-03 theory, This tells me the headlight relay(s) is being energized and turning on the lights (low or high beam)

Check to see if you have 2 headlight relays (you should have) if so then I would swap the 2nd headlight relay out (don't buy new use your original or another with same #

The wire that is provided ground to energize the headlight relay(s) is BLUE/RED leading into pin 7 of the headlight switch. (it also goes to the multiplex system)

dzdoesit

Checked the relay again and I only have one (02-05 civics only have one headlight relay) I took apart the dimmer switch and didn't notice any fraying or melting from the connector or the wires themselves.

I tried to remove the fuse box in the engine bay to see if there was any wiring issues there buy haven't been able to take it out. I don't see anything unusual so I'm still stumped at this point.

Thanks!

CraigW

iTrader: (1)

I would measure the voltage at pin 7 of the headlight switch BLU/RED. If the lights are off you should measure 12 volts...(relay not energized) when on you should measure 0 volts (relay energized, pin 7 at ground) The other possible thing could be your multiplex is providing the ground for the headlight relay. Early multiplex units are prone to failure. If you want I can try to locate the connector/pin for the BLU/RED feeding into the multiplex.

dzdoesit

Yes, could you locate the connector/pin so I can take a look at that.

CraigW

iTrader: (1)

The multiplex sections of the factory manual and the factory electrical manual leave a lot of info out.

I found info from a 3rd party source.

Connector C, Pin 2 (14 Pin Connector)
Connector F, Pin 7 (12 Pin Connector)
Both should be wire color BLU/RED.

dzdoesit

UPDATE**

Over the weekend I changed out the whole fuse box underneath the dash with one I bought from a salvage yard and so far it has worked! Apparently it must have been the multiplex system that was acting up.

btw: if anyone's interested in disecting my old fusebox let me know and I'll be more than happy to send it (just cover s/h)

CraigW

iTrader: (1)

I would love to have it, but you might keep it a bit longer just to be sure. I tried to get a defective one a while back.

I can send cash to you to cover the shipping pm with an address.

Glad you got it going, looks like another one to add to the multiplex list.