2002 Civic - combination switch recall?
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Just emailed Planet Honda in Denver area, about this:
I just bought a 2002 Civic and called your service department about a combination switch recall ( switching the high beams on SHUTS OFF the headlights at night! ) I was told "no recall" BUT am seeing mention of a combination switch recall on the web! This is an EXTREME SAFETY HAZARD and should be done as a recall ASAP!
Does anyone know if this is an actual recall or just an extreme safety hazard? ( Same thing, IMO! )
I just bought a 2002 Civic and called your service department about a combination switch recall ( switching the high beams on SHUTS OFF the headlights at night! ) I was told "no recall" BUT am seeing mention of a combination switch recall on the web! This is an EXTREME SAFETY HAZARD and should be done as a recall ASAP!
Does anyone know if this is an actual recall or just an extreme safety hazard? ( Same thing, IMO! )
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i received a letter on that. Have not done it yet...
Ah, 2002 is a 7th gen civic, you posted on the 6th gen section, so i will be moving it to the right section.
Ah, 2002 is a 7th gen civic, you posted on the 6th gen section, so i will be moving it to the right section.
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Thanks. About 14 minutes after emailing them about this, I got a call and the woman said they will look into it, that there IS some kind of recall on the combination switch, but perhaps not for this issue. I told her that I cant imagine more of a safety issue than turning off the headlights when I turn on the high beams.
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fire, if i remember, due to humidity? Mine does not heat, so...
it might be here? One of the stickies...
https://www.civicforums.com/forums/3...dress-etc.html
it might be here? One of the stickies...
https://www.civicforums.com/forums/3...dress-etc.html
#6
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Re: 2002 Civic - combination switch recall?
The dealer cannot do anything about what is or isn't under a recall.
We check the VIN of the car, receive a status report with a list of recalls that have or have not been completed.
Has the recall been completed on your car?
As stated in another reply, the recall only pertains to the LOW beam lights.
If you have a different problem that is not addressed by this recall, then the problem is yours and you own it.
You may file a report with the NHTSA if you wish to report it.
http://www.nhtsa.gov/Vehicle+Safety/Recalls+&+Defects
I know there's a place in the site to check for recalls using your VIN, and there should be a place to report safety problems if you look.
The HONDA website also has a place you can enter your VIN to check for recalls that need completed.
Has anyone checked the headlight bulbs?
Has anyone figured out what the problem with your car actually is?
We check the VIN of the car, receive a status report with a list of recalls that have or have not been completed.
Has the recall been completed on your car?
As stated in another reply, the recall only pertains to the LOW beam lights.
If you have a different problem that is not addressed by this recall, then the problem is yours and you own it.
You may file a report with the NHTSA if you wish to report it.
http://www.nhtsa.gov/Vehicle+Safety/Recalls+&+Defects
I know there's a place in the site to check for recalls using your VIN, and there should be a place to report safety problems if you look.
The HONDA website also has a place you can enter your VIN to check for recalls that need completed.
Has anyone checked the headlight bulbs?
Has anyone figured out what the problem with your car actually is?
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Sounds like we're screwed. There's so much wrong with this car and we bought it without a mechanic, because used cars of those years ( that we can afford ) are almost impossible to find now, due to Denver's insane expanding population.
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I registered on the honda owners website, so they will know where to find me. It should also give you what is listed as recalls not done on the site based on your vin.
i have not done that, nor the airbag one still either... :P
i have not done that, nor the airbag one still either... :P
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We were on the spot badly. Denver's population is exploding. We were in an accident in July and the insurance rental was running out, with few cars to buy. So we had to take this 2002 unseen by our mechanic, or pay $400 a month in rental car fees ourselves. Big mistake. But it does have a Vtec that's kinda nice.
#12
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Re: 2002 Civic - combination switch recall?
EVERY used car for sale is being sold for a reason.
Most people don't just get rid of perfectly good cars (but some do).
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Hard to see what the lesson is. We've been between a rock and a hard place in so many ways, from Denver's population explosion this past 2 years.
#14
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Re: 2002 Civic - combination switch recall?
...sorry but are you asking if the headlights should remain on, when you turn the high beams on?
Many cars switch from headlights to high beams, few keep both on.
I could be wrong but I do believe this is intended in the design of the 01-05 civic.
Many cars switch from headlights to high beams, few keep both on.
I could be wrong but I do believe this is intended in the design of the 01-05 civic.
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Re: 2002 Civic - combination switch recall?
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I mean that when I'm driving at night with the headlights on, and I either flip the momentary high beam switch back, or push it forwards to turn the high beams full on, ALL the lights can go out. They don't always do it but about 80% of the time! THAT is REALLY scary.
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Re: 2002 Civic - combination switch recall?
Try moving the stalk around slightly when in high beam, and look for flickering, off/on or any changes while doing so.
If not take the column covers off and move the harness/connector near the switch while in high beams, and watch close for changes.
If not take the column covers off and move the harness/connector near the switch while in high beams, and watch close for changes.
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If not take the column covers off and move the harness/connector near the switch while in high beams, and watch close for changes.
#21
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Re: 2002 Civic - combination switch recall?
Correct.
No. Pop the covers off of the column (top cover pops loose, the bottom cover is held on with screws from the bottom) and you'll probably find the switch is only held in with a couple small screws.
You do not need to remove the switch to access the wiring plug, its stuck in the forward side of the switch. I can do all my testing using paper clips as my test probes, without taking the switch out and usually without unplugging the switch.
You DO need to unplug the switch connector and look for evidence of terminal overheating.
Then you should understand reading a wiring diagram and tracing circuits, finding wire colors, and using basic electrical tools like a test light or a voltmeter.
Most electrical problems can be traced to mechanical and physical causes. (that does not necessarily apply to electronics though)
Now you need a good set of diagrams.
it looked like I would have to remove the whole steering wheel first?
You do not need to remove the switch to access the wiring plug, its stuck in the forward side of the switch. I can do all my testing using paper clips as my test probes, without taking the switch out and usually without unplugging the switch.
You DO need to unplug the switch connector and look for evidence of terminal overheating.
I'm not a mechanic but I am a former electronics tech and can handle basic tools. Just no experience with this particular thing.
Most electrical problems can be traced to mechanical and physical causes. (that does not necessarily apply to electronics though)
Now you need a good set of diagrams.
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Thanks Ezone.
For right now, I contacted Honda and they're checking my VIN and seeing if they can work it into a recall. I explained the danger of this, and they're not likely looking for more lawsuits, so I'm guessing if it fits a recall, we can get them to take care of it SOON.
For right now, I contacted Honda and they're checking my VIN and seeing if they can work it into a recall. I explained the danger of this, and they're not likely looking for more lawsuits, so I'm guessing if it fits a recall, we can get them to take care of it SOON.
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Just got this back from the local Honda dealership:
I looked up your crv’s open recalls and that old recall for that issue has already been done. That being said we need to look at the repair that was done and see if it was done incorrectly.
However there are 2 open recalls for your airbags we also need to get done.
When would work for you to bring the vehicle in and leave it with me for 4-5 hours for us to get the airbags completed and to look into the headlight issue?
I replied:
Yeah, I mean if the switch unit was replaced, you'd think the new one would have lasted?
Strange, huh? Will work with them and see what this is...
I looked up your crv’s open recalls and that old recall for that issue has already been done. That being said we need to look at the repair that was done and see if it was done incorrectly.
However there are 2 open recalls for your airbags we also need to get done.
When would work for you to bring the vehicle in and leave it with me for 4-5 hours for us to get the airbags completed and to look into the headlight issue?
I replied:
Yeah, I mean if the switch unit was replaced, you'd think the new one would have lasted?
Strange, huh? Will work with them and see what this is...
#24
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Re: 2002 Civic - combination switch recall?
We see a ton of different cars in a day, they do become a blur sometimes.
At least they are willing to check into it further, that's great.
If the problem is caused by a recalled part or poor workmanship done during the recall and they cover it for you, that's great.
At the same time, it would not surprise me if they find the problem completely unrelated to the recall work, not telling you the answer unless you pay the standard checkout fees.
Cross your fingers.
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At least they are willing to check into it further, that's great.
If the problem is caused by a recalled part or poor workmanship done during the recall and they cover it for you, that's great.
At the same time, it would not surprise me if they find the problem completely unrelated to the recall work, not telling you the answer unless you pay the standard checkout fees.
Cross your fingers.
At the same time, it would not surprise me if they find the problem completely unrelated to the recall work, not telling you the answer unless you pay the standard checkout fees.
Cross your fingers.
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Just a side question here. The low beams are pretty dim in this car, maybe the original bulbs - not sure. Are high and low beams all in the same bulb in this car?
I know for the 98 Civic we used to have, they had super bright headlight bulbs that you could pay more for, too.
Will someone like AutoZone change them for me too?
But I was just looking at the ones on their site, and the ratings are pretty bad on most.
I know for the 98 Civic we used to have, they had super bright headlight bulbs that you could pay more for, too.
Will someone like AutoZone change them for me too?
But I was just looking at the ones on their site, and the ratings are pretty bad on most.
#27
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Re: 2002 Civic - combination switch recall?
Look at your headlight lenses.
Are they crystal clear?
Or are they yellowed and cloudy?
Are they crystal clear?
Or are they yellowed and cloudy?
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One possibility that just occurred to me. IF the low beams were in series with the high beams when the high beams get turned on, AND the high beams were both burned out, this would account for the loss of headlights when the high beams are turned on.
I need to check this.
I need to check this.