Rep Power: 0

So the wife was using our 03' civic as she dose, after turning the lights on the wipers started operating!!
So, after a few tests I found that using the windshield washer turns the side lights on & turning the sidelights on runs the washer motor full time with the wipers running.
Is there any link between these two systems???

Bob

 
Rep Power: 217

Could have frayed wires crossing. When you turn one on, the exposed wires may be sending current through both circuits, causing both of them to activate. I don't have access to the wiring diagrams though.

 
Rep Power: 235

There's only one place those wires come near each other- in the wire bundle running down the steering column all the way to the under-dash fusebox. Take off the steering column covers (3 phillipshead screws on the bottom) and look for bad/burnt wires.

 
Rep Power: 308

"Is there any link between these two systems???"

Yes, the multiplex control unit located inside the under dash fuse box.

 
Rep Power: 235

Yes, but usually all the systems are affected.

To the OP: I still say the first place to look is in the steering column. The '01-'02s had a recall for this but, your '03 may not be immune either.

 
Rep Power: 0

Thanks for the pointers,, I'll take a look tomorrow if time allows.
Q. Dose the multiplex switch through a relay for the washer unit??

 
Rep Power: 235

The relay is built into the MCU.

 
Rep Power: 308

The 01-02 recall was for missing low beams. It involved a single pin/terminal at the headlight switch.

The 01-02s had some crazy symptoms solved by replacing multiplex units. Even items that did not appear in the list for micu control.

These items all are.

 
Rep Power: 235

Really? You learn new stuff all the time.

I was 900 miles from home when mine went. Big puff of smoke from the steering column right in the middle of the highway. Burnt the entire connector on top of the steering column. And that's a big connector. Luckily I was 1 mile from an independent Honda mech who hooked me up with the recall.

 
Rep Power: 0

So I pulled the steering column shroud off to find nothing that could be responsible. I presume that the panel above the accelerator pedal with the relays & fuses is the multi-plexer?? So I located the daylight relay and pulled it, so when I turn the lights on now as expected no day lights but no wiper/ washer operation either(this also eliminates the steering column). When I operate the window washer the day lights still come on so I presume the short is further down the line.
Next move is to pull the panel and look for some damage.
Q. Is there a separate relay for the washer, could't find one clicking there or under the hood.

 
Rep Power: 235

"The relay is built into the MCU."

EDIT: You have a PM.

 
Rep Power: 0

is this the multi switch in the steering colum that fails like most cars, just curious

 
Rep Power: 308

The Multiplex Integrated Control Unit MICU handles many, many small electrical jobs and each generation it gets more tasks to take on.

On the Civic it is integrated into the under dash fuse box.

Some refer to it as the "body computer"

 
Rep Power: 0

I think CraigW make a very clear explanation on it..
___________________________________
http://www.used-rims-and-tires.com/
http://www.hondacivic2005.com/

 
Rep Power: 812

call ghostbusters?