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Hello everyone, I'm new to the forums. I own two 7th-gen Civics: a 2001 Honda Civic DX coupe and a 2005 Honda Civic Hybrid, both 5-speeds. My problem is with the DX.

This car was my cousin's car before he gave it to me. He had a new radio installed a while ago, and screwed up the wiring. The gauge cluster lights would stay on when the headlights were off (the odometer light would be off), but they would turn off when the headlights were switched on (and the odometer light would go on). I'm sure he must've misconnected some of the wires.

About a month ago, his car was broken into and the radio (actually, the entire center console) was stolen. The thieves probably were in a hurry, as they simply cut the wires loose in some areas. Now, the gauge cluster does not light up at all under any circumstance. The odometer backlight stays on when the headlights are off, and they turn off when the headlights are turned on. As for the center console, my cousin installed a 2003-2005 style center console.

I'm going to get this problem fixed soon, but I'm wondering if I could do it myself. I can follow instructions, but I haven't taken a car apart before. I'll probably just send it to an electronics expert to have the entire system re-wired. But before I do that, I'm wondering if I should replace the gauge cluster altogether (2001 LX cluster, manual transmission and no side airbags). I've read the thread on the DIY gauge cluster swap thoroughly, and it doesn't seem too hard. My only problem is buying the thing. I can't find one that matches my needs (going to the junkyard for one is not in my list of options... my dad has personal issues with that). Can anybody help me out here?

 
Rep Power: 812

have you checked ebay? i always find clusters there for less than $100. just make sure it is the right model and trim. sedans and coupes light up differently. also the mileage will change to the new cluster. as for wiring, it seems like a huge mess. just have a technician fix it all. i wouldn't know where to begin. well ya i do...buy the electrical service manual and start figuring out what each wire does

 
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I found a nice cluster on eBay. It seems nobody bids for these things. The price is currently at $49.95, with no reserve. However, I think the gauge cluster came off a sedan. The description says it has a light gray face and glows green, rather than the orange color in my current cluster. Come to think about it, I actually prefer the sedan's lights. I'm giving it a serious thought.

My Honda dealer gave me a quote for the repair; they said it starts from $85. I would take the car apart and try to fix it myself, but I don't want to make things worse.

Thanks for the reply, man. I appreciate it.

 
Rep Power: 812

if you post the cluster i can tell you specifics about it. alot of times the ebay junkyard sellers get it wrong. sedan only came in black and bright silver face. all the greyish ones are for the coupe.

 
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Well, since I'm new here, the forum system says I can't post any direct links or anything until I reach a 15 post limit.

Anyways, gearbox, I think you're going to have to PM me or something.

Sorry about the inconvenience.