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Hello Civic fellows,

I own a 2002 Civic EX Coupe from new. I have never had any major problems until today 9/18. The problems shocked me because they all happened at once. I drove to a friend's house and my car drove great and everything was functioning normally when I got there.

However, when I left his house (raining lightly):

First, the door would not open from the remote control as usually. I had to use the key to open the car.

Second, when I started the car, the brake light would not go off even after I put the parking brake down. I drove around the lot and the brake functioned normally.

Third, when I turned on the A/C, it would not blow cold air.

I found a DIY article suggesting if the door would not open from a remote control and the inside lock/unlock button also could not open the door, more than likely the actuator is dead.

I read the owner's manual about the brake light and it says if the brake light will not turn off after a period of time with parking brake down, there is a big chance the brake fluid is low or the brake pad is out.

I check the brake fluid and it is on the level as it supposed to be in and I changed the brake pads 10,000 miles ago new.

I am confused and frustrated with all THREE problems happened at once. Has anybody in this forum ever encountered something like this? Your kind inputs are much appreciated. Thank you very much.

 
Rep Power: 813

sounds like some sort of fuse blew out. or if the problem went away after the rain stopped and the car dried off, could be a bad ground wire. i used to have the same problem where my alarm siren would die in the rain but work when dry. i regrounded the wire to a dry spot and it fixed it. now im not sure which of the many ground wires would cause a/c and lock issues.

 
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Thanks Gearbox for the kind input! I checked the fuses and they all looked fine. I disconnected the battery hoping to reset the electrical system for 30 minutes with no luck either.

As with your sirene or horn, I have heard about ground wires being bad during rainy season. But, brake lights on, A/C is not cold, and power door lock did not work ALL AT ONCE really made me scratched my head. I have previously owned two preludes, 2000 civic si and none of them ever had electrical problems like this one.

By the way, this 2002 civic ex has only 60K.

 
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Search for the threads with "multiplex" control system" It seems to be an issue with early 7th gens.

Your symptoms sound similar.

 
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Thanks CraigW! I did find some similar posts regarding this issue but, no one ever concluded that by replacing the Multiplex Control Unit fixed the problems. Anyone? Thanks..

 
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Replacing the MCU worked on my 2001 EX. See post #14:

https://www.civicforums.com/forums/3...ml#post4456268

 
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Replacing the MCU fixed it for me too! If anyone is having the same problem I have a brand NEW MCU in the box not even opened, for sale. its for an 01 civic LX email me for info elchulow@gmail.com

 
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Mcu sucks!

 
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I have an 01 Civic EX - same problem as other posts happened Today ironically, Dome light does not light while door is Open, Power locks don't respond to remote or door switch, A/C does not cool, and Brake light stays lit on dash.....

All forums/threads point to MCU under steering column,
Honda Part**** 38200-S5A-A31, about $150 bucks online from Honda parts now. Will let you know what happens when I replace it.

Honda Part**** 38200-S5A-A31, Fuse Assy.