I have a 2005 Honda Civic Ex Special Edition. The car will start/turn over, however, I can't get the car out of park and the dashboard is not functioning (the needles are all on "0" and electronic odometer isn't on). My stereo, lights, and other electronics work, but not the dashboard. Has anyone else had this issue? Any ideas? Here's some more info to help on this issue:

This issue started a few days ago while I was driving and all my electronics shut off inside the car, but I was still able to drive the car. As I got to the stop light and went to go, the engine shut off on me and the gears locked up. I towed it into a Goodyear and they ran all their tests for a day and half and couldn't find any problems other than some loose cables to the battery which they tightened up. About 2 days later, the same exact issue happened except I was able to drive it to my garage and now the car will start, but can't do anything else.

Does the gauge cluster stay dark, no illumination when you first get in and insert the key?


First check all fuses in both fuseboxes.

Got any engine codes? Will a scanner even communicate with the PCM?

Yes, there is no illumination when I start the car and it stays dark. The fuses seem to be good when I looked at all of them. No engine lights or codes are popping up on my dashboard, but then again the dash isn't functioning. I really just want to get it into a mechanic that doesn't live far from me but I can't get it out of park. Is there a way to manually unlock the gears?

I think my issue might be something like the "Limp Mode" a few other civic owners have experienced. Do you think that could be it? Looking at some more forums like this one, I think it might be an issue related to the ECM: http://honda-tech.com/honda-civic-20...-mode-2967912/

There is a slot near the shifter that will accept flat key type item to unlock shifter.

Check that your brake lights are working before driving.

you cant always tell 100% by looking, use a voltmeter to test them

scan for codes anyway

also try disconnecting the battery for a half hour or so and reconnect

"Dash went dark" does not sound like the typical PCM failure or limp mode. Yet.

Yours sounds more like the dash isn't powering up or one of the communication networks is down for some reason.
Check the "meter" fuse?

Visual on fuses sometimes isn't good enough, I like to use a test light so I can see if the fuse is blown AND have some very quick visual confirmation that circuits are actually powered up at the fuse.



Shifter release: There is a slot your key or a small screwdriver or anything long, skinny and stiff can be inserted to release the shift lock.
The slot has a cover on it (if nobody has pried it out and lost it) you have to pry the cover off to access the key slot......similar to this pic of an Odyssey:


Didn't see a Civic pic right away on the GIS.
Your owners manual covers how to release the shifter too.