HEADLIGHT PROBLEM PLEASE HELP!!!!!!!!!!
Thread Starter
Registered!!
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 87
Likes: 0
From: houston, Texas, US
Rep Power: 0 
ok this is officially the worse experience i have had with HONDA....they call me at 6:59 in the a.m. and tell me they have the part needed to fix my ****....well i get my *** out of bed after getting off of work at 3:00 in the a.m. and get my car up to Honda at about 8:30....the same bitch that gave me problems before is the one who called my house and i have to work with her again 
....well anyways i leave my car and go to my buddy's house until about 1:30 and i go home...i have a message saying that the wrong part was ordered and i needed to come and pick my car up....
.....the part was for a CDM civic and not a USDM civic and it wont fit in my car....so i am pissed when i get there her *** is nowhere to be found and i couldnt see the service manager cuz he was with another customer....and the really messed up part is that the bitch said she looked at the damn part herself WTF?....did you not look that well....i think she did this **** on purpose...so when i do see her she is in for a good 
....well anyways i leave my car and go to my buddy's house until about 1:30 and i go home...i have a message saying that the wrong part was ordered and i needed to come and pick my car up.........the part was for a CDM civic and not a USDM civic and it wont fit in my car....so i am pissed when i get there her *** is nowhere to be found and i couldnt see the service manager cuz he was with another customer....and the really messed up part is that the bitch said she looked at the damn part herself WTF?....did you not look that well....i think she did this **** on purpose...so when i do see her she is in for a good 
Registered!!
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
From: , Other, ZEBRA
Rep Power: 0 Hello Rodney,
Sorry you're having such trouble with your dealer. Hopefully, they are ordering the right part for you.
My lights are still working (just luck, I'm convinced)! I've reported the problem to the NHTSA to help facilitate a recall or at least apply leverage to get my dealer to fix the problem.
I have not heard anything on it, yet.
Gardener
Sorry you're having such trouble with your dealer. Hopefully, they are ordering the right part for you.
My lights are still working (just luck, I'm convinced)! I've reported the problem to the NHTSA to help facilitate a recall or at least apply leverage to get my dealer to fix the problem.
I have not heard anything on it, yet.
Gardener
Guest
Posts: n/a
Hello Everyone,
I've run into the same problem that you are having with slot 6 being burned out on the connector. I just spent $92 at Burnsville Honda to have them tell me that the whole light switch ($264) needed to be replaced. I was not very happy when I explained that the switch was fine and it was a faulty connector to the switch that was the problem. They, of course, were uninterested in the actual problem and still tried to get me to replace the switch. For some reason they were unable to understand that a new switch connected to a faulty connector would still fail.
In addition to this sad excuse for service, I found the wiper blade inserts, that I had told them to go ahead and replace, just lying atop my original wipers. I wondered if the Service Technician thought they would replace themselves due to their close proximity. The capper was their price for a pollen/cabin air filter -- over $70 for the two filter elements alone.
I told them to keep their wiper blades and the filter elements. I grudgingly paid the remainder of the bill and still have no low beams and a loss of $92 for useless troubleshooting.
Gardener, Rodney or shortie22:
Is there any additional information that is available? Do you know of a source for just a replacement connector?
Has Honda fessed up to this design error?
Thanks in advance for your help!
I've run into the same problem that you are having with slot 6 being burned out on the connector. I just spent $92 at Burnsville Honda to have them tell me that the whole light switch ($264) needed to be replaced. I was not very happy when I explained that the switch was fine and it was a faulty connector to the switch that was the problem. They, of course, were uninterested in the actual problem and still tried to get me to replace the switch. For some reason they were unable to understand that a new switch connected to a faulty connector would still fail.
In addition to this sad excuse for service, I found the wiper blade inserts, that I had told them to go ahead and replace, just lying atop my original wipers. I wondered if the Service Technician thought they would replace themselves due to their close proximity. The capper was their price for a pollen/cabin air filter -- over $70 for the two filter elements alone.
I told them to keep their wiper blades and the filter elements. I grudgingly paid the remainder of the bill and still have no low beams and a loss of $92 for useless troubleshooting.
Gardener, Rodney or shortie22:
Is there any additional information that is available? Do you know of a source for just a replacement connector?
Has Honda fessed up to this design error?
Thanks in advance for your help!
Registered!!
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
From: , Other, ZEBRA
Rep Power: 0 Hello RV03VOM,
Thank you for writing in. I complained heavily to the dealer (I was out of warranty), using words like "safety defect", "built improperly at the factory", etc. so they looked at the problem for no charge. They came back with the same answer that you got - replace the switch. Being an electrical engineer, I had examined the switch and connector contacts and could see a bad contact in the connector, as well as burn marks. I think they point to the switch because it is simple to replace and costs less than a wiring harness. They could not sell the connector, nor could I find any identifying manufacturer marks on the connector, or else I would have tried to obtain a replacement myself. I tried junk yards to find a replacement connector, but could not find any.
The dealer confirmed the problem, and was a little compromising in that they agreed to cover some of my costs, but since I knew the connector had problems, it still would have been several hundred dollars, which I was unwilling to pay. When they put it together, it worked and has worked since. I think the contacts are simply intermittent, and I have a future problem waiting to still manifest itself.
I have a big request for you. PLEASE contact the NHTSA (www.nhtsa.dot.gov) and file a complaint. I have done this, even including photos of the problem connector. I think they don't do anything until enough complaints show up. Since the problem was intermittent, I made sure I pointed out that this was a safety issue in that a person could be driving and the lights would simply go out. I also pointed out that burned connector contacts are also a safety issue in that arcing had to occur. I have not heard anything back from them and it costs $ just to inquire status.
You have my full support (any sympathies!) in this issue. If anyone can identify the connector manufacturer, I am happy to analyze the circuit and make sure Honda has not mis-engineered the circuit for proper current levels, etc.
I know this sounds like a kludge, but you could wire around the connector. If mine goes out, that is probably what I will do. It's messy, but at least I can be sure it will work.
I strongly encourage you to go the route of the NHTSA. I feel this is a problem that Honda needs to fix.
Please write back and let me know your continuing status. I have an email account that notifies me when someone writes in. I just have not checked the account since Monday, which is why it took me so long to write to you.
Thank you for writing in. I complained heavily to the dealer (I was out of warranty), using words like "safety defect", "built improperly at the factory", etc. so they looked at the problem for no charge. They came back with the same answer that you got - replace the switch. Being an electrical engineer, I had examined the switch and connector contacts and could see a bad contact in the connector, as well as burn marks. I think they point to the switch because it is simple to replace and costs less than a wiring harness. They could not sell the connector, nor could I find any identifying manufacturer marks on the connector, or else I would have tried to obtain a replacement myself. I tried junk yards to find a replacement connector, but could not find any.
The dealer confirmed the problem, and was a little compromising in that they agreed to cover some of my costs, but since I knew the connector had problems, it still would have been several hundred dollars, which I was unwilling to pay. When they put it together, it worked and has worked since. I think the contacts are simply intermittent, and I have a future problem waiting to still manifest itself.
I have a big request for you. PLEASE contact the NHTSA (www.nhtsa.dot.gov) and file a complaint. I have done this, even including photos of the problem connector. I think they don't do anything until enough complaints show up. Since the problem was intermittent, I made sure I pointed out that this was a safety issue in that a person could be driving and the lights would simply go out. I also pointed out that burned connector contacts are also a safety issue in that arcing had to occur. I have not heard anything back from them and it costs $ just to inquire status.
You have my full support (any sympathies!) in this issue. If anyone can identify the connector manufacturer, I am happy to analyze the circuit and make sure Honda has not mis-engineered the circuit for proper current levels, etc.
I know this sounds like a kludge, but you could wire around the connector. If mine goes out, that is probably what I will do. It's messy, but at least I can be sure it will work.
I strongly encourage you to go the route of the NHTSA. I feel this is a problem that Honda needs to fix.
Please write back and let me know your continuing status. I have an email account that notifies me when someone writes in. I just have not checked the account since Monday, which is why it took me so long to write to you.
Registered!!
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
From: , Other, ZEBRA
Rep Power: 0 To all experiencing this problem:
Please see my previous reply re: NHTSA. I forgot to mention that you should save all your receipts. If we can get Honda to do a recall, you may get reimbursed for previous expenses accrued to solve the problem.
Gardener
Please see my previous reply re: NHTSA. I forgot to mention that you should save all your receipts. If we can get Honda to do a recall, you may get reimbursed for previous expenses accrued to solve the problem.
Gardener
Guest
Posts: n/a
Hello Gardener,
I got lucky and was able to track down a connector from a salvage yard. I'm waiting for it to come in the mail to see if it is the correct one, but in talking with the guy at the salvage yard I'm pretty sure it will work. Once I've confirmed that it fits, I'll just have to splice the wires, test the connections and put the column cover back on.
Once I get everything working again I will go ahead and file a complaint with the NHTSA. Hopefully it will be at the end of this week/beginning of next week. I can also send you the burned connector if you think it could help. Just let me know.
What really kills me about the Dealer is that they all seem to think that replacing the headlight/turn signal switch will fix the problem. How this will fix a burned connector is beyond my comprehension. The connector will still be bad, and the new switch will work no better than the original one. Bye bye $264.
When I tried to explain this situation to my Service Rep. he didn't even listen. He just said that it would work. Yeah, right. I even offered to have him and/or the Service Technician (that worked for an hour troubleshooting my problem - it took me less than 30 mins.) take a look at the burned connector, as I had it parked just outside the door. He said the Tech knew what the problem was, but when I asked him why it took the Tech an hour to troubleshoot the problem if he already knew what it was, I got no response.
I'll post again once the replacement connector arrives and I've had a chance to install it.
~Drew
I got lucky and was able to track down a connector from a salvage yard. I'm waiting for it to come in the mail to see if it is the correct one, but in talking with the guy at the salvage yard I'm pretty sure it will work. Once I've confirmed that it fits, I'll just have to splice the wires, test the connections and put the column cover back on.
Once I get everything working again I will go ahead and file a complaint with the NHTSA. Hopefully it will be at the end of this week/beginning of next week. I can also send you the burned connector if you think it could help. Just let me know.
What really kills me about the Dealer is that they all seem to think that replacing the headlight/turn signal switch will fix the problem. How this will fix a burned connector is beyond my comprehension. The connector will still be bad, and the new switch will work no better than the original one. Bye bye $264.
When I tried to explain this situation to my Service Rep. he didn't even listen. He just said that it would work. Yeah, right. I even offered to have him and/or the Service Technician (that worked for an hour troubleshooting my problem - it took me less than 30 mins.) take a look at the burned connector, as I had it parked just outside the door. He said the Tech knew what the problem was, but when I asked him why it took the Tech an hour to troubleshoot the problem if he already knew what it was, I got no response.
I'll post again once the replacement connector arrives and I've had a chance to install it.
~Drew
Registered!!
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
From: , Other, ZEBRA
Rep Power: 0 Hello Drew,
Glad you were able to find a connector. I tried several junkyards, no one had the connector. The fact that more than myself has experienced this problem shows that it was not simply a random fluke. Connector contacts should not be burned.
Thank you for being willing to take the time to report this to NHTSA. They will need to send you paperwork, etc.
I would very much be interested in receiving you old connector. Perhaps I can get a contact out of another position to be able to replace the bad one in mine.
Good luck on switching your bad one out.
Gardener
Glad you were able to find a connector. I tried several junkyards, no one had the connector. The fact that more than myself has experienced this problem shows that it was not simply a random fluke. Connector contacts should not be burned.
Thank you for being willing to take the time to report this to NHTSA. They will need to send you paperwork, etc.
I would very much be interested in receiving you old connector. Perhaps I can get a contact out of another position to be able to replace the bad one in mine.
Good luck on switching your bad one out.
Gardener
Guest
Posts: n/a
Last weekends rewiring job was a success! I now have Low Beams again. 
Gardener - Let me know where to send the old connector and I'll get it in the mail.
My next task is to start the NHTSA paperwork rolling.
A big THANK YOU! to the 7thGenCivic folks for this great site!
Gardener - Let me know where to send the old connector and I'll get it in the mail.
My next task is to start the NHTSA paperwork rolling.
A big THANK YOU! to the 7thGenCivic folks for this great site!
7thgen Power Maker
iTrader: (74)
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 9,048
Likes: 1
From: Buffalo, NY, US
Rep Power: 0 
21500 miles, EX CPE, 2k1
I have read through all of the history of this thread, which helped immensly. I wanna say thanks guys. I was able to narrow everything down to where your problem was in the stalk on node 6. That was my same problem. The problem is fixed now though.
I have read through all of the history of this thread, which helped immensly. I wanna say thanks guys. I was able to narrow everything down to where your problem was in the stalk on node 6. That was my same problem. The problem is fixed now though.
Same Problem here also.. Node 6 in the steering column...
2001 Civic LX Coupe
61,000 Miles
Now driving with high beams blinding everyone..
until i find a replcement harness. Anyone with any ideas until then??
2001 Civic LX Coupe
61,000 Miles
Now driving with high beams blinding everyone..
until i find a replcement harness. Anyone with any ideas until then?? Registered!!
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
From: , Other, ZEBRA
Rep Power: 0 Junk yards? Not a good situation, I admit. Mine started working after the dealer unplugged and reconnected the connector. Just lucky for me, though I doubt my problem is fixed. Try wiggling the contacts in the connector. Maybe you can get things to line up better. Save your receipts and old parts if you do have to pay to get it fixed. Maybe with a recall through NHTSA we can get reimbursements.
Gardener
Gardener
Registered!!
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
From: , Other, ZEBRA
Rep Power: 0 Hello Blckcivic01,
The connector is located in the steering column area. You need to remove the steering column covers so that you can have access to the wiring. You should see it as you look over the steering wheel.
If you have a Honda dealer near you, you can ask to see their service manuals for how to take gain access. Be careful removing the covers so that the tabs do not break off.
Good luck wiggling the connectors. You might want to actually unplug and replug the connector to establish contact. Look for the burn marks, also, and PLEASE report to NHTSA.
Gardener
The connector is located in the steering column area. You need to remove the steering column covers so that you can have access to the wiring. You should see it as you look over the steering wheel.
If you have a Honda dealer near you, you can ask to see their service manuals for how to take gain access. Be careful removing the covers so that the tabs do not break off.
Good luck wiggling the connectors. You might want to actually unplug and replug the connector to establish contact. Look for the burn marks, also, and PLEASE report to NHTSA.
Gardener
Registered!!
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
From: Scranton, Pa
Rep Power: 0 Sup. i just had this issue happen to me today where i went to turn on my lights and the low beams didnt come on. I checked all the fuses and they were all good. After some pondering i decided i was gonna call honda tomorrow morning. However i had replaced the stock bulbs with Sylvania Silverstar 60/55 watt ones last June. So i put back the stock ones since my car is still under warrenty and didnt want any hassle. I tried my lights and my lows worked. I brought the Sylvania bulbs back in the house and after looking at both i noticed the one i pulled from the left headlight, the low beam filament was busted. But the high beams still worked. Oh well i'll see how it goes for a while to see if the low beams go on me again. Just wanted to let u guys know.
Registered!!
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
From: , Other, ZEBRA
Rep Power: 0 IMPORTANT UPDATE!
Honda has just issued a recall of ~ 400,000 vehicles that might / have experienced the low beam headlight problem. If you have receipts for having the work done, see if you can get reimbursed!
See the NHTSA web site for details.
A HUGE "Thank you" to all who helped to make this happen by reporting your problems to NHTSA.
Gardener
Honda has just issued a recall of ~ 400,000 vehicles that might / have experienced the low beam headlight problem. If you have receipts for having the work done, see if you can get reimbursed!
See the NHTSA web site for details.
A HUGE "Thank you" to all who helped to make this happen by reporting your problems to NHTSA.
Gardener
Registered!!
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
Rep Power: 0 Ive been having this problem for about six months; however, I thought it to be an isolated incident. I have extreme wiring changes made to my car, and didnt want to even try to find the problem. I thought it was just a grounding issue somewhere, and i removed my driver side headlight relay so I didnt have people bitching at me all the time.
Anyway, thanks for the recall.
Anyway, thanks for the recall.
Registered!!
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 357
Likes: 0
From: Boston
Rep Power: 0 Here's the lowdown, you may all worship before me for for I'm the greatest in all the land!
Bring my your finest wines and cheeses!
http://www.boston.com/cars/news/marc...ndarecall.html
Bring my your finest wines and cheeses!
http://www.boston.com/cars/news/marc...ndarecall.html
Thread
Thread Starter
Honda Civic Forum
Replies
Last Post
stryder12
Archive - Parts for Sale
3
Jun 30, 2015 08:33 PM
intensity
Mechanical Problems/Vehicle Issues and Fix-it Forum
1
May 12, 2015 10:43 PM
civicPRODIGY
General Honda Civic Forum Archive.
6
Nov 12, 2001 09:32 PM
