HEADLIGHT PROBLEM PLEASE HELP!!!!!!!!!!
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headlight problem
i am experiencing a problem with my headlights the low beams dont work but the highs do if anyone has any info please let me know. all the filaments are intact also
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Rep Power: 0 oh yeah i also have the ac autotechinics 6 color indiglo gauges...well i lost the little pad that dims and changes the colors...they were still working for a while but then stopped altogether any info checked all connections also and they were fine
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From: , Other, ZEBRA
Rep Power: 0 I have a 2001 LX and have found the low beams sometimes do not come on (twice in the past few months). Then later they will. It's not the bulbs, because both lights act the same. I have tried switching the high beams on and off, but that does not clear up the problem. I am baffled. It seems to randomly come and go. I am hesitant to take it to a dealer for an intermittent problem.
Does anyones else have ideas?
Gardener
Does anyones else have ideas?
Gardener
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From: houston, Texas, US
Rep Power: 0 i am still having this problem i even tried hard wiring a new harness and the low beams still dont work the dealer says that if there are any mods (cleared headlights) then it wont be under warranty any ideas please?
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From: , Other, ZEBRA
Rep Power: 0 Hello Rodney,
I called the dealer about my problem. At first he suggested the fuse, thinking that a small crack could intermittently open and close. He thought that the high and low beams are on separate fuses. I have not verified that.
Next he suggested a switch problem. He recommended wiggling the switch (not turning it off and on), but twisting it a little to see if maybe there are intermittent contacts in the switch.
Are your high beams working ok? Do the low beams ever come on (mine has only been a very rare, but annoying intermittent problem)? Do both the left and right liights act the same?
Unfortunately I am outside of warranty (50,000 miles in 2 years)., so the dealer won't help.
I suggest checking out the fuse by measuring the voltage on the output side when the lights are not working. If there is good voltage, then it's not the fuse. I have not priced a new switch (I am annoyed that this should go out in 2 years), nor do I know how hard it is to replace it. That would probably be my next suggestion.
Gardener
I called the dealer about my problem. At first he suggested the fuse, thinking that a small crack could intermittently open and close. He thought that the high and low beams are on separate fuses. I have not verified that.
Next he suggested a switch problem. He recommended wiggling the switch (not turning it off and on), but twisting it a little to see if maybe there are intermittent contacts in the switch.
Are your high beams working ok? Do the low beams ever come on (mine has only been a very rare, but annoying intermittent problem)? Do both the left and right liights act the same?
Unfortunately I am outside of warranty (50,000 miles in 2 years)., so the dealer won't help.
I suggest checking out the fuse by measuring the voltage on the output side when the lights are not working. If there is good voltage, then it's not the fuse. I have not priced a new switch (I am annoyed that this should go out in 2 years), nor do I know how hard it is to replace it. That would probably be my next suggestion.
Gardener
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Rep Power: 0 the fuse for the headlights control both high and low beams (only one fuse) unless i am mistaken
high beams are fine the low beams never come on anymore and the left and right do the exact same thing (nothing) ha!
good suggestion on the switch that never crossed my mind thanks
and i luv britney....adjust what?
high beams are fine the low beams never come on anymore and the left and right do the exact same thing (nothing) ha!
good suggestion on the switch that never crossed my mind thanks
and i luv britney....adjust what?
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From: , Other, ZEBRA
Rep Power: 0 Hello Rodney,
Did you verify for yourself that 1 fuse controls both high and low beam? I only question you because the dealer seemed to indicate that they might be on separate fuses. He did not seem sure, however.
Since you've replaced your wiring harness, do you know which wire brings power to the switch and which sends it to the low beams? Perhaps the dealer has a pinout description on the connectors? Since your low beams never come on, it should be a question of locating where the power stops (switch, harness, connector, etc.). In theory it sounds easy, but following wire routes can be tricky, confusing and discouraging.
Have you talked to the dealer? They should be able to give you some troubleshooting tips to verify if the switch is bad, i.e. which wire to
Please let me know about wiggling the switch.
Gardener
Did you verify for yourself that 1 fuse controls both high and low beam? I only question you because the dealer seemed to indicate that they might be on separate fuses. He did not seem sure, however.
Since you've replaced your wiring harness, do you know which wire brings power to the switch and which sends it to the low beams? Perhaps the dealer has a pinout description on the connectors? Since your low beams never come on, it should be a question of locating where the power stops (switch, harness, connector, etc.). In theory it sounds easy, but following wire routes can be tricky, confusing and discouraging.
Have you talked to the dealer? They should be able to give you some troubleshooting tips to verify if the switch is bad, i.e. which wire to
Please let me know about wiggling the switch.
Gardener
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Rep Power: 0 im pretty sure that there is only one fuse but i will try the dealer just in case. my next step is the switch i havent tried wiggling the switch but the first chance i get i am going to take the steering column off and find out if the connection isnt good
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From: , Other, ZEBRA
Rep Power: 0 Hello Rodney,
Well, my low beams died last night. Leaving work, I stopped at a place on my way home. Lights were fine. When I started back up, low beams no longer worked. At home, they still did not work. I checked the 2 fuse boxes. I saw separate fuses for Left and Right (both checked out fine), but not specifically for high and low beams.
I tried wiggling the switch, but nothing happened. I noticed that when turning the switch from the running lights to the headlights on position, there is a relay that switches. I found it in the fuse box under the hood. Both (Left and Right) were clicking, so I presume mine is working ok. Perhaps power is not getting to those relays? I don't know how to verify this as I don't have pinout information or wiring diagrams for my car. Do you have access to any wiring diagrams? I just checked and could not find any Haynes or Chiltons manuals for the 2001 Civic.
I just did a search for TSBs on the 2001 Civic, but found nothing. My car has 50,000 miles. This should not happen. Honda's are typically very reliable. I am disappointed to say the least.
You mentioned taking the steering column off. Do you have manuals to assist you, or are you very knowledgeable about cars in general? Do you know how to get to the light switch? I found 2 screws under the steering column. I have not taken it apart, but is that the right starting point?
I intend to call the dealer again today, but am not too hopeful other than they will want me to bring it in for repair.
How's your troubleshooting going?
Well, my low beams died last night. Leaving work, I stopped at a place on my way home. Lights were fine. When I started back up, low beams no longer worked. At home, they still did not work. I checked the 2 fuse boxes. I saw separate fuses for Left and Right (both checked out fine), but not specifically for high and low beams.
I tried wiggling the switch, but nothing happened. I noticed that when turning the switch from the running lights to the headlights on position, there is a relay that switches. I found it in the fuse box under the hood. Both (Left and Right) were clicking, so I presume mine is working ok. Perhaps power is not getting to those relays? I don't know how to verify this as I don't have pinout information or wiring diagrams for my car. Do you have access to any wiring diagrams? I just checked and could not find any Haynes or Chiltons manuals for the 2001 Civic.
I just did a search for TSBs on the 2001 Civic, but found nothing. My car has 50,000 miles. This should not happen. Honda's are typically very reliable. I am disappointed to say the least.
You mentioned taking the steering column off. Do you have manuals to assist you, or are you very knowledgeable about cars in general? Do you know how to get to the light switch? I found 2 screws under the steering column. I have not taken it apart, but is that the right starting point?
I intend to call the dealer again today, but am not too hopeful other than they will want me to bring it in for repair.
How's your troubleshooting going?
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Rep Power: 0 havent had a chance to troubleshoot i have over 112 hours at work for my next pay period....trying to get a jl w7.....yeah i know get my headlights fixed first...............NO! hahaha[IMG]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/IMG]
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From: , Other, ZEBRA
Rep Power: 0 Rodney,
Info I found from the dealer:
2 fuses, for Left and Right. Each fuse controls the same High and Low beam. In other words if the High beam works, the fuse is OK.
2 relays: for Left and Right. Controls power to both High and Low beam. In other words if High beam works, relay is ok.
+12 V is supplied to both filaments. The switch controls which filament is shorted to ground.
Connector pinouts:
pin 7: controls the relays, short to ground to turn on relays.
pin 4: ground side of high beams
pin 6: ground side of low beams
To test:
disconnect switch connector:
Ground pin 7 - you should hear relay click
Ground pin 4 - high beams should come on
Ground pin 6 - low beams should come on
DO NOT GROUND 4 AND 6 AT THE SAME TIME, OR BOTH FILAMENTS COME ON - BULB WILL PROBABLY OVERHEAT!
If lights come on appropriately, wiring is ok and the switch is probably bad.
I intend to try this on the weekend. If you want to see how this works, go to your Honda dealer and ask to see the service manual. They have a great wiring diagram / schematic as well as test checkout on the switch.
Hope this helps.
Gardener
Info I found from the dealer:
2 fuses, for Left and Right. Each fuse controls the same High and Low beam. In other words if the High beam works, the fuse is OK.
2 relays: for Left and Right. Controls power to both High and Low beam. In other words if High beam works, relay is ok.
+12 V is supplied to both filaments. The switch controls which filament is shorted to ground.
Connector pinouts:
pin 7: controls the relays, short to ground to turn on relays.
pin 4: ground side of high beams
pin 6: ground side of low beams
To test:
disconnect switch connector:
Ground pin 7 - you should hear relay click
Ground pin 4 - high beams should come on
Ground pin 6 - low beams should come on
DO NOT GROUND 4 AND 6 AT THE SAME TIME, OR BOTH FILAMENTS COME ON - BULB WILL PROBABLY OVERHEAT!
If lights come on appropriately, wiring is ok and the switch is probably bad.
I intend to try this on the weekend. If you want to see how this works, go to your Honda dealer and ask to see the service manual. They have a great wiring diagram / schematic as well as test checkout on the switch.
Hope this helps.
Gardener
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From: long island (Selden) NY
Rep Power: 319 hey rodney just to let u know, it sounds like the problem your having just happend to me tonight [IMG]i/expressions/face-icon-small-sad.gif[/IMG] and it was nasty driving weather to here in va
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From: long island (Selden) NY
Rep Power: 319 ok this is ****in retarded, i just spoke to my dealership and they said the reason my low beams dont work is cause i took out the stock head light bulbs so they arent any help SOMEONE HELP ME I CANT DRIVE ANYWHERE TODAY:'((((((((
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Rep Power: 0 i have an idea shortie22, what if someone on here with a warranty goes to the friggin dealer and gets it checked out! hehe, im sorry, i have a warranty, but my lights arent fukin up yet. i wish they were so i could just take my **** in. and that "you replaced your stock bulbs" bulshit the dealer said is indeed, bullshit. go back there and kick their asses scott! if u dont, i will for u, they are being dicks!
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From: , Other, ZEBRA
Rep Power: 0 Here's my solution - maybe it's similar to what others are experiencing.
The Honda service manual contains a circuit diagram that explains how the light switch works, fuses, relays, etc. It was great to find this information. It also explains how to get at the switch, remove it, etc. Be careful separating the two halves of the steering column covers. There are plastic interlocks that can break off. Push in on the bottom cover to disengage it from the top half. There are 6 places where they connect together.
1st caution: in my earlier posting, I gave pin numbers for the connector. That was probably confusing. I went off the manual pages and had not had a chance to look at the switch / connector. Now that I've taken it all apart, here's a better description. I recommend getting a service manual for things like this. I would not have been able to figure it out without the documentation.
As you look at the back of the switch, the pin numbers are:
1 2 nc nc nc 4 nc 6 7
nc nc 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
As you look at the connector, the pin numbers are reversed, as follows:
7 6 nc 4 nc nc nc 2 1
16 15 14 13 13 11 10 nc nc
nc = no connect or no pin present
I removed the switch and tested it - it was OK.
The problem was that contact 6 of the connector (it controls the grounding of the low beams) had burn marks by it. On closer inspection, I discovered that only part of the electrical contact in the connector was actually there. In other words, I had a defective contact in the conector.
I further inspected the connector and discovered that there were burn marks on the top, right next to pin 6. I was able to get the low beams to come on by shorting the appropriate pins on the connector, although this was difficult due to the bad contact. This meant my wiring harness was OK from the connector to the bulbs. Bottom line... my connector needs to be replaced, or at least the contact for pin 6. This might mean replacing the entire harness as this is not something that most auto technicians are probably trained to do.
I intend to take this up with my Honda dealer. This is clearly a manufacturing defect that should never have been allowed in production.
If my dealer won't cooperate, I intend to try and take it to higher channels. I don't feel I should have to pay for this repair (I am out of warranty). Has anyone had good experience doing this or does anyone have good suggestions as to how best proceed?
I hope this helps all of you that are starting to experience the same symptoms. I'm happy to try and help you get to the bottom of this.
Please post your results so that others may learn.
Thanks,
Gardener
The Honda service manual contains a circuit diagram that explains how the light switch works, fuses, relays, etc. It was great to find this information. It also explains how to get at the switch, remove it, etc. Be careful separating the two halves of the steering column covers. There are plastic interlocks that can break off. Push in on the bottom cover to disengage it from the top half. There are 6 places where they connect together.
1st caution: in my earlier posting, I gave pin numbers for the connector. That was probably confusing. I went off the manual pages and had not had a chance to look at the switch / connector. Now that I've taken it all apart, here's a better description. I recommend getting a service manual for things like this. I would not have been able to figure it out without the documentation.
As you look at the back of the switch, the pin numbers are:
1 2 nc nc nc 4 nc 6 7
nc nc 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
As you look at the connector, the pin numbers are reversed, as follows:
7 6 nc 4 nc nc nc 2 1
16 15 14 13 13 11 10 nc nc
nc = no connect or no pin present
I removed the switch and tested it - it was OK.
The problem was that contact 6 of the connector (it controls the grounding of the low beams) had burn marks by it. On closer inspection, I discovered that only part of the electrical contact in the connector was actually there. In other words, I had a defective contact in the conector.
I further inspected the connector and discovered that there were burn marks on the top, right next to pin 6. I was able to get the low beams to come on by shorting the appropriate pins on the connector, although this was difficult due to the bad contact. This meant my wiring harness was OK from the connector to the bulbs. Bottom line... my connector needs to be replaced, or at least the contact for pin 6. This might mean replacing the entire harness as this is not something that most auto technicians are probably trained to do.
I intend to take this up with my Honda dealer. This is clearly a manufacturing defect that should never have been allowed in production.
If my dealer won't cooperate, I intend to try and take it to higher channels. I don't feel I should have to pay for this repair (I am out of warranty). Has anyone had good experience doing this or does anyone have good suggestions as to how best proceed?
I hope this helps all of you that are starting to experience the same symptoms. I'm happy to try and help you get to the bottom of this.
Please post your results so that others may learn.
Thanks,
Gardener
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From: long island (Selden) NY
Rep Power: 319 ok you can do that[IMG]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/IMG] just means you'll have to make the drive down here to prince william county lol then we can go to the ihop down here haha o by the way guys lol the same thing happend to me tonite my low beems finally popped on coming down the street so i dunno what the freakin problem is [IMG]i/expressions/face-icon-small-sad.gif[/IMG]
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From: long island (Selden) NY
Rep Power: 319 really unclear gardener, im not really good at this kinda stuff and dont relaly know anyone good at it[IMG]i/expressions/face-icon-small-sad.gif[/IMG] im dumb when it comes to maintance and wiring and right now the low beams are working again lol so uggg my freakin civic is pissin me off
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From: , Other, ZEBRA
Rep Power: 0 Hi Shortie22,
That's where I was at ~ 3 weeks ago. Then the low beams died permanently. Fortunately, I can read wiring diagrams, schematics, etc. When it comes to taking cars apart... that is when I usually break something. You will probably have trouble getting the dealer to find anything while the problem is still intermittent. I will be contacting my dealer (maybe not until tomorrow) to see if they will fix the problem for me, or how cheaply I can get it done, since I've done the troubleshooting, etc.
My daughter suggested I print a record of this correspondence to show problems other are having, as a way of hoping that they will recognize that this is more than an isolated incident. That might help. I'll keep this site posted as to how I make out.
Stay tuned...
Gardener
That's where I was at ~ 3 weeks ago. Then the low beams died permanently. Fortunately, I can read wiring diagrams, schematics, etc. When it comes to taking cars apart... that is when I usually break something. You will probably have trouble getting the dealer to find anything while the problem is still intermittent. I will be contacting my dealer (maybe not until tomorrow) to see if they will fix the problem for me, or how cheaply I can get it done, since I've done the troubleshooting, etc.
My daughter suggested I print a record of this correspondence to show problems other are having, as a way of hoping that they will recognize that this is more than an isolated incident. That might help. I'll keep this site posted as to how I make out.
Stay tuned...
Gardener
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From: long island (Selden) NY
Rep Power: 319 aright thanks hope to hear back from you
here's my phone number if u just wanna call me
703-507-0338
scott
also if you have aim::: civicdriverVA
email :: shartgrove@comcast.net
here's my phone number if u just wanna call me
703-507-0338
scott
also if you have aim::: civicdriverVA
email :: shartgrove@comcast.net
