FAQ: Low beam headlights don't work but high beams & parking lights do, what's wrong?
05-04-2007, 06:33 PM
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FAQ: Low beam headlights don't work but high beams & parking lights do, what's wrong?
If your car is a 2001 or 2002, it could have been part of a NHTSA recall where the light switch terminal overheated and killed your low beams. Check out NHTSA recall 04V086000.
Here's a link for the lazy: http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/c...n=YES
Text of the recall:
Report Date : May 4, 2007 at 10:32 PM
NHTSA Campaign ID number : 04V086000
Make / Models : Model/Build Years:
HONDA / CIVIC 2001-2002
HONDA / INSIGHT 2000-2002
Manufacturer : AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 04V086000 Mfr's Report Date : FEB 24, 2004
Component: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
Potential Number Of Units Affected : 440000
Summary:
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE LOW-BEAM TERMINAL ON THE HEAD LIGHT WIRE HARNESS CAN OVERHEAT AND COULD CAUSE THE LOW BEAMS TO FAIL WITHOUT WARNING.
Consequence:
AN UNEXPECTED LOSS OF LOW BEAMS COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
Remedy:
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE HEAD LIGHT SWITCH AND COUPLER FOR SIGNS OF HEAT DAMAGE. IF HEAT DAMAGE IS PRESENT, THE DEALER WILL REPLACE THE SWITCH AND COUPLER. IF NO HEAT DAMAGE IS PRESENT, THE DEALER WILL REPLACE THE HEAD LIGHT SWITCH AND ONE MATING PIN IN THE COUPLER. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON APRIL 5, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009.
Notes:
CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION’S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
If you think this covers your car, take your car to a Honda dealer. If your car is covered under the recall, Honda will replace your headlight switch at no charge.
Here's a link for the lazy: http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/c...n=YES
Text of the recall:
Report Date : May 4, 2007 at 10:32 PM
NHTSA Campaign ID number : 04V086000
Make / Models : Model/Build Years:
HONDA / CIVIC 2001-2002
HONDA / INSIGHT 2000-2002
Manufacturer : AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 04V086000 Mfr's Report Date : FEB 24, 2004
Component: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
Potential Number Of Units Affected : 440000
Summary:
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE LOW-BEAM TERMINAL ON THE HEAD LIGHT WIRE HARNESS CAN OVERHEAT AND COULD CAUSE THE LOW BEAMS TO FAIL WITHOUT WARNING.
Consequence:
AN UNEXPECTED LOSS OF LOW BEAMS COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
Remedy:
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE HEAD LIGHT SWITCH AND COUPLER FOR SIGNS OF HEAT DAMAGE. IF HEAT DAMAGE IS PRESENT, THE DEALER WILL REPLACE THE SWITCH AND COUPLER. IF NO HEAT DAMAGE IS PRESENT, THE DEALER WILL REPLACE THE HEAD LIGHT SWITCH AND ONE MATING PIN IN THE COUPLER. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON APRIL 5, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009.
Notes:
CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION’S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
If you think this covers your car, take your car to a Honda dealer. If your car is covered under the recall, Honda will replace your headlight switch at no charge.
Last edited by It Wasn't Me; 10-13-2009 at 04:57 AM. Reason: fixed code errors
03-23-2011, 01:18 PM
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Re: FAQ: Low beam headlights don't work but high beams & parking lights do, what's wr
This exact thing is happening to my 2001 Civic EX right now, I called the dealer and they kinda gave me the run-around. They said the recall had been performed once already and they would have to charge me to fix it again. I called Honda of America and complained and they told me my dealer must fix it for free even if it had been "fixed" before and if I had problems to just call them.
The kicker is, if it turns out to be something else by chance that isn't the recall then I have to pay my dealer a $100 diagnosis fee. But I'm about 99% sure its the problem stated in the recall, I have highs and the lows just decide to go off while driving.
What I'm wondering is: Has anyone had this problem happen twice? Was it covered both times?
Thanks,
Shane
The kicker is, if it turns out to be something else by chance that isn't the recall then I have to pay my dealer a $100 diagnosis fee. But I'm about 99% sure its the problem stated in the recall, I have highs and the lows just decide to go off while driving.
What I'm wondering is: Has anyone had this problem happen twice? Was it covered both times?
Thanks,
Shane
03-23-2011, 05:26 PM
#3
Honda-Tech Member
Re: FAQ: Low beam headlights don't work but high beams & parking lights do, what's wr
Only had it done once, sorry.
If your worried about the $100 diagnosis fee, check it out yourself before you go back to the dealer. Take the 2 plastic pieces off the column by unscrewing the 3 phillips heads on the bottom. Look for melted connector(s) and wire(s).
*NOTE: If your going to be messing with wires in that area disconnect the negative terminal on the battery (don't want to blow the airbags).
If your worried about the $100 diagnosis fee, check it out yourself before you go back to the dealer. Take the 2 plastic pieces off the column by unscrewing the 3 phillips heads on the bottom. Look for melted connector(s) and wire(s).
*NOTE: If your going to be messing with wires in that area disconnect the negative terminal on the battery (don't want to blow the airbags).
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