Unpaid Intern

I use 3rd & 4th Gen Civics to commute with because they are the best around, but parts are getting hard to find for my 87.

My Windshield wiper Switch went out, so I replaced the assembly with one I pulled from the Junk yard...

The Wipers work now, but my Headlights won't come on any more. All other lights work fine, including the blinkers.

When I turn the switch my running lights come on, but the headlamps stay dark. I tried turning on the high beams, and still no headlamps. In fact, the High-beam indicator light doesn't come on either, so I don't think current is even making it that far... I guess I traded one problem for another, but it gets dark more often than it rains so I need to fix this soon.

My question is this: Can you install a 12v DC rocker switch on the dash and wire it to the harness instead of the stem switch on the steering column?

I don't want to spend any more money, but I don't want to fry anything by closing the wrong circuit.

I found a wiring diagram below, can I just install a switch that will connect the headlight wires to 12v DC?

http://www.redpepperracing.com/techn...g/aae.png.html

realred96

Yeah, try owning a 2nd gen civic. None of the switches work even from the junk yard.

I recently bought a 4th gen light switch / WS wiper switch to adapt to the 2nd gen.

I would recommend trying to see if the 4th gen will adapt to the 3rd gen. There is a lot going on on the wiring harness to be experimenting with a rocker switch and risk a wiring harness meltdown. 4th gens seem to still be reasonably available in junkyards still. 2nd and 3rds are rarely seen here in Houston area junkyards.

I figure if you have enough smarts to do a rocker switch retrofit you should have the talent to retrofit a 4th gen switch. Good luck.

letank

fuse(s), forgot if there is a relay(s)

Yes you can install your own switches, I have one on the old jeep with relays.

bradySV122

There's probably a relay involved in the headlight circuit, better use a pretty high amp rated rocker switch if you're going to wire them directly.

KCHC

you make sure that all your bulbs are good??? on bad bulb and the whole circuit wont work.

Unpaid Intern

Update:

Switch contacts weren't seated correctly. I got the junk yard switch working.

The little arm that pushes the slide switch forward for the headlights (when you turn the ****) wasn't seating right. I prodded it into place with a screw driver and got the contacts working like they are supposed to.

Thanks for the suggestions: realred96, I'll keep the 4g mod in mind for next time. Sometimes my first instinct is to reinvent the wheel

letank & brady, thanks: knocking on wood that I don't have to, but good to know it is possible.

Thanks all!

NW Classic Honda

I have the switch assembly you need. Pmd...