christhereefer

iTrader: (1)

96 Civic DX 4 door

Problem: Turning headlight switch to parking light ON position turns ignition ON without key. Also, turning key to position II (accessory) turns on parking lights.

Car starts and runs fine along with all lights functioning.

Any ideas?

mk378

Someone may have tried to install an alarm system, and crossed the wires. Look under the dash for anything that doesn't look stock.

christhereefer

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All wiring and harnesses under the dash are factory/untouched with no visible signs of tampering or previous alarm installations. Head unit is also factory with no signs of any alterations.

mk378

Look for stuff plugged into the fuse box, either fuse taps or the optional spade plugs. Also look under the hood maybe someone was trying something to do with HIDs or fog lights and messed up badly.

christhereefer

iTrader: (1)

Fuse box does not have any signs of tampering with nothing plugged into the box nor any spade plugs or fuse taps. Engine bay is also free of any tampering with no aftermarket parts installed. Headlight bulbs appear factory and untouched.

Car is stock down to the original engine, blown stock suspension and original 13" hubcaps lol

mk378

I didn't think the DX had a factory alarm/keyless system. That would be the only place the lights and ignition might meet in a stock situation (since the alarm blinks the parking lights). If there is a factory alarm/keyless, unplug it and see if the interaction goes away.

tony_2018

Someone rigged your car to turn on w/o keys. I suggest you fix that if you don't want your car stolen.

christhereefer

iTrader: (1)

I guess I won't rule out that possibility, although I feel it is highly unlikely as nothing looks to be tampered with.

If if this were the case, where do I start to look?

tony_2018

You haven't any proof of that, all heresay. But you know what if you wanna throw parts at the issue, start with the switch..

christhereefer

iTrader: (1)

I have tried replacing the headlight switch with a known good, working switch and problem persists. I also tried turning the key to accessory position without the headlight switch with the same result, parking lights on simultaneously.

christhereefer

iTrader: (1)

Here's some pictures from behind the head unit and underneath the dashboard.

mk378

I would also remove the column cover since the lights and ignition wires are close together there. Someone has done this on purpose, you need to find out how.

Then get a schematic of the car so you can trace the wires by color. I think on a 1996 the wire from the first click of the light switch (running/parking lights) goes to two fuses in the under dash fuse box. One for the dash lights and one for the lights on the outside of the car. Pull those fuses turn on the light switch and see if the ignition still comes on.

christhereefer

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christhereefer

iTrader: (1)

Looks like I'm getting closer slowly lol. Removal of fuse #32 (license lights/tail lights) on the under dash fuse box resolves issue of "no key, headlight switch ON position causes ignition ON"

With fuse removed, parking light ON position does not cause ignition to come on. Turning of key to position II still causes parking lights to come on simultaneously.

Also switched out the main relay with no effect.

mk378

So the connection is after the fuse. I would look under the hood at the wiring associated with the front corner lights.

christhereefer

iTrader: (1)

Even if the rear lights (tail lights, license plate lights) turn on along with the front corner lights?

mk378

All the lights on the outside are wired in parallel. I suggested checking the hood area first since there aren't any ignition switched wires in the trunk.

christhereefer

iTrader: (1)

Gotcha. Will check that out when I get home.