So I just had this issue today so I hope H-T can help me out since google-ing this topic didn't work lol.

The Crx drove fine, been driving fine for a couple of years. Out of the blue when i was starting to drive my car today, I noticed that the rpm was jumping around on the cluster as i backed it out of the garage. I thought it was pretty weird because it hasn't done that before.

Anyway, drove it down the block and noticed that the turn signal wasn't clicking and it seemed like the cluster's lights weren't on(it was around sunset, kind of dark but sun is still visible). Then I noticed that it was SMOKING from behind the cluster so I turned the key to the off position BUT, the car wasn't turning OFF.
When the car slowed down, I immediately unhook the battery. I checked the fuses and the ecu fuse blew(replaced it) but the rest of the fuses are fine.

Here's the other weird part, it was only SMOKING from behind the dash whenever I apply the BRAKES(the lights would get dim on the cluster) or turn on the lights.

Sorry for the long post but I haven't seen or heard this happened yet to anyone. Have any of you guys ever had this problem happen before? Wires are still factory, never been cut, just a stock crx. Any input is appreciated, Thanks alot H-T.

 

No one w/ these issues I'm assuming? Man I hate electrical problems.

 

Sounds like an electrical fire waiting to happen. Ive had a field mouse chew up wires in the fuse box of a 2001 Suburban. Its possible some wires got crossed back there.

 

Another weird thing, I was looking over some stuff earlier and noticed that whenever I step on the brakes, the dash light would dim and also the temp gauge would raise as well. I don't like the looks of it so far.

 

ahh Ive had this problem after i changed my ground cable hondas need ground mega ground the ground wire must i mean must go from the battery to the fender to the tranny if it dosnt it will blow the main relay behind the hood release on the drivers side your gauges go wacco and all that stuff your talking about learned this the hard way on the commute home from work took me forever to figure it out the main relay is about 80 bucks only get oem eqivalant battery cables no generic will do

 

would the ground/alternator be the cause of the smoking behind the dah whenever brakes are applied, or the lights get turned on? I do think my main relay is gone as well because when I turned the key to the "on" position, everything just primes on very weakly and not like before.

 

Wow i just had this prob. Too my crx is kinda diff. But same story. When i starts my rex after couple seconds my fuse burned from the "back up" fuse. So i even replaced it with a 30 and still burned.. So i decided to sit in the car and just turn on ign. And decided to shift into reverse while on ign. And notice each time i do it my temp jumps sky high to hott.. Im like wtf!!! So is it because of needing more grounds or might have a short some where because ive checked the rear taillight wires fronts under steering and no signs of loose wires.. If any can help too i appreciated!!

 

Took out the cluster and saw that one of the straps on the back of the cluster's circuit board was toasted. I have no idea how the cluster's circuit board could've gotten shorted when everything was running fine before, anyway, I'm looking around for locally to see if there is anyone selling a cluster and we'll see what happens from there.

 

Replace the cluster and check the wiring to the brake switch. I would also check the ignition switch harness if the car wouldn't shut off...you can get it new from honda at a fair price. I have a good used harness, pm me if you want it.

 

take out the backup fuse get a powered test light clip the test light to ground on the wires that go to that fuse you took out probe the wire every foot down the wire if the test light turns on the shot is in that foot section because the short creates the ground for the powered test light long process to do but thats how you find short to grounds