Hi everyone,

I am a new member and I have very recently purchased my first Honda! I got a 2001 Honda Civic EX and I noticed two things:

1. On the dashboard, when I turn the key on the 2nd position, the lights for the check engine, oil, battery, and what ever lights should be on the right side of the panel do NOT come on at all. I also noticed when I turn the headlights switch, nothing shows on the dashboard indicating that the switch is on and not even when it's on high beam (however, the headlights are working)! Also the side lights on the dashboard to help you see the panel at night, do not come on either!

2. The cruise control does not work at all! I push the button and there is no light on either the button it self nor the dashboard. I have tried to set the cruise on the highway and it didn't work!

Obviously, I have a lot of bulbs and maybe fuzes to replace. Is that all what I should be concerned about or am I missing something else? Any recommendations on where to buy bulbs? Do I need to buy Honda's original bulbs or any after market bulbs are fine? Any recommendations on where to get the right bulbs and what I should be aware of would be very helpful.

Thank you
Ash

 

The lighting in the gauge assembly are principally LEDs instead of regular bulbs, and not easily replaced since they are soldered in. It would be unlikely all the LEDs are burnt out.

Also, if it were the fuses, you would have some other issues instead of only lighting and cruise control. Regardless, check under-dash Fuse No. 10 (7.5A) and Fuse No. 4 (10A), and under-hood Fuse No. 9 (10A).

There may be a lost of communication between modules or the gauge assembly circuit board is faulty.

 

I checked the fuses that you suggested and they are fine. I was wrong about the battery and oil light on the gauge, they do light up when I turn the key to 2nd position. The check engine light and the cruise are the ones not appearing. For some reason, i thought the gauge board has twist in bulbs that could be replaced easily!

Any suggestions on how to test the connections and continuity? My top priority is the check engine light indicator to work first on the gauge for obvious reasons.

Thank you so much for your response and help.

 

The Check Engine Light not illuminating at all may sometimes be due to an unscrupulous seller or mechanic covering that up the panel with tape or something, due to existing and unresolved trouble code(s).

 

I removed the panel and there was no tape and checked for trouble codes using a scanner and it was clear.