My left corner light goes off when I go over a bump and stays off till I get out and tap the headlight. Any possibility it's the socket?(#19) it's only $9 but I have zero time, I bought new bulbs but I highly doubt that's it. Any suggestions are appreciated the car fails safety on account of this issue it's a accident free car but condensation does build in the driver headlight(I cant go buying a new headlight from Honda).

 

Take a look at the socket, I'm sure there is corrosion that's interrupting the signal, similar to how battery terminals get corroded, if a battery gets corroded enough you can't start your car because the connection is no longer as robust with all the corrosion blocking the signal.

Take out your bulb and have a look at it, the bulb may be corroded at the end also. I've had the same issue with other vehicles over the years, I used to have a Lil lifted Suzuki sidekick, and I had the same issue with a rear tail light, of have to give the tail light a Lil shot with my hand and the rear tail light would come on, or if I slammed the rear hatch.

After cleaning the corrosion in the bulb and socket I never had a problem with the rear tail light again.

Also, to clean the connections inside a socket you can use a regular wood pencil with an eraser head, just stick the eraser end in the socket onto the connection points and twist it with some pressure applied until the connection is clean.

Believe it or not I learned that trick from a friend in the military, they have the same issue with lights not working on some of their old *** equipment, and they use that trick in the field.

From your description I couldn't tell if it's your headlight or bumper corner light that isn't working, but it should work for either one, headlight or corner light.


Best of luck

 

For a well maintained car you purchased from an old man, it sure is giving you problems. Maybe thats why he sold it?

Check the socket and make sure its not cracked. The signal wire might make contact with the 12v feed if they aren't terminated correctly. Maybe even remove the headlight and have a look around the core support and housing for any damage. You may find out the car actually has been hit and you weren't informed.

 

Wouldn't corrosion prevent the light bulb end from making solid contact with the socket end, therefore causing the light not to illuminate? Corrosion doesnt allow electricity to conduct when it develops between 2 points. So how would corrosion be causing the OP problem?

 

it's fixed took it to Honda they did it while I had it aligned, didn't show on the service slip so I didn't ask. The body is perfect that's what I care about.

 

Judge a book by its cover....got it. So the dealership fixed an issue for you while you had the alignment done and didn't make note of what caused the problem? That's strange. I've never known a tech who would repair even the smallest issue without documenting it on the service form.

Why'd you need an alignment? Lowered the car or just another little thing that needed repair since taking ownership?

 

I did all the ball joints and brake pads etc, this is a small town(15k population) dealer I get extras all the time.

 

Busted ball joints @ under 100k? Previous owner was an old man who maintained the car well? I dont know...?

Anyhow, I'm not sure why a tech would do free work when its in his best interest to log his in-car time. At least he gets paid and no issues with liabilities over work he performed and neglected to mention. It would have to be noted on your work estimate sheet that you needed that lamp diagnosed and the tech would have to respond with his diagnosis or repair. I dont think it matters how large your population is, most dealerships follow a general service guideline when handling requests. But whatever, its not my time wasted.

 

free diag and labor from a dealership? whaaaaa?!?!?!

 

I mentioned it, so just free service you can access that light from the splash guard, they know me very well there it's nothing big just helping friends out, I live in Canada remember we're all friendly