Hi everyone,

2002 Accord Automatic

The reverse lights will not turn on when the shifter is in reverse. It does turn on when I hold down the button and put the shifter between Parking and Reverse.

This tells me that the fuses are fine and the bulbs are fine.

I've tried researching but I can't figure out if it is the problem is with the 'Parking Switch Assembly' or a reverse light switch on the transmission (does this even exist?)?

Honda Automotive Parts

Thanks!

 

Usually a squirrel electrical problem is caused by a bad ground. To replace the cabin air filter (for the AC/heater) you pretty much have to take off a metal bar underneath the glove box. There is a ground wire attached to it. When I took it off, I didn't realize it would cause a problem but suddenly the windows wouldn't go up and down and the doors wouldn't lock. So, I think it is a ground problem for you too, but a different one. I had to replace a relay under the drivers side below and to the left of the steering wheel, to get my backup lights to work. I think every circuit has both a fuse (to keep it from shorting the whole car) and a relay (to take a small on/off signal and turn it into a large enough signal to light a light or start a car, etc). I suggest subscribing to alldatadiy.com for about $30/yr which has all of the info available on your car, and researching the relay for that circuit and also considering if any ground wires might have gotten broken or loose somewhere when you did something else? Another thought - The guys at AutoZone or almost any parts store can look up the relays, I think, for free. I would probably go to AutoZone first and see if I could get some help there.

 

I know older model cars have some adjustment in case it moves which appears to be what happened to yours. I would look and see if you can move it. It usually has a couple of bolts or screws.