Hi all, recently picked up a '94 Honda Accord wagon. It runs great but the electrical systems seem to be a mess. Hidden for brevity, the lists are long. I checked all the under the hood fuses and replaced a single burn out one, they are good now and match their rated amperage but it didn't really fix anything. IOW all the fuses associated with these following features in the manual are fine. Anyone have some ideas on how to go about working on this? I am a computers/IT guy but my hands on electrical systems experience is limited as is my car repair experience. I'd be tempted to think the lights all blown bulbs but it seems like way too many... any advice appreciated.

Doesn't work:

Sort-of works

Works

 

Replacing fuses is just a start, now use a DVM to make sure there is voltage at all the fuses.

For all the burned out bulbs go to 3bay and buy 1) an interior LED bulb kit and 2) an instrument cluster LED kit, kits are cheap and the LEDs last a long time.

Power window, pull the drivers switch and clean it with contact cleaner and check for voltage at the switch (buy a DVM if you don't own one), pull the door pad and go after the motor if that doesn't work.

Radio, if its the original, I would go buy a new one with bluetooth, usb and aux inputs, but DVM the power connector for voltage.

cig lighter, DVM the socket for voltage, if none the connector could have come loose. There's really nothing to go wrong except wiring and connector.

clock, same as cig lighter, however the clocks are known to fail. If yours is dead go to the pickapart or 3bay for a used one.

wiper washer pumps fail and fluid lines break and leak, but do a DVM check on the connector at the pump. If the pump and/or fluid lines are dead go to 3bay.

AC, go watch a few youtube vids and decide if you want to tool up to fix it (gauges, vacuum pump, oil, UV dye/light, o-rings, line wrenches, etc) ... probably has a leak and/or the compressor, expansion valve, sensor or condenser issues. Does the blower and dash controls work? is the compressor clutch engaging? etc...

 

Thank you so much!

 

Not uncommon but I would start with getting the electrical trouble shooting guide for your car (you can find them for around 30 or less online) Next I would do as suggested and get the meter, harbor fraught usually had coupons or a sale on them (I usually get 2 or 3 myself and keep one in the tool bag). The clocks on these cars are crap, I had 7 I got from the puckapart and only 2 were any good.

Lack of dash lighting is usually attributed to burned out bulbs or a faulty dimmer. I went though like 10 dimmers begore finding a decent one. I recommend getting a pack of 194 led bulbs for the bigger ones in the dash and a few other locations as well as a led kit for the doors dome and trunk locations. Replacing the dash illumination really made a difference in my opinion and recommend a trip to your local recycler to practice removing interior pieces. The radio bezel can be considerably fragile.

Window/lock issues are usually either fuses, crusted driver switch, or failing harnesses from body to door. Be aware there might be factory keyless (wagons) or dealer installed keyless/alarm systems playing havoc as well. I learned the hard way for wagons that the factory remote keyless does not work on the Honda's optionsl security system.

So I would start with the manual as mentioned above and pick something simple to ts. Good luck