Hey honda-tech!

My 1990 Civic has been doing this since the day I got it and well before then too. I turn the running lights (corner and tails come on - first notch on the switch) and the lights turn on. That eliminates the problem of bulbs, wiring, grounds, switch, and fuses. Now... when I turn the key into the ON/RUN position, the lights go out. Instrument lights work, headlights will work, signals work, but no running lights (corners or tails). Turn the key back to OFF or ACC position, the running lights come back on. Now... I bought a Chilton manual, and it has NO wiring diagram of the lights. Just that C13 pin off the ECU feeds exterior lights with a green/white wire. Now... I located the running light relay behind the glovebox, next to the heater core box. Any idea on how to test it? It's just a black box with two harnesses coming outta it. Anyone have the same problem and know what the solution is?

Unrelated.... my temp gauge doesn't work? Do Civics just use one engine coolant temp sensor, or do they use 2 (one for ECU, one for the gauge)? It's a DX sedan 1990 auto BTW.

Thanks for your help!!!

 

Did you check the wiring behind the cluster and under the dash by the ignition wires to make sure there are no aftermarket wiring jumping somthing out... Just a thought.

 

yessir, I took the steering wheel off and all the front panelling that could hide wires. the car is pure stock, all original, not a single wire was touched.

 

damn no one knows how a bad lights relay would act up, or how to test it? no one has had this problem before?