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Headlight problems


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melsgoof
New User

Mar 29, 2008, 6:19 PM

Post #1 of 2 (1612 views)
Headlight problems Sign In

Car info:
1995 Honda Accord
roughly 100,000 miles
2.1L VTEC engine

Ok... the trouble I am experiencing is somewhat baffling.

To start off with, the right turn signal does not work. The indicator on the dash is constantly lit (dimly). Only the right turn signal is affected. When the attempting to signal right, the indicator light remains dimly lit and does not flash. The left turn signal works as normal. There is no problems with its operation. The "constant on" and "no flashing" problem only affects the right turn signal.

Next, when turning on the headlights, only the left headlight turns on (when in "low" mode).

Ok, here is a list of things that I have checked for/tried.
-bulbs ok
-voltage at fuse box (both right and left circuts) measure 12v (headlights)
-fuses are ok
-removed fender right fender liner to attempt to trace headlight/turn signal to find shorted/crossed wires.

Ok, here is the baffling part. While driving, the right headlight sporadically turns on and the dimly lit indicator light (for the right turn signal) turns off. At the same time the headlight is working, the right turn signal works. This seems to happen when going over bumps in the road, but does not happen with every bump. Sometimes the switch (headlight working to non-working status) lasts for days, then at a drop of a hat reverts back (If the right headlight was working, it stops working. If the right headlight was not working, it starts working).

Another thing that I have figured out is that the turn signals work (both of them) if both headlight fuses are pulled from the fuse box. If I just pull the fuse for the right headlights, there is no change in the non-working status of the right turn signal. For right now, I have pulled the fuses so that the turn signals work. I then do not drive at night.

I think that I know where the problem lies, but I would like to hear other opinions before I tear into the car even more.

Thank you who ever can help.


DanD
Veteran / Moderator
DanD profile image

Mar 29, 2008, 7:22 PM

Post #2 of 2 (1607 views)
Re: Headlight problems Sign In

To me it sounds like the lighting circuits have a poor or intermittent ground problem.
The signal indicator coming on dim could be that the signal circuit is finding a path to ground through the bulb’s parking light filament through to the headlight switch. When you turn on the light switch, the two power’s for the signal and parking cancel each other out and shuts off the light.
The ground connections according to my wiring diagram are found in/on the fenders.
A quick test of this would be to connect a jumper wire to battery negative and to the side of the affected light bulb; if things start to work normally you're on your way to finding the problem.

Here’s what I mean about the jumper wire.

Dan



Canadian "EH"










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