crixtopher

So I've got this 1990 civic hatch in need of a bunch, listed for sale/trade on here.

When the stalk is engaged in the first notch, tail and dash lights come on, but when the second notch is engaged for the headlights they go out.

Before realizing that the tails actually still work, I had checked the 10 amp fuse under the dash and the bulbs. obviously they are fine.

Someone suggested to look at the headlamp relay under the hood but it looks fine too.

Is it a short or do I need a new stalk? Either way whats the best fix?

Any advice appreciated.

Thanks
Chris

Drifter4

It sounds like a short, my 240 had a short in the brake like harness and when the brakes where pressed the cluster and parking lights came on... hope that helps...

find the short between the stalk and headlights/cluster

Fabrik8

If it's from 1990, the headlight switch is probably long past its useful life. It is 22 model years old after all. I would assume that the stalk switch contacts are worn out unless you have some reason to think otherwise.


You can test to see if the relay coil is getting power from the switch when it should, and there are lots of other things you can test also. A factory service manual will have the switch harness pinouts and the switch contact tables for troubleshooting.

crixtopher

drifter and fabrik, thanks a ton. I am a novice, going to get my more savvy buddy to help me isolate the problem tomorrow or this weekend and I'll report back.

crixtopher

haven't yet had a chance to try this but found this link, which could save me bucks if it works. link is about taking it apart and cleaning the contacts as opposed to getting a new unit. worked for some others.

http://honda-tech.com/showthread.php?t=2530751

maxtuned

Don't turn on headlights, problem solved...