Taillights and Dash lights do not work

MAPARMAN

MEMBER
2001 HONDA ACCORD
152,000 MILES

Honda Accord, 2001: Taillights and Dash lights do not work. I understand from some internet search that the problem night be the Multiplex Control Unit (MCU). Do you have any insight on the cause, and is there a way to check the MCU
Headlights work
Turn signals work
Hazard lights work
Break lights work
Fuses all good

8 Replies

WRENCHTECH

MECHANIC
20,758 POSTS

Hello,

There is a tail light relay that goes out in these cars here is a tail light and dash light wiring diagram so you can see how it works and see the tail light relay powers both of those check it out.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-an-electrical-relay-and-wiring-control-circuit

Here are the diagrams fuse and relay locations

Check out the diagrams (Below)

Please let us know what you find. We are interested to see what it is.

Cheers

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Wednesday, May 15th, 2013 AT 7:08 AM

MAPARMAN

MEMBER
4 POSTS

Thanks for the diagrams, but I double checked the #10 fuse. Sure enough, it was bad. I changed the fuse and all works well. Thanks for your help.

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Monday, May 20th, 2013 AT 5:17 AM

WRENCHTECH

MECHANIC
20,758 POSTS

Glad to here you found it. You still may have an issue with what blew the fuse in the first place but time will tell.

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Monday, May 20th, 2013 AT 5:37 AM

MAPARMAN

MEMBER
4 POSTS

I purchased the car used, and there was an aftermarket radio and alarm system installed... The fuse for the radio had blown as well. My daughter had the car for three years before any issues started. I suspect that you are spot-on with your assessment--Thanks again for your help.

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Monday, May 20th, 2013 AT 5:50 AM

MAPARMAN

MEMBER
4 POSTS

Problem came back. Now the #10 fuse blows every time I turn on the headlights. So I checked the tail light wiring connectors and one was melted once I fixed it the problem when away.

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Friday, June 7th, 2013 AT 11:16 AM

WRENCHTECH

MECHANIC
20,758 POSTS

Glad you could get it fixed, that kind of problem can be tough. Please use 2CarPros anytime we are here to help

Cheers

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Friday, June 7th, 2013 AT 11:49 AM

REGANWELBORN

MEMBER
2 POSTS

I have a similar problem. I would put in the fuse, the instrument illumination lights, running lights front and rear, would come on but never go off, no matter the headlight switch position. For a bit I was just pulling the fuse thinking "this stinks but I will get around to fixing it." Now every time I put that fuse in, it blows instantly. And to top it off, now none of the windows are working now, separate from the fuse blowing. Checked all the fuses to the power windows including main under the hood, no luck.

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Saturday, August 11th, 2018 AT 2:15 PM

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
47,256 POSTS

This sounds like two separate problems. The window issue please start a new question

Please post your new question here, you must be logged in.

https://www.2carpros.com/questions/new

Lets start with the fuse blowing which I have seen a shorted/melted bulb or socket cause the fuse to blow. Here is a guide to help us get started:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/no-tail-lights-exterior-running-lights-tail-lights-out

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/brake-lights-not-working

Check out the bulb with the terminals melted together.

Please run down this guide and report back.

Cheers, Ken

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Tuesday, August 14th, 2018 AT 12:02 PM