2002 Honda Civic Lights Come On

2002 HONDA CIVIC
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CIVIC JON2
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A few months ago my car died as I was driving, it was determined to be an electrial problem, some bad wires had shorted and it was blowing out the fuel injector fuse. It was fixed, and the car ran fine. Recently some of the dash lights have been dimming and then brightening. Tonight my lights turned on after I had parked at work and turned them off. I had to turn on the lights and then turn them off again to get them to go out.

I bought the car used, and noticed a few weeks after purchasing it the right parking headlight only turns on when using the turn signal or emergency flashers.

The car is approaching 100,000 mi. I replaced the timing belt after purchasing and have a/c problems with the car as well.

Will the headlights continue to come on sporatically? I am hesitant to take it to the same mechanic and don't want to use a dealership for financial reasons. Any advice?
Jan 8, 2007 at 1:18 PM
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BRUCE HUNT
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Does the car have daytime running lights? Is that possible what is turning on and off the lights and thus having problems?
Jan 8, 2007 at 1:45 PM
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CIVIC JON2
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The car does not have daytime running lights.
Jan 8, 2007 at 2:22 PM
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BRUCE HUNT
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Sounds like a switch is failing. It will probably get worse rather soon and there are tests with a volt-ohm meter.
Jan 8, 2007 at 11:49 PM
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CIVIC JON2
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A quick update: The lights have not come on by their own again, and the car drove home fine from work. But this morning when I drove to work, a malfunction light came on the dash. According to the manual, that means there is an emissions problem and I should take it to a dealer.

Would a standard mechanic be able to find the problem, or is the dealer my only option at this point?
Jan 9, 2007 at 7:10 AM
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BRUCE HUNT
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A dealer would be a good option but a well qualified mechanic should also be able to do the work.
Jan 9, 2007 at 7:16 AM

Suggested Repair

Have the headlight or multifunction switch tested with a volt-ohm meter, since a failing switch is the likely cause of lights coming on unexpectedly and dash lights dimming. A well-qualified independent mechanic can diagnose the emissions malfunction light; a dealer is not the only option.

Conversation Summary

A 2002 Honda Civic EX previously had shorted wiring that blew the fuel injector fuse. After that repair, the dash lights dimmed and brightened, the headlights came on after being switched off, and the right parking light works only with the turn signal or hazards. The owner confirmed there are no daytime running lights. The expert said a failing switch is likely, that it may worsen, and that it can be tested with a volt-ohm meter. After an emissions malfunction light appeared, the expert said a dealer is a good option but a well-qualified mechanic can also diagnose it.

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