1996 Honda Civic Lights Not Working

HONDA CIVIC
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SHANNAH927
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  • 1 POST
Thanks for the site

My son bought a 1996 Honda Civic LX with 68,000 miles on it. It was working perfect. Now the lights do not work, (headlights, parking lights, reverse lights, brake lights). The bright lights work. We are at a loss as to what is wrong with the car. Can you please help.
Mar 19, 2006 at 8:13 AM
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VANDRAGON
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 298 POSTS
did you check the fueses or relays, do the dash lights work? does it have daylights or auto shut off if lights are left on. i've seen dimmer or hibeam switch's do strange things. even a simple loss of grounding do to rusting. have you had it scanned for codes? i think some parts stores do that for a small fee or for free. just call and ask!
Mar 19, 2006 at 11:34 AM
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BRUCE HUNT
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 3,754 POSTS
The switch in the console would probably be the culprit. I have taken the steering console apart and pulled the switch out and actually taken it apart to clean the contacts. I would exhaust fuses, wiring and grounding first though.
Mar 20, 2006 at 5:55 AM
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Suggested Repair

Check fuses, relays, wiring, and grounds first, including possible rust-related ground loss. Confirm whether the dash lights work and whether the car has daytime running lights or an auto shutoff. If those check out, inspect the steering column combination, dimmer, or high-beam switch; dirty contacts can be cleaned, or the switch may need replacement. A parts-store scan for codes was also suggested.

Conversation Summary

The owner of a 1996 Honda Civic LX reports that the headlights, parking lights, reverse lights, and brake lights stopped working, while the high beams still work. Experts recommend checking fuses, relays, wiring, and grounds first, and noting the dash lights, daytime running lights, and auto shutoff. They also point to the dimmer, high-beam, or steering column switch, which can fail or have dirty contacts.

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