help! lights dont work

[danielakatoxic]

There is a recall on the switch assembly but there is also an issue with relays failing.
I had the exact same issue as the OP and took it in under warranty. They replaced a bad relay (or relays)

There is a relay (or two) in the under hood fuse box that controls the headlights. When you turn on the headlights, you'll hear a click from it (put your finger on and you'll feel it to)
If you hear/feel no click when the headlights are turned on, you need to replace it. Cheap replacement from Honda.

I would investigate the recall though first.
Print out the text I posted below and bring it into a dealership with your car.
Oh, and if they want you to pay for a "diagnostic fee" just decline that and tell them you should probably just call American Honda to have this issue resolved instead...watch them hop to it. ;)
You may actually want to call the number first and get the ok to bring it in. Ask them if the dealership will be charging you any money for an inspection. When they tell you no, then you have ammo at the dealership.

The formal recall on the headlight switch though is listed below:
Recall ID # 04V086000 - EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS - Hide Details
Recall Date: FEB 24, 2004
Component: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
Model Affected: CIVIC
Potential Units Affected: 440000

Recall Date:
FEB 24, 2004


Model Affected:
2002 HONDA CIVIC


Summary:
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE LOW-BEAM TERMINAL ON THE HEAD LIGHT WIRE HARNESS CAN OVERHEAT AND COULD CAUSE THE LOW BEAMS TO FAIL WITHOUT WARNING.


Consequence:
AN UNEXPECTED LOSS OF LOW BEAMS COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.


Remedy:
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE HEAD LIGHT SWITCH AND COUPLER FOR SIGNS OF HEAT DAMAGE. IF HEAT DAMAGE IS PRESENT, THE DEALER WILL REPLACE THE SWITCH AND COUPLER. IF NO HEAT DAMAGE IS PRESENT, THE DEALER WILL REPLACE THE HEAD LIGHT SWITCH AND ONE MATING PIN IN THE COUPLER. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON APRIL 5, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009.


Potential Units Affected:
440000


Notes:
AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO. P23

so they should fix it with no problem? although i am not under warranty?

[jimmyjames]

so they should fix it with no problem? although i am not under warranty?

If it is a result of the recall, they will fix it regardless of mileage. (Assuming you have not spliced anything into your factory wiring)
If it is not a result of the recall, they can still fix it (it will probably be the relay) but it will cost you). As I said though, find the right relay and replace it yourself and it is only a few bucks.
Follow up on the recall stuff first (today, now, go)

[danielakatoxic]

If it is a result of the recall, they will fix it regardless of mileage. (Assuming you have not spliced anything into your factory wiring)
If it is not a result of the recall, they can still fix it (it will probably be the relay) but it will cost you). As I said though, find the right relay and replace it yourself and it is only a few bucks.
Follow up on the recall stuff first (today, now, go)

now im confused. what will the relay do?

and i am about to call the 1800 stuff and i guess go from there.

[Chad]

There is a recall on the switch assembly but there is also an issue with relays failing.
I had the exact same issue as the OP and took it in under warranty. They replaced a bad relay (or relays)

There is a relay (or two) in the under hood fuse box that controls the headlights. When you turn on the headlights, you'll hear a click from it (put your finger on and you'll feel it to)
If you hear/feel no click when the headlights are turned on, you need to replace it. Cheap replacement from Honda.

That was going to be my next suggestion

Sometimes a failed relay will still "click," what happens is that a headlamp is a dead short for the first instant the fimament is cold, because the resistance (impedance) is so low at this moment the current at startup is very high, this is called inrush current, this can and will eventually eat away at the contacts of the relay and cause them to rough up and /or get enough contaminants such as carbon and oxidation on them to no longer conduct, although the mechanical side of the relay will still work. Worst case is that this carbon buildup will cause the connection resistance to go up and create heat which can literally melt the contactor arm right off

Now, my BIG question is... If the headlamp switch simply controls a relay or series of relays to switch the lighting on and off, how the hell were they managing to burn up the harness in the 02's on the CONTROL SIDE of the relay?

[jimmyjames]

now im confused. what will the relay do?

and i am about to call the 1800 stuff and i guess go from there.

Relay is an electronic switch. If it is bad, replacing it will fix your problem.
However, pursue the recall route first.

[danielakatoxic]

i called the 800 number and they said that my ep wasn't within the certain time frame the batch of cars that had that problem were made. so my ep wont be covered by the recall

[jimmyjames]

i called the 800 number and they said that my ep wasn't within the certain time frame the batch of cars that had that problem were made. so my ep wont be covered by the recall

Likely story. Anyway, they are most likely right.
Replace your headlamp relay (or relays if there are more than one, not sure right now)
You should be able to get them at Honda.
After that, they should work again.

[danielakatoxic]

i checked the relays, and they both "click" so it wont be them.

[jimmyjames]

i checked the relays, and they both "click" so it wont be them.

See post 19, try swapping relays with someone else to see if they work.

[illusionsoflife]

maybe you blew your low beams? i would go with fuses. you checked under the hood and steering colum?

[danielakatoxic]

i got tired of the run around honda was giving me and my dad new a guy, so i took it to him. bulbs are good, relays are good, fuses are good, and switch assembly was good. i had a bad connector. changed it out and now im fine.

thanks for all the help everyone.