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2001 Honda Accord

Question: Dashboard lights and tail lights don't work

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maritzad7427, 3.0L V6, Cleveland, OH, March 08, 2010, 11:37
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My dashboard lights won't turn on, however the turn signal lights, the 'park, reverse, drive,ect.' lights work, and also my tail lights don't work. I replaced all the fuses, I checked the light bulbs for the tail lights, they work when I brake. I'm not sure what this could be...

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    hellouser March 21, 2010, 20:59
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    I'm having the *exact* same problem. Originally I was having some issues with my car stereo. I bought it used but the CD player in it was not working, so I had a friend install an Alpine CDA-117 for me. It worked fine, but after a few days I noticed it started to shut off and turn back on whenever I turned on the A/C, pressed on the brakes, etc. I had the cables rewired and grounded to a second spot. This fixed it, but anytime I turned on the A/C the lights dimmed on my dashboard. I got frustrated with the problem so I took the car in for a load test and everything turned out fine although the battery was a little weak and got a new one. That same day, I noticed the problem youre having. Had to drive 60 miles without my dashboard or the rear lights on.

    Did you by any chance figure out what the problem could be? I've heard that the Dash lights, Taillights, Parking lights are all on the same fuse (19--10 A, under the hood) and could have been blown. Was that it?

    Thanks!!

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    Visitor, September 03, 2010, 10:11

    2000 Nissan Maxima with the same problem. It is the fuse under the hood. a 10A. However on my car it blows immediately when I replace it. Have a short somewhere. Haven't found it yet. If anyone finds the answer please respond.

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    Visitor, November 06, 2010, 18:21

    My 1994 nissan pickup has a similar problem with the same curcuit. It will go through periods where I will blow the fuse every few hours, then another period where it will be fine for months. I can't figure out why the load gets this high and why it happens so intermittant. I have noticed it happens with a bumpy road too, but haven't noticed any chaffed wires. But, the wire harness gets buried in the frame and can't be easily inspected.

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  • Answer #2

    Visitor, November 08, 2010, 17:05

    The solution, at least for Hondas within the 6th generation is a Multiplexer Control Unit and the ORANGE cable being connected to an aftermarket audi head unit. The orange cables actually turn the stereo on when the lights turn on. This causes things to screw up and the MCU fries. I had to get the MCU replaced, and the orange cable snipped. Once that was done, I've had no problems since.

    MCU costs about $75-150 and probably another $50-100 for it to be installed. I'd look at a junkyard to find an old MCU and slap it in.

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