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Honda Pilot

Report: Overheated Wire Harness May Cause Low Beams to Fail

Honda Pilot Problem
12 Reports

Model Years Affected: 2003, 2004, 2005

Average Mileage: 118,533 mi (50,000 mi - 200,000 mi)

Verified

An overheated wire in the head light harness can cause the low beams not to work. Replacing combination light/turn signal switch switch, the wire for the low beams, and the combination switch connector (if damaged) should repair this issue.

  • Report #1
    Visitor, 2003 Honda Pilot, 115,000 mi

    replaced 10 sets of low beam bulbs Dealer says no electrical problem

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  • Report #2
    Visitor, 2003 Honda Pilot
  • Report #3
    Visitor, 2003 Honda Pilot, 155,000 mi

    high beams only. low beams went out simaltaneously

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  • Report #4
    Visitor, 2003 Honda Pilot, 140,000 mi

    both high beams are out. replaced bulbs and they are ok. replaced relay. now changing out the dimmer switch... although I doubt that's going to work as the other lights surrounding the low beams come on. :[

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  • Report #5
    dillonmw, 2003 Honda Pilot, 200,000 mi
    Profile_thumbnail
     Rookie

    high beams work, low beams do not. No solution yet.

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  • Report #6
    Visitor, 2004 Honda Pilot, 50,000 mi

    no low beams or fog lights. high beams work. checked all fuses and relays they are all okay. will replace the dimmer switch on the steering colum tomorrow.

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  • Report #7
    Visitor, 2003 Honda Pilot, 120,000 mi

    had smoke from steering column, removed cover and found burning wire to light switch connector, low beams went out but high beams work, gonna research this

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  • Report #8
    Visitor, 2005 Honda Pilot, 128,000 mi

    While driving early morning hours on interstate with low beam headlights on for @2hours I detected smoke coming through steering column. After identifying that only system in use on steering column was headlights I switched them off and smoke subsided. I never confirmed whether lights were still on. It was sunrise so I couldn't tell at time of incident. I immediately cancelled trip and headed back to home town Honda dealer. I described problem and they checked and confirmed that the headlight dimmer switch shorted out and started melting wiring harness. Issue is being corrected but will cost @ $600 without main wiring harness replacement. Technician stated he can repair main wiring harness without replacing it. I am concerned with safety and reliability of car in future. I had planned to let my 16 yr old daughter drive for school vehicle but now will trade off.

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  • Report #9
    Visitor, 2004 Honda Pilot, 103,800 mi

    Both low beams went out simutaneously on my Pilot. Replacement bulbs didn't help and fuse is just fine. Ninety dollars later Honda service reports the headlight harness is burnt. To replace the whole harness will cost $988, or a used one for $442, or I could get one myself from the bone-yard and have them install it for $137. According to the internet this has been an ongoing problem with Honda...Time for me to switch from Honda's to something else!

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  • Report #10
    Visitor, 2005 Honda Pilot, 55,000 mi
  • Report #11
    Visitor, 2004 Honda Pilot

    Low beams went out when driving, High beams still work.

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