Strange electrical problem that my mechanic can't fix
What is your question?
I have a 2003 Honda Elemt with an electrical glitch. At random times, the dashboard lights and gauges will fritz out. None of the gauges work, there in no illumination, except the brake light stays on even though the parking break is not engaged. Then, When I turn the engine off, the dashboard flashes and clicks rapidly, with various indictor lights flashing on and off. I have to restart the engine then turn it off and quickly remove the key to get it to stop flashing. But it happens at unpredictable intervals and three differnt times my mechanic has been unable to triggger the problem so can't diagnose.Recently I discovered that if I whack the top of the dash, the problem will correct, so I keep a mallet in the car. But it comes back sooner or later. Any ideas what might be the peoblem/fix?
What makes this problem better or worse?
Hitting dash with a mallet corrects the problem temporarily
How long has your 2003 Honda Element had this problem?
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Can remove steering column cover so switch wiring connector can be manipulated to see if problem responds.
However problem will have to be present at the time of course.
Wiggling / giggling key to see if problem disappears is viable test.
Giggling is not enough. Takes a good whack. Use to be a whack with my fist was all it took. But that is not enough now. It takes a mallet.
You’re also jarring the ignition ‘electrical’ switch when you do that! Good luck!
Faulty ignition switch is my best, admittedly ignorant, guess
LOL ...
Can remove steering column cover so switch wiring connector can be manipulated to see if problem responds. However problem will have to be present at the time of course.