92 Accord-no dash lights, light switch issue

[bluestraw44]

On my 1992 Honda Accord EX 4 door, with the car running, I turn the headlight switch to the first position and I have no dash lights or the usual exterior lights (parking lights). Turn the headlight switch to the second position and still no lights mentioned above, but the headlights work and the highbeams work.

Any suggestions? (No, it's not the dimmer switch turned down).

Thanks!
Fred

[mpumas]

If the glove box, vanity mirror and license plates also do not light, check fuse no. 23 (15A). If the fuse is good, you probably have problems with the lighting switch on the steering column.

[bluestraw44]

I checked the fuse box under the dash and under the hood. I didn't find a fuse numbered 23, but I found a couple of fuses under the hood that are for "small light" and "interior light" - both 15 amp, and they both looked ok.

Are these the right ones? Any other advice?

Thanks!

[mpumas]

Tell me what the label was for each of these 15A fuses. And what else doesn't work as noted in my last post.

[bluestraw44]

Sorry for the delay.

The labels on the engine compartment fuse cover is exactly what I typed in quotes in the last message.

There are no license plates lights, no glove box light and no vanity mirror light.

Here is what works: Headlights and high beams, turn signals, brake lights and back-up (reverse) lights.

Nothing turns on with the main light switch in the first position. The only thing that turns on with the main headlight switch in the second position are the headlights.

I also noticed that the warning chime that goes off when you accidentally leave the lights on also does not work.

It seems to me the main light switch, but I wanted to make sure before buying a new one.

Thanks for all of your help and any advice.

[bluestraw44]

I took the main light switch all apart. It seemed gunked up, so I cleaned all of the contacts and was sure it would work, but no luck. Then I began to search for fuse number 23 - which as far as I can tell, if removed, should prevent any lights from working. I pulled every 15 amp fuse (one at a time)from both interior and engine compartment fuse box locations, and not a single one prevented the headlights from working.

Is my theory correct - that fuse #23 should prevent any lights from working and if so, where do I find this fuse?

I'm not convinced this is a light switch problem.

And I'm still puzzled by the fact that the warning chime when you leave the lights on doesn't work.

By the way, the hazard lights work - which lights up all of the bulbs that are supposed to light when the light switch is turned to the first position.

Help!

[mpumas]

I checked my 1990 Accord EX which should have the same wiring as your car and the fuse is labeled small lights in the underhood fuse box. Although the book says it is a 15A fuse, ,mine is a 20A. From the fuse on the load side is a red/grn wire which goes to the steering column light switch. After the switch, the wire is red/blk which goes to all the lights you are having problems with. If the fuse is good, short those two wires together and see if the lights come on. If they do, the problem is with the switch or the connector which connects the switch to the main harness.

[mpumas]

Headlight fuses are also located in the underhood fuse box and are 20A, one for the left headlight and one for the right headlight. It is separate from the light circuit you are having problems with except that both are fed from the 80A main fuse.

[bluestraw44]

Thanks for the detailed advice on the wires - I unplugged the light switch, joined the two wires together and the warning chime immediately started to work as well as all of the lights! I replaced the light switch for $30 and all is well.

I very much appreciate your advice - it would not have been solved with confidence - more like trial and error!

[STEELET MIKE]

What about when u short out the wire and the lights dont come on?

[STEELET MIKE]

Have a 90 accord with the same problem,my cluster lights dont come on,but everything else does.

[STEELET MIKE]

Someone out there any other suggestions?