Accord Electrical problem

Discussion in 'Accord' started by Dick G, Dec 17, 2006.

  1. Dick G

    Dick G Guest

    I have the strangest headlight problem with my '03 Accord. The
    headlights will fade in intensity, off and on very erratically. It will
    not happen during idling, nor is it connected to speed, road
    conditions, the climate control system, rear defog, etc.
    The only time I noticed that it did not happen was during a recent deep
    dip in temperature.

    Any thoughts??
     
    Dick G, Dec 17, 2006
    #1
  2. Dick G

    nm5k Guest

    Sounds like something is resistive and heating up and making a bad
    connection. Are you running any kind of high intensity lights that draw
    more current than stock?
    If both do this, then it's most likely not a problem with a bulb
    connection
    itself. More likely a relay problem, or something along those lines.
    I'd pull the headlight relay and make sure the connectors are ok and
    making good contact. Also make sure all the vehicle ground straps
    in that area are ok and tight. If it still does it, I'd measure the
    voltage
    before and after the relay. Also flaked out circuit breakers can do
    this
    if they have been abused with high current bulbs. The more resistive
    the relay or breaker, the hotter it runs. The hotter it runs, the more
    damage to the device to the point they can have a meltdown.
    BTW, after it does this, feel if the headlight relay or breaker is
    real hot.
    Maybe it's just bad plug connections.. Pulling it and replacing will
    clean
    the "pins" to an extent. You could also add some de-oxit, or whatever
    to clean them up. If it's the relay contacts, you'll probably need a
    new relay.
    I don't know if you can take them apart to clean or whatever.. Might be

    sealed..
    MK
     
    nm5k, Dec 18, 2006
    #2
  3. Dick G

    John Horner Guest


    There is a Honda TSB for this. The dealer just fixed our '03 Accord for
    this problem and Honda covered the cost 100% even though we were well
    past the warranty period. The cause was some kind of electrical system
    monitoring device failure. They replaced the entire under-hood fuse box
    assembly.
     
    John Horner, Dec 19, 2006
    #3
  4. Dick G

    motsco_ Guest

    ==================================

    It sounds like you're referring to the ELD . . . Electronic Load
    Detector. Google will find lots of hits for it.

    'Curly'
     
    motsco_, Dec 19, 2006
    #4
  5. Dick G

    Dick G Guest

    Great help guys. Now when I call the dealer, do I refer to a cetain TSB
    number?
     
    Dick G, Dec 20, 2006
    #5
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