1998-02 Honda Accord blown dash lights CHEAP fix

Connecting the "Illumination" wire on aftermarket stereos to the factory harness will blow up the multiplexer(an electronic device which "routes 20 circuits through 5 wires"). This is a workaround that you can use at your own risk.

[@jakeiscool525]

Literally explained exactly what happened to me and how to fix it lol. I put in a aftermarket radio, hooked up illumination and immediately realized what happened and unplugged it. I figured it was a fuse but checked and all fuses were good. I wired it like this today after weeks of using my phone to see the dash at night. It finally FINALLY works lol. Thanks you!

[@___cherry8456]

Awesome! After almost 10 years and multiple idk's my boyfriend fixed the issue in under 20 mins. Now I have lights again. I got good at guessing my mph at night but wont have to worry about that part now! Thank you for the video!

[@imanolmarinramirez4343]

Wait so just make a jumper that connects between the 2 cables ??

[@ArturoG805]

thank u very much I been trying to fix this for a very long time.i tried the paper clip n it didn't work...see your video n it work thank you very much

[@BrianLopez-gz8ux]

Lmao I was struggling with the fuse cover as well. Glad to see I’m not the only one. Especially somebody as competent as you.

[@MWard-cj3ko]

Great video, Tyler. I did the same thing you did. I plugged the hazard switch in and lost all illumination. Dash, radio ,and climate control. Sounds like I may need to change the muliplex.

[@spinj56]

This fix worked fine for me. I would suggest cutting both wires and using butt splices to hold the jumper wire and the original wires as well. two in one end and one in the other

[@brianpatton8999]

Hey Tyler, I've watched about a dozen of your qjet videos thank you.

[@CHOPSHOPUNDERGROUND]

GOOD FIX!! No dash lights drive me crazy!!

[@davidreyes9711]

Thank you so much I was struggling with this problem for days great video

[@jff251]

Before you do this tutorial on this Video, Do the following first: 1. Check the #10 fuse located on the passenger side under the dashboard, it is labeled as Small Lights or Plate light. It's the one that holds the lights for the Instruments Cluster, Front Parking Lights, Tail Lights Dashboards lights (AC, Temp Control) and Shifter Lights (for automatic cars). 2. Replace the Fuse with ONLY the same exact type of Fuse, Do not change or replace it with lower or higher type. 3. If everything else are okay but the Instrument cluster lights are still nit working, then you may go ahead and follow this video.

[@JasonTylerRicci]

Noticed today on my 98 Civic, the dash lights didn't come on. After a few moments however, they did and all seems normal. Have an aftermarket radio. Maybe my multiplex unit is failing. Better get it sorted before a total failure. Thanks for the video.

[@michealwheeler9066]

Do you have to make a jumper between the two wires??? I need to know

[@MoveMint.est85]

Simple knowledge that definitely will carry you along thank you

[@andytemmen3922]

What did very unusual and unexpected video for my problem. Thanks alot, I hope the "jumper" works

[@binjin2732]

Worked for me, thank you! What is that gray box behind the fuse called? Some day I may want to properly fix the problem.

[@cs2395]

i have an aftermarket radio in my 2005 honda accord like you said. but i was fixing something else an the harnes from the aftermarket harness tpuched and grounded out both of the radios. also there was a few fuses that blew, an i put all new fuses even the one that specifys radio. even my cigarette lighter doesn't work in the glove compartment or where the radio is idk what else to do. can you help an my dash lights an everything work its just my 2 radios that dont work at all.

[@bigwormwlos]

Thank you I did the same thing as well, plug in a 2001 clock with the Hazzard switch and there it went, thank you this video help me alot

[@deannajessicalevibayer2636]

You mean went out ...or you mean went on after you switched clocks and hazard part

[@12345678924154156]

Same shit happend to me

[@jose211dreamer]

Hi I have a Honda Civic 1994 my fuzes keep blowing up and my rear lights and break lights won't turn on any suggestions ?

[@TheGolden1Ron]

will this work for my 2002 honda civic ex? the wire harness looks different than mines.

[@tmanayala1]

did the ac/heater lights stop working?

[@ejud2001]

Fantastic! Thank you! Excellent video- covers it all and no wasted time. Second case was what happened in mine. Nice to know. Even my mechanic didn't. (And he's pretty darn good!)

[@TylersNeighborhoodGarage]

Thank you.

[@ejud2001]

@@TylersNeighborhoodGarage Update: Went right out and did it. Had a bit of trouble getting the instrument panel out- some sticky rubber thing under it, but got it out enough to get at and disconnect the specified connector, inspected it with a mag glass and instead of stripping wires and stuff, I just made a jumper wire between the two spots. (Insulated wire, trimmed at each end and doubled over and jammed in and it held good: then taped the rest of it to the bundle with elec tape.) Couldn't have done it without your vid! :)

[@busterclyde]

Does this work on 1998 Honda Odyssey?- I put in a new Radio-it sparked/ shorted out when I turned it on- I did hook up illumination wire- and now i have no tail lights or dash lights- checked all fuses.

[@Dan0rioN]

I was dumb enough to clip my stock radios wire harness out while the car had power for my new stereo.. now the stereo is installed and idk if i have this problem bc of the illumination wire too or what but even my p r n d3 d4 lights are no longer on... idk what to do =(

[@arseniomikefigueroajr.1603]

Your video is still helping people.. thanks now my lights work ..

[@coffee_64]

What is the function/name of the two wires you are jumping? I have a Civic that doesn't have the same colors.

[@robertfarber3583]

I have a Question,I have a 2000 Honda Odyssey mini van,I put a junkyard stereo in,1) My lights went out speedometer,tail lights,licence plate light is this same problem.Can I keep stero in I got from junk yard , Would I be better getting a Multi plexar at a yard? Thank you.

[@reggiecosens9700]

Were your tail lights also not working along with the other small lights that are on the #10 fuse in the passenger side fuse box?

[@shyleanmarmolejo899]

This shit works. Gotta love how man out smarts dealers.

[@alexdelaluz3738]

Would this fix tailights not working while lights are on? The running taillights

[@MrJusblaze270]

I have a 2002 Acura TL with this problem I don’t think it’s my cd cause I bought the clip that plugs direct to the harness wat else could I do need help

[@robertfarber3583]

I have a problem,I have a 2000 Honda Odyssey van,I have no speedometer light,no tail lights,no license plate light.What can it be,I did put another stero in from Odyssey at junkyard.

[@ericdaye2414]

I have a 1999 Honda like the one in this video. I bought it with A/C and the cooling fans not working. I have replaced fuses, relays, even the controller behind the dash. Nothing has fixed. So what I have done , is found a power source inside the fuse box, and jump wires between the A/C relay and the Cooling fan relays. Now the fans work and the A/C. But I have to remove the jumper, when I park the vehicle less the fans continue to run and kill the battery. Can you help me.

[@jasoncollins5271]

I used this method and after doing so my lights began to work again, but my subwoofer would not kick on?! Now I have no power to the amp. I have checked everything. Did I blow something else?

[@joshlandrau1129]

Worked for me thanks for the video...

[@samirlakhani7110]

Would anyone happen to know the applicable wire colors for an 01 Honda CRV? Same issue: new stereo and all dash lights went out..

[@robertellis6637]

worked perfectly. wish i knew about the flux capacitor thingy. Nice move Honda

[@TylersNeighborhoodGarage]

I'm glad. There cant be that many of these cars on the road anymore.

[@RobertoSantiagoRodriguez]

Tx so much, it did work for me for a few months then dash lights went out again. OEM radio was out back in before bypassing the wires. Is there a fuse that could have blown? Tx again

[@juliodish]

acccord 01 wen i turn on the light the back lights dont work and i trys everything idk wat elee to do some help

[@emmanuelarroyo3405]

After doing this will i have to disconnect the aftermarket stereo or can i still have it the way it is

[@robertfarber3583]

Tyler,should,I put old Stero back in?

[@brianpatton8999]

What color is the elimination wire?

[@joshjones9574]

Is it the illumination wire that's the problem, or is it the dimmer wire?

[@randyvelez6010]

Work like a charm!👍👍

[@BLUNTED247ordie]

I have this problem after putting in a aftermarket radio. My tail lights also went out . Brake lights work.. help!!

[@JoshuaBradshaw-gf1dk]

Does this issue also cause my tail lights not to work I lost my dash lights and tail lights all at the same time and it keeps blowing fuses the second I turn it on

[@matthewquinlivandds4563]

Hello. Thanks a mil for the video; although my radio did not have its orange wire connected, I had lost the dash lights. Jumping the wires as you showed fixed the problem. Just wondering: if I do decide to replace the multiplex controller, should I remove the jumper wire first? Also wondering if you know if the multiplex is involved with the power door locks not opening all the locks. Have a great one, and thanks again!

[@TylersNeighborhoodGarage]

Thank you. If you replace the multiplexer, put all the wiring back to stock first. Be SURE to undo whatever blew it in the first place. The multiplexer could also have something to do with the locks, yes.

[@matthewquinlivandds4563]

thank you very much

[@retahdude]

If anyone can help, if I do happen to replace the multiplex with correct model part (99 EX sedan) will my 00-02’ clock still be able to work?

[@brianpatton8999]

My dash lights and running lights are not working. Is it the same fix or.... Pls if you know and can let me know. Thank you

[@johnmohanmusic]

I have a 1999 Accord that came with an aftermarket radio. And the instrument lights do not work so I assume the stereo's dimmer wire was hooked up to the car's illumination wire and of course blew the multiplexer. Here's my question: If I do this workaround but don't pull the stereo out and disconnect the dimmer wire from the car's illumination wire first, will this workaround cause something else to blow the moment I turn the lights on? I don't have the tool necessary to pull the stereo and I'd really like to avoid the hassle of doing so.

[@ericsanchez7789]

Hey man I know you did this for years ago but I’m having the same problem right now I do not wanna disconnect my stereo did you ever do it and did something else ever blow up????

[@chenceywatt172]

work for me went i test it,but wen i make the connection it don't work what can i do?

[@dominiquerandolph9160]

Thank you this save me a lot of money

[@andytemmen3922]

IT WORKED!! THANKS MAN!!

[@VikitorSabino31]

Hello, please help me I did this procedure but it didn't work, my panel is only turning on the rev counter light ...

[@FlemingPhotography]

Is there a particular type of wire you should use to connect the two wires?

[@TylersNeighborhoodGarage]

Nope, just use regular electrical wire like you can get at a parts store. Don't use something like speaker wire.

[@dwaynekm1]

Does this work for a 2000 honda civic ek coupe

[@fabianalvara4592]

How do u fix one for a 2000 s10

[@JairRaid]

Should I unplug the batery before start ? thanks !

[@esva835]

Hello. I had this happen to me last week. What gauge wire did you use to make the jumper?

[@TylersNeighborhoodGarage]

14 gauge I believe.

[@Amir_26886]

Great Video, Thanks Alot

[@jotun.616]

What if its not an aftermarket, and the instrument panel isnt out, just the console

[@nicolasmuro2477]

How long till the fuse goes out though?

[@artbyfelon]

Would this wrk on a an odyssey 04?

[@hermosilla2265]

I did this a couple months ago to my 01 accord and it worked for a month or two, and then went out again. Any fixes?

[@TylersNeighborhoodGarage]

Nope. This is the workaround. Check the simple stuff first like the bulbs, work your way back from there with a multi-meter until you find where power stops.

[@dawg1982]

Had this happen. The fuse is on the passenger side. 2nd 10 amp fuse down on the right side.

[@jotun.616]

Nope

[@cbc5593]

Under the hood or inside the car ?

[@gositdown.3800]

M

[@wernerc.432]

This BS did not work in my 98 Accord. Blew the 10 amp fuse on the right door well as well. Any ideas anyone?

[@wernerc.432]

@@cbc5593 In the car, over by the passenger door

[@537R4HC]

while your dashboard lights is not working? your tail lights working? or they are off with your dashboard lights?

[@txdominoe]

yes...tail lights are off too..so now what?

[@jaredisaacs2288]

are there any problems caused by this cause I'm going to do it but would like to know if there is anything that may happen

[@TylersNeighborhoodGarage]

+Jared Isaacs I can't guarantee nothing will happen but if you follow the instructions you should be fine. If you think about it the worst has already happened.

[@fifadon7949]

I have the same problem. I put in an 02 clock and my lights went out. I switched it back to the regular 98 clock and still nothing, what I realized tho was that when I tried back the 02 clock the lights do work when I play with the hazard switch, so idk I'm confused. 🤷🏽‍♂️

[@kaylasimonton4753]

Wrejan Wellington did you figure out?

[@sammysosa407]

Same happened to mine

[@deannajessicalevibayer2636]

My turn signals work but my hazard light does not when I turn on my hazard when I push it on my turn signals go off so how can I fix that I've been looking for everything myself when I can't find an answer

[@alifazal9863]

Thank for the Video. Could you please show me how to replace Headlight Switch on 2007 Hyundai Sonata or if any one know. Thanks

[@VikitorSabino31]

I have this problem, and I made the jumper but it doesn't work, without the jumper the light is weak

[@JBoo-dr6gd]

This fix worked for me, thanks! However, eventually I would like to have that multiplexer part replaced. Do you happen to know the correct name for the part that is said to have blown? I've been trying to search "2001 honda accord multiplexer" or "2001 honda accord multiplex control unit" and I'm not getting really helpful things. I'm assuming there is either a formal name I don't know of, or this can only be bought new at the dealership. Any info would help.

[@TylersNeighborhoodGarage]

Here you go, should be the correct part number or at least can give you the correct name. "system unit, multiplex control, driver side. Illustration 011 on this list. It's on the back of the fuse box under the dash. www.hondaautomotiveparts.com/auto/jsp/mws/prddisplay.jsp?inputstate=5&catcgry1=ACCORD&catcgry2=1998&catcgry3=4DR+LX&catcgry4=KA4AT&catcgry5=CONTROL+UNIT+%28CABIN%29 If you take it to have it replaced make sure you undo this workaround first, and also disconnect ANY illumination wires if you have an aftermarket stereo installed.

[@JBoo-dr6gd]

Awesome! Thank you VERY much. How were you able to determine this was the culprit? Usually when something gets grounded by accident it would blow a fuse or something and so that's what my dad had me check. He's an old school mechanic and isn't familiar with this system unit multiplex control so he is hesitant to believe me.

[@TylersNeighborhoodGarage]

Judy Lantaca I wasn't sure either at first, but the multiplexer is essentially a control board that routes power for different things through the same wires in order to reduce the amount of wiring needed. Think of it as the same theory as a telephone switchboard. What happens is one of the electronic components gets damaged when a circuit is grounded accidently or has power where it shouldn't. Foreign car power systems are somewhat different than American.

[@darkershadez876]

mbcu

[@wolfwolf1207]

Was your tail lights and running lights not working when you had this problem

[@BraveHeart2-16]

I just put an aftermarket stereo in with the illumination wire hooked up & now my dash & my tail lights are out..changing the fuse helps.. you can either Google it or check out your manual.

[@mjmcomputers]

Nice fix

[@somkhithboutarath383]

It happened same thing for me. My is 1999 got hazard switch from junk yard from 2001 accord. Lucky I found a fuse box from junk yard from 1999 accord and the blue box still in it cost $20. I replaced the whole thing and the lights went back to normal again.

[@jessicaeve5836]

What about 96 accord The colors do not match on the 96 accord I tried the paperclip in the same spots and it did not work

[@dajanacorona514]

Lmfao when u find ur friend trying to also fix her car xD

[@Jay-pu6cu]

didn't know about this happening I have my aftermarket stereo dim lights hooked on and everything still works fine

[@w.s.soapcompany94]

Is yours an ex or lx

[@pablodennisio2812]

Me too, added aftermarket, all is good on a 1995 accord ex

[@MrKat763]

same shit happened to me. bought a use clock and the idiot get Ave the wrong one (year). I plugged it in N all dash panel lights came on car would crank but not turn over. I removed it N plugged the old one back in.. I noticed my dash lights N heat was not on. Thanks for this video. I'm going to the junkyard tomorrow

[@TylersNeighborhoodGarage]

You're welcome. Maybe I need to make a video about that clock situation...

[@MrKat763]

+WhoSaidTyler I picked up a multiplexer from a near by neighbor who buys use cars N resale for people parts. evey things working fine now. it was a good sweat to replace. takes about an hour to do if you are mechanically incline

[@thatguybeeba4873]

Yep same exact thing happened to me last week also. Plugged a clock from an 02 in my 00, press the hazard button then my light went out. Now back to the junk yard to either find on of this boxes... I dont think i want a temporary cheap quick fix. Who knows what else might go wrong. But the video did have some great information thou.

[@reyesjose214]

i have a honda accord 2000 and my turn and tail and dash lights are not on ? wat can it be

[@hectorramos5630]

TexasMade TexasRaised what is the problem

[@jamesstatzer5448]

I mae this fix on my wife's car I think the problem started when I changed out the emergency flasher switch. Once I put the jumper in the dash lights came back on but I was afraid to hook the flasher switch back up. Well, doing this caused the signal lights not to work. My question is that once I put the jumper in do I have to do anything to the flasher switch or can I just plug it back in,.

[@TylersNeighborhoodGarage]

James Statzer Make sure it's the CORRECT flasher switch. That's what blew mine out. The later version plugs in but it WILL blow the lights, and I doubt it's a good idea to use it even if the lights already blew. If in doubt call the Honda parts dept and have them supply you with the correct part number.

[@spinj56]

WhoSaidTyler Yo whats up. Same thing happened to my 98 accord. I got a boneyard whole trim piece with ac heater control as well as the flasher button and clock all nice in the whole bezel. It all plugged in nice but as soon as i hit the flasher it blew out the dash lights.. it was from 2001 i believe, NOT Interchangeable with a 98. So now im gonna do the jumper thing rather than rip out the dash...

[@redman7540]

WORKS GREAT THANKS

[@Ottonic6]

It's when they hook the Illumination wire from the head unit to the Illumination dimmer of the car... Hook the Illumination wire to Illumination wire, not the dimmer wire on the car. there is the two on the car and only the one from the head unit. The head unit senses when the lights are turned on and does the dimming within. It's usually Orange to orange.

[@laquavian]

Dano C. Hey bro is it the same way for a 1995 Acura integra?

[@nbax4family723]

My head light do not work the person who I got the car from rent in line with the switch a regular switch and it gets hot and you wrap it around with duct tape rewrapped with electrical tape

[@eearth67]

On a 1994 Accord LX, you have to jump the black wire (left most, in slot1) with the red wire (three slots over in slot4). I figured this out by taking out the dimmer switch and seeing three wires... black, red, and red/black. BTW, the dimmer switch does not have to be connected nor the other two green connectors to the instrument cluster. Only the left most green connector (w/ the black and red wires going into it) needs to be connected into the instrument cluster to test all this.

[@jessicaeve5836]

CRX OWNER So you seen the colors on the dimmer switch and went back to your dashboard and found those colors and did the paperclip trick

[@other3224]

if my car stereo has lights/color features, should i not do this? will that blow the multiplexer?

[@TylersNeighborhoodGarage]

YES. Do NOT connect the "Illumination" or "dimmer" wires from the stereo to the car under any circumstances. Tape the factory illumination wire from the Honda harness up and away.

[@other3224]

I have a 2001 Accord EX. Should I buy a replacement computer or will that just short as well?

[@TylersNeighborhoodGarage]

Kiss 1o8 So you have ALREADY blown it out? The replacement won't blow unless you connect the wires, again, that you shouldn't.

[@jcipolla2616]

so I was having that problem too. I had installed an aftermarket radio in the car and after my dashlights and tail lights don't work. brake lights work tho. I just tried doing this bypass wire thing you showed and it didn't work at all. now my car won't even turn on. the headlights work, the inside lights work, car turns on then turns off after thirty seconds or so. I checked all wiring nothing is crossed non of the fusses blew either. what's going on?

[@txdominoe]

same here

[@clininger]

Will this also fix the taillights? I installed an aftermarket radio which caused my dash and taillights to stop working.

[@TylersNeighborhoodGarage]

Dunno about the taillights but it gets the dash lights going again provided you DISCONNECT the illumination wire from the new stereo. Those cars use more than one "multiplexer", so if you can't find a bad fuse for the taillights, you may have to break down and replace the multiplexer that runs the taillights. Multiplexer= computer board that controls various electrical functions.

[@clininger]

Bugger. I had a guy at best buy install my stereo because I didn't have the time and he connected the illumination wire. I've disconnected it since and tried to fix the issue but it appears the fuses and wires are fine. It's just the multiplexer unit. Thanks.

[@reggiecosens9700]

@@clininger So you replaced the multiplexer beside the fuse panel on the drivers side? And did it fix the dash light and the tail lights? Im having the same issue. I've checked everything simple it could be like fuses, bulbs, ground wires and everything else.

[@infinitig3549]

do you know how to do it in a honda civic 01 cause I'm having the same problem

[@TylersNeighborhoodGarage]

+Guayo Guzman No I don't, sorry.

[@infinitig3549]

+WhoSaidTyler ok thanks

[@robertfarber3583]

I have a 2000 Honda Odyssey and I put a Honda stereo in from junkyard,but now I have no speedometer light but miles light up,no night Tail lights,no license plate light,Do you think this is what,I did ? We checked fuse all work but tail light.I got code for stereo from Honda

[@robertfarber3583]

Thank you for your advice???

[@TylersNeighborhoodGarage]

Probably another blown multiplexer. I have discovered that Honda changed wiring between different years of the same models and between DIFFERENT models so much that I don't dare change something unless I am sure it will work. You can get another multiplexer from a junkyard van, they don't usually get blown up from radio swaps like the Accords do.

[@robertfarber3583]

You think this is it,Tyler Multi plexar?

[@jessemaize5132]

If that doesn't work, check the small light, fuse #10. That worked for me.

[@ghettoblaster36]

+Jesse Maize same for me. Although i don't remember the fuse number, its the fuse panel on the driver's side.

[@Gavyn307]

Jesse Maize fuse #10 keeps blowing any help??

[@aaronbacker639]

I would love to know as well

[@alexdelaluz3738]

@@Gavyn307 same did u figure out solution

[@spiritlove3351]

Thank you and love your accent ☺️

[@TylersNeighborhoodGarage]

You’re welcome 😊

[@sirenfan97]

Can a blown multiplex cause taillights not to work?

[@robertfarber3583]

sirenfan97 I put a junkyard stereo in thinking I could.but no no speedometer light,no tail lights,no license plate light,could this be Multi plexar unit.TY

[@reggiecosens9700]

@@robertfarber3583 Im having the same issue. Did you replace the multiplexer in the drivers side fuse panel and if so did it fix everything?

[@user-sp9ld2mr7u]

Thank you.

[@joweswizz3573]

anyone one know which wires to jump on a 2002 accord ex coupe?

[@dexterrea4040]

I have a 1992 Honda civic and the dash /climate control lights don't work. The set up is different from this video.

[@guillermojimenez310]

Thank u

[@lbizzelstreetheat6926]

I have no tale lights but I have brake lights and all fuses is good could someone help me

[@abbygee244]

+StreetHeat L-Bizzel L-bizzel I just fixed this problem on my eclipse yesterday. all you have to do is replace the fuse that's under your hood. should just be a 10 amp.

[@jeffreymacasaet4622]

Thanks bro! it fixed my 2000 accord dash lights

[@jevoypalaboy8590]

jeffrey macasaet bro can i do this on 99 honda crv coz i install sony deck on it now my cluster dosent have lights

[@hectorcastaneda5807]

Awesome

[@fakeaccount4092]

Thanks guy!!!!

[@aaronbacker639]

Hello Everyone who is having this issue, and I would like to say that if you have a wire harness adapter for an aftermarket stereo just rip out that orange dimmer wire. Honestly the dimmer switch components do not “agree” with most harness adapters and stereo units. They WILL AT SOME POINT cause this issue or something similar with INCONSISTANT RADIO INTERFERENCE with the lights on. These cars do not use a relay like the oddessy van and will consistently blow fuses because of poorly made connections. I have seen this issue 3 times and to save yourself the trouble, buy any “6th generation Honda specific” harness, and before installation just remove the dimmer switch wire. Do not buy any harness that clams to be usable in any other car.