honda crv headlamp switch replacement?

[JJ-]

Greetings,

I'm wondering if any of you have had luck replacing the headlight switch on a vehicle? It's a rotary switch attached to the blinker, which is in turn attached the steering column. It's a bit finicky as the running lights occasionally turn on when the lights are switched to off, but a tap to the blinker will turn them back off. It sounds like a failing switch which will likely need to be replaced, but I haven't gotten to get to any quotes yet.

Does anybody have any tips or experience on this?

[Greg]

In my limited experience (car guy of 30 years but mostly older VW and Italian vehicles) the switch you describe could be the entire arm and switches inside, behind the steering wheel.  I'd look at a factory manual (or Youtube) for examples to see if I'm right.

Once I repaired a Subaru stalk switch but I don't know if it lasted.

[enigmaT120]

I replaced one of those on my 89 CRX and while I don't remember the details it was easy.  I did have a factory manual.

[kendallf]

Usually they'll sell you the whole stalk with all switches, which may or may not be worth the price to you.  I've done a few ranging from ridiculously hard (disassemble entire steering column) to fairly easy.  Something like pull a bolt, disconnect wiring harness at base of column, feed pull wire for new harness through as you're pulling old wiring harness out, snake new wiring harness through column and bolt new stalk in place.

Check the manual and/or Youtube before you commit.

[JJ-]

Thanks for the tips. I'm aware it could be the entire stalk. I'll look into the youtube videos and stalk and switch prices, go from there. I'm thinking I will have to take the steering column apart, but I'm hoping I won't.

[cartechguy]

Give me a bit of time and I will get some info for you.

What year is the vehicle?

[JJ-]

Give me a bit of time and I will get some info for you.

What year is the vehicle?

Thanks cartechguy. It's a 2011.

[cartechguy]

This one isn't easy and I think you may have to REMOVE the air bag on this one OUCH! Do you have a trusted mechanic that can make sure that is the problem?  There are NO TSB or RECALLS on this one.  How many miles are on the car?  There is a chance since the car may not be far out of warranty Honda may good will the repair if you call and talk to a ZONE MANAGER!! Call the 800 number NOT THE LOCAL DEALER!! Tell them your not happy with this as the car isn't that old. 

Let me know what happens or if you need more help!

[enigmaT120]

Ouch, I wasn't thinking about an air bag.  My CRX didn't have one.

[schimt]

Rock auto has the stalk for a 2011 for $18.80. If you end up getting the work done by a mechanic, it might be cheaper if you bring the part... i can see them tell someone that the switch cost closer to $100.

[JJ-]

This one isn't easy and I think you may have to REMOVE the air bag on this one OUCH! Do you have a trusted mechanic that can make sure that is the problem?  There are NO TSB or RECALLS on this one.  How many miles are on the car?  There is a chance since the car may not be far out of warranty Honda may good will the repair if you call and talk to a ZONE MANAGER!! Call the 800 number NOT THE LOCAL DEALER!! Tell them your not happy with this as the car isn't that old. 

Let me know what happens or if you need more help!

I have a trusted mechanic that can verify the problem. I think it only has about 35,000 miles on it. Thanks for the tips.

[cartechguy]

Remember that the warranty starts when you PURCHASE the car NOT when the car was produced according to the label on the door.  Yah you need to get that fixed for FREE!!  Please, call HONDA and bitch that shouldn't happen on that car so, soon.  Let me know what happens.

I will be VERY surprised if that's NOT FIXED under warranty.

[ChrisLansing]

This is a common problem on the CR-V.    I thought they had fixed it by now but apparently they are following the GM principle - just keep using the faulty switch year after year.   I think there is a recall on it so you should be able to get it fixed free.