No brake lights

[Ace2cool]

Hi, I've recently come into a 92 Integra ls, and there's a couple of issues with it... Mainly, it won't start, but I think I should be able to figure that one out on my own mechanical skills. The main thing that I can't figure out is that the brake lights (running, brake, flashers, reverse) don't work. Bulbs have been replaced, relays checked, P.O. even replaced the housings to try and fix it lol. Now my question is... on my 300ZX, there is a taillight voltage regulator in the hatch under the interior paneling that both supplies voltage to the taillights and supplies information to the dash indicators when a bulb is operating on a changed/open voltage reading. Is there anything of the sort on these cars that might be burned out/ shorted, causing the taillights to not function? If not, where else would be a good place to look? Thanks in advance, guys.

 

[mirrorimg]

You said bulbs and relays. Did you check fuses?

If you have a volt/ohm meter, it would be time to break it out and look for where the power stops/starts.

 

[Ace2cool]

Lol, yes fuses were included in my scouring of the car, but sadly, I don't have a multimeter readily at my disposal, though I've been meaning to pick one up. So I'm guessing this car doesn't have a voltage regulator for the taillights? My Z is the only car I've really ever seen to have one... I'm just hoping it's not a wiring issue in a really hard to reach place.

 

[mirrorimg]

I believe a relay controls when the brakes are depressed to send more power to the tail lights. If it were to fail then that may cause the issue. Let me see if I can locate the relay/diagram for you. I still highly suggest you download the Honda PDF. It is always helpful to have on hand.

Edit: There is a wiring diagram for the brake light wiring on page 23-181 of the honda manual. (hondahookup.com)

Battery goes to the fusebox for the brake lights @ No.42 (20Amp). It then extends to the horn/interlock system and a brake switch above the brake pedal. I would check this. You really need to get a volt/ohmmeter to check for continuity and voltage. Its one of those must haves for diagnosing electrical issues. And they are only 15 bucks at home-depot, unless you fell the need to get the $100 ones. (which I was tempted to )

I would copy/paste the info out of the manual, but PDF does not enable for that, and I dont plan on recreating the wheel by typing the entire thing out

In short, check the brake switch on the brake pedal, and check the ground after the tail lights. Those are the only two things I think could be the issue.

oops. I completely overlooked the fact that its a second gen. The fusebox number would not be applicable then. The brake switch and the ground at the end of the wiring would still be my guesses though.

 

[Ace2cool]

Hey, thanks a lot! I've been a Nissan guy for awhile, so I'm not exactly proficient in Honda/Acura, lol. Very helpful info. I'll check on it some more and get back to you. Thanks again!

 

[Ace2cool]

Good news! i found a grounded wire in the tail light assembly! Seems like everything works now... What a relief Now just to get her started... pretty sure it's just a dead battery.

 

[guiltyxxspark]

Good to hear. If it doesn't start just use this thread for the next topic. We'll help.

 

[Ace2cool]

Yeah... so it didn't start... I checked all the fuses, sprayed starting fluid into the TB, when that didn't help, I checked to see if the fuel pump was priming when the key is turned, and nothing. Also pulled a spark plug in the coil to check for spark, also nothing.
Checked the distributor to see if it was turning, and it was. Spark plug wires look fine. Spark plugs look fine. It's been about 2 months since this car was last started, so I knew there were going to be a few issues. But my questions are... Is there a fuel pump relay on this car, and if so, where is it located? And Also, if the distibutor is turning, it should be getting spark, correct?

Any help is appreciated.

 

[mirrorimg]

The contacts in the dizzy could be bad, I suggest changing the cap and rotor.

We have a main relay
http://www.tegger.com/hondafaq/mainrelay.html

 

[94dc4]

Might definitely be a main relay, but have you checked the ground wires? There's 3 under the hood, but the two crucial ones are on top of the transmission, and more importantly, on top of the thermostat housing. That one is the ground for the ECU I think.

 

[Ace2cool]

I'll have to check the ground points, but I think that more importantly, they sent me the wrong relay. They sent me a 4 prong relay that seems like it fits up in the interior fuse panel, cause that's the only relay that looks the same. I think the main relay, as shown in the guide that mirrorimg posted, is the giant brown plug. If anyone has a part number for it, that would be awesome.

 

[94dc4]

I think they're different for each car. When I replaced it in my DC4 (didn't really have to :x) it definitely didn't look like that one.

 

[vgees92gsr]

so 94dc4 wanna buy my 92 gsr its atec green yum yum yum and stupid nice with some b17 swagger
btw did ya figure problem my 92 does the same shit

 

[vgees92gsr]

atec=aztec

 

[bfatdaintegra]

did u look to se if theres even an ecu in the car,ive seen that happen before where it dont start and people change shit and then they dont look to see if theres an ecu,u never know when you buy a non running car from somone they could take there ecu out and not mention it