This guide explains how to fix your tail lights and gauge lights on your Honda Civic in the event that they have somehow stopped working – usually as a result of a short during the installation of a new stereo head unit. This was done on a 2001 Civic, it will likely work the same on all 2001 to 2005 civics and probably be very similar on older a newer models as well. All instructions are taken at your own risk, be careful – you might want to disconnect the battery while replacing fuses. That said, the is an extremely easy fix that anyone can do themselves, we do not advise you to take your car in for service – that would be a complete waste of money.
It is likely that you are experiencing all of the following problems:
- Gauge lights behind speedometer and other gauges not working
- Tail lights not working
- Main ceiling light does not come on when you open the doors (even in ‘door’ mode)
- Car does not beep when you leave the headlights on and remove the key
- Car does not beep when you leave the key in and open the driver door
- Power locks to not work unless the ignition is turned
- No constant power to the stereo head unit – the stereo will not store its presets and will not remember the time
The Solution
This problem is very easy to fix – You simply have to replace two fuses in the fuse box under the hood, both of which can be replaced with spare fuses already in your car (so no need to buy anything new.)
The 2 fuses are very poorly named, you would probably never even think to check them to correct the problem at hand. They are the 15A FI ECU Fuse – No. 2 in the chart below, and the 10A Back Up Fuse – No. 9 in the chart below. As you pop them out, have a look at them – you should see that the metal that runs through the plastic is broken (this indicated that the fuse is blown.)
As the chart shows, fuses in slots 21 to 25 are all spares – you will be able to find the 2 replacement fuses you need here (you will have to replace them with fuses of the same amperage, 15A for the FI ECU and 10A for the Back Up.
We would recommend having a look at your Accessory, Radio fuse as well – this fuse is in the fuse box under the steering wheel – post a comment if you would like to see a diagram of this fuse panel and we will put one up.
That’s it! You should be back in business. Let us know if you have any questions.
View Comments (22)
could i get a diagram of where the Accessory, Radio fuse is in the fuse box under the steering wheel –
2003 Honda Civic
I'll try this out with my 95 civic hatchback.
i have this exact problem, boosted the car and when it came back to life, blown guages. Ill test it tomorrow and if it works, ill post it here. Youre 100% right, i looked at the panel, and ECI? na that couldnt be the problem...
I haven't got the original paperwork that came with my Honda so thank you.
hi i tried this on my 97 civic and i have all the symptoms but my fi ecu and back up fuses are good there is no power to my light fuses under the dash what can be the problem my headlights work but taillights and dash lights dont
Did you ever figure this out I have same car same problem
If you could let me know how you fixed your I would appresheate it thanks my email in brians_iphone@ymail.com
Hello can i see the fuse box under the stearing will please
I had the same problem, for me it was fuse #2 under the hood. Small light 15 Amp
It was the small light fuse 15 amp fuse #2 on my 2005 Honda Civic. Got pulled over because of it and missed work.
My passenger side tail light stopped working and after replacing the corresponding fuses that did it for me. Thanks.
oh I thought I could fix my car after reading this post but it did not work... wire searching for a loose connection ... that seems like rocket science...