Having another car problem

debodun

debodun

SF VIP
Location
way upstate in New York, USA
2002 Honda Civic. I think I know what the problem is since the "key in ignition" and "headlights on" warning bleeps and the ceiling light aren't working. Must be the door jamb light switch. Watched a video and it seemed like a easy fix. HA! I couldn't even get the screw to turn. Any suggestions?

 

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Was the screwdriver turning but the screw not loosening?
... You're using a screwdriver with the wrong size tip for the screw and if you keep trying to loosen the screw, you could strip the screw head.

Did you try turning the screwdriver counter-clockwise as you should have to remove the screw?
... Righty tighty lefty loosy ... clockwise to tighten, counter-clockwise to loosen.

Use both hands when trying to loosen and press your weight into it so the screwdriver doesn't slip and strip the screw head.
A technique for this would be to rest the palm of one hand on the end of the screwdriver while the other hand grips the barrel of the screwdriver as you apply your weight against the screwdriver while turning the screwdriver counter-clockwise to loosen.
 
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Pinky said:
Deb, methinks you need a new car.
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yep..I can see this turning into a ''house'' encouragement for a new car.

How long did it take us to convince Deb to buy a new home ?...well it might take us as long to encourage the purchase of a newer car..:sneaky::D

As any mechanic will tell you. When a car is costing as much or more in repairs as the whole car is worth..it's time to get rid !
 
debodun said:
2002 Honda Civic. I think I know what the problem is since the "key in ignition" and "headlights on" warning bleeps and the ceiling light aren't working. Must be the door jamb light switch. Watched a video and it seemed like a easy fix. HA! I couldn't even get the screw to turn. Any suggestions?

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I commend you for trying to do it yourself, but don't. If all three started happening at the same time, it's not going to be the door switch. It's likely to be a bad ground. Take it to your mechanic.
 
The application of a lubricant such as WD-40 is essential, and if there is enough room, you can try with the screwdriver again while tapping on the handle of the screwdriver with a hammer, essentially turning it into an impact driver.
 
Should be easy enough to actually check and see if the switch is bad and needs replacement.
Turn the ignition to on but don't crank the engine.
Step out of the car with the door left open.
Press and release the switch and see if the interior lights go on and off ... if that's what they should do.
 
debodun, your car is 22 years old. It can vote. You have a choice. #1, constantly repairing what is close to being a museum piece. Or #2, get a new one. Yes, a new costs a lot of money, but it's reliable, and under warrantee. The old car is cheaper moneywise, but is it worth the aggravation and unreliability? And sooner, or later it's going to be too expensive to repair, and when that happens you'll be without a car. Instead of being in a position to judge prices, you going to have to walk out of the show room with whatever and at whatever price.
 
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Using an old spare screwdriver try taping on it with a hammer first. Not so hard that you break the handle on the screwdriver. Also, in that a couple of lights and things are affected, check the owner's manual to see what is what on what fuse. Not likely but will not cost anything to look.
 
If you don’t drive a lot I understand not wanting to buy a new car. My car is 16 years old and luckily nothing has broken.

A friend of mine drives a 32 year old Toyota Camry. She’s had repairs but is actually farther ahead from paying for repairs versus buying a new car. She can afford one but doesn’t drive a lot so doesn’t feel that it’s worth it.
 
debodun said:
No the screw doesn't turn.

Did you try turning the screwdriver counter-clockwise as you should have to remove the screw?
Of course!

I tried until the screwdriver handle bit into my hand and my wrist ached and it didn't budge.
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She DOES drive a fair mount. She volunteers for ‘Meal on Wheels.’

Time to buy a ‘new to you’ car. You can buy a 3 year old Honda Civic for $12,000 to $14,000.

As you know, a Honda Civic IS one of the most reliable cars. You’ve got the money.

You can’t take it with you. Be smart Deb. Use your common sense.

Imagine an ‘almost’ new car. It will be life changing, like your ‘new to you’ house was.

Also, try and find a good backyard mechanic !
 
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