Topic: 2003 Honda civic DRL light and a strange buzzing noise??

[CD_Brian]

Bad solder joints are a more common problem than you might expect, and in many more vehicles than just Hondas. Not just DRL modules either.

Still, Honda's DRL modules have had this solder connection problem for years, but then so have Nissan's. GM used to have DRL module issues in several of their light truck lines too, and that's not counting the DRL resistor failures that have been common in dozens of their vehicle lines. Actually, I've seen module failures in older Ford and Chrysler vehicles too, so nobody is perfect.

Speaking of bad solder joints, last month I fixed a "failed" body control module in a low-mileage '97 Ford pickup by resoldering as many of the terminals on the board as I dared.

At least the Honda modules are still available if you want to/have to go that route. Ford told us to go fish on the F-150 - it was discontinued - so my repair attempt was a pure Hail-Mary move; among other things, it had no wipers without the BCM, so I would have had to jury-rig them. (No luck finding a used one at any wrecking yards, BTW.)

PS: Replacement part costs have no apparent logic. Whether domestic or import, sometimes you wonder how they can sell it so cheap, and sometimes you wonder if they charged you for several at the same time.

[caretaker007]

Hey guy's, I have the same problem with my 2002 civic, can anybody out there send me the pictures your talking about (DRL)...Thanks.

[risingsun]

Hi,

I am having the same problem with my 2002 Honda Civic DRL and buzzing noise.
Can someone be kind enough to send pictures on where to access the relay to do the resoldering.
Thanks.

[taowenxing]

Here are the pictures shown where to find the drl module. These pictures helped me fixing my car DRL light issue. see my previous post before for details.

[VanBC]

Hi all,

I had the same problem with my wife's Civic.  I soldered the connections as JerryLee advised and it worked for a while.  Now the DRL light stays on when the headlights are not turned on, the passenger headlight doesn't work and the driver-side headlight goes into highbeam.  When I turn the headlights on, both headlights operate as they should and the DRL light goes out.  I have already replaced the DRL module (since I did a crappy job soldering the connection points).  I have also replaced the lightbulb on the passenger side but no change.  I suspect my problem is with the DRL relay (enclosed in a small grey plastic cube) which is located to the left of the glove box.  Does anyone know the easiest way to take out the DRL relay?   I have tried pulling in an upward motion, but it won't budge and I am afraid to pull too hard and break something.  I noticed some white clips at the bottom of the DRL relay and an adjacent black enclosure. 

1) What is the easiest way to remove the DRL relay (not the DRL module)?

2) Do you recommend disconnecting the battery while doing this?

Thanks

[derailed]

taowenxing - thanks for re-posting the pictures.

I have next to zero experience soldering, but thanks to you, this thread, a YouTube video on basic soldering, and a cheap soldering iron I bought at Canadian Tire, the problem is solved.

youtube.com/watch?v=BLfXXRfRIzY - intro to soldering
youtube.com/watch?v=LiTuM_kX2qM - where to find the module

My local Honda dealership wanted $119 + HST for the part alone.  $15 + HST later, I own a new soldering iron and a perfectly good DRL module ... and I got to stick it to the man!  

[derailed]

...oh.  Just to clarify...

The soldering connections causing the problem can be any or all of those involving the two large black switch boxes.

The picture above has two connections circled, but there are ten connections in total.  Carefully check each connection for cracking and repair as necessary.  On my Civic, 7 of 10 connections were cracked.

[No H2O]

Ya but with the cost of parts for it its probably just as cheap to buy another car. 

The reason I could afford to buy a Porsche Carrera is because I drive a Honda that costs nothing to run and repair...not that it needed a lot of repairs in eleven years.        

[larry]

Yea...but on the Honda you have to replace the part ONCE, and not 5, 6, 7 times like on a GM...

 5 or 6 times please give me a break  more like if they can figure out the problem

 ex american car junk owner .

[bobpetras]

I have had the same problem (2001 Civic LX, right head light DRL) for one year. It got worse in the past couple of months. I just turned on the head lights all the time to get rid of the buzzing. I checked the wiring diagram and suspect the DRL module. I found a clue at wikianswers and took out the DRL module board. Crack solder points found at the relay pins. Resoldered them, no more buzzing and the right head light is back in DRL status. This saved me at least $150.
Crack solder points are common when the pins are over heated. I believe this issue is common on this batch of DRL boards. You will see it sooner or later.
I have some pictures for you to locate the module but do not know how to post. Send me a line I can email you back if you need them.

JerryLee:

Can you send me the e-mail images of the module location on the Honda Ciovic LX you have taken.  We have the same issues with a 2002 model and the DRL light.

Thanks,

Bob

bobpetras@telus.net