MyLude2001

Okay, so I JUST hit 50k on my 2001. I love my baby, but she's starting to annoy me! A couple of years ago (when she was at 25k miles) I had everything changed out - timing belt, brakes, fluids....the whole nine. I mean, after 7 years of sitting I thought it'd be a good idea to welcome her back to life, but now I'm experiencing the following:

• headlamps constantly going out (every 3-4 months). if it ain't the right, it's the left
• check engine light screaming yellow
• brake light coming on & off

WTF is wrong? The car runs PERFECTLY. I brought it to Honda about 6 months ago and they ran a diagnostics test for free. After 2 hours, they managed to pinpoint the problem and found that it was a faulty gas cap as they didn't see anything wrong with the engine. They replaced the cap, but 6 months later....again! And it won't go away.

And what's up with the headlamps constantly going out? Any recs on good, long-lasting, bright white lights?

And my brake light always on? Brakes are new. Any way to fix this?

Any insight as to what these problems could be? It's becoming annoying and I'm getting frustrated. I don't like seeing lights on my dashboard when I'm driving.

Anyone in the SF Bay Area with a shop that can look at it?

__________________
I'd rather have 30 seconds happiness than a lifetime of nothing.

aznjap808

Damn dude, I wish I had a lude with 50k! Good luck with the problems though.

spin_r_g

I'm in SF and could probably look at. But there's a few things you should try first. Your brake light is on for probably 2 reasons either the fluid is low, or the cap is bad. Headlights, plain and simple h1 bulbs suck. None of the "white" bulbs will last you. I'd recommend Philips Vision Plus bulbs you can find them for $25 a pair. They're not white but they are brighter than stock.

As for the check engine light. You'll need to find out the code. To do that follow these instructions.
Another DIY ATTS, ABS, & CEL (Check Engine Light) DTC
Report back for further advice.

__________________

MyLude2001

Awesome, awesome, awesome! Thank you so much!

I'll check on the fluid/cap right now and peep out those bulbs.

I'll bring my car again to get the code for the CEL. *sigh* Unless you willing to check it out for me?

Thanks for being gentle with me - I know these type of newbie questions get blasted and frowned upon on these forums. I usually ask my BF to check on these things for me, but I broke up with his tired a$$.

Thanks again!

BTW, do you own a shop?

__________________
I'd rather have 30 seconds happiness than a lifetime of nothing.

spin_r_g

No I don't have my own shop I work on my own car. You don't have to bring your car into get the CEL checked. Don't go to a dealer because they'll charge you for it. If you follow the instructions I linked you can get the code yourself for free with just a little time. I don't remember for sure but I think Kragen might offer free ODBII scans.

And one more thing it's not the brake lamp light is it? Cause that would mean you have a tail light bulb out.

__________________

Kronn 98SH

The light on the dash or the actual rear of the car? Dash light = low brake fluid. Rear light = broken sensor, relay, or short circuit.

__________________
1988 Prelude S - victim of an 80mph backflip
1991 Prelude Si - sold
1989 Accord DX - impounded
1998 Prelude SH - totaled on 3/29/12
2006 CRF150F - sold
2006 YZ250F - sold

ColinK

I don't know if you know, but there's this site: Bay Area Prelude