2002 Honda CR-V: engine overheating

Filed Apr 11, 2014 · Electrical · 124,800 miles · CA

As, I was backing our car out of our garage on the morning of 4/1/2014, I noticed a foul odor, looked down and saw smoke coming out of the master window switch (mws). My husband said he saw smoke also coming out of the speaker as well. I stopped the car and we all jumped out of the car thinking it might catch on fire! The smoke eventually subsided, although a terrible, toxic-like smell remained. We feel fortunate that at least that I was only backing our car out of the garage when the switch started smoking. If I had been driving on they freeway, I could have crashed. For a couple of weeks before this incident, the mws hadn't been working correctly: the front right passenger window could be unrolled from the mws but would not always roll back up from the driver's side switch. This had happened before and I had to pay to get a new mws installed on 3/4/2010. I am aware that there was a recall for this part and that our VIN number wasn't included, however it obviously should have been! I was told by a service advisor at honda of escondido that if the mws gets wet, the moisture can cause the part to short out, overheat, and the grease gets really hot and smokes, smelling terribly. Our switch did get wet from rain both times before the switch malfunctioned because the switch is in a car door, and when it rains, it's going to get wet! Both the original mws that came with the car was faulty and the mws that I paid to replace it in 2010 was faulty as well. I do not feel safe with the new mws I've just had to buy to get installed again, because I fear the same thing will happen again. This part should obviously not be used in cars as it is potentially dangerous. The part should be recalled and replaced with a mws that will withstand moisture from rain and/or snow without malfunctioning.

Filed Jul 31, 2013 · Lights · 157,983 miles · MA

I recently noticed that the vehicle lights were pulsating at a level that was barely detectable. Just yesterday when I attempted to use the vehicle and turned on the lights only the running lights came on. I have no headlights either high or low beam. Research has discovered that 2002-2004 honda crvs have had the identical issue due to overheating circuitry causing the light switch to catastrophically fail.

Filed Jan 6, 2012 · Electrical, Lights · 105,452 miles · VA

Multiple problems with low beam headlights going out - high beams continued to work in all instances. First incident 11/19/2007 replaced part of wiring harness due to the wiring harness had melted. 9/20/2010 low beams went out again - replaced the headlight switch. 3/7/11 low beams out again - replaced the headlamp switch. 6/2/11 low beams out again - replaced the multiplex control module. 12/2/11 low beams out again - in shop disconnected and connected wiring - low beams working. 12/24/11 low beams went out. 12/25/11 low beams came back on by themselves. 1/4/2012 low beams out again - in shop checked connections. Picked up car low beams working. 1/5/2012 - low beams out again. Approximately 3 other visits to a mechanic - connections unplugged and replugged to get low beams working again. Also at least 5 other instances where the low beams went out and came back on before I could get the cr-v to a mechanic. 9/2011 motor trends magazine reports issue of low beams headlights going out on honda cr-v models 2002 - 2005. I have spent over $1000 trying to get this issue resolved. Issue with wiring harness melting sounds very much like the recall that honda issued for the fit - 'wiring harnesses for the headlamp control switch - the connector could overheat and fail, rendering the low-beam lamps inoperable. Honda notes that high-beam headlamp functionality is not impeded by this issue.'

Filed Aug 19, 2010 · Lights · 63,000 miles · CO

While driving at night, both headlights went out and I pulled over as to not cause an accident and there was a smell of burning electrical wiring. I turned off the light switch and the smell went away. In my investigation I found the following: date announced: february 24, 2004 vehicles affected: 440,000 summary: on certain passenger vehicles, the low-beam terminal on the head light wire harness can overheat and could cause the low beams to fail without warning.consequence: an unexpected loss of low beams could result in a crash. Actions: dealers will inspect the head light switch and coupler for signs of heat damage. If heat damage is present, the dealer will replace the switch and coupler. If no heat damage is present, the dealer will replace the head light switch and one mating pin in the coupler. Owner notification began on april 5, 2004. Owners should contact honda at 1‑800‑999‑1009. For detailed information & supporting documents, see the official the federal safety agency page concerning recall #04v086000 I am having this exact same issue as I had a mechanic look at the wiring connector and it was burnt. The cost for repair is in excess of $700.00 and this is in my opinion a safety issue as I can no longer drive at night. *tr updated 05/02/11 *bf updated 05/04/11

Filed Nov 6, 2007 · Lights · 80,000 miles · MA

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 honda cr-v. While driving 30 MPH, the low beam headlights. The dealer stated that the wires overheated in the rear connector, which were located on the headlight switch. The repair would cost $500, which the contact could not afford. The current and failure mileages were 80,000. Updated 11/20/07

Filed Sep 5, 2007 · Electrical · MI · fire

While driving, steering wheel began smopking and car smelled hot (somethingin the steering wheeel column was on fire). My husband turned off the headlights and the smoking stopped. We tookthe car to the dealer the next day and were told it was a switch that had overheated. Switch was replaced at a cost of $225. We were told that this was not a recalled item onthe honda crv but that this was an identified problem inthe honda civic. We were advised to report this proble to the federal safety agency.