OK, so I've got an 04', bought pre-owned, and the only thing giving me trouble right now is the rear passenger-side tail-light on the trunk is out. When switching the bulb out to the driver's side, it works fine. I've tried going through the manual to see if it could be a fuse, but don't know which fuse it would be, and don't feel like pulling all the fuses. Furthermore, the rest of the passenger side assembly (meaning reverse/outside bulb) works fine. Would it even be a fuse? Any guidance is appreciated.

 

Check the wiring harness over on the left side of the trunk near the hinge arm. Make sure no wires are damaged. The car should have had the '04 recall done and these wires should be covered in electrical tape or wire loom where they are located near the hinge.

I don't think you're dealing with a fuse issue - from the wiring diagram it looks like all taillamps feed off one line going to the under hood fuse box (fuse #4 it looks like). If the fuse died you'd have no rear tails at all. Another thing to check since its only one light being affected - check that the socket is grounded and there are no breaks in the grounding wire. Although again it looks like left and right tails share one central ground but worth a shot. The ground should be black.

You could simply have a bad socket too.

If you pick up the '04 Shop Guide your diagram will be on p. 22-150.

That should be enough to keep you busy for a while.

 

FYI: Here's more info on the '04 recall:

Make : ACURA Model : TSX Year : 2004 Build Dates : 20030115 - 20040629 NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 04V429000 Date Owner's Notified: 20040915 Date Received by ODI: 20040903 Date Added to Databse: 20040903 Manufacturer's Involved: AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO. Manufacturer's Responsible for the Recall: HONDA (AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO.) Manufacturer Campaign Number: P45 Component: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS Potential Number Of Units Affected : 40060 Summary:
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER CARS, THE WIRE HARNESS LOCATED IN THE TRUNK HINGE AREA IS NOT ADEQUATELY PROTECTED AND OVER TIME COULD BE DAMAGED WHEN THE TRUNK IS OPENED AND CLOSED. Consequence:
A DAMAGED HARNESS CAN CAUSE A BLOWN FUSE, A SHORT CIRCUIT AND IT CAN RESULT IN A LOSS OF LICENSE PLATE LIGHTS, BACK-UP LIGHTS AND TAIL LIGHT FUNCTION. LOSS OF A TAIL LIGHT COULD REDUCE VISIBILITY AND INCREASE THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH. Remedy:
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE HARNESS AND IF ANY DAMAGE IS FOUND, THE HARNESS WILL BE REPLACED. IF NO DAMAGE IS FOUND, DEALERS WILL INSTALL CORRUGATED PLASTIC TUBING OVER THE HARNESS TO PREVENT FUTURE DAMAGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 15, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009. Report Initiator: MFR Vehicles Report Regulation Part Number: Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard Number: Notes:
CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION�S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

 

Yeah, I kind of figured there'd be more out then one bulb with a blown fuse. The wiring looks fine, and is properly protected, I guess now the thing to do is check grounding when I get time this weekend. Thanks for the help, and I'll post up on any success I have.

 

i have a similar problem with my tsx 04. i just purchased it last week and when i step on the brakes both signal lights come on. its like the brake controls the whole lighting system in my car. when u find the answer to the problem could u please tell me?

thanks

 

Someone else has already started a thread on your issue somewhere on here regarding both brake lights turning on. This thread is for a different issue.

Use search and you should find it.

 

yea theres a recall on the taillight wire harness theres links up there. it gave me trouble too when i had the problem.