I noticed a puddle under my wife's car about a week and a half ago. Turns out the power steering pump is leaking (not the hose). It's hitting the belt and fluid is everywhere. I'll be replacing the pump maybe this weekend.

So yesterday she tells me her right headlight quit working. I go to check it and it flickers dimmly (sp?) when you first turn it on, then it dies. I am assuming it isn't the bulb since it lights up a little. The control unit I guess is covered in PS fluid also. Could this be the problem? I don't want to just start changing parts randomly cause they ain't cheap.

Any help would be appreciated.

 

Rule out the bulb that could be the problem. Switch the HID bulb and see if it reproduces the flicker on the other side. The control unit assay is sealed, and a rubber gasket should be between it and the headlight assembly, so water doesn't get into it that easily.

 

did you have the power steering recall done ?

 

No, but I replaced the hose right before the recall. This is different. I can see it coming right out of the pump.

 

I have several questions:

1) What year is your TSX?

2) How many miles does it have?

3) Are you the original owner or did you buy used?

 

2004

147k

Used with 90k

 

Well I replaced the PS pump today. Couldn't have been easier. About $80 form Autozone for a rebuilt job. The pulley came right off too.

I plan on pulling the headlight tomorrow and checking it out.

 

I'd make sure that it's not just some PS fluid that's causing a short. If the headlight contacts are covered in fluid (which is of course much more viscous than water), this could allow the power to go where it's not supposed to. And if it's been on the headlight unit for awhile, it could seep into places over time that water wouldn't since it won't dry out. Food for thought.

 

That was my original question.

If I have time today I will pull the headlight and clean whatever I can. Fingers crossed.