Gallbladder

Hi Guys. New to the Forum.

Original owner of '05 RL, wanting to replace Headlight/Turn Signal Combo Switch (erratic headlight flickering which corresponds to switch fiddling), but can't figure out how to remove the upper steering column plastic cover to gain access. I've removed the three screws from the bottom of the lower cover, but am afraid to start prying the upper and lower covers apart for fear of breaking something. Is it as simple as using a pry tool in the right spots to release plastic clips, or are there screws behind the airbag that I have to get to?

Have spent more hours than I care to admit to using my Google-Foo and searching this site, to no avail.

Thanks.

thoiboi

Are both your headlights flickering or just the one? I can't see it being the combo switch if it's just one headlight and more likely the bulb or ballast.

Gallbladder

Sometimes the right, sometimes the left, sometimes both, thoiboi. Sometimes it's a flicker, but usually a flicker then goes out completely, and won't come back on unless I turn the headlight switch off then back on., but even that is hit or miss.

Gallbladder

I've already purchased the combo headlight/turn signal switch. Just trying to figure out how to safely remove the upper steering column cover to gain access. I'll happily post the results after installing the new switch. Just need some guidance on how to safely replace it.

thoiboi

Understood,


follow this DIY to remove the steering column: https://acurazine.com/forums/second-...d-pics-499939/

projektvertx

iTrader: (2)

I'm glad that section I cleared up in the sticky is coming in handy LOL

HEAVY_RL

iTrader: (1)

I dont think that thread actually removes the cover behind the wheel OP wants off.

Gallbladder

Thanks, thoiboi. Yes, I saw that "steering wheel installation" DIY from Dr. neuronbob when I started searching, but it's not clear to me that the steering wheel/airbag need to be removed to acces the combination headlight/turn signal switch on my '05 RL. This annotated pic from neuronbob's post shows the seam between the upper and lower parts of the steering column cover "clamshell" I'm wanting to separate. Was hoping someone who's been through it before would give me a tip or two before I dive into it. Would like to eliminate the "error" from "trial and error".

thoiboi

Ahh, thanks for clarifying, In my experience on another Honda, those two pieces just snap together and there are screw on the bottom piece but the top piece doesn't. A plastic spudger tool should split it up lickity split.

Gallbladder

Thanks again, thoiboi. Got 'er DONE! And replacement of the headlight / turn signal combination switch CURED my headlight flickering and functioning issues. I quit bein' a pansy and started prying away.

What I learned:

1. Steering wheel/air bag removal NOT necessary for this job.
2. I did, however, detach the cable from the negative terminal on the battery, and wait 30 min.
3. Steering wheel must be fully extended and in the full down position. TIP: The power adjustable steering column will retract and "park" automatically if you turn off the ignition as usual, but the column needs to be fully extended and in the far down position to facilitate this job. So, adjust the column with the manual power lever on the left of the column with the ignition in "accessory" "II" position, then detach the cable from the battery's negative terminal.
4. The lower half of the steering wheel cover needs to be loosened to allow access to screws securing the combo switch. There are 2 sheetmetal and 1 machine screws holding the lower half to the column.
5. The path of the switch cable and it's electrical connection location were a bit of a pain, and a few other cables had to be detached and moved out of the way to allow access.


Pried the seam between the upper and lower steering column cover sections and popped 4 or 5 plastic clips on the left, then the right.

Upper cover detatched.

Had to remove/loosen the lower cover as well, to expose the second of two screws securing the combo switch.

Electrical connector cable path necessitated detatching and moving several other cables to gain access. The headlight combo switch attaches on the backside of the wiper switch to the right of the steering column. (This view is from the front. Red arrows mark the cable, curved red arrows indicates the connector location.)

Pulled out old switch connector . . .

Then popped in the new one!


So, do I get to learn the Black Market Forum secret handshake now?

projektvertx

iTrader: (2)

You don't get the secret handshake, but I will create this as it's own thread and make it a sticky'ed DIY at the top! Good job! :Thumbsup: