Hello,

I have a 100% stock 2005 Acura RL. Just the other day I noticed that I could no longer enter or start my car without the manual key.

When I started the car with the manual key, my horn started honking and lights started flashing.

I pulled out the horn fuse (which for some lovely reason is also the brake light fuse) and drove to the dealership.

There they found that the fuse labelled 'backup' was blown, and upon replacing the fuse it would blow again immediately.

They then said this was likely due to a short in the door handles, and suggested I replace both of them. The cost: $800

I said no thanks, and then they helped me out by bypassing something so the lights and horn don't go crazy while I'm driving.

I'm hoping someone else has experience with this issue. I'm fairly handy so I'm hoping I may be able to do this myself. I just need to know what parts to order, and if anyone knows the problem, any tips or tricks.

I have a helms service manual, so disassembling should be easy enough but I'm not sure what all is involved with the door handles, etc.

 

try searching this forum (perhaps try google with the site command as well), as there are a few postings about this issue. Most seem to be suffering a drain of power,but I'm sure there are shorts in there, with a few best bets to look at. Good luck!

 

Bump... Still searching, but if anyone has any ideas please let me know.

 

It happened to me too... had to replace the handle.

Sorry man.

 

Try disconnecting the passenger door handle. If that is the one that is blowing the fuse then you may be able to live without the passenger functionality. If it continues to fail then it could be the drivers door, in which case you will have to check your bank balance.