[Rpm90001]

Anyone replace a headlight switch on a 06 ridge? My lights come on by them selves and if I tap the switch they will go back out. Never go out when on, just come on in the off position. At least the light on the dash comes on. Been like that since 08. I have had it a year, but seen it was looked into through dealer paperwork in the car. What kind of job is it to change. I have not looked at it much, just on line pricing the switch. Is it a hard one to change?

Thanks,
George

 

[Dnick]

The only remotely difficult part of this is removing the instrument panel cover, which is pretty straight forward; although there are several "disconnects" to make.
Lower the steering wheel (tilt), and put the shift lever in lowest position.
Pry up on lower edges of panel nearest the steering column on both sides to detach the clips at those notches there.
Pop loose (use an appropriate tool) the clips around the edges of the panel, including sides & top. (if any clips come loose, note where they came from because I believe there are more than one kind & you want to get them back in the same place... this will probably not be a problem, but thought I would mention)
As you gently pull out on the panel there are more clips to release to the left of the radio & above/below the speedo area.
Next you just disconnect the electrical connections. (be sure to note all of them so that you don't get it all back together only to realize you missed a reconnect... that's always a bummer )

Now you just replace the switch (which is still attached to the panel you just removed), and put it all back together. Have Fun!

If you're lucky, someone may post an image of this "Instrument Panel Removal/Installation" I'm looking at. Or better yet, if you search the forum for "Service Manual PDM", you'll probably find a link to a member that will send it to you if you PM him. Then you'll have all of this stuff for future reference as well. I'm looking at a hard copy or I'd just cut & paste for you.
FYI, I have given you the procedure for 2006 RTL.... I presume it would be the same for you.
Good Luck.

Late Edit: It occurred to me to mention that you'll want to consider confirming this is the switch causing the problem before you fully reinstall. It's possible (I wasn't clear on your symptoms) that you may be having a problem with some other switch/controller; but it sounds generally like you're probably addressing the right thing. Just test it when you get it connected, but before slamming all of those clips back home.... it might save you some effort if you want to move on to "plan B".

 

[Rpm90001]

Thank you? Just what I was looking for, Just wondering if there was any hidden pain in the rear issues. I think it's the switch, switch will be off, and I will see the light on dash showing the lights on. I think the marker lights come on. with the switch in off position I put a little pressure to left it will when off. Or if I turn lights on and off it wi go off, reoccurring issue. I guess it don't hurt anything.

 

[speedlever]

Just curious if you have an aftermarket (3rd party) wiring harness for a hitch on your RL? If so, that could be causing issues for your headlight switch.

http://www.ridgelineownersclub.com/forums/showpost.php?p=242938&postcount=141

 

[Rpm90001]

I have had this issue before adding hitch and wiring. Wiring is oem kit from Honda. Plug and play . Strange problem. Thank you.

 

[speedlever]

OK, that should eliminate one possibility.

See if this is helpful:

Let me know if you need more.

 

[Dnick]

FWIW,
I just ran across this description in another old (radio related) thread that has some minor additional first steps for removing that front panel. 'Don't know if it matters, but 'thought I'd pass along anyway. Note that what I gave you came from the SM, but did not mention that first step on top of steering column..... which might be a necessary step??, but after that I suspect it's still better to start with those clips nearest below the steering column. But this is another version.... I'm sure you'll figure it out either way. Here's what this 'other' version said:

Apply Park Brake.
Remove little plastic cover on top of the steering column.
Use a flathead screwdriver to push in slot under cover to move gear lever all the ways down.
Starting with the bottom left corner of the dash trim, pry the dash off to release about a dozen clips.
Unplug 5 - 8 connectors behind the dash trip, number varies with model (sunroof, fog lights etc).

Now I really feel like I'm beating a dead horse here .... it's really pretty straight forward... but maybe this little additional tip will help some?

 

[speedlever]

Here's the 2006-08 FSM procedure for removal of the instrument panel.

 

[Dnick]

Curiosity has really got me on this one Speed..... so I'm going to ask in case you know (or anybody out there who might be familiar):

In that "other" instruction, they specify removing a cover on top & releasing some kind of lock with a flat head screw driver. It SOUNDS like maybe this releases the shift lever w/o taking the truck out of park (or just overrides the lock-out that prevents shifting w/o the usual key&brake position requirements?). Are you aware of any such mechanical feature? I was just wondering, given that language posted by another member (I know it's not in the SM.... at least where we looked)?? I didn't see anything elsewhere in the manual either on this.

What say ye?? (now I'm beating a dead cat)

 

[speedlever]

I think your conjecture is correct... you release the shift lock to move the shift lever without having a key in the ignition and foot on the brake. That would be my guess too.

 

[Dnick]

Thanks Speed! I looked all over & could not find that info in the SM. Index is not that great, but I thought I'd find by perusing the tabbed sections.... could not find it. Thanks again.... Great Info as usual!

 

[jaymer]

my light switch wants to turn parking lights on when its in the off position.
i beat the hell out of it and twist it to make it stay off.

will the spray contact cleaner, can i get any fluid into that assembly?
or do i have to replace the entire switch?

 

[dwb1310]

I'd dealt with the switch dumping to the parking light setting when hitting bumps for over a year and decided to replace my switch this past weekend. The dash was very easy to remove and I didn't have to unhook everything. Just slightly uncomfortable laying on my back and using a short screw driver. Only took about 15 minutes.
@speedlever thank you for the helpful posts.

 

[Upon plane]

Anyone replace a headlight switch on a 06 ridge? My lights come on by them selves and if I tap the switch they will go back out. Never go out when on, just come on in the off position. At least the light on the dash comes on. Been like that since 08. I have had it a year, but seen it was looked into through dealer paperwork in the car. What kind of job is it to change. I have not looked at it much, just on line pricing the switch. Is it a hard one to change?

Thanks,
George

Did switching the light switch fix the problem? I’m having this same problem with my 2010 Honda Ridgeline RTL, and I believe it’s draining my battery. While in the off position When i tap the switch, the headlight indicator on the dash board would come on. I’ve pulled my fuses so the battery wouldn’t get drained but annoying to have to put them back in when I need to drive at night also risking a dead battery when I turn it off and come back to it.

Also when I disconnected the light switch the Headlight indicator on The dash comes on and stays on