Interior Dome Light Problem - Update
 

Hello,

Im actually a newbie on this site... so bear with me.

I recently swapped out the stock POS stereo on my gf's 98 Honda Civic.
I noticed that the stock stereo had 2 wiring plug sets into it (besides the antenna).
The new stereo only had one (which was ok, cause the wiring harness worked correctly w/ it - so I just left the other one from the car hang...)

Everything seemed to go ok, until later that night I noticed that the interior dome light does not come on now when the doors are opened.

If you manually switch the light on, it works... so it cant be the light.

I did check the "buttons" on both doors, and they seem fine

Did something I do when changing the radio have an effect on the dome light? did it have to do with the extra wiring plug that was initially plugged into the stock stereo but now isnt plugged into anything?

Does anyone have any reason as to why the light no longer works?

Thanks in advance.

RE: Interior Dome Light Problem
 

the exact same thing happened to me. i put an Alpine in my 98, everything worked fine but the dome light. it only works when you switch it on. some civics alarm systems are wired into the stock stereo so my guess is the light/door switch works with the stereo also.

RE: Interior Dome Light Problem
 

Is there any fix to this?

Is there a way to find out which wire (from the set that is not plugged in) is the one that deals w/ the dome light?

RE: Interior Dome Light Problem
 

Look for lt grn/blk ( Lt GRREN/BLACK) wire on other plug hanging down for radio connector. Good luck and lots of patience.

RE: Interior Dome Light Problem
 

check the white /red for ceiling lite follow it to the trunk liteand check ground on swtich dome lite for civic

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RE: Interior Dome Light Problem
 

Ok lemmie clarify this.
So if I take the two wires you're talking about and connect them, then I should get the open door interior light working again correct?

You mention that the OEM keyless wont work... hmm... well, I have an aftermarket auto start on the car... with this, i have the remote for power doors.... so I shouldnt have to worry about the OEM piece then right?

(PS - love the avatar LEVIII - I got a mistu eclipse GST)

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RE: Interior Dome Light Problem
 

Great.
Thanks again.

Ill try doing that this weekend.... will definitely post back my results.

RE: Interior Dome Light Problem
 

Ok, I finally got around to doing what LeviIII (who looks like he got deleted - crap) told me to do and it worked.

I connected the lt green & black wire to the lt green & red wire on the unused wire set, and it worked...

here's the problem that it caused though...

everytime that my gf gets into the car, and the key touches the ignition, & even sometimes when she gets out... she gets a shock...
So, im thinking that one of those wires from that plug has to be grounded?
If so, does anyone know which one?

Any help is appreciated!

Thanks!

RE: Interior Dome Light Problem
 

I found that the domelight will operate with an aftermarket stereo in a 96-00 Civic w/o cutting wires, getting zapped, or
mounting the factory radio up under the dash. Here's how:
Make a 2" jumper wire of slightly larger wire than the harness. Locate the unused factory green plug/ wiring harness. Trace the Light Green/ Red Stripe wire and the Light Green/ Black Stripe wire. Insert the jumper firmly into the back side of the factory green plug at these wires locations. Open/close the doors to check that the domelight works correctly.
Tape the jumper to the harness, and re-assemble.
Cheers,
HXville

RE: Interior Dome Light Problem
 

Hey, got a question for ya:
On their newer cars, has Honda found out a better place to put the anti-theft security system and dome-door light wiring at? I mean, I'm just wondering because I'm sure they realize that most people do trade out their stereos and really don't wanna mess with their security system at that same time.
I can understand the relation of the security system and the dome-door light wiring, because opening the door would send a signal to 1.) the dome light to turn on, and 2.) the security system to make its annoying noise
I don't know how other car companies do it, but I would have very little confidance if I found out this is wide-spread practice. (I like to use common-sense when making something... thats just me tho)

RE: Interior Dome Light Problem
 

Hey Redtide,
Not certain about the newer models and like you, try to understand a concept before cutting wires. The solution I provided was from necessity as I purchased a used car with an aftermarket stereo, a useless dome light and an inoperable alarm system. From doing some research an all three I was able to resolve the issues without cutting any wires.
All car manufactures view factory aftermarket parts as a large profit center. When a factory alarm system/keyless entry option is selected and the wiring diagram routes these through the factory sound system it can make it quite difficult for aftermarket stereos to be installed. This is why the common solution is to keep the secondary wiring harness plugged into the factory stereo unit, to wrap it in carpeting or bubblewrap and to mount it securely behind the dash.
Best,
HXville