Not sure if this is the correct section for this issue or not.

The problem is that, with the headlights off, the dash and HVAC illumination is on when you turn the key to on. If you turn on the head/parking lights, they go out. The exterior lights work fine.

If the ignition is off and you turn on the lights, there is a strange clicking sound behind the dash (seems to be about the middle of the dash, behind the HVAC panel), and the warning lamps and illumination lamps flash in sync with the clicking noise.

It's all very strange. I'm tempted to suspect the headlamp switch itself. My 2005 Element's high beams were intermittent, and replacing the headlight switch fixed that.

I searched and found nothing similar to my particular circumstances, so I'd appreciate any advice or suggestions that anyone has.

Note: there is no radio in the car, however, the wiring harness does not appear to be cut or hacked up. I have another question about the radio, but I'll post a separate topic.

 

Sounds like you have an issue where a fuse may be blown, affecting how incandescent bulbs for some of these lighting circuits. Sometimes a blown fuse can result in a bulb being wired "backwards" and circuits can be switched to ground, not switched to hot.

 

I hadn't considered that, will definitely check tomorrow!

Also, where is the OBD plug? I've looked but havent found it.

 

Replacing the fuse did not correct the problem.

I found the OBD plug behind the ashtray.

 

There may be more than one fuse. Additionally, clicking would be a relay. I've seen this before, and I recall the issue was a lack of power to the PGM-FI Main Relay. You'll need to start testing fuses for voltage (you do this with a DMM or voltmeter and touch the fuse tabs (with fuse inserted). Check both sides of each fuse (fuse is ok if voltage is present on both sides). For circuits with no voltage on either side, study the schematic to verify if it should have voltage.

Find out what relay is clicking. That is important to correct.

 

(I never could find what relay was clicking, but maybe the latest developments will help you guys help me, lol.)

Got an update on the situation with the dash lights. I went to a junkyard yesterday and got several things I needed for the Accord. While there, I also grabbed a dimmer switch.

Today, I was replacing my damaged climate control panel, and while I had the dash apart, I also replaced the dimmer switch. To my amazement, the dash lights worked perfectly afterwards, exactly how they're supposed to (off when head/parking lamps are off, on when they are on). Even my "lights on" reminder chime worked for the first time since I've owned this car.

Thinking my problem was solved, I drove the car a couple of miles to my cousin's house to see what he thought about fixing my exhaust pipe. When I cranked up to leave to come back home, the dash lights came on with the head/parking lamps off, just like before. I also smelled that "burning electrical" smell, and so i popped out the dimmer switch and the smell was definitely coming from it.

So, evidently my car is burning up dimmer switches, which is causing my dash light problems. Any ideas why?

I'm going back to the junkyard next week to get a couple more things I forgot, and I'll pick up a couple of switches then. Obviously I'd like to figure out why this happened before I replace it again.

thanks again, in advance.

 

Nice job figuring out the primary side-effect of the issue. The dimmer switch will burn up when there is a short in the wiring downstream. Finding that damaged wire is where the real challenge is. Focus on areas where any work has been done, and where there were any splices/cuts/patches/etc.