Initiate the instrument cluster self-test

Written By: David Spalding (and one other contributor)

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Initiate the instrument cluster self-test

Difficulty

Very easy

Steps

Time Required

Suggest a time??

Introduction

You'll probably never need to diagnose an instrument light problem with your car, but that doesn't mean you can't have fun performing this test. And knowing that the gauges and lights are working is reassuring.

If you want to show this to friends, be warned that HID headlights service life can be reduced by turning them on and off needlessly. The bulbs aren't cheap. I recommend pulling the fuses for them before doing this repeated.

This procedure is specific to HONDAs and ACURAs.

Tools

No tools specified.

Parts

Fuse Box Tool

For removing the headlight fuses (optional).

Available for sale on Amazon

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Step 1 Save the headlights from excessive use

This procedure involves turning on and off the headlights repeatedly, which which can reduce the HID headlights' mean lifetime before failure. As a precursor, consider removing the 15A left & right low headlight fuses from the under-hood fuse box, positions 1 and 6. (Refer to your Owners Manual for instructions, or an iFixit guide.)

This procedure involves turning on and off the headlights repeatedly, which which can reduce the HID headlights' mean lifetime before failure. As a precursor, consider removing the 15A left & right low headlight fuses from the under-hood fuse box, positions 1 and 6. (Refer to your Owners Manual for instructions, or an iFixit guide.)
Be sure to reinstall the low beam headlight fuses before driving the vehicle.

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Step 2 Starting the self test inputs

Insert the ignition key into the ignition lock. Leave it in the 0 or I position.

Push and hold the Sel/Reset knob (on the instrument panel by the fuel gauge), or the Sel/reset button on the right hand of the steering wheel below the Multi-Information Display Info button.

Insert the ignition key into the ignition lock. Leave it in the 0 or I position.
Push and hold the Sel/Reset knob (on the instrument panel by the fuel gauge), or the Sel/reset button on the right hand of the steering wheel below the Multi-Information Display Info button.

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Step 3

Turn the headlights ON.

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Step 4

Turn the ignition switch to ON (position II).

Some of the instrument lights will come on. If you aren't wearing your seatbelt, the seatbelt warning chime will sound.

Turn the ignition switch to ON (position II).
Some of the instrument lights will come on. If you aren't wearing your seatbelt, the seatbelt warning chime will sound.

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Step 5

Within five seconds, and still holding in the Sel/Reset button, turn the headlights OFF, then ON, then OFF again.

Within five seconds, and still holding in the Sel/Reset button, turn the headlights OFF, then ON, then OFF again.

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Step 6 Final inputs, and here comes the show

Within 5 seconds, release the Sel/reset button.

Push and release the Sel/reset button button 3 times repeatedly.

The instrument cluster begins its self-test.

Within 5 seconds, release the Sel/reset button.
Push and release the Sel/reset button button 3 times repeatedly.
The instrument cluster begins its self-test.
Each successive press of the Sel/reset button initiates a new cycling of all the gauges.
To end, turn the ignition switch to OFF, or vehicle speed exceeds 1.5 mph.
If you removed the 15A headlight fuses from the under-hood fuse box in step 1, reinstall them before driving.