So I did what I've done a dozen times to my vehicles. I tried replacing a bulb with an LED bulb. This time it was the reverse backup lights on my 17 Pilot. When putting in the first new LED bulb there was a little puff of smoke. I had the ignition in accessory mode so I could see the lights on. When the puff of smoke happened the car simply turned off. I went to start it and it wouldn't. The best I can get is it starts for 2 seconds then shuts off. Stick shift lever is stuck in park and won't move even when pressing the brake. I have checked nearly every fuse I can. The main fuse looks fine. Others are difficult to check because they are encased. I talked to my local Honda deal service dept. Looks like I will have it towed to them to investigate. SO, what have I done? What in the world could have happened that connecting a light bulb now keeps the car from running? Looking for any ideas. Thank you.

 

What does the theft light do? Where was the smoke?

 

Thanks for the reply! The theft light? Where is that? Why would that matter? Please let me know. Also, the little bit of smoke was noticed right at the socket when inserting the bulb. Thanks!

 

You don't know what your theft system does? Do you know how to set it with you fob? The light (probably looks like an engine with a key overlaid) should come on and go out after a couple seconds if it don't the system thinks it's being stolen and will cut the engine after a couple seconds.

 

If you’re talking about dash lights. There are no lights displayed in the dash. Dash/instrument panel is dark. But the entertainment system has a numeric keypad displayed. And this is only displayed for the two seconds the car runs.

 

With the key turned to the ON position (not start) you don't get any lights on the cluster?

 

It’s a push button start. But no lights on the cluster. I disconnected the battery for 10 hours on advice. Thought it would hard reset. Still nothing. Having it towed in the morning to Honda dealer.