Honda Repair: 1991 accord lx, brake light switch, engine coolant


Question
Gene: I have been the only owner of this car and bought it in Puerto Rico. Used it till 1999 when I moved back to the states.  Have had all repairs (maintenance basically) done at Certified Honda Service dealer. Car was in storage till this year when I shipped it to the mainland. Everything working fine except: Q#1 Cruise control not working at all; is it a fuse? where is it? Q#2 Antennae will not go down; can't hear motor. Q#3 After a five year vacation, is there anything I should "look out for" or need to change?  Before shipping it I had motor and chassis pressure washed, had a brake job and oil and filter (genuine one of course) done. Odometer is at 96000. Thanks for being here for us!  

Answer
Troy,
Thanks for your question.
It is almost impossible to diagnose electrical problems without having the car in front of me. I can give you some tips on finding the problem.
First check the fuses for the two componets not working. There is a fuse box under the hood and one under the drivers side dash. Both are labeled. Buy a test light if you do not have one. Check the fuses with it. One common problem with the cruise not working is a misadjusted brake light switch. Look at the switch, (on the brake pedal). Make sure it is adjusted correctly. As far as the antenna goes, use your test light and check for power at the motor connection. It is a 3 pin connector. You should have power at one wire as you turn the radio on. If you do, the motor is ok.
Since the car has been sitting for a while, you should have all the fluids changed. (trans, engine, coolant, brake fluid) Also a tune up would not be a bad idea. Sometimes mice make a home in the airbox. Check your tires for cracks and have the battery checked. And wax the car!

Gene