96 honda civic ex automatic before engine turnover the P and d4 light up

You could try removing the console around the shifter and check the actual contacts that control the bulbs when the shifter is moved through the gears. I have a newer civic (an 02' so not by much) but all gears light up, not just the chosen gear that your transmission is in.

I'm talking about the lights near the shifter and not on the dash. If you are talking about the dash lights then you may have to remove the bulbs from behind the section that illuminates the gear selection.