My saga with "miscellaneous errors" has been continuing and I need some help!

As is usually the case, I got random errors (VSA/ACC/CMBS/AIRBAG/ABS/etc), appearing in different combinations, and and overall intermittent. I did everything I could think of based on the message board, including (1) replacing the battery (brand new Optima) (2) Glean battery fuse (3) Cleaned battery terminals (4) Removed/Cleaned VSA Modulator Connector with DeOxit D5), (5) Cleaned VSA fuses (6) Clean (with DeOxit D5) VSA button on Dash (7) Installed 2nd batter in trunk (just in case it was a current issue still) (8) tested alternator, etc.

Most of the time, the error codes were U0122 Lost communication with VDC Module (Current and/or Temp) and also 81-1 ABS Control Unit Malfunction.

I have the OEM service manual, and from everything I could find, it pointed to the VDC Module. I had exhausted all approaches that I could think of, so I went to the local Acura dealer (which has a great service manager, and he wanted his most experienced Tech to look at this) to have them try to diagnose it.

The error was active when I took it there, so I wanted to make sure they could directly observe it. They looked at the codes, and everything pointed to the VSA module (see attached DTC code analysis). Also, they tested the wiring harness and the ground for the harness, and it seemed good. They cleared the codes and went to drive it, and OF COURSE the error's didn't re-appear. They said I could bring it back again once the error is constant and they will do another diagnosis at no cost.

I was encouraged (in a weird way) by their recommendation. They think it is the VSA Modulator, but can't confirm it 100% until the problem is continuous. The part cost is $2,497.36...+ $265.00 in labor=$2,762.36...probably half of the resale value of my RL...2006 RL Tech with about $165,000. Everything else is extremely solid on my RL and it is extremely well maintained, so I am going to fix this one way or another. The dealer didn't even recommend replacing it yet, as they even thought that was a lot of money without being 100% sure. I very much respected that! See attached estimate highlighted in yellow...definitely sticker shock! I would be very happy to "roll the dice" with a used part. Note: there is a typo on the part number from the dealership....should be 57110-SJA-A92 instead of 57100-SJA-A92.

Now is where I need some help (unless there is some insight that I am not seeing from my journey thus far). I desperately need to get a replacement VSA Modulator Unit for my RL (Part #57110-SJA-A92....or #57110-SJA-A91). I can find the non-Tech CMBS/ACC version all day long on Ebay for extremely reasonable prices ($100 to $200), but the Tech/CMBS/ACC version seems to be extremely rare.

Does anybody have a spare of one of these, know of a car that is being parted out, a good source of salvage Acura parts that might have this very specific part, or any other sources?

Again, thanks for your help!

 

It's around 1650 online. They also call it abs modulator. But certainly make sure its the cause first.

 

Thanks! I was hoping to get a salvage part somewhere. This problem has persisted for a while, and when the fault occurs, the car reverts to FWD, the cruise control stops working, traction control and ABS stop working, and according to the error, the airbags are offline...so I am thinking it needs to be fixed before I give it enough time to fail completely! The dealership was even hesitant to replace it without 100% confirmation, so I don't see any way to confirm this 100% (at this point) without just the passage of time.

Therefore, it seems like the only approach left is to "diagnose by replacement", but I want to do this as economically as possible. I was wondering if anybody had any suggestions for specific salvage yards or other sources for used parts? $1650 is definitely a lot better, but still pretty expensive to use to replace as the final step of diagnosis (without knowing 100%). I have seen many of these modulators on Ebay (non Tech/CMBS/ACC) for about $100, so I am hoping to get a salvage one in good shape for maybe $200 and swap it out to see if it goes away. With winter coming up, the RL won't be of much value with no AWD, VSA, or ABS (not to mention, no airbags).

Thanks again!

 

BDoggPrelude's CMBS RL was totaled up in Denver a couple of years ago.

They are very rare, and I doubt any salvage yard would ever see more than one, but if you keep up the search, you should be able to find at least one. A lot of RLs sold up in New England. Maybe focus your effort there?

 

Doesn't say the part number but says it has adaptive cruise..

​​​​​​​06 07 08 ACURA RL ANTI-LOCK BRAKE PART MODULATOR ASSEMBLY W/ADAPTIVE CRUISE | eBay

 

woa.. great find! nice job!

Op, buy quick!

 

Thank you! I will look into that! I love the CMBS/ACC, but in situations like this, it definitely complicates things! I will concentrate my search up there in New England. Thank you!

 

That is amazing! Thank you! I had searched Ebay every way I could think of, but I didn't think of searching with those terms. Again, thank you so much!

 

It's literally a big game when doing searches for parts..


Good luck

 

What is your car doing? There was a open recall on the RLs a few years ago that the VSA module would cause the brakes to apply. It happened to me and scared the crap out of me.

From Honda:

"If an electrical capacitor on the VSA control unit was damaged during manufacture, the VSA system could malfunction and apply a small amount of brake force for a fraction of a second, without any input from the driver," said Honda in a statement. "Further, if the driver applies the brakes during a VSA system malfunction, the amount of brake force applied could exceed the driver's intended input. In either instance, unexpected brake activation could increase the risk of a crash."

Apparently 05s were part of the recall, not 06s, but curious if that may be your issue?

Otherwise, I would buy a used module, and have it reprogrammed for your car at the dealer.

Chris

 

Thanks for the info! I haven't experienced that problem as of yet, but it would be great if it was a factory replacement/recall. Basically, the problems have presented themselves like the "miscellaneous errors" of a dying battery. I replaced the battery, cleaned up the two battery grounds, cleaned/inspected the fuses, cleaned the wiring harness connectors for the VSA module, and everything else that I could think of. Every time I did anything, the problem would appear to go away for days/weeks/months, and then return, and then go away. The codes were always "current" or "temp" for the VSA Module (probably 80% of the time) and ABS Module (probably 20% of the time), and the error is "lost communication with VSA or ABS module". Sometimes this occurs during startup, but usually once driving. When it occurs, some combination of VSA, ABS, Brakes, Airbags, ACC, CMBS errors show up (usually, but not always, all of them). probably 60% of the time, shutting car off and then restarting makes it go away for between 10 or 15 seconds, and the remainder of the drive. After replacing the battery with an Optima red-top, it continued for a few days, but then went away for 3 or 4 months. I think that this might not have been the battery, but just the warmer weather (just my theory). Replaced the battery again (after just one year to be safe), and it had no effect. I have the factory service manuals for my RL (the big 2 phone book size service manuals) and traced everything as best I could in terms of grounds and potential fault points. Everything pointed back to the VSA module for those codes, and finally said to "replace the VSA/ABS module with a known working unit and see if fault goes away". Out of desperation went to the dealership (a very honest and good Acura dealership from everything I have heard and experienced) and the manager had his most seasoned Tech work on it. The code/errors were active when I brought it in so I showed it to them before shutting it off. They worked on it, pulled more codes from it (than my OBDII scanner could pull...see pictures earlier in the post of the printout of the codes), and everything was pointing back to the VSA module. Of course, after they cleared the codes, the problem didn't re-occur, so they thought that it was the VSA module but said until the problem was constant that it didn't make sense to throw $2700 at it, as the part couldn't be returned after it was installed if it wasn't the problem. They said I could bring it back again at no charge because the first time didn't definitively diagnose it. Therefore, I am trying to get an affordable VSA module (for ACC/CMBS 2006 RL) to do a R&R and hope that it solves the problem. Alternator, battery, etc. all checked out. Also, the tech checked the wiring harness and ground between the VSA module and the PCM of the car, and it checked out. I can confirm that when the error occurs, my RL reverts to front wheel drive, traction control and ACC stop working, and I assume that ABS stops working (and according to the errors, my airbags as well!).

When I install the new VSA module, will it give an error until the dealer reprograms it? How will it behave upon swapping out? My current OBDII/Trans/ABS/etc scanner when clearing the ABS codes sometimes leaves the yellow triangle/VSA error light and then one more step (with steering wheel straight and car levels) clears this code. Is it likely calibrating the ABS/VSA module? I hope this is the case. If not, I will take it back to dealership for the 2nd time and hopefully they will be able to calibrate it.

Thanks again for your help and insights!

 

I think your dealer needs to help you out on this. This part is astronomical in price if purchased new. Find out if a used part can be installed (I'm 99% sure it can be). It will definitely have to be programmed and codes erased in order for it to function.

I don't know where you are, but I have a dealer in CT that would assist with a used module.

Chris

 

Thanks again! I ended up negotiating a better price on this part and it arrived in great shape! Can't thank you enough!

 

A few days ago I finally tackled installing the ABS/VSA modulator that "teh CL" found for me...so appreciative! Every other path I went down ended up falling apart or wasn't actually for a CMBS/ACC car. I ended up getting it for $165 with shipping...much better than $2500 + 2 hours labor to install!

Overall, the install went very smoothly (compared to how it could have gone). I didn't know for sure if this module was the problem, if the part from Ebay would work, if it was the right part (for sure) because these modules don't seem to directly list the OEM part number (kind of strange), didn't know what would be required to get it to work, or if something else would go wrong during install.

With the bracket and all of the brake lines, it was a delicate process to get the old part out and get the new part in. I followed the service manual guidelines precisely, except I didn't remove the engine mount (I wasn't sure if it was load bearing, and it didn't seem to get in the way much). In the end, I was able to do it without removing the engine mount.

Once getting it in, I went ahead and bled the brakes thoroughly. I needed to change the brake fluid anyways, so the timing was good. I used 1.5 liters of Wagner DOT 5.1 Severe Duty brake fluid. Followed the correct bleed sequence and pumped a LOT of fluid through. Finally, by the time I got to the last wheel, it was coming out 100% pure and clean.

Then...the moment of truth! I reconnected the battery, and turned the key over. I had two new brake codes. Strangely, I was encouraged to have some new codes, as I had gotten the other codes so many times! I got two codes: (1) 61-1 ABS Battery Voltage Malfunction and (2) 11-1 ABS Right Front Wheel Speed Sensor Open or Short. I cleared the code, and hope that the process my code scanner used would calibrate the new module. It asks me to have the steering wheel straight ahead, car level, and foot off the brake, and then asks if the VSA error is still on, hit enter, and then it goes away. It sounds like a calibration process to me. I ran through this, and the codes were cleared and it started right up with no codes! I have driven it 4 or 5 times since, and nothing has come back yet. Very happy and keeping my fingers crossed! It must be the right module, as I imagine the car would be sending all sorts of errors if it was for a non-CMBS/ACC RL. From the posting I was confident, but had become more paranoid.

I used the ACC and it worked fine. I went on a snowy road and thoroughly tested the VSA and ABS, and they both worked without any issues and the brakes felt great.

Now, here is the strange part of all of this. The first time I drove it and when I accelerated hard, I noticed a significant increase in power...it caught me by surprise! The engine seemed to rev higher and faster (and a little louder), and I noticed that when accelerating from a stop (wide open throttle), it would have a little bit of wheel hop (not much) on dry pavement...not much, but just a little. Before this, it would only do this when it was in a fault mode (just front wheel drive) or in wet conditions. My friend thought this might mean that somehow the offending VSA/ABS modulator could have been limiting engine torque or something along those lines. Or, there was some other fault that wasn't being cleared. I could be imagining it, but I don't think I am. Its a very unexpected surprise! I have never driven another RL, so I don't have much to compare it to.

But as of right now, all is good and I couldn't be more appreciative of the groups help with this!

 

 

The throttle response change could be from resetting the drive by wire system in the ECU during service.

 

Interesting! Thanks! I was not expecting a change like this at all...but it was a pleasant one! It must have been more of a reset than unplugging the battery or disconnecting/reconnecting the brake/vsa module, as I had done both of those several times. I hope it stays like this!

 

I will be working on my 05 RL also so I am subscribing to this thread. By the way cdroadwarrior, please PM me again with that info, I accidentally erased it.

 

Sure! This is the one I got:

https://www.amazon.com/Actron-CP9580...actron+cp9580A

Before this, I had a more basic code scanner that just did OBD 2...I kept getting errors and nothing showed up. Not with this one! This one does engine, transmission, abs, etc... Seems to work very well, particularly with my 2006 RL. It even calibrated my new VSA/ABS module no problem. It does a lot more than I have fully explored. Somewhere, I even saw a count of the total number of ignition starts that had occurred with my car...not sure of the significance, but interesting! It also does some live data feeds.

Given that a one-time diagnostics read at a dealership will cost more than this, it is a pretty darn good investment.

 

Thank you very much.

 

Quick update...after about two weeks since replacing the VSA/ABS module with the Ebay module that "teh CL" found, not a single VSA/ABS error! No need to even go back to the dealer to calibrate the module! HUGE relief! Between the VSA and the AFS error being fixed, and other upgrades/improvements I have made, my RL is even more solid and reliable than 3.5 years ago when I purchased it! Absolutely rock-solid reliability and durability! Love this RL!

 

 

Any update as of now? I sent you an PM just now.