This is my first post, joining the community after owning a 2000 3.2TL-S (235k) for about a year. Bought it with the SRS light staying on. Saw a bunch of SRS light reset threads online and figured it was an easy reset, as well as PO told me that there is an airbag recall which may be related. After a few reset cycles, took to dealership which said OPDS code and quoted $1100 to fix. Decided to take apart to better understand.

What I found in my case is that modifying the mounting of the OPDS control PCB on the left side of passenger seat + disconnecting springs from seat internal frame structure has fixed the issue (or radically reduced frequency of failure).

I went through multiple test configurations with a good number of on/off drive cycles to see the pattern. Basically this was the sequence:

Reset SRS light, it returns within 6 on/off drive cycles, repeat multiple times over first two months of ownership.

Disassemble passenger seat including removing leather seat cover, remove OPDS module PCB from its metal housing and leave open, dangling behind passenger seat. Seat isn't usable in disassembled state, but after resetting, SRS stays off for 300+ on/off drive cycles.

Re-assemble seat as close to factory original as possible, re-mounting OPDS module with velcro rather than 3 bolts. SRS light comes on after 5 on/off cycles.

Disassemble once more, move OPDS module to behind seat (just 3 inches difference or so based on the antenna/receiver and control harness lengths), disconnect 5 or 6 light tension springs from the internal seat frame structure. Reset SRS light and it has stayed off for 25+ cycles so far with seat in a modified but reassembled state.

The sensor system is electromagnetic based on the # of conductors in each of the antenna/receiver thin fabric pieces pressed into the upper section of the passenger seat foam. I didn't take pictures, sorry. That's why the Acura tech bulletin about laptops and cell phones possibly being issues. I think there's an interesting antenna behavior inherent with the seat frame/wire harness design/routing.

Normal safety disclaimers of some sort apply since I am tinkering with my TL's safety system. It's obviously a DIY repair attempt, but appears to be a big improvement and I am not aware of any published info suggesting abnormal operation with SRS light OFF, so am hopeful it works long-term.

Anyhow, a first post to share what I've learned on my 3.2TL -- wondering if anyone has tinkered in a similar fashion?


Cheers,
Adam in Atlanta

P.S. It's been an enjoyable commuter car in the metro-ATL area so far!

 

Interesting.

Acura's TSB claims that the OPDS module is what generally goes bad, a new one is only a couple hundred bucks. I have one sitting in a box ready to install when I have some spare time.

The TSB says to replace the sensor if replacing the module doesn't fix the issue, but that is only the minority of cases.