Just got a call from the wife, SRS light popped on while she was driving to work.

I saw a Full SRS code list on the web, but it shows 2003-2011 MDX, TL and TSX having a different set of codes (including some that start with A1, B1, etc)

Does the paper clip trick still work on a 2003 TLP ? I wanted to pull the code myself.

I know the OPDS warranty is extended, but we are past the 10 yrs (10 yrs, 7 months....still under the mileage though). Acura care already said they cant do anything, but I didnt press the issue since I dont know what the code is yet.

Thanks in advance.

-Chris

 

You can just go to any local Auto Zone or O`Reillys for example and get the codes checked for free. Get them checked and post em.

 

Do airbag codes show using a regular scanner? I was under the impression they did not.

 

Yes, the paper clip method should still work. Do it a couple of times until the light comes off. I was reading an article about the check engine light before I posted.

 

OK, jumpered 4 and 9 on the data connector.

Unfortunately, the SRS light was only part of it. This is what Im seeing:

TCS code 3-1 (Engine retard command - PFINH Signal)
ABS code 6-1 (Low Ignition Voltage)
SRS code 13-1 (Faulty driver side impact sensor or SRS unit). NOTE: the SRS code is "intermittent" (the light didnt keep flashing the code, it just stayed on after finishing the 13-1 flash)

Wife said nothing out of the ordinary happened except she slipped a little driving home in the snow last night. Car doesnt crank slow, runs OK, etc.

Any ideas? Im praying that its not the transmission (again) but Im not hopeful!

Thanks.

-Chris

 

Test drove the car myself...nothing out of the ordinary. TCS engages, ABS engages. Wife insists nothing out of the ordinary happened with the car. I personally think the battery and/or alternator are going bad (low ignition voltage?) and then triggered the other lights.

I reset everything including the SRS, then test drove the car per the service manual. Nothing caused the SRS light to come back on in 10 minutes of aggressive driving, so for now Ill call it a fluke and tell her to keep an eye on it (and hopefully note what she was doing when it came back on)

-Chris

 

Disregard that ABS code it stays in the memory of the ABS module even if the battery is taken off, unless you hook up a scanner to delete the abs codes. Now that code is there because the battery at some point in the cars life the battery went dead giving low voltage. Its not your Alt. Or Batt.

For the SRS just use the paper clip method, it should go away. If it comes back then it does have a problem.

 

Thanks! I did not know that. The transmission was replaced 3 years ago, I assumed they had cleared the DTCs back then. Just out of morbid curiosity, if the battery is disconnected with the car off, does that DTC somehow still get set? We've never run the battery dead since the transmission was replaced, that I know of anyway.

And as far as the SRS light, how quickly would it come back? I only drove it for 10 minutes and it wasnt back. The service manual seems to make it sound like it would come back pretty quickly but Im not sure.

Thanks again.

-Chris

 

Are you the original owner if not then the previous owner probably did, I bet even a bad ignition switch would cause that code to come up.
I have a scanner and every Honda/Acura I've checked that has ABS has that code. Its in Non Volatile memory and doesn't need power to remember stuff, probably the same idea for the radio codes.
Im not sure on the SRS I believe until it detects a problem then it will light up, No time frame really.

 

We are the original owners. The battery did run down once while we've had the car, but it was a very long time ago. No biggie, if that code is that common ill ignore it for now. During the test drive ABS and TCS worked fine and didnt trigger a solid light so its probably fine.

Told the wife to drive the car and if the SRS light comes back on be sure to note what she was doing at the time. The code is intermittent (per the service manual), and was pointing at the drivers side impact sensor or the SRS computer itself. Oddly enough those parts seem easily sourced as used units, so worst case I just replace one or the other (service manual procedure is replace the impact sensor first, if the code comes back on replace the whole SRS computer)

 

Completely forget you saw the ABS/TCS code. If there is an issue the cel will come on for them. As for the srs code there is no time frame as to if or when it will come back on, Just keep an eye on it. If it comes back on read the code again and dont clear it. You may need it for the repair shop to help diagnose it should you go that route.

 

Thanks. And yeah the odd thing about the ABS/TCS was that normal usage they were fine (bulb test, then they go out after a few seconds). They didnt start flashing codes until I jumpered 4 and 9 on the data connector. I have to say the dashboard was quite a light show with everything flashing at once

The only light that stayed on solid during normal usage was SRS. Which was the 13-1 code, but since the light stayed on solid after flashing that code, it indicated an intermittent failure. Service manual wisdom says just reset it and see if it comes back on again lol. Even better, the procedure for fixing it is replace the drivers impact sensor, and wait. If it comes back on again, replace the whole SRS computer. Im assuming neither would be covered under warranty, so its either get bent over by the dealer or source used (hopefully working) parts and DIY it.

 

I personally would wait to see if they come back on. And yes, those parts are easily sourced used.