AWD/VSA Malfunction
#1
AWD/VSA Malfunction
I recently purchased an '05 RL and I've noticed that, when it is approximately 10 degrees or colder, when I start the car, both my AWD and VSA indicators come on in the dash. I've definitively noted it happens ONLY when it's this cold or colder. I've taken it to an auto shop, and he said the diagnostic is saying the problem is within the AWD computer (forgive me but I don't have the specific code). He cleared the computer codes, and I monitored it and as soon as it got below 10 degrees, the same behavior happened. My mechanic verified the same code is being thrown. Has anyone else experienced this? Does anyone have an estimate on the cost to replace the AWD computer?
Thank you
Thank you
#2
check battery before you replace the computer
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oo7spy (01-30-2014)
#3
Really? Never thought to check that, but I will. I'm guessing your thought is that during those more frigid temperatures, there is an issue with the battery? I will get the battery checked out. But, I just thought it may be worth it to check the AcuraLink messages to see if there is anything there about the AWD listed there too.
#4
Senior Moderator
Your battery is dying. Don't spend more than $120 on this.
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Jefftech (02-11-2014)
#6
Oh my Lord...
Replacing computer?
God bless Acurazine...
Replacing computer?
God bless Acurazine...
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#9
Senior Moderator
While it is true that it could be a real issue, 19/20 times we see VSA errors here it is battery. SH-AWD follows shortly after on the syndrome list.
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Jefftech (02-11-2014)
#11
Senior Moderator
Dealer techs...
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oo7spy (01-30-2014)
#14
Senior Moderator
#18
Senior Moderator
It's likely a combination of an older battery and cold weather. The battery may have reasonable life left (6 mo, 12 mo, or more) but just can't perform to the standards of a new battery. If it's an Acura battery, the CCAs are on the low end to begin with.
#19
I do not believe this is a battery problem. I replaced my battery about a week ago. Yet I had the same VSA and SH-AWD warnings come up yesterday. It came on at first but when I restarted the car it went away. Pretty sure this is just some kind of defect when it gets really cold.
#20
Burning Brakes
I do not believe this is a battery problem. I replaced my battery about a week ago. Yet I had the same VSA and SH-AWD warnings come up yesterday. It came on at first but when I restarted the car it went away. Pretty sure this is just some kind of defect when it gets really cold.
#21
Senior Moderator
A new battery does not equate to a good battery. Batteries have defects too.
#22
The battery is an optima red top, I see no reason why it should be defective. Again, maybe some people do have older batteries and these warnings come up as a result, but in my case this is not due to the battery but something else. Not a big deal though since once I restart the car (or it warms up) they go away.
#24
Just for shits and giggles, everyone take your brand new batteries and let them trickle charge for 2 days and report back with what happens. Cold weather alone does not cause a car to set codes, period. Since the 05 is the bastard year, we know the range switch, driver fuse box, brake switch, vsa modulator, and pcm software in general is known to have issues. So.......go get yourself a $25 Schumacher 1.5A Speed Charge at Walmart, and let the battery charge until the little green light comes on and then go see what the car does.
#26
Suzuka Master
iTrader: (1)
Just for shits and giggles, everyone take your brand new batteries and let them trickle charge for 2 days and report back with what happens. Cold weather alone does not cause a car to set codes, period. Since the 05 is the bastard year, we know the range switch, driver fuse box, brake switch, vsa modulator, and pcm software in general is known to have issues. So.......go get yourself a $25 Schumacher 1.5A Speed Charge at Walmart, and let the battery charge until the little green light comes on and then go see what the car does.
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HEAVY_RL (02-02-2014)
#28
Suzuka Master
iTrader: (1)
You can chase codes all you want, but the reality here is that if you search this board (and others) then you will see time and time again batteries test "good" and still cause issues in the car.
A service tech is trained to follow the codes and trouble shoot, that's why the codes exists... the consumer has many options and one is to use forums like these that are fueled by historical knowledge and the mistakes of others.
You, as the owner, get your choice.
Now on to the common sense...
YES, we all know that the cold weather slows electrons and exasperates issues in weak batteries. So that being said, you either ditch the battery, or deal with it until it leaves you stranded. Keeping in mind that a weak battery causes strain on the alternator and electrical components.
This isnt your cousins z-28 that will start and give no issues with a 8year old no name battery.
ALSO, Optimas are garbage... they are made in mexico and people buy them because of the name, if you want to spend top dollar on a battery get yourself a Braille.
A service tech is trained to follow the codes and trouble shoot, that's why the codes exists... the consumer has many options and one is to use forums like these that are fueled by historical knowledge and the mistakes of others.
You, as the owner, get your choice.
Now on to the common sense...
YES, we all know that the cold weather slows electrons and exasperates issues in weak batteries. So that being said, you either ditch the battery, or deal with it until it leaves you stranded. Keeping in mind that a weak battery causes strain on the alternator and electrical components.
This isnt your cousins z-28 that will start and give no issues with a 8year old no name battery.
ALSO, Optimas are garbage... they are made in mexico and people buy them because of the name, if you want to spend top dollar on a battery get yourself a Braille.
Last edited by HEAVY_RL; 02-02-2014 at 10:48 AM.
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BDoggPrelude (02-02-2014)
#29
Senior Moderator
False.
I think sOLLEx was agreeing. He was saying that to prove it is the battery (even a new one), trickle charge it and the symptoms will go away. IOW, even a new battery can be weak enough in the cold to cause the issue. It's not the car.
I think sOLLEx was agreeing. He was saying that to prove it is the battery (even a new one), trickle charge it and the symptoms will go away. IOW, even a new battery can be weak enough in the cold to cause the issue. It's not the car.
#30
Suzuka Master
iTrader: (1)
That was just a rant, not directed at anyone...
And Mah bad...
And Mah bad...
Reason 3 - Batteries have problems in cold weather, too. A battery is a can full of chemicals that produce electrons (see How Batteries Work for more information). The chemical reactions inside of batteries take place more slowly when the battery is cold, so the battery produces fewer electrons. The starter motor therefore has less energy to work with when it tries to start the engine, and this causes the engine to crank slowly.
The following 2 users liked this post by HEAVY_RL:
oo7spy (02-02-2014),
StReCh4130 (02-02-2014)
#31
Drifting
I ran a Red Top in my Prelude for 5 years with no issues whatsoever. Put one in our TL and it has been okay. After 3 years, it's definitely not cranking the way it used to, especially in the cold.
#32
Suzuka Master
iTrader: (1)
I was a huge optima fan in the early years when I had big stereos and isolators.
Lately, in the past 5 years, they have just been terrible.
But I call them Mexico batteries because they changed their assembly locations around the same time the suck started.
Lately, in the past 5 years, they have just been terrible.
But I call them Mexico batteries because they changed their assembly locations around the same time the suck started.
#33
Senior Moderator
#35
Thanks to everyone for your feedback. I replaced the battery and today, in approximately 7 degree weather, I get the same behavior. I'm convinced it's either truly broken or the cold is a bigger culprit than I expected.
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HEAVY_RL (02-08-2014)
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