How to Troubleshoot the SRS

DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Codes)

The self-diagnostic function of the SRS system allows it to locate the causes of system problems and then store this information in memory. For easier troubleshooting, this data can be retrieved via a data link circuit.

When you turn the ignition switch ON (II), the SRS indicator comes on. If it goes off after 6 seconds, the system is normal, and is not currently detecting any abnormality.
If there is an abnormality, the system locates and defines the problem, stores this information in memory, and turns the SRS indicator on. The data will remain in the memory even when the ignition switch is turned off or if the battery is disconnected.
The data is stored in memory as a diagnostic trouble code (DTC).
DTCs are either latching or resetting depending on the malfunction. With resetting DTCs, the SRS indicator will go off the next time the ignition switch is turned ON and the system is normal, but the DTC is still stored. With latching DTCs, the SRS indicator will not turn OFF until the malfunction is repaired and the DTC is cleared.
When you connect the HDS to the 16P data link connector (DLC), you can retrieve a more detailed DTC in the Honda Systems ‘‘SRS'' menu.
After reading and recording the DTC, proceed with the troubleshooting procedure for that code.

Precautions

Use only a digital multimeter to check the system. If it's not a Honda multimeter, make sure its output is 10 mA ( 0.01 A) or less when switched to the smallest value in the ohmmeter range. A tester with a higher output could damage the airbag circuit or cause accidental airbag deployment and possible injury.
Whenever the ignition switch is ON (II), or has been turned OFF for less than 3 minutes, be careful not to bump the SRS unit; the airbags could accidentally deploy and cause damage or injuries.
Before you remove the SRS harness, disconnect the driver's airbag connector, the front passenger's airbag connector, both side airbag connectors, both side curtain airbag connectors and both seat belt tensioner connectors.
Make sure the battery is sufficiently charged. If the battery is dead or low, measuring values may not be correct.
Do not touch a tester probe to the terminals in the SRS unit or harness connectors, and do not connect the terminals with a jumper wire. Use only the backprobe set and the multimeter. Backprobe spring-loaded lock type connectors correctly.

Reading the DTC

1. Make sure the ignition switch is OFF.

2. Connect the HDS to the DLC (A).

3. Turn the ignition switch ON (II).

4. Make sure the HDS communicates with the vehicle and the SRS unit. If it does not, troubleshoot the DLC circuit:

K20Z2 engine
Except K20Z2 engine

5. Use the HDS to check for DTCs.

6. Read and record the DTC.

7. Turn the ignition switch OFF, and wait for 10 seconds.

8. Disconnect the HDS from the DLC.

9. Do the troubleshooting procedure for the DTC.

Erasing the DTC Memory with HDS

1. Make sure the ignition switch is OFF.

2. Connect the HDS to the DLC (A).

3. Turn the ignition switch ON (II).

4. Make sure the HDS communicates with the vehicle and the SRS unit. If it does not, troubleshoot the DLC circuit:

K20Z2 engine
Except K20Z2 engine

5. In the SRS menu of the HDS, select SRS, then DTC to erase DTC(s).

6. Turn the ignition switch OFF, and wait for 10 seconds.

7. Disconnect the HDS from the DLC.

Initializing the OPDS (Occupant Position Detection System) Unit

When a seat-back cover, seat-back cushion, and/or OPDS unit is replaced, initialize the OPDS by following the procedure.

NOTE: A new (uninitialized) OPDS unit installed with a faulty OPDS sensor can cause DTC 85-71.

1. Erase the DTC memory (see ‘‘Erasing the DTC Memory'').

2. Make sure the front passenger's seat is dry. Set the seat-back in a normal position, and make sure there is nothing on the seat.

3. Make sure the ignition switch is OFF and the MES connector is not shorted.

4. Connect the HDS to the DLC (A).

5. Turn the ignition switch ON (II).

6. Make sure the HDS communicates with the vehicle and the SRS unit. If it does not, troubleshoot the DLC circuit:

K20Z2 engine
Except K20Z2 engine

7. From the HDS Main Menu, select SRS, then Misc Test, then adjustments. In the Adjustment Menu, select OPDS INIT. Follow the screen prompts to initialize the OPDS.

8. Turn the ignition switch OFF.

9. Disconnect the HDS from the DLC.

NOTE: If the OPDS system fails to initialize after several attempts, replace the OPDS sensor/seat-back and retry. If the OPDS system continues to fail to initialize, replace the OPDS unit.

Troubleshooting Intermittent Failures

If there was a malfunction, but it does not recur, it will be stored in the memory as an intermittent failure, and the SRS indicator may come on depending on the malfunction detected.

After checking the DTC, troubleshoot as follows:

1. Read the DTC (see ‘‘Reading the DTC'').

2. Erase the DTC memory (see ‘‘Erasing the DTC Memory'').

3. Set the parking brake, then start the engine, and let it idle.

4. The SRS indicator comes on for about 6 seconds and then goes off.

5. Shake the related wire harnesses and connectors, and look for loose connections, poor pinfits, and poor grounds.

6. Take a test-drive (quick acceleration, quick braking, and cornering), turn the steering wheel fully left and right, and hold it there for 5 to 10 seconds. If the problem recurs, the SRS indicator will come on.

NOTE: A faulty cable reel can cause intermittent connections related to the driver's airbag.

7. If you cannot duplicate the intermittent failure, the system is OK at this time.