General Troubleshooting Information
General Troubleshooting InformationDTC (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 will come on. If it goes off after 6 seconds, the system is normal.
- If there is an abnormality, the system locates and defines the problem, stores this information in memory, and turns the SRS indicator light on. The data will remain in the memory even when the ignition switch is turned off or if the battery is disconnected.
- When you connect the Honda PGM Tester to the 16P data link connector (DLC) to short the SCS terminal, and turn the ignition switch ON (II), the SRS indicator light will indicate the diagnostic trouble code (DTC) by the number of blinks.
- After reading and recording the DTC, proceed with the troubleshooting procedure for this code.
Precautions
- Use only a digital multimeter to check the system. If it's not a Honda multimeter, make sure it's 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 main harness, disconnect the driver's airbag connector, the front passenger's airbag connector, both side airbag connectors and both seat belt tensioner connectors.
- Make sure the battery is sufficiently charged. If the battery is dead or low, measuring values won't be correct.
- Do not touch a tester probe to the terminals in the SRS unit or harness connectors, and do no connect the terminals with a jumper wire. Use only the backprobe set and the Honda PGM Tester. Backprobe spring-loaded lock type connectors correctly.
Reading the DTC
When the SRS indicator light is on, read the DTC using either of the following methods:
PGM Tester Method
Connect the Honda PGM Tester (A) to the 16P Data Link Connector (DLC) (B), and follow the tester's prompts in the "SRS" menu. If the tester indicates no DTC, DTC 9-1 or DTC 9-2, double-check by selecting "SCS" on the display, and watching the SRS indicator light.
SRS Indicator Light Method:
The SRS indicator light (A) indicates the DTC by the number of blinks when the Honda PGM Tester (C) is connected to the DLC (data link connector) (16P) (B).
1. Make sure the ignition switch is OFF.
2. Connect the Honda PGM Tester (C) to the DLC (16P) (B), and follow the tester's prompts in the "SCS" menu (see the Honda PGM Tester Operator's Manual).
3. Turn the ignition switch ON (II). The SRS indicator light (A) comes on for about 6 seconds, and then goes off. Then it will blink to indicate the DTCs (see the table).
4. Read the DTC.
5. Turn the ignition switch OFF, and wait for 10 seconds.
6. Disconnect the Honda PGM Tester (C) from the DLC (16P) (B).
Patterns of DTC Indications:
Patterns of DTC Indications:
The DTC consists of a main code and sub-code.
Reading the main code:
Reading the main code:
In case of 1-10
Count the number of the blinks.
In case of 11-15
Four continuous blink count as ten.
Add any further blinks together as shown.
Reading the sub code:
Reading the sub code:
Count the number of the blinks.
If the main code is '3', and the sub code is '4', record a DTC 3-4.
Example Of The DTC Indications:
- Including the most recent problem, up to three different malfunctions can be indicated (see example 1).
- In case of a continuous failure, the DTC will be indicated repeatedly (see example 1).
- In case of an intermittent failure, the SRS indicator light will indicate the DTC one time, then it will stay on (see example 2).
- If both a continuous and an intermittent failure occur, both DTCs will be indicated as continuous failures.
- When the system is normal (no DTC), the SRS indicator light will stay on (see example 3).
- If the SRS indicator light comes on continuously without a DTC, there may be a problem with the system.
- If the SRS indicator light does not come on as indicated above, always check for an open or a short to ground in the SCS circuit before troubleshooting the system.