Reading and Clearing Diagnostic Trouble Codes
General Troubleshooting InformationDTC (Diagnostic Trouble Codes)
The self-diagnostic function of the SRS 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.
- 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.
- When you connect the HDS to the data link connector (DLC) to short the SCS terminal, and turn the ignition switch ON (II), the SRS indicator will indicate the diagnostic trouble code (DTC) by the number of blinks.
- The "x" at the end of each DTC denotes a numeric character (0 thru 9) or an alpha character (A thru F) that is display on the HDS.
- When you connect the HDS to the data link connector (DLC), you can retrieve the 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 is 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 main harness, disconnect the driver's airbag connector, the passenger's airbag connector, and both seat belt tensioner connectors.
- Make sure the battery is sufficiently fully charged. If the battery is dead or low, the measured values will not be correct.
- Do not touch a tester probe to the terminals in the SRS unit or harness connectors, and do not connect the SRS unit terminals or the sensor terminals with a jumper wire. Use only the backprobe set and HDS. Backprobe spring-loaded lock type connectors correctly.
Reading the DTC ('00-05 Models)
When the SRS indicator is on, read the DTC using either of the following methods:
HDS "SRS" Menu Method
Connect the HDS to the data link connector (DLC) (A), and follow the HDS prompts in the "SRS" menu. If the HDS indicates no DTC, DTC 9-1, or DTC 9-2, double check by using the "SCS" menu method.
HDS "SCS" Menu Method (Retrieving the flash codes)
The SRS indicator indicates the DTCs by the number of blinks when the HDS is connected to the DLC.
1. Make sure the ignition switch is OFF.
2. Connect the HDS to the data link connector (DLC) (A), and follow the HDS prompts in the "SCS" menu to ground the SCS line.
3. Make sure the SCS line is grounded, then turn the ignition switch ON (II). The SRS indicator should come on for about 6 seconds, and then go off. Then it will blink to indicate the DTC.
- Including the most recent problem, up to three different DTCs can be displayed.
- In case of a continuous failure, the DTC will be indicated repeatedly.
- In case of an intermittent failure, the SRS indicator will indicate the DTC one time, then it will stay on.
- If a continuous and an intermittent failure occur, both DTCs will be indicated as continuous failures.
- In case the system is normal (no DTCs), the SRS indicator will stay on.
4. Read the DTC.
5. Turn the ignition switch OFF, and wait for 10 seconds.
6. Disconnect the HDS from the DLC.
7. Do the troubleshooting procedure for the DTC.
Reading the DTC ('06-08 Models)
1. Make sure the ignition switch is OFF.
2. Connect the HDS to the data link connector (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 communicate, troubleshoot the DLC circuit.
5. Use the HDS to check for DTCs.
6. Read and record the DTC.
7. Turn the ignition switch OFF.
8. Disconnect the HDS from the DLC.
9. Do the troubleshooting procedure for the DTC.
Clear the DTC Memory ('00-05 Models)
Special Tools Required
SCS Service Connector 07PAZ-OO1010A
To erase the DTC(s) from the SRS unit, use the HDS or follow this procedure.
1. Make sure the ignition switch is OFF.
2. Connect the SCS service connector (A) to the yellow MES 2P connector (B). Do not use a jumper wire.
3. Turn the ignition switch ON (II).
4. The SRS indicator will come on for about 6 seconds, and then go off. Remove the SCS service connector from the MES 2P connector within 4 seconds after the indicator goes off.
5. The SRS indicator will come on again. Reconnect the SCS service connector to the MES 2P connector within 4 seconds after the indicator comes on.
6. When the SRS indicator goes off, remove the SCS service connector from the MES 2P connector within 4 seconds.
7. The SRS indicator will blink two times indicating that the memory has been cleared.
8. Turn the ignition switch OFF.
9. Turn the ignition switch ON (II) again. If the SRS indicator comes on for 6 seconds and then goes off, the SRS is OK.
Clear the DTC Memory With the HDS ('06-08 Models)
NOTE: Make sure the battery is fully charged before you begin.
1. Make sure the ignition switch is OFF.
2. Connect the HDS to the data link connector (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 communicate, troubleshoot the DLC circuit.
5. In the SRS MENU of the HDS, select SRS, then DTC to clear the DTC(s).
6. Turn the ignition switch OFF.
7. Disconnect the HDS from the DLC.
Clear the DTC Memory Using MES Connector Without the HDS ('06-08 Models)
Special Tools Required
SCS Service Connector 07PAZ-001010A
NOTE: Make sure the battery is fully charged before you begin.
To clear the DTC(s) from the SRS unit, use the HDS or the following procedure.
1. Make sure the ignition switch is OFF.
2. Connect the SCS service connector (A) to the yellow MES 2P connector (B). Do not use a jumper wire.
3. Turn the ignition switch ON (II).
4. The SRS indicator will come on for about 6 seconds, and then go off. Remove the SCS service connector from the MES 2P connector within 4 seconds after the indicator goes off.
5. The SRS indicator will come on again. Reconnect the SCS service connector to the MES 2P connector within 4 seconds after the indicator comes on.
6. When the SRS indicator goes off, remove the SCS service connector from the MES 2P connector within 4 seconds.
7. The SRS indicator blinks two times, indicating that the memory has been cleared.
8. Turn the ignition switch OFF, then wait for 10 seconds.
9. Turn the ignition switch ON (II) again. If the SRS indicator comes on for 6 seconds, and then goes off, the system is OK.