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HOMESERVICE MANUALSACURA2003MDX TOURINGREPAIR AND DIAGNOSISBRAKESTRACTION CONTROLVSA (VEHICLE STABILITY ASSIST) SYSTEMDTC TROUBLESHOOTINGDTC 81: CENTRAL PROCESSING UNIT (CPU)
2003 Acura MDX Touring

DTC 81: Central Processing Unit (CPU)

2003 Acura MDX TouringSECTION DTC 81: Central Processing Unit (CPU)
  1. Check for other DTCs.

    Is another DTC indicated? 

    1. YES  - Do the appropriate troubleshooting for the DTC.
    2. NO  - Go to step 2.
  2. Clear the DTC (see HOW TO CLEAR DTCS  ).
  3. Disconnect the HDS from the 16P DLC.
  4. Turn the ignition switch OFF, then turn it ON (II) again.
  5. Test-drive the vehicle.

    Does the ABS indicator come on, and is DTC 81 indicated? 

    1. YES  - Go to step 6.
    2. NO  - Intermittent failure; the vehicle is OK at this time. Refer to INTERMITTENT FAILURES  .
  6. Disconnect the VSA modulator-control unit 47P connector, steering angle sensor 5P connector, and yaw rate-lateral acceleration sensor 5P connector.
  7. Start the engine.
  8. Measure the voltage between the VSA modulator-control unit 47P connector terminal No. 35 and body ground.
    Fig 1: Measuring Voltage Between VSA Modulator-Control Unit 47P Connector Terminal No. 35 And Body Ground
    G03641446Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

    Is there 0.1 V or more? 

    1. YES  - Repair short to power in the wire between the VSA modulator-control unit, the yaw rate-lateral acceleration sensor, and the steering angle sensor.
    2. NO  - Go to step 9.
  9. Check for continuity between the VSA modulator-control unit 47P connector terminal No. 35 and body ground.
    Fig 2: Checking For Continuity Between VSA Modulator-Control Unit 47P Connector Terminal No. 35 And Body Ground
    G03641447Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

    Is there continuity? 

    1. YES  - Repair short to body ground in the wire between the VSA modulator-control unit, the yaw rate-lateral acceleration sensor, and the steering angle sensor.
    2. NO  - Check for loose terminals in the VSA modulator-control unit 47P connector. If necessary, substitute a known-good VSA modulator-control unit (see VSA MODULATOR-CONTROL UNIT REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION  ) and recheck.
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When to See a Mechanic

Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

  • • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
  • • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
  • • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
  • • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
  • • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.