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HOMESERVICE MANUALSACURA2003MDX TOURINGREPAIR AND DIAGNOSISBRAKESTRACTION CONTROLVSA (VEHICLE STABILITY ASSIST) SYSTEMSYMPTOM TROUBLESHOOTINGABS INDICATOR DOES NOT COME ON
2003 Acura MDX Touring

ABS indicator does not come on

2003 Acura MDX TouringSECTION ABS indicator does not come on
  1. Turn the ignition switch ON (II) and watch the ABS indicator.

    Does the ABS indicator come on for several seconds? 

    1. YES  - The system is OK at this time. Refer to INTERMITTENT FAILURES  .
    2. NO  - Go to step 2.
  2. Apply the parking brake.

    Does the brake system indicator come on? 

    1. YES  - Go to step 3.
    2. NO  - Repair open in the indicator power source circuit from fuse No. 9 (10 A) in the driver's underdash fuse/relay box.
  3. Turn the ignition switch OFF.
  4. Disconnect the VSA modulator-control unit 47P connector.
  5. Turn the ignition switch ON (II).

    Does the ABS indicator come on? 

    1. YES  - 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.
    2. NO  - Go to step 6.
  6. Turn the ignition switch OFF.
  7. Remove the gauge assembly (see GAUGE ASSEMBLY REPLACEMENT ).
  8. Disconnect the gauge assembly connector B (18P) ('03 model) or B (22P) ('04-06 models).
  9. Check for continuity between the VSA modulator-control unit 47P connector terminal No. 12 and body ground.
    Fig 1: Checking For Continuity Between VSA Modulator-Control Unit 47P Connector Terminal No. 12 And Body Ground
    G03641449Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

    Is there continuity? 

    1. YES  - Repair short to ground in the wire between the VSA modulator-control unit and the gauge assembly connector B (18P) ('03 model) or gauge assembly connector B (22P) ('04-06 models).
    2. NO  - Go to step 10.
  10. Reconnect gauge assembly connector B (18P) ('03 model) or gauge assembly connector B (22P) ('04-06 models).
  11. Turn the ignition switch ON (II).
  12. Check for voltage between the gauge assembly connector C (14P) terminal No. 10 and body ground ('03 model) or gauge assembly connector C (16P) terminal No. 13 and body ground ('04-06 models).
    Fig 2: Checking For Voltage Between Gauge Assembly Connector C (14P) Terminal No. 10 And Body Ground (1 Of 2)
    G03641450Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
RENDER: 1.0x

NO RELATED

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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.