Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Initialize The OPDS After You Replace Parts (ASN 1103-05)
Reference number: ASN 1103-05
INITIALIZE THE OPDS AFTER YOU REPLACE PARTS
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN
| ACURA: | 1999-2004 3.5RL; 2000-2004 3.2TL; 2001-2004 3.2CL, MDX; 2002-2003 RSX |
| CATEGORY: | Acura Service News |
| APPLIES TO: | 1999-2004 3.5RL; 2000-2004 3.2TL; 2001-2004 3.2CL, MDX; 2002-2003 RSX |
SERVICE INFORMATION
On '99-04 3.5RLs, '00-04 3.2TLs, '01-04 3.2CLs, '01-04 MDXs, and '02-03 RSXs with side airbags, you must initialize the Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS) whenever you replace these parts:
- OPDS unit (in the seat-back)
- OPDS sensor (part of the seat-back foam)
If you don't initialize the system, you'll get an SRS DTC 15-1 (Faulty OPDS Unit) or even a 15-3 (faulty OPDS sensor).
There are two ways to initialize the OPDS: with the HDS or with the service manual procedure. We prefer the HDS method. The service manual procedure has more steps and you still have to use the HDS and the SCS service connector. Here are both procedures:
OPDS INITIALIZATION USING THE HDS
- Adjust the passenger's seat-back to a normal upright position, and remove anything that's on or near the seat.
- Make sure the HDS is loaded with the latest software, and plug the HDS into the vehicle's DLC (see the appropriate service manual for the DLC location).
- Turn the ignition switch to ON (II).
- Follow the screen prompts on the HDS to get to the SRS Test Menu.
- From the SRS Test Menu, select Occupant Position Detection System.
- From the Occupant Position Detection System menu, select Misc Tests.
- From the Misc Tests menu, select OPDS Initialization.
- Follow the remaining screen prompts to complete the OPDS initialization.
OPDS INITIALIZATION USING THE SERVICE MANUAL
- Do the Initializing the OPDS Unit procedure under General Troubleshooting Information in the Restraints section of the appropriate service manual. If you are using ISIS, go to the search by vehicle screen, select the vehicle, the model year, then type in "how to troubleshoot the SRS," and click on Search button. Click on How to Troubleshoot the SRS and use the arrow buttons to get to the initializing the OPDS unit procedure.
- Turn the ignition switch to lock (0), and disconnect the HDS.
- Erase the SRS DTC using the 10-step procedure in General Troubleshooting Information in the Restraints section of the appropriate service manual.
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.