SRS Indicator On, But Can't Read Any DTCS? Read This (B12020D)

SRS INDICATOR ON, BUT CAN'T READ ANY DTCS? READ THIS

SERVICE NEWS ARTICLE

SERVICE INFORMATION

EDITOR'S NOTE:  A few years back, we posted the Tech2Tech  segment "Turning Off the SRS Indicator When the Body Shop Can't." Here's a summary of it along with some extra info you might find helpful. It makes a handy troubleshooting reference.

Got a vehicle with the SRS indicator on, but you can't read any DTCs with the HDS? Chances are that vehicle had some collision repairs done. The SRS is a very reliable system, and there's a good reason why that indicator is on. It's probably from improper or incomplete collision repairs.

Here are some things that can contribute to this:

• Some of the SRS components needing replacement for that collision weren't replaced.
• The wrong replacement parts were installed (wrong model, year, trim level). The body shop might have even used aftermarket or salvage parts.
• There was undetected SRS wiring damage, or the wiring was poorly repaired.
• The SRS unit was reset  by an aftermarket business, instead of being replaced  like we specify.
  NOTE: American Honda never  approves of resetting SRS units after a collision.
• The client bought the vehicle not knowing it was in a past collision.

To find and fix this problem, just follow these steps:

1. Go to ISIS, and print out a copy of SRS Component Replacement/Inspection After Deployment  .
2. Go to the iN Parts Catalog, and enter the VIN. You'll see a full list of part numbers that are required for replacement after an SRS deployment. Print out a copy.
3. Try getting a list of the SRS components the body shop replaced; it'll help save you time.
4. Inspect the SRS components on the vehicle, making sure they're new  and their part numbers match up with the parts catalog. Also, make sure all of the connectors are secure and the wiring harnesses aren't damaged.
5. Make any needed repairs. If a wiring harness is damaged, never  try repairing it; always replace it.

With the repairs complete, you should now be able to read and clear any stored DTCs. Once they're cleared, the SRS indicator should go off.

1. Make sure the battery is fully charged. Then, hook up the HDS and MVCI and make sure the HDS communicates with the vehicle and SRS unit.
   • If it communicates, clear the DTCs. If the ODS unit needs initializing, go to step 2.
   • If it doesn't communicate, go to ISIS and follow symptom troubleshooting procedure SRS Indicator Stays On, but No DTCs Are Stored, or Cannot Be Read  , until it does. Then, clear the DTCs. If the ODS unit needs initializing, go to step 2.
2. Go to ISIS, and follow the steps in ODS Unit Initialization  .
   • If the unit initializes, the SRS indicator should now go off and you're good to go.
   • If the unit doesn't initialize, go back and make sure all required SRS components were replaced. Remember, each collision is unique, so you might have a damaged ODS component that's keeping the unit from initializing.

Need more troubleshooting and repair info? Here are some helpful resources:

Job Aids 

• SRS Troubleshooting Process 
• SRS Occupant Detection System (ODS) Troubleshooting&Repair Information 

Online University 

• Self-study module RSC20, Restraints, Components, and & Operation I 
• Self-study module RSC22, Restraints, Components, and Operation II 
• Self-study module RSC24, Restraints Troubleshooting Procedures 
• Self-study module RSC26, Restraints System Repair Procedures