Description of On-Board Diagnostics

General Troubleshooting Information

System Indicator





This system has two indicators:
^ ABS indicator (A)
^ Brake system indicator (B)

When the system detects a problem, it will turn the appropriate indicators on. Depending on the failure, the ABS modulator-control unit determines which indicators are turned on.

When the system is OK, each indicator comes on for about 2 seconds after turning the ignition switch ON (II), then goes off.

ABS indicator
ABS indicator comes on, when ABS function is lost. The brakes still work like a conventional system.

Brake system indicator
Brake system indicator comes on, when EBD function is lost, the parking brake is applied, and/or the brake fluid level is low.

ABS indicator go off
Each indicator will go off after a problem goes away, but the timing which the ABS modulator-control unit turns off the indicators varies between DTCs.
^ The indicators go off automatically when the system returns to normal.
^ The indicators stay on until the ignition switch is turned OFF whether or not the system returns to normal.
^ The indicators stay on until the vehicle is driven after the system returns to normal.

Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC)
^ The memory can hold all DTCs. However, when the same DTC is detected more than once, the more recent DTC is written over the earlier one. Therefore, when the same problem is detected repeatedly, it is memorized as a single DTC.
^ The DTCs are indicated in the order they occur.
^ The DTCs are memorized in the EEPROM. Therefore, the memorized DTCs cannot be canceled by disconnecting the battery. Do the specified procedures to clear the DTCs.

Self-diagnosis
^ Self-diagnosis can be classified into two categories:
- Initial diagnosis: Done right after the ignition switch is turned ON (II) and until the ABS indicator goes off.
- Regular diagnosis: Done right after the initial diagnosis until the ignition switch is turned OFF.
^ When the system detects a problem, the ABS modulator-control unit shifts to fail-safe mode.

Kickback
The pump motor operates when the ABS modulator control unit is functioning, and the fluid in the reservoir is forced out to the master cylinder, causing kickback at the brake pedal.

Pump Motor
^ The pump motor operates when the ABS modulator-control unit is functioning.
^ The ABS modulator-control unit checks the pump motor operation during regular diagnosis when the vehicle is driven over 10 mph (15 km/h) the first time after the ignition switch is turned ON (II). You may hear the motor operate at this time, but it is normal.

Brake Fluid Replacement/Air Bleeding
Brake fluid replacement and air bleeding procedures are identical to the procedures used on vehicles not equipped with ABS.

How to Use the HDS (Honda Diagnostic System)





1. If the system indicators stay on, connect the HDS to the data link connector (DLC) (A) located under the driver's side of the dashboard.
2. Turn the ignition switch ON (II).
3. Make sure the HDS communicates with the vehicle and the ABS modulator-control unit. If it doesn't, troubleshoot the DLC circuit.
4. Check the diagnostic trouble code (DTC) and note it. Also check the on board snapshot data, and download any data found. Then refer to the indicated DTC's troubleshooting, and begin the appropriate troubleshooting procedure. DTC List - Antilock Brake System

NOTE:
^ The HDS communication will be stopped when the vehicle speed is at 31 mph (50 km/h) or more.
^ The HDS can read the DTC, current data, and other system data.
^ For specific operations, refer to the Help menu that came with the HDS.