Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview
How to Troubleshoot the VSA System
System Indicator
This system has four indicators:
- ABS indicator (A)
- Brake system indicator (B)
- VSA indicator (C)
- VSA activation indicator (D)
When the system detects a problem, it will turn the appropriate indicator on. Depending on the failure, the VSA 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 to ON (II), then goes off.
ABS Indicator
The ABS indicator comes on when the ABS function is lost. The brakes still work like a conventional system.
Brake System Indicator
The brake system indicator comes on when the EBD function is lost, the parking brake is applied, and/or the brake fluid level is low.
VSA Indicator
The VSA indicator comes on when the VSA function is lost.
VSA Activation Indicator
The VSA activation indicator blinks when the VSA function is activating. The VSA activation indicator comes on and stays on when the VSA is turned OFF by using the VSA OFF switch, or when the VSA function is lost.
ABS/VSA Indicator
- If the system is OK, the ABS and VSA indicators go off 2 seconds after turning the ignition switch to ON (II).
- The ABS and VSA indicators come on when the control unit detects a problem in the system. However, even though the system is operating properly, the indicator may come on under these conditions:
- Only the drive wheels rotate.
- One drive wheel is stuck.
- The vehicle goes into a spin.
- The ABS or VSA continues to operate for a long time.
- The vehicle is subjected to an electrical signal disturbance.
To determine the actual cause of the problem, question the customer, taking these conditions into consideration.
- When a problem is detected, there are cases when the indicator stays on until the ignition switch is turned to LOCK (0), and cases when the indicator goes off automatically when the system returns to normal.
- DTC 61 or 62:
- The ABS and VSA indicators go off automatically when the system returns to normal.
- DTC 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 54, 81, 121, 122, 123, or 124:
- The ABS and VSA indicators stay on until the ignition switch is turned to LOCK (0) whether or not the system returns to normal.
- DTC 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 21, 22, 23, 24, 51, or 52:
- The ABS and VSA indicators stay on until the system returns to normal after the engine is restarted, and the vehicle is driven.
- DTC 25, 26, 27, 64, 65, 66, 68, 83, 86, 91, 104, or 105:
- The VSA indicator stays on until the ignition switch is turned to LOCK (0) whether or not the system returns to normal.
- DTC 84:
- The VSA activation indicator go off automatically when the system returns to normal.
Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC)
- The memory can hold any number of 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 ascending number order, not in the order they occur.
- The DTCs are memorized in the EEPROM. Therefore, the memorized DTCs cannot be erased 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 to ON (II) and until the ABS and VSA indicators go off.
- Regular diagnosis: Done right after the initial diagnosis until the ignition switch is turned to LOCK (0).
- When the system detects a problem, the VSA modulator-control unit shifts to fail-safe mode.
Kickback
The pump motor operates when the VSA 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 VSA modulator-control unit is functioning.
- The VSA modulator-control unit checks the pump motor operation one time after completing initial diagnosis during regular diagnosis when the vehicle is driven over 12 mph (20 km/h).
Brake Fluid Replacement/Air Bleeding
Brake fluid replacement and air bleeding procedures are identical to the procedures used on vehicles without the VSA system. Service and Repair
How to Troubleshoot DTCs
The troubleshooting procedures assume that the cause of the problem is still present and the ABS and/or VSA indicator is still on. Following a troubleshooting procedure for a code that has been cleared but does not reset can result in incorrect diagnosis.
1. Question the customer about the conditions when the problem occurred, and try to reproduce the same conditions for troubleshooting. Find out when the ABS and/or VSA indicator came on, such as during activation, after activation, when the vehicle was traveling at a certain speed, etc. If necessary, have the customer demonstrate the concern.
2. When the ABS or VSA indicator does not come on during the test-drive, check for loose connectors, poor contact of the terminals, etc. in the circuit indicated by the DTC before you start troubleshooting.
3. After troubleshooting, or the repairs are done, clear the DTCs, and test-drive the vehicle under the same conditions that originally set the DTCs. Make sure the ABS and VSA indicators do not come on.
4. Check for DTCs from other systems which are connected via F-CAN. If there are DTCs that are related to F-CAN, one possible cause was that the ignition switch was turned to ON (II) with the VSA modulator-control unit connector disconnected. Clear the DTCs. Check for fuel and emissions DTCs first. Always troubleshoot fuel and emissions DTCs first.
Intermittent Failures
The term "intermittent failure" means a system may have had a failure, but it checks OK now. If you cannot reproduce the condition, check for loose connectors or terminal pins related to the circuit that you are troubleshooting.
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 to ON (II).
3. Make sure the HDS communicates with the vehicle and the VSA modulator-control unit. If it doesn't, troubleshoot the DLC circuit. Testing and Inspection
4. Check the diagnostic trouble code (DTC) for all systems and note it, troubleshoot the powertrain DTCs first. Then refer to the indicated DTC's troubleshooting, and do the appropriate troubleshooting procedure.
NOTE:
- The HDS can read the DTC, the current data, and other system data.
- For specific operations, refer to the Help menu that came with the HDS.
How to Retrieve DTCs
1. With the ignition switch in LOCK (0), connect the HDS to the data link connector (DLC) under the driver's side of the dashboard.
2. Turn the ignition switch to ON (II).
3. Make sure the HDS communicates with the vehicle and the VSA modulator-control unit. If it doesn't, troubleshoot the DLC circuit. Testing and Inspection
4. Follow the prompts on the HDS to display the DTC(s) on the screen. After determining the DTC, refer to the DTC troubleshooting. Do the all systems DTC check, and troubleshoot any powertrain DTCs first.
5. Turn the ignition switch to LOCK (0).
How to Clear DTCs
1. With the ignition switch in LOCK (0), connect the HDS to the data link connector (DLC) under the driver's side of the dashboard.
2. Turn the ignition switch to ON (II).
3. Make sure the HDS communicates with the vehicle and the VSA modulator-control unit. If it doesn't, troubleshoot the DLC circuit. Testing and Inspection
4. Clear the DTC(s) by following the screen prompts on the HDS.
5. Turn the ignition switch to LOCK (0).