Description of On-Board Diagnostics

General Troubleshooting Information

System Indicator





This system has four indicators:
^ ABS indicator (A)
^ Brake system indicator (B)
^ VSA indicator (C)
^ VSA activation indicator (D)

When the system is OK, each indicator comes on for about 2 seconds after turning the ignition switch ON (II), then goes off.
When the system detects a problem; a DTC will be set and, depending on the failure, the VSA modulator-control unit determines which indicator(s) are turn on. If the problem goes away (system returns to normal), the indicator(s) will be controlled in the following way depending upon the DTC that was set.
^ The indicator(s) will come on and stay on when the ignition switch is on.
^ The indicator(s) will automatically go off.
^ The indicator(s) will go off after the vehicle is driven.

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.

VSA indicator
VSA indicator comes on, when VSA function is lost.

VSA activation indicator
VSA activation indicator blinks, when VSA function is activating. VSA activation indicator comes on, when VSA is off, or VSA function is lost.

How to Use the HDS (Honda Diagnostic System)
1. If the system indicators stays on, connect the HDS to the data link connector (DLC) located under the driver's side of the dashboard.
2. Turn the ignition switch on (II).
3. Check the diagnostic trouble code (DTC) and note it. Also check the 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 shut out when the vehicle speed at 31 mph (50 km/h) or more.
^ The HDS can read the DTC, and other system data.
^ For specific operations, refer to the user's manual that came with the HDS.

Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC)
^ The memory can hold 10 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 and VSA indicators go off.
- Regular diagnosis: Done right after the initial diagnosis until the ignition switch is turned OFF.
^ 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 operating 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 VSA system.