Hey people, been lurking for years (this is the ultimate place for information on all hondas!) first time post.

I recently bought a 2000 Accord SE from my sisters boyfriend. I knew it was a slightly risky purchase because I've known him to try and "upgrade" things and ends up breaking them haha. But my issue is serious. I was planning to gift this car to my girlfriend who is currently 4 months pregnant after doing lots of work to restore the car to a properly functioning automobile, one thing just struck my head.

Two months before I bought it he told me his SRS light was on. When I bought it the light was not on, the TROUBLING part is as I turn the key to position 2 all the lights on the dash flash for a quick second-Except the SRS light. The light does not turn on nor flash for even a second. I spoke to the previous owner and he said he never messed with it. This is very concerning because I'm sure if there is an issue, the light will remain flashing or remain on. The owners manual states the SRS light should flash when ignition is turned on. I have googled this and searched specialized forums for anything about this issue but have found nothing really helpful.

My question is-where do I begin? Take the cluster out to see if somebody decided to put a piece of tape over the light? Fuse is in and is in-tact. Can anyone shed some light on what controls the illumination of the SRS light?
I apologize for the on and on type of post, thanks for reading!

 

Take the gauge cluster out and see if the bulb is there or taped up. The cluster is relatively quick and easy to take out. There are instructions and guides on the web.

The SRS unit (located behind the front console) sends a ground signal to the SRS Indicator Circuit (built into the gauge assembly) to turn on the SRS indicator. Power is via driver's under-dash fuse no. 9.

 

Perfect! I will start there. Thank you for the quick, informative reply tech8

 

Wouldn't it be easier, than taking the dash off, to check for codes on OBDII? Isn't it true that anything that would make the dash indicator light up would be reported as a code?

 

If you read what the OP wrote in his first post, "The light does not turn on nor flash for even a second... The owners manual states the SRS light should flash when ignition is turned on. " I was replying to his question to see if somebody decided to put a piece of tape over the light...

 

I will be pulling the cluster out this morning once I get to the car. If the light is not blocked, missing, or burnt out would the possible SRS issue show up via OBDII scan?

 

You will also want to verify the bulb is good - yes they burn out.

Only IF the code reader is designed to read SRS codes. The "simple/cheap" code readers will only read MIL/CEL codes and not ABS or SRS codes.

 

Would a pepboys or autozone be able to read an SRS message? Or would I have to bring it to a Honda dealer?

 

Yeah, I get that. I saying the OP is scared that there is SRS code that is not shown because the light has been deliberately obscured then *the real issue is whether there is an SRS code*, so just make there are no SRS codes with OBDII once a week or something and that will give OP some time to go messing around with the whole dash and get the black electrical tape off the light bulb....

 

I've had Advance Auto scan me a couple of times I've seen them use the $40 retail one, which doesn't, but I've also seen them use the $200 retail one, which if you read the box says will read ABS, SRS codes for like Ford 05 - 15, Chevy Trucks 04-13, Mercedes .. etc...

Also, with the cheapest ($13 on amazon) Bluetooth one I was able to scan a non-reported, pre-code, Honda transmission specific 1739. So, YMMV.

 

So turns out the bulb had been removed. Took the one from the ABS light and swapped it over and started it up. SRS light on. Looks like I've got to make a trip to pepboys.

 

I've found the issue and a fix is in progress. I couldn't take the car to a shop because it's not registered and has no headlights. But I was directed to a video showing how to read CEL and ABS codes with a jumper. That lead me to another video on how to do the same for SRS lights. Turns out it's code 9-3. Drivers seat seatbelt buckle.

Im headed out to go pick one up to replace it and hope all goes well. Thanks for all the helpful input!