Hi everyone,

I'm troubleshooting an SRS code, that may cost $0 to $1,000 (or more) to resolve. I'm trying to decide on an organized "attack plan", to minimize costs:

2006 Accord 2Dr EX(V6), in California. 90k mi, drives well. A couple of weeks ago the airbag/SRS light started to light up, in about 1/3rd of trips. If it comes up it stays lit until a restart, which clears it for the next 1-3 trips.

Word on the internet is that it's often the belt buckle microswitch. But my indications are that it's not: if it is the belt buckle, the seatbelt light has to malfunction too, and I tried 15 insertions and it behaved just fine.. I also read the SRS code (the OBD pins 4+9 + paperclip trick)... wished for a 9-3 (belt buckle) but got a 7-1: "Internal Failure Of SRS Unit. Inspect Battery System Voltage, If Voltage Is Low, Repair Charging System Prior To Troubleshooting SRS System."
Battery measures at 12.1V standby, 14.1V running.

I have basic car repair know-how and do want to fix this properly (so no salvage yard SRS parts for example). Possible next steps are:

• Take apart the belt buckle, do the cleaning and microswitch-rubber-boot-stripping thing
• Take it to a local mechanic - $90 for diagnostics.
• Take it to the dealership - they want $130 just for diagnostics. You get it back if it's a lifetime-warranty part like the buckle, but an SRS unit would cost ~$800.
• Buy an OBDII+SRS reader (which may land me in the same spot, less $130)
• Replace the SRS unit myself - $250 for new OEM unit from Majestic Honda.

Now, the too-many questions:

1. What are the chances it is the belt buckle? Between the symptoms and the fact it's a (potential) free replacement, is it worth mucking with it (risk breaking the microswitch etc.)?
   
2. Any fuses I should check?
   
3. What are the chances it's wiring? I wouldn't even know where to start troubleshooting that... the SRS brain has about 60 wires in those harnesses...
   
4. Is there any actual added value in the stealership's diagnostics? I'd drop the $130 if it came with trustworthy, expert (second) opinion and deeper code diagnostics than a $130 OBD widget. Do they know what sets apart the 19 different "internal failure" SRS codes? Do they actually troubleshoot the SRS system as the code indicates, or just see "7-1", swap the brain, and stamp the invoice?
   
5. Same goes for the mechanic. What questions would you ask? If they have an HDS computer? If they can do an OPDS calibration?
   
6. In trips where the SRS indicator does not come up, does it mean that the SRS system is working properly for the trip?

Thanks for reading!

 

Ok so disconnect the battery and wear a grounding strap, check for continuity in the main power to the srs module, if continuity is fine then reconnect the battery and check available voltage at the srs modules power wire with ignition on 12-14v. Make sure you keep your ground strap on and connected to the chassis( can get one at radio shack cheap). If the power is there then it's an internal fault in the srs module. Buying one from the dealer over the junkyard makes no sense. You can buy them used and certified to work on eBay and save yourself money. If you are not mechanically inclined and don't feel comfortable doing it then you should take it to a shop. And if you don't have confidence in probing the srs wiring and switching the module is necessary, have a shop do it.

 

I have a Honda Accord 2005 Lx with a intermitent Srs light. Every day when I turn on my car the light was off but 15 minutes in the street the light turn on.
After study the tech manual of TRW-USA, I saw a document with the information about a Problem with the circuit board that was made with lead-free solder. The error in the memory was the code 53 - internal error .
After remove the Srs unit, I have solder problem in the circuit board, After re-soldering the main components like IC AND RESISTORS the problem disappeared.

 

Nice. I wouldnt have thought of looking to the manufacturer. Where did you get the tech manual?

 

i take this manual on google, after hours on net.
I'll search my iphone and then I'll put the link to you.