2001 Civic Airbag Issues

Ok guys, lets get started. I am technician at a used dealer, and we have a 2001 Honda Civic EX with side air bags that has been dubbed “The Civic from Hell”. I just want this car gone, after putting an engine, both window motors, both bumpers, a radio, repairing the cluster, AC condenser, dryer, evaporator, and compressor, I just want this thing out of my bay and never to return.

Last week I scanned the car with my Snap On Solus Pro for airbag codes. I noticed the car had a 1-1 (Drivers Airbag Inflator) and a 9-3 (Driver’s Seat Belt Buckle). I am well aware of issues with Honda vehicles and airbags, so I called the dealer to check for recalls. There was open recalls, and the dealer replaced both the Passenger side and Drivers side airbag inflator under recall, and replaced the buckle under warrantee. After 2 days at the dealer, I got a call from the service advisor and he stated that the vehicle needed an an airbag module and a passenger seat in order to fix all the trouble codes. Right away, my boss ordered an airbag module from a salvage yard after I got the model number off it of.

Before installing the new module today, I pulled codes again. Still getting a 1-1 but now had a 15-3 (Passenger Occupant Detection Sensor) but the 9-3 had gone away. Put in the “new” airbag module and what do you know, still pulling a 1-1, and a 15-3. I am really at a loss here and do not know where to turn next. My Solus Pro will give me no data and no trouble shooter, all I can do is pull codes. Alldata is also of no help to me right now. I feel like I am at the mercy of the dealer, but boss man says I better get it fixed!

Any Honda techs out there that can help point me in the right direction? Sorry to seem so hopeless, this car has just kicked my rear end and I just want this thing gone forever!!! Thanks in advance to all who can help 🙂