Honda Prelude ’98 SRS light stays “ON”

[Player101]

This is my first thread and post, so hello to everyone 🙂 .

The problem i have is this: few days ago i removed my gauge assembly to change some background light bulbs, since they went burnt. I changed them with some LED strip and now background lights are working just fine, but the SRS light came on and stays on. What i’ve done so far is reading the DTC – it’s 10-1(deployed airbag) manual says to replace it, but mine are not deployed. I’ve tried also to erase the DTC from memory, i did everything exactly by the book, but no luck, light is still on. The No.23 (15A) fuse in the fuse box is ok.
My questions are these:
1. Why the memory doesn’t want to reset?
2. Since i did nothing on the SRS system whatsoever, not even touching it, is it possible that the problem i have comes from poor grounding, or short circuiting the printed circuit board on the gauge assembly? (i did some soldering on it in order to install the LED STRIP).
I’m planning to do a complete check on the system (again by the book) in saturday, but in the mean time any suggestions, or notes from previous experience will be helpful.
Thanks in advance 🙂

Topic

[college man]

Does the horn work? if not your clock spring could be broken.

[Player101]

Yes horn is ok. Also no noise in the steering wheel while turning.

[Wayne]

Often not the clock-spring itself that’s the issue. Thought I tracked my own SRS issue down when I got my F-150 to it, replaced the clockspring to find out one wire had been torn out going from the connection point to the clockspring line. I assume someone got a bit aggressive moving things out of their way one day, or simply kicked their foot up a bit too hard.

I’d check the underside connections if you were manipulating the dash and steering column much. Otherwise I’d probably get a diagram of the circuit to track it down.

[Player101]

The thing is i didnt do anything on the steering column or the wheel itself, gauge assembly only. The steering column is adjustable, so i moved it down to be able to get the gauge assembly out, thats it…
i’ll go through the service manual’s troubleshooting flowchart first and then consider inspecting the steering wheel. My primary suspects are the gauge assembly(the printed circuit board) and the main wire harness behind it.

[EricTheCarGuy]

As pointed out, the cable reels on those are known for failure. However, if at one time the airbags were deployed, the SRS unit needs to be replaced. It’s a one shot deal. Once the bags deploy, you need to replace the SRS computer as well as any airbags.

I’d be looking at the cable reel first however as it is a common problem. If you remove the steering wheel and see a lot of debris in the area around the cable reel, replace it. Also, be sure the steering wheel is straight when you remove it. If not when you go to install the steering wheel it could be off just enough to damage the cable reel.

Good luck and keep us posted.

[Player101]

Update.
I went through the manual’s trouble shooting flowchart and i’m now stuck between “SRS unit needs replacement” and “an open circuit in the SRS main wire harness” and the only thing i can do to the second one is to replaced it which is out of the question. I’ve arranged a known good SRS unit for test tomorrow, this way i will know if my unit is ok or not. I really don’t want to mess with the cable reel and i’ll save this option for last, cos i’ve never messed with one of those before and i don’t want to eventually screw things even further.

I still can’t figure out how in the world would the SRS unit go bust, or the wire harness go open without even touching them and SRS system was working 100% before i mess with the gauge assembly… 🙁

[Player101]

Ok, something i’ve just remembered now: the night i messed with the gauge assembly i removed some of the light bulbs so i can work on the background lights, then when i put everything back, the SRS light came on and the right turn signal light went of.. so i probably changed the places of some of the bulbs and may be the the bad one was on SRS originally. Im starting to think the previous owner had an accident and he replaced an airbag but didn’t replaced the SRS unit. That’s the most logical theory i can come up with that include all events and makes sense..
I’ll check that when i get my hands on a good SRS unit.

[Lorrin Barth]

Take it to a body shop and see if they can reset it.

[college man]

Try unplugging the cluster that you soldered and try and reset the srs.

[Player101]

Without the cluster i can’t reset the SRS system.

here

[EricTheCarGuy]

You cannot reset an SRS computer. If it’s been in an accident it needs to be replaced. If you disconnect the negative battery cable for 30 sec and hook it back up and you still have an SRS light, you have a hard failure. If you’re still getting the same code, it’s likely you need an SRS unit.

Keep us posted.

[Author]

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