How to Troubleshoot the VSA System
System Indicator
This system has four indicators:
VSA indicator (A)
VSA OFF indicator (B)
ABS indicator (C)
Brake system indicator (red) (D)
When the system is OK, each indicator comes on for about 2 seconds after turning the vehicle to the ON mode, then it goes off.

When the system detects a problem, a DTC will set and depending upon the failure, the VSA modulator-control unit determines which indicator(s) will 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 turning the vehicle to the ON mode.
The indicator(s) will automatically go off.
The indicator(s) will go off after the vehicle is driven.
ABS Indicator
The ABS indicator comes on when the ABS function is lost. The brakes will still work like a conventional system.
Brake System Indicator (Red)
The brake system indicator (red) comes on when:
The EBD function is lost.
The parking brake is applied.
The brake fluid is low.
Two or more wheel speed sensors fail.
VSA Indicator
The VSA indicator comes on when the VSA function is lost. The VSA indicator blinks when the VSA function is activating.
VSA OFF Indicator
The VSA OFF indicator comes on when the VSA is turned OFF by using the VSA OFF switch.
Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC)
The memory can hold 10 DTCs. However, when the same DTC is detected more than once, the most recent DTC is written over the prior DTC, therefore only one occurrence is stored.
The DTCs are memorized in an EEPROM in the VSA modulator-control unit. Therefore, the memorized DTCs cannot be erased by disconnecting the 12 volt battery. Do the specified procedures to clear the DTCs.
Self-Diagnosis
Self-diagnosis can be classified into two categories:
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Initial diagnosis: Done right after turning the vehicle to the ON mode and until the ABS and VSA indicators go off.
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Regular diagnosis: Done right after the initial diagnosis until turning the vehicle to the OFF (LOCK) mode.
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 modulator 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 operation when the vehicle is started and does its first initial acceleration.
How to Troubleshoot DTCs
The troubleshooting procedures assume that the cause of the problem is still present and the ABS and/or VSA indicator is still on. Following a troubleshooting procedure for a DTC that has been cleared but does not reset can result in incorrect diagnosis.

1.
Question the customer about the conditions when the problem occurred, and try to reproduce the same conditions for troubleshooting. Find out when the ABS and/or VSA indicator came on, such as during activation, after activation, when the vehicle was traveling at a certain speed, etc. If necessary, have the customer demonstrate the concern.

2.
When the ABS and/or VSA indicators do not come on during the test-drive, but troubleshooting is done based on the DTC, check for loose connectors, poor contact of the terminals, etc. in the circuit indicated by the DTC.

3.
After troubleshooting, or the repairs are done, clear the DTCs, and test-drive the vehicle under the same conditions that originally set the DTCs. Make sure the ABS and VSA indicators do not come on.
Intermittent Failures
The term ‘‘intermittent failure’’ means a system may have had a failure, but it checks OK now. If you cannot reproduce the condition, check for loose connections and terminals. Also check ground and power connections related to the circuit that you are troubleshooting.
How to Use the HDS (Honda Diagnostic System)
NOTE: Make sure the 12 volt battery is in good condition and fully charged.

1.
If the system indicator(s) stay on, connect the HDS to the data link connector (DLC) (A) located under the driver's side of the dashboard.
2.
Turn the vehicle to the ON mode.

3.
Make sure the HDS communicates with the vehicle and the VSA modulator-control unit. If it does not, go to the DLC circuit troubleshooting.

4.
Check the diagnostic trouble code (DTC) and the freeze data, for all systems, troubleshoot the powertrain DTCs first. Then refer to the indicated DTC's troubleshooting, and do the appropriate troubleshooting procedure.
NOTE:
Freeze data indicates the VSA conditions when the first system malfunction that activated the indicator was detected.
The HDS communication will be stopped when the vehicle speed reaches the disconnect speed.
The HDS can read the DTC, the freeze data, the current data, and other system data.
For specific operations, refer to the Help menu that came with the HDS.
How to Retrieve DTCs
1.
With the vehicle in OFF (LOCK) mode, connect the HDS to the data link connector (DLC) under the driver's side of the dashboard.

2.
Turn the vehicle to the ON mode.

3.
Make sure the HDS communicates with the vehicle and the VSA modulator-control unit. If it does not, go to the DLC circuit troubleshooting.

4.
Follow the prompts on the HDS to display the DTC(s) on the screen. After determining the DTC, refer to the DTC troubleshooting. Do the all systems DTC check, and troubleshoot any powertrain DTCs first.

5.
Turn the vehicle to the OFF (LOCK) mode.
How to Clear DTCs
1.
With the vehicle in OFF (LOCK) mode, connect the HDS to the data link connector (DLC) under the driver's side of the dashboard.

2.
Turn the vehicle to the ON mode.

3.
Make sure the HDS communicates with the vehicle and the VSA modulator-control unit. If it does not, go to the DLC circuit troubleshooting.

4.
Clear the DTC(s) by following the screen prompts on the HDS.

5.
Turn the vehicle to the OFF (LOCK) mode.