SRS Alarm On - Code 15-3

[Lefty Lucy]

I tried to post this yesterday but I guess it didn't make it. If it is a duplicate -- sorry.

I'm having problems with the SRS idiot light staying on. I've had it reset twice -- Code 15-3 -- this time they ordered a OPDS sensor and a Control Unit which will take about a week to come in. The light is already back on. I understand my air bags won't deploy and that makes me unhappy.

Was told by the service department I shouldn't put things on the front seat. (I had a file folder with about 5 sheets of paper in it on the front seat when they checked it). I can't imagine something that light would cause any problem. Most of the time nothing is on the seat when the light comes on. The last time, my husband was sitting in it when I started the car and the light came (and stayed) on.

I do use the AC adapter on occasion and I heard that can goof up the "computer"?

Does anyone know what might be causing this? Are any of you putting stuff on the front seat without the SRS light coming on?

[PatrickC1026]

If you lean on the left edge of the driver seat (or the right edge of the front passenger seat), you will get the SRS light on. Other than that, the light should not be on and there is no reason not to put anything on the front seat as long as you don't put on the edge.

I also use DC/AC inverter, but I never have the problem.

[Lefty Lucy]

I visited another Pilot Forum and found several discussions/compaints about the sensor in the passenger seat going bad, causing the SRS light to go on. I'm thinking this is may become a bigger problem as time goes on and these sensors start going bad for more people.

Also Here is the link discussing "In the same edition of Carguide there appears an article giving a long term update on the Honda Pilot loaned to the magazine in which the Honda dealer's corrections included the diagnosis that "...the SRS airbag light was activated by someone using a laptop or other electronic device on the passenger seat...rubbed the Pilot's CPU the wrong way..." Http://www.canadiandriver.com/articles/pb/gremlins.htm

[PatrickC1026]

I read the article from above link. It sounds to me that the author is a mechanic who is against technology for following reasons.

1. Since the technology is advanced and the way the cars are built is more and more complex, independent mechanics either are not knowledgeable to fix the cars or cannot afford to buy expensive sophisticated diagnostic equipments.

2. If ABS sucks, why would car manufacturers would still put those in today cars? Definitely, the price of cars will be higher and higher once additional features such as safety devices are added. I have been driving my Prelude for over 12 years and there have been many close calls and I had punch the brakes. If my Prelude weren't quipped with ABS, there would have been a lot of chances that my car would have spinned and involved in accidents.

3. For some degree, I agree that air bags are not perfect. HOWEVER, it's not fair to blame on car manufacturers or people who invented. Some idiot people who do not use common sense are to be blamed too. They put infants and toddlers in the front seat even though car manufacturers warn not to. I see MANY MANY times on the street, some stupid parents let their kids play and jump in the car without wearing seatbelt.

4. I'm not a fan of daylight running lights but I don't mind having them on my car. Author wrote, "Apparently because most sensible drivers put their lights on when necessary and as required." I don't know what other members observed, but there is less than 30% of people turn on the headlights whenever I drive through an area that says, "Turn on the headlight for next xxxxx miles" usually on mountain driving. IT IS the driver's responsibility to check if all lights function when driving in dark. Many cars these days have warning light if any of tail lights burnt out.

Now going back to the SRS problem. :) There are quite a few problems that some people experience, but it may well be isolated cases. Unless Honda verifies, recalls and issues TSB (Technical Service Bulletin), a problem is not considered to be a widespread "major" problem.

Knowing that some Pilot owners even complain that Pilot audio is a piece of junk, the sound of horn is horrible and stock Goodyear tires make their lives miserable, I "personally" (I again emphasize PERSONALLY) think that some people exergerate. I'm perfectly happy with all 3 issues I just mentioned. I apologize if I offended anyone with my comments.

Bottom line is that your car is new and Honda should fix whatever problem you have under warranty.

[Lefty Lucy]

I just picked up my Pilot to have the SRS light/front passenger seat sensor issue resolved. I was advised that the replacment sensor is less sensitive than the one originally installed. I was also advised not to place anything on the front passenger seat -- shopping, purse, briefcase, etc. He also cautioned me not to place laptops or cell phones on the seat for the reason addressed in the article (posted link above). I think I'm going to stand by my thought that this issue may become a problem for more owners as time goes by. Please note that I never said it was a "widespread "major" problem" as you stated in your reply. But why else would Honda have tweeked the sensitivity of the replacement sensor if they haven't recognised there is a problem? BTW, the author of the article isn't a mechanic -- he's a mechanical engineer. "Montreal-based Phil Bailey is a mechanical engineer, garage owner, journalist and TV and radio personality who was a former rally driver and press relations officer for Mont Tremblant race track." No offense, but I don't think he has issues with technology.

[redn22]

Good to hear that you got that sensor replaced LL... It is kind of strange that the replacement part has less sensitivity than the original... Perhaps, Honda is getting a few complaints in regards to this sensor...

I'm not having this problem with my Pilot as of yet... The light does come on whenever my passenger is leaning against the door, but when upright the light is off... I've also placed a few items on that seat with no problems...

I also have a DC/AC converter and noticed something with it... When I have it plugged into the front console input or the center console input (center storage compartment between the 2 front seats) and have the converter switched on, something funny happens when I turn the Pilot off and take out the keys... The radio is still working, even with the keys out! But as soon as I either disconnect the DC/AC Converter or turn it off, everything runs normally... I guess the somehow the converter stores some power to keep some things turned on... I can see how this will screw up the ECU of the Pilot... Ever since then, I make sure that I turn off the DC/AC converter before I turn the Pilot off...

Oh, in addition to Patrick's post about the Air Bags... Air Bags are there for a reason... If used properly the will help increase the chances of survival during an front end accident... TRUST ME... IT SAVE MY LIFE... LITERALLY!

[Anonymous]

I've been looking for anyone who has been having trouble with their SRS system. We have had three incidents of our light coming on and staying on. The first time, they replaced the control unit (warranty at 23,000 mi/1 1/2 years old). The second time they replaced the cable reel under the extended Honda Care warranty (38,000 mi/2 1/4 yrs old). This weekend the light came on again - 6 months after the last repair. I was told last time it might be the airbag itself but the warranty would not cover this cost - over $500. Anyone else having trouble?

[Anonymous]

I've been looking for anyone who has been having trouble with their SRS system. We have had three incidents of our light coming on and staying on. The first time, they replaced the control unit (warranty at 23,000 mi/1 1/2 years old). The second time they replaced the cable reel under the extended Honda Care warranty (38,000 mi/2 1/4 yrs old). This weekend the light came on again - 6 months after the last repair. I was told last time it might be the airbag itself but the warranty would not cover this cost - over $500. Anyone else having trouble?

I would go back to your dealer and demand that they cover this under warranty. Obviously there's a reoccuring problem within the SRS system and to date they have not yet pin-pointed it. Perhaps they've changed out the earlier parts and it just "masked" the problem. I've heard too many stories about people getting the run-around from dealers by doing the quick-fixes... And then after the warranty runs out the "major overhaul/repair" comes up and the customer has to pick up the bill.

I would also contact Honda Customer Relations... You can get their number via the www.honda.com website and find the link "Contact Us". Explain your situation and try to find resolve with them. Make sure you get a reference number and the name of the rep you spoke to. Then go to your dealer and tell them that you want this done under warranty and keep repairing the SRS under warranty until they get it fixed right.

Sorry for babbling, but stories like this really upsets me... Please let us know the outcome.

Red