Auto Repair Articles

Question:

I have a 2003 Odyssey with the SRS light that has come on twice now and stayed on. The first time the dealer just reset it after a diagnostic fee and said to come back if it happened again. It came back on a few days later. This time they checked it and are saying I need to spend almost a thousand dollars to replace the drivers air bag (and that it isn”t covered by Honda or my Honda Care warranty). They say the codes are 11-A0 and 92-20. What do you think is going on?

Answer:

When the problem occurs, you might want to see if the horn, cruise, and radio controls on the steering wheel are working or if they are inoperative. I’ll explain:

The SRS diagnostic trouble code (DTC) 11-A0 indicates a problem in the driver’s airbag, but it does not necessarily mean it is the airbag itself. In my experience, it has been the cable reel that is at fault (the cable reel just carries electricity from the steering wheel controls so you can turn the steering wheel and still have power). With the proper tools, this is easily diagnosed by substituting the airbag with an inflator simulator (it takes the place of the airbag and gives the system the proper amount of resistance). DTC 92-20 is shown as a short in the passenger’s airbag cut-off indicator and the test procedure is very much the same as for 11-A0. I would have to say that they are both related. A cable reel isn’t very much money (<$100) and not very hard to change.

As for Honda Care coverage, I’m not 100% sure, but it looks to me that all the parts in the SRS system would be covered, unless there has been an accident involved.

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