Troubleshooting Intermittent Failures

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2013 Acura MDX, 2012 Acura MDX, 2011 Acura MDX, and 2010 Acura MDX. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

If there was a malfunction that sets a DTC, but it does not recur, it will be stored in the memory as an intermittent failure, and the SRS indicator may come on depending on the malfunction detected.

NOTE:

Check the condition of the battery (see BATTERY TEST ), and the charging system (see ALTERNATOR AND REGULATOR CIRCUIT TROUBLESHOOTING ). Low battery voltage may cause some intermittent failures.
A faulty cable reel can cause intermittent connections which will produce driver's airbag inflator DTCs.

After checking the DTC, troubleshoot as follows:

Check for DTCs with the HDS (see How to Retrieve DTCs).
Clear the DTCs with the HDS (see How to Clear DTCs).
Set the parking brake, then start the engine, and let it idle.
The SRS indicator comes on for about 6 seconds and then goes off.
Shake the related wire harnesses and the connectors. Look for loose connections and poor grounds.
Take a test-drive (quick acceleration, quick braking, and cornering). Turn the steering wheel fully left and right, and holding it at full lock for 5 to 10 seconds. If the problem recurs, the SRS indicator will come on.
If you cannot duplicate the concern, ask the customer about the conditions when it occurred, or ask the customer to demonstrate the concern.
If you cannot duplicate the intermittent failure, the system is OK at this time.