DTC 51: Motor Lock; DTC 52: Motor Stuck; DTC 53: Motor Stuck

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.

NOTE: Before you troubleshoot, record all freeze data and any on-board snapshot, and review the general troubleshooting information (see GENERAL TROUBLESHOOTING INFORMATION ).

Turn the ignition switch to ON (II).
Clear the DTC with the HDS.
Turn the ignition switch to LOCK (0).
Test-drive the vehicle. Drive the vehicle at 10 mph (15 km/h) or more.
NOTE: Drive the vehicle on the road, not on a lift.
Check for DTCs with the HDS.
Is DTC 51, 52, or 53 indicated?

YES -Go to step 20.

NO -Intermittent failure, the system is OK at this time. Refer to intermittent failures troubleshooting (see INTERMITTENT FAILURES ).
Turn the ignition switch to LOCK (0).
Check the No. 2 (40 A) fuse in the main under-hood fuse box.
Is the fuse blown?

YES -Go to step 8.

NO -Reinstall the checked fuse, then go to step 16.
Disconnect the VSA modulator-control unit 46P connector (see step 3 under VSA MODULATOR-CONTROL UNIT REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION ).
Check for continuity between VSA modulator-control unit 46P connector terminal No. 45 and body ground.

Fig 1: Checking Continuity Between VSA Modulator-Control Unit 46P Connector Terminal No. 45 And Body Ground
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

Is there continuity?

YES -Repair a short to body ground in the wire between the No. 2 (40 A) fuse in the main under-hood fuse box and the VSA modulator-control unit.

NO -Install a new No. 2 (40 A) fuse in the main under-hood fuse box, then go to step 10.
Reconnect the VSA modulator-control unit 46P connector.
Turn the ignition switch to ON (II).
Clear the DTC with the HDS.
Turn the ignition switch to LOCK (0).
Test-drive the vehicle at 10 mph (15 km/h)or more.
NOTE: Drive the vehicle on the road, not on a lift.
Check for DTCs with the HDS.
Is DTC 51, 52, or 53 indicated?

YES -Go to step 20.

NO -Troubleshooting is complete.
Disconnect the VSA modulator-control unit 46P connector (see step 3 under VSA MODULATOR-CONTROL UNIT REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION ).
Measure the voltage between VSA modulator-control unit 46P connector terminal No. 45 and body ground.

Fig 2: Measuring Voltage Between VSA Modulator-Control Unit 46P Connector Terminal No. 45 And Body Ground
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

Is there battery voltage?

YES -Go to step 18.

NO -Repair an open in the wire between the No. 2 (40 A) fuse in the main under-hood fuse box and the VSA modulator-control unit.
Check for continuity between VSA modulator-control unit 46P connector terminal No. 46 and body ground.

Fig 3: Checking Continuity Between VSA Modulator-Control Unit 46P Connector Terminal No. 46 And Body Ground
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

Is there continuity?

YES -Go to step 19.

NO -Repair an open in the wire between the VSA modulator-control unit and body ground (G303).
Reconnect the VSA modulator-control unit 46P connector.
Update the VSA modulator-control unit if it does not have the latest software (see VSA MODULATOR-CONTROL UNIT UPDATE ).
Turn the ignition switch to LOCK (0).
Test-drive the vehicle. Drive the vehicle at 10 mph (15 km/h) or more.
NOTE: Drive the vehicle on the road, not on a lift.
Check for DTCs with the HDS.
Is DTC 57, 52, or 53 indicated?

YES -Check for loose terminals in the VSA modulator-control unit 46P connector. If the VSA modulator-control unit was updated and the symptom/indication is still present, replace the VSA modulator-control unit (see VSA MODULATOR-CONTROL UNIT REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION ).

NO -If the VSA modulator-control unit was updated, troubleshooting is complete. If any other DTCs are indicated, go to the indicated DTCS TROUBLESHOOTING .