DTC 54-03, 54-04, 54-21: Fail-Safe Relay 1 Stuck ON; Fail-Safe Relay 1 Stuck OFF (Initial); Fail-Safe Relay 1 Stuck OFF (Main)

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2011 Honda Fit, 2010 Honda Fit, and 2009 Honda Fit. 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), then turn it to ON (II) again.
Check for DTCs with the HDS.
Is DTC 54-03, 54-04 or 54-21 indicated?

YES - Go to step 5.

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. 37 (30 A) fuse in the under-dash fuse/relay box.
Is the fuse blown?

YES - Go to step 7.

NO - Reinstall the checked fuse, then go to step 14.
Disconnect the VSA modulator-control unit 36P connector (see step 3 ).
Check for continuity between VSA modulator-control unit 36P connector terminal No. 12 and body ground.

Fig 1: Checking Continuity Between VSA Modulator-Control Unit 36P Connector Terminal No. 12 & Body Ground
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

Is there continuity?

YES - Repair short to body ground in the wire between the No. 37 (30 A) fuse in the under-dash fuse/relay box and the VSA modulator-control unit.

NO - Install a new No. 37 (30 A) fuse in the under-dash fuse/relay box, then go to step 9.
Reconnect the VSA modulator-control unit 36P connector.
Turn the ignition switch to ON (II).
Clear the DTC with the HDS.
Turn the ignition switch to LOCK (0), then turn it ON (II) again.
Check for DTCs with the HDS.
Is DTC 54-03, 54-04, or 54-21 indicated?

YES - Replace the VSA modulator-control unit (see VSA MODULATOR-CONTROL UNIT REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION ).

NO - The troubleshooting is complete.
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), then turn it to ON (II) again.
Check for DTCs with the HDS.
Is DTC 54-03, 54-04, or 54-21 indicated?

YES - Check for loose terminals in the VSA modulator-control unit 36P connector. If 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.