SRS light on.

Before I bought my 96 civ I saw that the SRS light was on. Seeing that the car has never been in a real accident, I'm assuming that it's a wiring/connection problem. Is it a problem I can fix or do I have to go a Honda dealership and pay through the nose?

it could be anything really. most likely there is an open in the circuit sumwhere. i'd suggest taking it sumwhere, not necessarily the dealer. u can set off an air bag w/ just a 9V battery, even less. so that's the one thing on a car i'd rather not work on if i don't HAVE to.

Ok, thanks for the advice. But, if I disconnect the negative terminal from the battery, it shouldn't go off, should it?

Just leave the negative unplugged for at least 3 minutes. I also have a complete service manual that breaks down how to troubleshoot the SRS system. Let me know if you need that info.

OK that'd be great, I'll contact you somehow if I need it if my Haynes doesn't cover it explicitly. Thanks Shiftee

No worries.

The Haynes doesnt go into good detail. It basically tells you to see a certified tech. I have the manual on cd, so I will grab it at home tonight and email you the pages you need.

Ok cool, [email protected]

by the way... the SRS system is completely independant of the ECU which is reset by unhooking the negative wire on the battery. the SRS system has capacitors in it, so in the case of an accident where u'r battery cable/s get sheered off the battery, u'r airbags will still deploy. u could leave the negative unplugged for days on end, and the capacitors in the SRS system will still have their charge. i'm telling u. BE CAREFUL!

Ok then... well, that's a very logical fail-safe way of doing it, so with that new knowledge, I guess I'll take it to a body shop or something.

The SRS light in my 1997 Honda Civic DX Hatchback came on due to a low battery. If you turn the ignition switch when there is low power the SRS control module will record a low voltage error code. The SRS light on the dash will come on to indicate a code stored in the control module. The light can be cleared by following the procedure found here.

http://honda.hybrids.jp/forum/showthreaded.php?Cat=&Board=faqbody&Number=54125&page=0&view=expanded&sb=5&o=2

I will try to upload an image of the procedure page to my image gallery.

You can reset the memory with a low tech alternative to an MES connector such as a paper clip.

If you are not the DIY type a Honda dealer can check your SRS control module, find out what the error code indicates, and if it was a simple low voltage error, reset the light for you. This should cost a one hour labor charge. ($50-75) It is unlikely you need a new module ($450). If the error code indicates some other fault in the airbag system additional repairs may be required. If you have modified your seat, steering wheel, gauges, etc. the issue will be more complicated.