Have you tried the DriveAccord forum?

 

I've read through their threads thoroughly, didn't find anything related to the situation.

 

Why not post a thread there then?

 

Most likely needs a rack assembly, there were some issues with them.

 

I read about either the rack failing or the module failing. I even read that some eps racks overheat on a long full lock periods and creating problems until the rack has a chance to cool off. And all is good with the rack when it gets to that cooler state.

Yeah, this car has some gremlins going on. Intermittent issues are hard to solve.

12.60 surface battery voltage. I check for positive voltage drops from the battery to the alternator and fuse box. I checked for negative voltage drops from the battery to the radiator support, alternator, engine, bulkhead. All wires are within 0.0-0.2mv.

Today, the car didn't have any hard set codes or soft codes even though OP said the car trip the abs, vsa, brake, eps cel while going straight at 60mph and not braking. All the cel cleared on their own, leaving no pending or hard codes behind.

I didn't get a chance to be underneath to check the rack. The no power assist steering issue never came back after that one incident.
All fuses checked with a meter tested good. I will load test the battery when free time comes up.

 

Do you have a scanner that can access the eps unit? As in can you see eps data list? If so are there any dtc specifically in the eps? What software version is the eps running on?

 

Thanks for replying
I cannot access the dtc's on the rack at the moment. Yes, those data will point me in the right direction to focus on.
I'm just trying to rule out "could be" items in the mean time. Plus, the way things are going, I dont think any dtc's would be set as the problem hasn't resurfaced for weeks now.
But still, phantom cel's are appearing and going out. No pendings, no hard set codes.

 

I'm a long time Honda tech and I believe your wasting time looking for a problem your not going to find. Report back once you have the software version and any dtc in the eps. 99% your going to need a new rack to fix it. Do a very good check of the harness that runs across the top of the rack, rodents like to eat that one specifically.

 

I figure I take a look around (wire/terminal integrity, chewed wires) while I'm waiting for access to a scan tool. Hate doing nothing.
I read too that some earlier models were recalled for rack software update but this accord vin isn't one of them.
Maybe it should and Honda hasn't come around to it yet.
Will report back when I get the sw version and doc's.
Thanks for your help.

 

Update: The Accord threw a VSA module error as of lately. The independent shop pulled a code and said that is a dealer only repair. So we ask for input from our local Honda.
Honda at the time only had 3 VSA modules in the entire USA. The service advisor shared that another Accord been waiting on their lot for 2 months waiting for a VSA module.

I told the owner, there are other alternatives. There are some companies that repair VSA's. We could install a good used unit. Or, we can try to open the bad unit up ourselves and see if the soldered wires came detached, and re-solder them.

The owner is feeling so defeated, that he decided to do nothing further. And is seriously thinking of just trading it in for another car.
He's looking at a possible steering issue, anything from a software upgrade to a total replacement. And now a stability or brake issue. Service advisor told the owner if both parts need replacing it'll be around $5k and up just for the parts.

 

What code does the vsa have?

 

Error code 121-11. VSA Solenoid Failure RF -LR Regulator Valve

 

Yep, it's done.

 

Yes sir, I know. That's why the owner is so down about it. $2k for the part, if you can source it new. And the labor to install.
And he still has to address the steering issue that popped twice, and never shown ever since.
Ya, he has decisions to make on his 2014 70K mile Accord.

 

I'd get a used vsa module, they rarely have issues. Last one I put in was $200 from the salvage yard.

 

That's what I would do if it was my ride. I did offer that alternative fix. Also, there's companies out there that will repair the VSA for $250 last time I checked.
Would you know if that module has to be imported to the ecu in order for it to be recognize and work? Or, would the module be a drop and go?

 

Drop in, should be updated the the latest software version though.

 

Hmm, what level of a scan tool would I need to check and update to the latest software? I would think only the dealer would have access to that software.
I am in the market for a good bi directional scan tool. So much brands to weed through. Would something under $2k work?

 

I'm not sure as I have access to oem tools, someone here will hopefully know the answer to that.

 

Thanks for the help Slvr7, I really appreciate your insight on this. No matter how small and insignificant it is in your eyes. To me it's great cause I'm soaking all of this in. Learning.
I'm sure any kind of software updates would be a dealer service only. You know these Corporations.
I'm sure someone has the "know how" to hack into these modules to update it.
I truly believe anything digital can be hacked into, given the right tools to do so.
I don't have those tools , ha.

 

Usually when it comes to software updates you do need access to HDS.

But as far as a general bidirectional tool is concerned, my go-to recommendation is always the Foxwell NT510/NT530 for most DIYers. It's cheaper because it doesn't have the fancy tablet form factor that the more expensive tools do, but it does all the same functions. Pretty nifty little package.

 

Usually when it comes to software updates you do need access to HDS.

But as far as a general bidirectional tool is concerned, my go-to recommendation is always the Foxwell NT510/NT530 for most DIYers. It's cheaper because it doesn't have the fancy tablet form factor that the more expensive tools do, but it does all the same functions. Pretty nifty little package.

Yup, needing access to HDS is what I'm thinking also. Too bad I moved, cause accessing HDS wouldn't be a problem from where I was from.
Foxwell is in my top half of my list. So are Launch, Autel and Ancel.
Seriously thinking of getting the NT150/NT530 as a readily available primary tool.
Research further on those tablet ones, and use those for more in depth trouble shooting.
Thanks for the tip!

 

Yup, needing access to HDS is what I'm thinking also. Too bad I moved, cause accessing HDS wouldn't be a problem from where I was from.
Foxwell is in my top half of my list. So are Launch, Autel and Ancel.
Seriously thinking of getting the NT150/NT530 as a readily available primary tool.
Research further on those tablet ones, and use those for more in depth trouble shooting.
Thanks for the tip!

There are some bootleg HDS devices you can get for around $100 if I remember right that do work, but I doubt if they would be able to actually access Honda's network system and get software updates and such.