I have an 06 Honda CR-V with about 170000 miles on it. Bought used about a year ago. No codes stored or pending.
On some right hand CURVES ,not turns, the SRS system kicks in and decreases the acceleration like I’m not in control of the vehicle. I’ve been told on a crv forum that I should try removing and inspecting the wheel speed sensors to see if there is any magnetic garbage messing up the signal. I’m sure that could mess it up but why wouldn’t it mess up all the time in that case? Besides, if I take them out, I’d likely destroy these plastic parts in the process. Is there another logical reason that would cause this phenomenon? Or a better way to diagnose the issue?
Thanks!
I can't add anymore advice than @yaser and @mmj already gave you. You need a good scanner which can communicate with the modules AND graph the sensor data from them.
Joe already listed the system components, here's where they're located:
Here's a graphic which shows Joe's description of the system:
System Outline
This system is composed of the VSA modulator-control unit, the wheel sensors, the steering angle sensor, and the yaw rate-lateral acceleration sensor, and the system indicators in the gauge control module. The VSA modulator-control unit controls the ABS, EBD, TCS, VSA, and brake assist with the brake pressure of each wheel and the engine torque.
What's interesting about your symptoms is that the System doesn't deactivate when you're making right turns.
When we make turns we usually do that at very low speeds and we usually are turning the steering wheel quickly to make the turn and then turning it quickly back to straighten out the wheels again.
Yours deactivates when going around SOME right curves, presumably at higher speeds.
When we take curves, modern roads are designed so you can hold your steering wheel pretty steady throughout the curve.
That could make you wonder if there's a spot where the Steering Angle Sensor's voltage signal is dropping out somewhere and maybe it's getting held in that spot when taking SOME right curves long enough for the computer to disable the VSA system.
A good scanner would not only display the code (something like 134-1) but you could very slowly turn the steering wheel to the right to see if the signal is dropping out while you graph the steering angle sensor voltage (angle).
In your case it makes perfect sense to pay a mechanic (maybe $150) with the right equipment to read these system codes and graph the wheel speed sensors and the steering angle sensor and observe the data exactly when the VSA is being disabled.
This is a complicated system and not one where blindly guessing what's wrong is going to be cost-effective
A faulty speed sensor can do that. You should check the speed sensor functions. Start with inspecting the sensor wires. You should also check the sensors reading to make sure they are working fine, to do that, you need a scan tool.
Wires all look fine but I don’t have a scan tool good enough to check the rest.
I think you're a little confused.
SRS = supplemental restraint system
seatbelts, airbags etc.
Speed sensors are for the anti-lock brake system (ABS)
You may have an issue with the lateral accelerometor. A regular diagnostic scanner won't be able to scan this system. You need a high end tool for that.
I was trying to remember the abbreviation from memory.
It’s the VSA system. I usually try to remember to turn it off before I go around a right hand curve that I know will cause it to engage.
This system is composed of the VSA modulator-control unit the wheel speed sensors, the steering angle sensor, the yaw rate-lateral acceleration sensor, and the system indicators in the gauge control module. The VSA modulator-control unit controls the ABS, EBD, TCS, VSA, and brake assist with the brake pressure of each wheel and reduces engine torque.
If you know how, the easiest way to diagnose this problem is to hook the car up to a diagnostic interface to make sure the sensors are all providing correct signals, and the control unit is giving correct outputs. If not, leave it to a professional
If you'd rather not do that, then try pulling the VSA fuse, and live without the system. Cover the warning light with black tape.
Thanks for all the help everyone!! Greatly appreciate it!!