The Honda HDS tool is the factory tool and of course, the best one to use. HOWEVER, it also costs a fortune... like over $2K. Plus you have to subscribe to a subscription service to get the software and updates. It's not for your average joe home DIY'er. Typically, only shops can justify this kind of expense.

No matter what you do, DO NOT buy those cheap units on E-Bay (several hundred dollar ones) from China that claim to be the Honda HDS. They are cheap knock offs with hacked software that may or may not work with your Honda.

 

The Honda HDS uses the MVCI hardware distributed from SPX Service Solutions. The hardware cost is $2,095.

The Honda Diagnostic System (HDS) software package is not included with the hardware cost. The software can be ordered through a subscription on the Honda Service Express website (365-Day subscription for $840.00). I have also seen software updates available via DVD on Ebay for $44.95 each.

Honda HDS MVCI hardware (via SPX Service Solutions):
Honda MVCI Kit

Honda HDS software (via Honda Service Express:
https://techinfo.honda.com/rjanisis/logon.asp

 

You need to take it to the dealer and read out the codes for the 'check airbag' problem. The codes do not get read by OBDII testers as they are not EPA directed problems. Only a few expensive testers read these codes and even then only specific manufacturers. Trying to flash them out doesn't work as each year has a different method and later models have to be read by the HDS. The problem can be almost anything in the van. You also need the OEM service manual to diagnose the wiring harness for the problem.

 

I have the Honda factory manual so I could try to figure most of it out. However the manual requires the HDS tool for everything.
Would this be covered by a warranty for the seatbelt/air bag system?
Any other ideas that do not involve the dealership?

 

Do the dealer charge for reading codes?

 

Are you serious? Dealers charge for just taking a glance at your car let alone reading codes. All my local ones now want $79 for "Diagnostic" fee which is waived if the repair is done at the dealership.

 

I may be wrong but I thought for reading SRS codes the HDS has a relay that jumps pin 4 to 9 on the OBDII connector. Does the dash light not blink the code on the 3rd generation Odyssey?

 

I tried the flashing thing, jumping pins 4 and 9. I git the following codes: 61, 92, and 87.
Now, looking at my factory honda manual, the only codes they have are 11-1x, 51-4x, 92-2x, etc.
I am sure code 61 on the car would translate to either 61-1x or 61-2x, but the failure on those codes would be 1 of 13 different choices.
87 would be 87-31 or 87-32, and 92 would be 92-1x or 92-2x, but again there are 19 options.
My problem consists of:
1. On passenger seat, when you sit down without a seatbelt on, the seatbelt light does not flash.
2. On Drivers side, when you unbuckle your belt with the car running, the "Check Airbag" MID display comes up as well as the airbag red light.

Anyone out there want to venture a guess as the to problem?

 

When I first read my SRS code I thought it was a large number like 87-x but after watching for a while I caught the pattern and it turned out to be 9-1. Mine was cause by the battery having a low voltage for a long time and the SRS unit lost the calibration for the OPDS. Your case my be different, but I think the number should be less than 22 for sure since that is the largest main code on the list. I would try and read it again to see if you can pick out the pattern.

It sounds like you have the factory service manual so this link may not be helpful but it is what I used.
DIY: SRS Codes and reading them. - Club RSX Message Board

 

Tried your link. I cleared out the codes and still get code 61.
It sounds logical because 61-1x and 61-2x both pertain to the driver's seat belt.
I have troubleshot the seat belt and seat belt ground per the manual and everything checks out OK. I will try the rest some other time.
Thanks for the input. I will try to post more when I figure it out.
Anyone out there with other solutions?

 

Well I think I figured it out. It was an intermittent sensor in the driver's side set belt lock.
I just exercised the switch inside the lock several times and used lubricant. Hopefully all is good. I will find out tomorrow. A few notes:
1. Jumpering the #4 and 9 pins on the OBD-II port gave me code 61. It did match up to the factory manual of code 61-1x or 61-2x if read on the Honda HDS.
2. Make sure you have the right #4 and 9 pins on the OBD-II port. If you reverse them then it is a direct short and your jumper wire goes red-hot instantly. It leaves a nasty burn on your fingers!
Well, on to replacing the transmission fluid and sliding door rollers.
Thanks for all the help.
Pilottodd2