DTC 54: Fail-safe Relay Malfunction

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 LOCK (0).
Check the No. 12 (20 A) fuse in the main under-hood fuse box.
Is the fuse blown?

YES -Go to step 3.

NO -Reinstall the checked fuse, then go to step 5.
Disconnect the VSA modulator-control unit 46P connector (see step 3 under VSA MODULATOR-CONTROL UNIT REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION ).
Check for continuity between VSA modulator-control unit 46P connector terminal No. 44 and body ground.

Fig 1: Checking Continuity Between VSA Modulator-Control Unit 46P Connector Terminal No. 44 And Body Ground
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

Is there continuity?

YES -Repair a short to body ground in the wire between the No. 12 (20 A) fuse in the main under-hood fuse box and the VSA modulator-control unit.

NO -Install a new No. 12 (20 A) fuse, then go to step 7.
Disconnect the VSA modulator-control unit 46P connector (see step 3 under VSA MODULATOR-CONTROL UNIT REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION ).
Measure the voltage between VSA modulator-control unit 46P connector terminal No. 44 and body ground.

Fig 2: Measuring Voltage Between VSA Modulator-Control Unit 46P Connector Terminal No. 44 And Body Ground
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

Is there battery voltage?

YES -Go to step 7.

NO -Repair an open in the wire between the No. 12 (20 A) fuse in the main under-hood fuse box and the VSA modulator-control unit.
Reconnect the VSA modulator-control unit 46P connector.
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 indicated?

YES -Go to step 12.

NO -Intermittent failure, the system is OK at this time. Refer to intermittent failures troubleshooting (see INTERMITTENT FAILURES ).
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 indicated?

YES -Check for loose terminals in the VSA modulator-control unit 46P connector. If the VSA modulator-control unit was updated and 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 .