OEM Linking Pin: Honda/Acura SRS Inspection Clarification

As part of the I-CAR Repairability Technical Support (RTS) OEM linking pin activity, we are helping to connect the collision repair industry to the vehicle makers. Recently, we had a technical inquiry that asked for clarification on the Honda/Acura SRS Component Replacement/Inspection After Deployment document located in vehicle-specific body repair manuals.

Questions arose on inspection of non-deployed systems, and to what extent these systems need to be inspected. We reached out to our contact at Honda for clarification.

Per the SRS Component Replacement/Inspection After Deployment document:

“During the repair process, inspect these areas:

• Inspect all the SRS wire harnesses. Replace, do not repair, any damaged harnesses, connectors, or terminals.
• Inspect the cable reel for heat damage. If there is any damage, replace the cable reel.”

Question: Does this mean these inspections should be performed regardless of a deployment?

Per our contact: "This is correct. This inspection is necessary based on collision location and severity."

Question: To what extent should the vehicle be disassembled to inspect SRS wiring?

Per our contact: "The inspection is only necessary for the areas possibly affected by the collision. You are looking for physical damages. On many side curtain airbags there are multiple one-time use fasteners that will need to be replaced if the bag is removed."

Question: Is the steering column supposed to be removed in order to inspect the cable reel?

Per our contact: "The steering column does not need to be removed, but you will need to remove the airbag, steering wheel, and cable reel to inspect the wiring connector. This procedure usually requires the steering wheel bolt be replaced, because they are one-time use. Check service information for each vehicle.

The most common damage usually looks like a brown tarnish at the connector, almost like a burn mark."

For additional Honda/Acura information, check out the following pages:
Honda OEM Information
Acura OEM Information

Additional I-CAR Collision Repair News you may find helpful:

• A Video Tour of the RTS Portal: OEM Restraints System Part Replacement Search
• Collision Information Website Access: Honda/Acura
• Honda/Acura Keyword Search: Deployment
• Honda/Acura Restraints Wiring
• How Does the I-CAR OEM Linking Pin Process Work?

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