Is it possible to program [reprogram) a used steering control module for a 2006 S2000? Or am I better off paying $2000 for a dealer part? Mechanics with ability and equipment to program seem to not trust used part programability? Thanks!

 

Stop going to the dealer. They don't know how to fix anything, especially cars they almost never see. They also seem to always blame the electronics, even when those rarely actually fail.

Tell us what your actual symptoms are.

 

Thanks Car Analogy for the reply.

Symptoms are simple, steering light on dash is on, power assist goes off. Intermittent last few days, more constant now. (Turn off car , restart would resolve issue at first.) Recently, brake dash light has intermittently been on also (previous problem, that overlapped some), topped brake fluid and flushed clutch fluid seems to have resolved issue. No brake fluid leaks noted, no wiring damage noted. It is a 2006, that I have had since 2011. Few problems. 55k miles, 20k are mine.
I also avoid dealers, the mechanic I use has a good deal of Honda experience, but like most, little w S2000. His computer points to steering control module, I don’t know specific code. Open to suggestions, $1800 part swaps “to find out” seems like a bad idea. Thanks!

 

Start with the steering angle sensor refresh (no longer available to buy new, and rarely actually go bad, but commonly get dirty and misbehave, so regrease is best fix). This sensor is the vulnerable part of EPS, since its electromechanical and in harsh environment.

https://www.s2ki.com/forums/s2000-un...fixed-1190684/

There is a link to well documented procedure you can follow in above thread.

You can either diy, have shop follow the instructions, or a hybrid, which might be best. Lot of mechanics just want to swap parts, and might get really expensive having them do the actual clean and regrease, which is tine consuming and not a typical mechanic task.

Have shop remove sensor and give to you, you disassemble, clean, regrease, then have shop put back in a day or two later.


Then if still an issue, do the EPS reset:

https://www.s2ki.com/forums/uk-irela...tions-1187064/

https://www.s2ki.com/forums/s2000-un...fixed-1190684/

 

Thanks Car Analogy for the reply!

i am used to working on more vintage (pre electronics) cars, I liked my S2000 because I never had to work on it! Seems those days are over! For the EPS reset, it looks like I need a shop manual and a scanner. Shop manual is easy, but I have noticed not all scanners work well on the S2000. Any brand/type suggestions? Thanks!
Dave Post

 

No scanner needed.

Paper clip the two pins noted in first link. That is the odb connector under dash tucked in above driver knee.

Then do the sequence from the linked youtube. Key on, turn left, dash light flashes, turn straight, etc.

I get it. My car before the S had points triggered ignition and the most high tech tool used to work on it was a timing strobe light. But the modern stuff is in many ways even easier to work on. The basics are all still the same. Fuel, air, compression, spark.

 

The end of the story, is that I purchased a used steering control module from a 2005, carefully matching the part number, and it works perfectly. Only “programming” was the torque sensor process as described in the service manual (see also youtube video posted by someone on how to do this without the Honda specific tool). All pretty straight forward and working well.

 

That's really interesting, is the steering control module separate from VSA? I had incorrectly assumed you would need a '06+ unit. Guess you learn something everyday--glad you fixed it.