1995/1996 Si Model Prelude 4WS problem?

[FearTec]

Hello

Does anyone know of any 4WS (4 wheel steer) problems with the 1995/1996 Si Model Prelude?

Our 4ws warning light has remained on for the last few days????

Should it be simple to fix?

Thanks In Advance

[shecomb]

My 4ws is stuffed. It is a common problem in the 4th gen as it is electronic, unlike the 3rd gen with mechanical. Potholes etc can throw the sensors out therefore throwing an error code.

Try disconnecting the neg. battery terminal for 30 sec. This resets the computer, this will fix the problem for the short term, however, if the computer has crapped out, the light will come back on in a couple of days.

Replacing the sensors and getting a wheel alignment can also fix the problem, but again if its the computer you will have to replace it which is about $2,500. Not worth it.

Dave.

[azjs]

I know a contact that won't charge that much, but it all depends on what equipment needs replacing - which takes some time and trial and error...

-az

[FearTec]

I had a whel alignment done (3mm out) but the light is still on?

I will try the battery trick first.

[WPN.22R]

take out the radio fuse (under bonnet). count to 10 and itll be fixed.

its bloody annoying.

im talking to a guy who is going to make me a switch for my 4ws. car drives better without it, but you gotta love when parking!

[DR HONDA]

Its a matter of retrieving the fault code to see which circuit has failed. if the light is on continuasly then it is a hard fault which is present and you should take it to a honda specialist

[WPN.22R]

yeah i took it to honda service and told them the prob. after $70 per hour to find fault, they couldnt find it after 2 hours worth of searching for the fault code, i told them not to worry about it.

they then gave me a quote of almost $1700 to replace the whole 4ws set up on my car. i said thanks but no thanks.

took it to hannys

didnt cost cent

no probs since, (well once i a blue moon)

got the money..... go to honda and let them fugg you from behind!

[ECU-MAN]

yall out there with 4WS problems;

This problem of the 4WS light suddenly coming on can be fixed. I know lots of you think coz you took it to a dealer and they say, "it will cost $$$$ to fix so hold your ankles" you think its not worth fixing. the problem is there are very few techs out there in dealerships as well as garages that have any idea bout the 4WS system. They test all your sensors and they check out ok so they say the ECU is at fault.

its been a while but from memory there are 5 sensors. two on the front rack, two on the rear, one on the column.

things that cause the $WS light to come on.

- Hitting the curb
- turning the wheel when the rear wheels are jammed against the curb
- driving with the hand brake on
- hitting a pothole putting the alignment out.
- a back yarder wheel alignment ( these where my favorite :) ), DON'T EVER LET THEM TAKE THE STEERING WHEEL OF TO CENTER IT after a wheel alignment no matter what.
- letting the car roll with the engine off, hope you know what I mean here, tuning the engine off b4 you stop.
-a faulty component.
- wheel alignment problems in general.
-any of the sensors not in alignment


the common scenario for 4WS light on,
-check for codes,
-test the sensor that triggered the fault AT THE ECU. that sensor may or may not be faulty.
- if sensor is dead replace it all will be fine
- if sensors are ok but the keep putting codes in the ECU then the 4WS system MUST be set, e.g. the sensors must be aligned. I wont go into how to do it now as I have to read up on how its done again to be accurate. But you put the 4WS ecu in alignment mode ( wheel alignment must be spot on, 4WS lock pin must have been used to align the rear rack) you ensure that you front rack is DEAD center. I mean that when you turn your wheel from center to LH down the amount of turns are the same to RH down from center pos. you adjust the parameters of the front sensor, to the center of its limits, then do the same for the rear sensor. set the column sensor to correct position, and you then slug the poor basted who owns the car a few hours labor.

who ever works on preludes may think the above is a pile of shit and wont believe that you can fix the 4WS system like this, but all the Honda tech will know what I mean and how important the above really is. If its not set %100 right you will have those phantom problems that you will have difficulties finding.
sorry for the majorly long post but that the way it is and it bothers me when wheel alignment places **** up these Hi Tec 4WS systems in these ludes and Honda repair places cant fix them coz they have no idea.

If anyone is brave enogh to try the sensor alighnmet proceddure im happy to provide info and help on how to do it just let me know otherwize I wont bother looking up my old documents on these issues.

[J2daW]

u da man!!!

[ECU-MAN]

oh and by the way when ever you disconnect the battery on these cars u must set the 4ws parameters by
starting the engine
turn the steering wheel right hand down then all the way to left hand down then back to center

[azjs]

Excellent post!

-az