VSA Modulator

pasi316 · 12-11-2009, 02:50 PM

Could someone offer some advice?

We have a 2004 TSX, great car, previously owned. Earlier this year, the brakes started going soft and I took it in to Firestone

and they said it needed a new master cylinder, which they replaced. Little by little, the brakes started going soft again, so they replaced the brake pads. Same thing. Have had them bled 4 times. Finally found out that a tech bulletin was issued in 2007 about the VSA modulator allowing air to get into the brake lines, thus causing this issue.

Right now, the brakes are down to the floor and I'm pretty nervous when driving. A couple of times, I guess I didn't brake quite soon enough and when I applied a little extra pressure, I heard a metal grinding sound.

Not covered by warranty, Acura won't do goodwill repairs unless you have a consistent service relationship, and the repair is around $2,300.

I found a modulator at a spare parts place for $125.00

Is the modulator on a 2004 relatively easy to replace?
Has anyone here had this problem and what did you do?

Thanks.

nbtx · 12-11-2009, 02:55 PM

If there's a tech bulletin on the ABS modulator, it's time to head back to the dealer. This is a safety issue and should be gladly repaired by Acura. Else escalate to Acura corporate.

pasi316 · 12-11-2009, 05:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nbtx

If there's a tech bulletin on the ABS modulator, it's time to head back to the dealer. This is a safety issue and should be gladly repaired by Acura. Else escalate to Acura corporate.

Thanks, but no, that's what I say, I didn't buy it at an Acura dealership, and Acura won't even consider a goodwill repair unless you have a consistent, established relationship with a dealer. I can maybe push the issue with a local dealer if necessary, but they've already said it would take some time contacting corporate and even then, they might not do it.

So since I found this part for $125, I just wanted some feedback from anyone who's done this repair.

HoRRo · 12-12-2009, 09:01 AM

Looks like a pretty straight forward repair job. Disconnecting the connector, the 6 brake lines and then a couple bolts (1 hex) to remove the unit (and bracket). After that, during the install, bleed the brakes, perform VSA neutral position memorization(*), start the car to ensure no VSA/ABS indicators are on, test drive.

Unless I'm missing something, there's no way it should cost that ridiculous $2,300 quote. Looks like 2-hr max, most time consuming would probably be bleeding and the VSA neutral... steps.

nbtx · 12-12-2009, 10:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pasi316

Finally found out that a tech bulletin was issued in 2007 about the VSA modulator allowing air to get into the brake lines, thus causing this issue.

I'm truly mystified about this problem - does the air invasion happen with normal driving or only when the VSA activates?

And HoRRo: does the neutral position memorization require any special tool(s)?

HoRRo · 12-12-2009, 08:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nbtx

I'm truly mystified about this problem - does the air invasion happen with normal driving or only when the VSA activates?

And HoRRo: does the neutral position memorization require any special tool(s)?

I've never looked whether or not our car has an actual SCS (Service Check Signal), it's usually a 2 pin (female) yellow plug (IIRC). If the TSX does have this plug, then no, you would not need any special tool.

Otherwise, you'd need an HDS (Honda scanner), or maybe a Snap-on scanner might do it.

pasi316 · 12-14-2009, 01:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HoRRo

Looks like a pretty straight forward repair job. Disconnecting the connector, the 6 brake lines and then a couple bolts (1 hex) to remove the unit (and bracket). After that, during the install, bleed the brakes, perform VSA neutral position memorization(*), start the car to ensure no VSA/ABS indicators are on, test drive.

Unless I'm missing something, there's no way it should cost that ridiculous $2,300 quote. Looks like 2-hr max, most time consuming would probably be bleeding and the VSA neutral... steps.

Thanks for that information. My husband always takes care of these things, but due to health issues is unable to do any repairs and I'm trying to figure out what to do because I don't know anyone who does auto repairs.

Two places quoted over $2,000.

I have to push down to the floor but it stops ok - what concerns me is if this is something where the brakes could just fail at any given time and I wouldn't be able to stop - or if it's just an issue where they're not as tight as they'd normally be.

What do you think?

nbtx · 12-14-2009, 04:24 PM

With the air invasion, the pedal will just get softer and softer until you can't get stop anymore because the pedal is at the floor. Nothing is going to fail catastrophically, but this is clearly a safety issue. And according to what HoRRo said earlier, it's probably not a do-it-yourself part replacement. Are there any private (non-dealer) Asian car repair places in your area?