I added a cruise control to my base-model fit. I forgot to disconnect the battery, so when I worked on the brake pedal wiring harness, the red SRS "airbag" light came on. From reading here, it sounds like only the dealer can clear that alarm (?).

Then, I got a recall notice that said I had a Takata airbag on the passenger side which needed replacement. I figured that Honda would probably have to clear the SRS light while doing the airbag, but... no: when they gave me the car back, they said that the SRS light was on when it came-in, and that the alarm was still on, and they'd be happy to hook-up to the SRS computer, and clear the alarm for $75.

I can't be upset for failing to get "a freebie." But I am wondering how they knew that their airbag replacement was successful, without hooking-up to the computer and checking codes, to verify that the only code was for the brake pedal.

It seems like the dealer must have already hooked-up to the computer, but simply chose not to press "clear" on the alarm. Maybe hoping for that extra $75? It almost seems like they went out of their way to preserve the old SRS alarm, so that they could bill an extra $75.

 

because, all they had to do was pop a small plastic panel, remove the air canister and replace it with the new one. done. you want to know if its successful? get on a head to head collision and hope you got airbag and not shrapnel to your face.

 

That's a straight up bargain. The fee at the shop I work for would be quite a bit higher.

 

I'd suggest to buy your own scanner w/ABS and take care of it yourself...

 

Scanners that diagnose SRS (not ABS) systems are kinda expensive aren't they? Especially for one-time-use. Certainly, more than $75 USD.

 

I have a Bosche bluetooth one I bought at Oreillys Auto Parts for $69, it has the capability for ABS and SRS BUT,, its a extra fee to turn that feature on, I think it is 15 bucks for 1 specific car or 25 for all cars something like that.

If your going to own a fit your going to need the darn thing again.
If nothing else you can use it to watch some features on the engine.

So far not impressed with the Honda dealer experience. I'm getting quotes for almost any work about 30% higher than my BMW from them in general, and BMW bends you over.. But at least they give you free cookies and coffee while they are doing you...