Advice sought;

I have been told by a Honda dealer that the ECU on my 5th Generation Prelude 2.2 4ws (P-reg) is faulty and needs replacing. They say that the error codes which it detects are for the angle sensors on the steering rack which also needs investigating to ensure they are correct.

Has anyone ever had similar problems and if so what did you do to remedy them. All suggestions welcome.

 

This is the fix for 4th Gen Preludes (92-96) here in the US.

Hope this helps.

http://honda-tech.com/zeropost?cmd=tshow&id=886363

 

Hi,

Thanks for this - I shall have a read and see if it makes sense to my problem. I assume the 4ws is the same in the 5th generation as it is in the 4th?

 

i dont know if you have fixed this problem or not. but check this out:

the most important thing here is what trouble code you get when jumpering the blue plug, located under the middle console bezel. if it is a code 62 then yes resoldering those 10 points will most likely fix your problem. if it is not then it can be a few other things: sub steering angle sensor, rear main steering angle sensor, or the rear actuator itself.... let me tell ya how the dealership goes about these things. they will try and diagnose the problem at 50-100 dollars an hour depending on your location. it will take them at least 1 hour if not several to find the problem.
out of the 4 main computerized parts for the 4ws system the prices go like this for honda replacement value: 4ws control unit = 1800-2500$ usd | rear acutator = 1800-2500$ usd | rear main steering angle sensor = 120-190$ usd | sub steering angle sensor = 120-170$ usd |
so knowing what you have going on would be a big help in diagnosing the issue. as you can see its not a cheap fix for the parts.... not to mention the labor they would charge you to fix it. oh and dont forget the charge for diagnosing the problem... lol.
then again if you are able to fix things on your own, you could always get used parts and put them on. right now im in the process of calling honda about a recall that was issued for the rear main steering angle sensor. as the code 29 i am getting is diagnosed to a faulty rear main angle sensor. i will report back here any findings i have about the recall.

 

update: the recall is a brand new recall. if you are getting a code 29 cel from your 4ws light, call your local dealership and have your vin number handy. (the service buletin # is 92037)
Erik-