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Honda Accord: How to Bypass SRS in Aftermarket Steering Wheel

Maybe your SRS indicator light is on because you replaced your steering wheel, or maybe it just stays on and you have no idea why. Either way, you can bypass the car's warning system in under an hour.

By William Henderson - March 3, 2015

This article applies to the Honda Accord (1990-2002).

Drivers have come across several reasons why their stock steering wheel needs to be replaced. One reason might be a car accident, while another is personal preference. Regardless of the reason, replacing your stock steering wheel (with one that doesn't have an airbag) will cause your Accord's Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) indicator light to turn on and stay on. The good news is that you can easily trick your car into thinking there is an airbag, or you can bypass the warning light completely in just a few simple steps. However, keep in mind that bypassing your SRS without an airbag installed will likely cause your car to fail inspection in most states.

Materials Needed

  • Two short speaker wires (or paperclip)
  • Wire stripper
  • Electrical tape
  • Phillips screwdriver

Step 1 – Remove the dashboard cover

Underneath the steering wheel, remove the dashboard cover to gain access to the wiring. Turn off the ignition, but keep the key in.

Figure 1. Remove dash cover underneath the steering column.

Step 2 – Unclip the MES from the dummy connector

In the fuse box area, there should be cables marked with a yellow sleeve leading to a yellow plug. This is the Memory Erase Signal (MES) plug. Unclip and remove the plug from the dummy connector.

Figure 2. Remove the yellow MES plug.

Step 3 – Insert short speaker wires into the MES plug

Use your wire stripper to strip both ends of the two short speaker wires. Insert each wire into each female connector of the MES plug. The leads should not be contacting one another before turning on the ignition.

Figure 3. Leads from the MES plug.

Step 4 – Turn the ignition on and short/unshort the wires

  • While turning on the ignition, short the wires by holding the leads together. The SRS light should turn on for a few seconds.
  • When the SRS light turns off, unshort the wires. The SRS light should come back on.
  • Hold the leads together to short the wires again. This should cause the SRS light to turn back off.
  • Finally, unshort the wires one last time. The SRS light should blink twice.
Figure 4. Short the wires.

Pro Tip

Each step of shorting and unshorting the wires must take place within 4 seconds to successfully disable the SRS.

Step 5 – Test SRS light and reassemble the dash cover

Turn off the ignition and wait for about 10 seconds. Then, turn on the ignition and start the car. The SRS light should blink as normal, and then turn off. If the SRS light remains on, repeat Step 4.

Finally, remove the speaker wires from the yellow plug, and insert it back into the dummy connector. Wrap the wiring in electrical tape and attach it somewhere safe. Reassemble the dash cover.

Pro Tip

If trying a few times does not disable your SRS warning light, there may likely be a different cause. In this case, take your car to an auto shop in order to properly disable the SRS.

Featured Video: How to Reset SRS Light on a Honda

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