Stability Control Modification

[GeoLogic]

I wouldn't venture to even attempt such a modification until after the expiration of my warranty, but I've wondered if it might be possible to modify a 7th Generation 4-cylinder EX-L to add Honda OEM stability control; that which is usually only available on the 6-cylinder EX-L.

I haven't yet studied how stability control works in the 7th Generation Accord, so at this point my idea is purely conjectural-- But I'd theorize it would be possible to pull all the parts necessary for stability control from a wrecked 6-cylinder. With ABS already in place, there should already be sensors on each wheel feeding wheel spin data to the ECU-- So it should be a matter of securing the Stability Control unit and plugging it into the brake system harness, wiring the stability control switch in the cabin, and perhaps installing a steering angle sensor.

Anyway, this may turn out to be an impossible job, but I like the idea of having an additional element of safety in my Accord, and I've resented that Honda decided their 4-cylinder Accord owners weren't good enough for this excellent safety feature. I would have paid extra to get it if Honda had only made it available in the first friggin' place. They should have made it standard on every 7th Gen Accord, like they have in the 8th Gen... :furious:

So what do you guys think about the viability of such a project?

Cheers!

[stevel]

this would not be nearly that simple.

first the engine control unit for the 4 cylinder car would not be programmed to deal with the requests from the stability control system. not to mention that '05 to '05 4 cylinders did not have electric throttle. the electric throttle is a very important component in stability control as in various situations, it will close, or even open slightly the throttle.

second, wiring the car for the steering angle sensor along with the yaw sensors would be and unpleasant thing to do. and just to mount a yaw sensor absolute dead center between the left and right sides of the car might be hard to measure.

you would need to deal with the instrument cluster for the warning light. system may or may not function without the warning light believe it or not....

the abs hydraulic unit may be different most likely. so really, having abs only starts you out with wheel speed sensors for all practical purposes in this situation....

the only retrofit I've ever hear of was on early Audi TT's..... when they had issues staying on the road, along with two recalls, owners were offered to have their car shipped back to the FACTORY in germany to have stability control retrofitted in. if I remember right, it was offered to them at a price of $500, mostly to partially cover the shipping charges I believe.....

so anyways....... I would say just accept the fact that you don't have it. I'm sure people said similar things about retrofitting factory nav in, but I think this is a few steps further, along with being a safety system, you don't want to take the chance of screwing it up and causing adverse behavior.....

[Anzial]

What's the point of stability control, anyways? I saw it light up just a couple of times since I got the car, so I don't see what it's there for...

[pitt]

What's the point of stability control, anyways? I saw it light up just a couple of times since I got the car, so I don't see what it's there for...
Electronic stability control senses when a driver may lose control of the vehicle and automatically applies brakes to individual wheels to help keep it stable and avoid a rollover. The technology helps motorists avoid skidding across icy or slick roads or keep control of their car when swerving to avoid an unexpected object in the road.

[mwmcginn]

I checked on the parts. The VSA modulator is about $1169, the regular abs modulator is about $443. The switch is about $24. I would just get the switch and say my car has it.

I guess, if the logic is all controlled in the vsa modulator, it might work. When its that cheap, why not try it.... I am curious though as the connections looked similar in the part pictures.

[Accordtx1]

TSX's have VSA. So it might be possible. I would not want to try it though, it might mean a ECU/ PCU swap along with the VSA modulator, plus all of the harnesses to make this work. I 'm sure you could do it , but it would get rather costly... :(

[mwmcginn]

Just thinking it out, and looking the prices of things, you could probably buy some tokico shocks, some better springs, some nice tires, and end up with more "stability" for the less money and a lot less trouble.

[Aviography]

I will bet you a coffee that it'd be cheaper to just buy a car with VSA by the time it's all said and done with parts, mods, labour (both hardware and software).

As my old boss said once "Anything is possible as long as it doesn't contradict with the laws of physics, it will just take time and money".

And this does not contradict with the laws of physics, but will take a whole sh*t load of time and money, so if you want to do it for fun and learning experience, then go ahead, if you want to save money, then don't bother!

[GeoLogic]

Thanks for all of your responses so far, all!

With my '90 Prizm I've been used to easy and super cheap parts acquisition from wrecked Corollas/Prizms at my local yards. That's one of the nice things about having an older car that's derived from a common platform.

I've been fully aware how ridiculous the cost would be if buying Stability Control parts, new. To that, the thought was, eventually, there'll be a wrecked Accord that you can get the parts far cheaper from. And that's also an excellent point: If the TSX has stability control, that too could be a donor car...

If even possible at all, there'd be no installation costs beyond parts, as I'd do the job myself. I've done extensive work on my Prizm, including integration of factory cruise control (my car didn't come with it from the factory), so I'm reasonably well versed in comparatively complex projects of this nature. I'm also in the midst of a fully integrated carputer project, where I'm integrating a Mac Mini into my existing navigation system. :thumbsup: THAT project is going to be most cool, dare I say, when it's complete. Have to wait until next summer, though-- Need decent weather... :(

Anyway, stability control may never happen in my car-- It's just a project that interests me... along with the added benefit of improved safety. In 5 years time, who knows, though...

Thanks again for everyone's thoughts!