Without Scan Tool
How to Check for DTCsWhen the VTM-4 control unit senses an abnormality in the input or output systems, the VTM-4 indicator light in the gauge assembly will usually come on, and the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL), the D5 indicator light and/or the ABS indicator light may also come on. There are two methods used to check for DTCs. One method is to use the Honda PGM Tester with the appropriate software plugged into the 16P Data Link Connector (DLC).
The other method is to connect the Service Check Signal (SCS) circuit with the Honda PGM Tester. When the 16P DLC is connected to the Honda PGM Tester, the VTM-4 indicator light will indicate the Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) when the ignition switch is turned ON (II) and the SCS circuit is connected to body ground.
Honda PGM Tester method:
1. With the ignition switch OFF, connect the Honda PGM Tester (A) to the 16P DLC (B) located behind the driver's dashboard lower cover.
2. Turn the ignition switch ON (II), and follow the prompts on the Honda PGM Tester to display the DTC(s) on the screen. After determining the DTC(s), refer to the DTC Troubleshooting Index. DTC List - Differential Assembly (VTM-4)
NOTE: See the Honda PGM Tester user's manual for specific instruction.
3. If there are fuel and emissions DTCs, A/T DTCs, and ABS DTC's at the same time, troubleshoot the fuel and emission DTC's first.
4. After recording the DTCs, clear all DTCs.
5. Test-drive the vehicle for several minutes in 4WD mode, and check for DTCs. If the DTC returns, refer to the DTC Troubleshooting Index. If the DTC does not return, there was an intermittent problem within the circuit. Make sure all connectors and terminals in the circuit are tight.
Service Check Signal Circuit (SCS) Method:
1. Park the vehicle on level ground. Shift to the P position, then turn off the engine.
2. Release the parking brake pedal.
3. With the ignition switch OFF, connect the Honda PGM Tester (A) to the 16P DLC (B) located behind the driver's dashboard lower cover.
4. Connect the SCS circuit to body ground using the Honda PGM Tester.
5. Turn the ignition switch ON (II), and observe the VTM-4 indicator light.
NOTE: Codes above 10 are indicated by a series of long and short blinks. One long blink equals 10 short blinks. Add the long and short blinks together to determine the code. After determining the code, refer to the DTC Troubleshooting Index.
6. Record the all DTC(s), then refer to the DTC Troubleshooting Index to determine the meaning of the DTC.
7. Clear the DTCs from the VTM-4 control unit memory.
8. If the MIL, D5 indicator light, and the ABS indicator light all come on at the same time, troubleshooting the cause for the MIL first.
9. Test-drive the vehicle for several minutes in 4WD mode, and check for DTCs. If the DTC returns, refer to the DTC Troubleshooting Index. If the DTC does not return, there was an intermittent problem within the circuit. Make sure all connectors and terminals in the circuit are tight.
How to Troubleshoot Circuits at the VTM-4 Control Unit
Special Tools Required
Backprobe set 07SAZ-001000A (two required)
1. Remove the front mounting bolts from the right third row seat, and fold the seat cushion back.
2. Remove the cover from the right rear side trim panel to gain access to the VTM-4 control unit.
3. Inspect the circuit on the VTM-4 control unit, according to the DTC troubleshooting using the special tools and a digital multimeter or an analog circuit tester.
4. Connect the backprobe adapters (A) to the stacking patch codes (B), and connect the cords to the multimeter or and analog circuit tester (C). Using the wire insulator as a guide for the contoured-tip of the backprobe adapter, gently slide the tip into the connector from the wire side until it comes in contact with the terminal end of the wires.