Campaign - ECM Update For No A/T 4th Gear Upshift: Overview
05-027October 12, 2011
Applies To:
2005 RL - From VIN JH4KB1...5C000001 thru JH4KB1...5C021598
Product Update: PCM Software May Not Allow the Transmission to Upshift Into 4th Gear or May Cause an Engine Shudder
(Supersedes 05-027, dated July 27, 2007, to update the information marked by the black bars and asterisks).
REVISION SUMMARY
*Under WARRANTY CLAIM INFORMATION, a flat rate time was changed.*
BACKGROUND
In September 2005, American Honda announced a product update campaign to update the PCM in certain RLs. On affected vehicles, the transmission may not upshift into 4th gear, or the engine may shudder the first time you stop the vehicle before it is fully warmed up.
CLIENT NOTIFICATION
All owners of affected vehicles were sent a notification of this product update. The client notification may also contain information on other product updates. There is a client notification example shown in this service bulletin.
Not all vehicles within the affected VIN range are affected by this product update. Before beginning work on a vehicle, make sure it is eligible by checking for one or more of these items:
^ The client has a notification letter.
^ The client received an AcuraLink campaign message.
^ The vehicle is shown as eligible on a VIN status inquiry.
Besides checking these items, also check for a punch mark above the 11th character of the engine compartment VIN. A punch mark in that location means that the PCM software has already been updated.
Some vehicles affected by this campaign may be in your used vehicle inventory. In the interest of client satisfaction, these vehicles should be updated before they are sold or leased. To see if a used vehicle is affected by this update, do a VIN status inquiry.
CORRECTIVE ACTION
Use the Honda Diagnostic System (HDS) to update the PCM.
SOFTWARE INFORMATION
HDS Version: 1.018.016 (or later)
PGM-FI Program ID: JAA830
PGM-FI Program Part No.: 37805-RJA-A83 (or later)
WARRANTY CLAIM INFORMATION
REPAIR PROCEDURE
NOTE:
^ Before you update the PCM, make sure the battery in the vehicle is fully charged.
^ If you have a problem during the programming procedure (programming takes over 15 minutes, status bar goes over 100%, D/Immobilizer light flashes, HDS tablet freezes, etc.), follow the steps listed below to minimize the chance of damaging the ECM.
^ Leave the ignition switch in the ON (II) position.
- Connect a jumper battery. (Do not connect a battery charger.)
- Disconnect the HDS from the vehicle DLC (data link connector).
- Reboot the HDS.
- Connect the HDS back to the vehicle DLC, and retry the reprogramming procedure.
- NOTE: If the vehicle's 12V battery output drops below 10V during programming, the programming status bar may go beyond 100%.
^ To prevent PCM damage, do not operate anything electrical (audio system, brakes, NC, power windows, moonroof, etc.) during the update.
1. If not already done, load software update 1.018.016 or later onto the HDS.
2. Connect the HDS to the DLC, and use the HDS to read and clear the DTCs.
3. Use the HDS to update the PCM. For updating instructions, refer to Service Bulletin 01-026, Updating Control Unit/Modules. Verify that the PGM-FI software Program ID being used to update the PCM is the same or later than the Program ID listed in SOFTWARE INFORMATION.
4. Do the PCM idle learn procedure:
^ Make sure all electrical items (NC, audio, rear window defogger, lights, etc.) are off.
^ Start the engine, and let it reach normal operating temperature (the cooling fans cycle twice).
^ Let the engine idle (with the throttle closed) for 10 minutes.
5. Do the low-rpm CKP pattern learn:
^ Test-drive the vehicle on a level road. With the transmission in M position, in 2nd gear, decelerate (with the throttle fully closed) from an engine speed of 2,500 rpm down to 1,000 rpm.
^ Stop the vehicle, and move the shift lever to P or N. Set the parking brake. Do not turn off the ignition switch.
6. Connect the HDS to the DLC, and check the status of PULSER F/B LEARN:
^ On the Selection Menu, select PGM-FI.
^ On the Mode Menu, select Data List.
^ Check the value of PULSER FIB LEARN.
^ If the value is Completed, go to step 7.
^ If the value is Not Completed, make sure the engine is at normal operating temperature [the ECT SENSOR (1) value is 176 or higher], then repeat step 5.
7. Do the high-rpm CKP pattern learn:
^ Test-drive the vehicle on a level road. With the transmission in M position, in 2nd gear, decelerate (with the throttle fully closed) from an engine speed of 5,000 rpm down to 3,000 rpm.
^ Stop the vehicle, and move the shift lever to P or N. Set the parking brake. Do not turn off the ignition switch.
8. Connect the HDS to the DLC, and check the status of PULSER F/B LEARN (HIGH RPM):
^ On the Selection Menu, select PGM-FI.
^ On the Mode Menu, select Data List.
^ Check the value of PULSER FIB LEARN (HIGH RPM).
^ If the value is Completed, you are finished with CKP pattern learn. Disconnect the HDS and go to step 9.
^ If the value is Not Completed, make sure the engine is at normal operating temperature [the ECT SENSOR (1) value is 176 or higher], then repeat step 7.
9. Center-punch a completion mark above the 11th character of the engine compartment VIN.
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