Engine Controls - Engine Stall Diagnostics Using HDS
Troubleshooting a Stalling Engine? Take a Snapshot With the HDSNOTE.
This article applies to '03-05 MDXs, '05 RLs, '05 RSXs, '04-05 TLs, and '05 TSXs. The On-Board Snapshot feature of the HDS can make troubleshooting a stalling engine a snap. To troubleshoot a stalling engine, you need to first change the trigger type from DTC to Engine stall. Here's how:
1. Make sure the HDS software is version 1.008.016 or later.
2. Connect the HDS to the 16P data link connector (DLC). Turn the ignition switch to ON (II). Turn on the HDS.
3. At the screen prompts, enter the VIN (if you're asked) and the odometer reading.
4. From the Select Mode screen, select Honda Systems. From the System Selection Menu, select PGM FI.
5. From the Mode Menu, select On-Board Snapshot. If the ECM/PCM has data from a earlier DTC, the HDS will download and store it. After the download is finished, you can then change the trigger type.
6. Change the trigger type from DTC to ENGINE stall.
7. Turn off and disconnect the HDS. Test-drive the vehicle until the engine stalls. If your client is the only one who can get the engine to stall, have him or her drive the vehicle and bring it back to your shop as soon as it does. The ECM/PCM will capture and store the engine parameters for up to 15 seconds before the engine stalled.
To download the snapshot data to the HDS, follow these steps:
1. Connect the HDS to the 16P DLC. Turn the ignition switch to ON (II). Turn on the HDS.
2. At the screen prompts, enter the VIN (if you're asked) and the odometer reading.
3. From the Select Mode screen, select Honda Systems. From the System Selection Menu, select PGM FI.
4. From the Mode Menu, select On-Board Snapshot. The HDS automatically pulls the data stored in the ECM/PCM and displays it on the display screen.
Once you get your snapshot data, you can send it to Tech Line for analysis. See the article "Sending HDS Snapshots to Tech Line" in the October '04 issue of ServiceNews for the how-tos.