Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview
How to Troubleshoot the Climate Control System
How to Check for DTCs With the HDS
1. Make sure the ignition switch is in LOCK (0), or the vehicle ignition is in the OFF mode.
2. Connect the Honda Diagnostic System (HDS) to the data link connector (DLC) (A) located under the driver's side of the dashboard.
3. Turn the ignition switch to ON (II), or press the engine start/stop button to select the ON mode.
4. Make sure the HDS communicates with the vehicle and the climate control unit. If it does not, go to the DLC circuit troubleshooting Testing and Inspection.
5. Select HVAC/CLIMATE CONTROL in the BODY ELECTRICAL menu.
6. Select DTCs in the HVAC/CLIMATE CONTROL menu.
7. Check for DTCs. If any DTCs are indicated, write down the DTCs, then go to the indicated DTC troubleshooting. If no DTCs are indicated, do all system scan, then refer to symptom troubleshooting.
NOTE:
- After troubleshooting, clear the DTCs with the HDS.
- For specific operations, refer to the user's manual that came with the HDS.
How to Use the Self-Diagnostic Function With the HDS
1. Make sure the ignition switch is in LOCK (0), or the vehicle ignition is in the OFF mode.
2. Connect the HDS to the DLC.
3. Turn the ignition switch to ON (II), or press the engine start/stop button to select the ON mode.
4. Make sure the HDS communicates with the vehicle and the climate control unit. If it does not, go to the DLC circuit troubleshooting Testing and Inspection.
5. Select HVAC/CLIMATE CONTROL in the BODY ELECTRICAL menu.
6. Select INSPECTION in the HVAC/CLIMATE CONTROL menu.
7. Select CLIMATE CONTROL SELF TEST in the INSPECTION menu.
8. Check for DTCs. If any DTCs are indicated, write down the DTCs, then go to the indicated DTC troubleshooting.
NOTE:
- After troubleshooting, clear the DTCs with the HDS.
- For specific operations, refer to the user's manual that came with the HDS.
How to Use the Self-Diagnostic Function Without the HDS
The climate control unit has a self-diagnostic function. To run the self-diagnostic function, do the following:
1. Turn the ignition switch to LOCK (0) and then back to ON (II), or press the engine start/stop button to select the OFF mode and then the ON mode.
2. Press and hold the FAN ON/OFF button, then within 10 seconds press and release the REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER/MIRROR DEFOGGER button five times. Release the FAN ON/OFF button, then the self-diagnosis begins.
NOTE:
- The blower motor runs at various speeds regardless of what the panel is displaying.
- If there is a problem with the system, it will flash AUTO, 88 and AUTO, 88 and WINDSHIELD DEFROST, or 88 and MODE, and one or more of the 14 indicator segments (A through N). Refer to checking for DTCs.
- If there is more than one DTC, they are displayed one at a time in sequence followed by a pause (all the display indicator segments illuminate) between the DTCs.
- If there are no problems detected, the segments do not illuminate, and the system appears to be turned off.
Canceling the Self-Diagnostic Function
- Turn the ignition switch to LOCK (0), or press the engine start/stop button to select the OFF mode to cancel the self-diagnostic function. After completing repair work, run the self-diagnostic function again to make sure that there are no other DTCs.
Checking for DTCs
The temperature display indicates single or multiple DTCs. If no DTCs are present, the indicator remains blank.
NOTE: If the driver's indicator segments A, C, E, G, J, and M, with the AUTO indicator, MODE indicator, and the WINDSHIELD DEFROST indicator are on at the same time, there may be an open in the sensor common ground wire.
Displaying Sensor Inputs at the Climate Control Unit
The climate control unit has a mode that displays the sensor inputs it receives. This mode shows you what the climate control unit is receiving from each of the sensors, one at a time, and it can help you determine if a sensor is faulty.
Checks Before Using the Sensor Input Display Mode
1. Turn the ignition switch to ON (II), or press the engine start/stop button to select the ON mode, and check the recirculation door function; press the recirculation button to switch from FRESH to RECIRC. The air volume and sound should change slightly.
2. Set the desired test temperature using the driver's control switch:
Press the SYNC button off, the LED turns off.
When selecting the test temperature, note these items:
- "Lo" temperature setting will default to MAX COOL, VENT, and RECIRC.
- "Hi" temperature setting will default to MAX HOT, HEAT, and FRESH.
- 58 through 86 °F settings will use the automatic climate control logic.
3. Turn the ignition switch to LOCK (0), or press the engine start/stop button to select the OFF mode.
Run the Sensor Input Display Mode
1. Make sure the ignition switch is in LOCK (0), or the vehicle ignition is in the OFF mode.
2. Press and hold both the passenger's AUTO and RECIRCULATION CONTROL buttons, then start the engine.
3. After the engine starts, release both buttons. The display panel control unit flashes the sensor number, then the value for that sensor. Record the value displayed.
4. To advance to the next sensor, press the REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER button.
NOTE:
- The sensor values are displayed in degrees Celsius (°C) or an alphanumeric code. Use the charts to convert degrees Fahrenheit (°F), or convert the alphanumeric code to a numerical value.
- If the sensor value displays "Er" this indicates there is an open or short in the circuit or sensor. Check for DTCs using the HDS, or use the climate control unit self-diagnostic function.
- If necessary, compare the sensor input display to a known-good vehicle under the same test conditions.
- If the sensor is out of the normal range, refer to the sensor test or substitute a known-good sensor, and recheck.
Celsius to Fahrenheit Conversion Table
Alphanumeric Conversion Table
5. To cancel the sensor input display mode, press the driver's AUTO button or turn the ignition switch to LOCK (0), or press the engine start/stop button to select the OFF mode.