Immobilizer System Symptom Troubleshooting Information
Immobilizer System Symptom Troubleshooting Information
General Check Before Troubleshooting
Before troubleshooting the immobilizer system, check the following general items and resolve them, if applicable:
- The battery is low; charge the battery fully, then troubleshoot the immobilizer system.
- The ignition key is not a genuine Acura part; use the Acura-approved key blank, register the key, then troubleshoot the immobilizer system.
- A key ring, keys, or a key case is used; remove the key from it, and troubleshoot the immobilizer system with a key only.
- An aftermarket electrical part is installed; remove it, then troubleshoot the immobilizer system.
Symptom Troubleshooting Using the Immobilizer Indicator Lighting Pattern
The pattern of the immobilizer indicator light can help troubleshoot the condition of the immobilizer system. Here are descriptions of the four possible patterns.
Normal operation
If the immobilizer code is identified, the immobilizer indicator quickly flashes once when the ignition switch is turned to ON (II).
The immobilizer indicator does not come on when the ignition switch is turned to LOCK (0).
Immobilizer code is not identified
If the immobilizer code is not identified, the immobilizer indicator quickly flashes once, then blinks until the ignition switch is turned to LOCK (0). When the ignition switch is turned to LOCK (0), the indicator blinks ten times, then goes off.
The state of the immobilizer key registration and the IMOCD (S-NET) line can be checked by going into a SYSTEM CHECK Immobilizer System Check and STATUS LOG Immobilizer System Status Log with the HDS.
Immobilizer indicator does not come on
If the immobilizer indicator does not come on after turning the ignition switch to ON (II), there is an open or short in the F-CAN lines between the PCM and the gauge control module. Check DTC Troubleshooting Index for codes and resolve any stored codes. Watch the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL). If the MIL stays on, go to the PGM-FI system troubleshooting Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview.
Immobilizer indicator does not go off
If the immobilizer indicator does not go off after turning the ignition switch to ON (II), do the gauge control module self-diagnostic function Testing and Inspection. If the indicator drive circuit is OK, do the SYSTEM CHECK Immobilizer System Check and STATUS LOG Immobilizer System Status Log with the HDS.
Symptom Troubleshooting Using Malfunctioning Circuit Functions
If a malfunction occurs in the immobilizer circuit, use the table to cross-reference the malfunctioning function to the line(s) that should be checked:
System Check and Status Log
NOTE: The HDS can be used to:
- Check the state of the immobilizer key registration and the IMOCD (S-NET) line by doing a SYSTEM CHECK Immobilizer System Check.
- Check the number of times the immobilizer-keyless control unit did not permit the engine to run by the STATUS LOG Immobilizer System Status Log.
1. Connect the HDS to the data link connector (DLC), then turn the ignition switch to ON (II) and follow the prompts to the SYSTEM SELECTION MENU.
NOTE: If the HDS does not communicate with the vehicle, go to the DLC circuit troubleshooting Testing and Inspection.
2. At the SYSTEM SELECTION MENU, enter IMMOBI, then select the IMMOBILIZER SETUP.
3. Do the SYSTEM CHECK. If there is a system check number, do the troubleshooting for the item indicated.
4. Check the status log using the HDS. Troubleshoot the line with the highest counts first Immobilizer System Status Log. If all the lines are "0" zero, the problem may not be caused by the immobilizer system; check for ignition or fuel problems.
NOTE: Once repaired, clear the status log by removing the No. 23 (10 A) fuse in the under-hood fuse/relay box or unplugging the immobilizer-keyless control unit.