How to Troubleshoot A/T Systems
How to Troubleshoot A/T Systems
How to Check for DTCs with the Honda Diagnostic System (HDS)
When the powertrain control module (PCM) senses an abnormality in the input or output system, the D indicator (A) in the gauge control module (B) will usually blink.
When the Honda Diagnostic System (HDS) is connected to the data link connector (DLC) (A) located under the left side of the dash, it will indicate the diagnostic trouble code (DTC) when the ignition switch is turned to ON (II) and the appropriate menu is selected.
If the D indicator or the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) has been reported on, or if a driveability problem is suspected, do this:
1. Connect the HDS to the DLC. (See the HDS user's manual for specific instructions.)
2. Turn the ignition switch to ON (II), select A/T system, and observe the DTC in the DTCs MENU on the HDS screen.
NOTE: If the HDS does not communicate with the PCM, troubleshoot the DLC circuit. Testing and Inspection
3. Record the freeze data and on-board snapshots for all fuel and emissions DTC, and A/T DTCs.
4. If there is a fuel and emissions DTC, first check the fuel and emissions system as indicated by the DTC (except for DTC P0700, which means there is one or more A/T DTCs, and no problems were detected in the fuel and emissions circuit of the PCM).
5. Clear the DTC and data.
6. Drive the vehicle for several minutes under the same conditions as those indicated by the freeze data, and then recheck for a DTC. If the A/T DTC returns, go to the indicated DTC's troubleshooting. If the DTC does not return, there was an intermittent problem within the circuit. Make sure all pins and terminals in the circuit are tight.
Symptom Troubleshooting Versus DTC Troubleshooting
Some symptoms will not trigger diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) or cause the D indicator to blink. If the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) was reported ON or the D indicator has been blinking, check for DTCs. If the vehicle has an abnormal symptom, and there are no DTCs stored, do the symptom troubleshooting. Check the list of probable cause(s) for the symptom, in the sequence listed, until you find the problem.
How to Check for DTCs with the SCS Mode (retrieving the flash codes)
NOTE: The preferred method is to use the HDS to retrieve the P-code.
When the PCM senses an abnormality in the input or output system, the D indicator (A) in the gauge control module (B) will usually blink.
When the D indicator has been reported on, connect the HDS to the DLC (A) located under the left side of the dash. Turn the ignition switch to ON (II), select SCS mode, then the D indicator will flash the DTC.
If the D indicator and the MIL come on at the same time, or if a driveability problem is suspected, do this:
1. Connect the HDS to the DLC. (See the HDS user's manual for specific instructions.)
2. Turn the ignition switch to ON (II), select SCS mode, then observe the D indicator in the gauge control module. Codes 1 through 9 are indicated by individual short blinks. Code 10 and above 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.
3. Record all fuel and emissions DTCs and A/T DTCs.
4. If there is a fuel and emissions DTC, first check the fuel and emissions system as indicated by the DTC (except DTC 70, which means there is one or more A/T DTCs, and no problems were detected in the fuel and emissions circuit of the PCM).
5. Clear the DTC and data.
6. Drive the vehicle for several minutes under the same conditions as those indicated by the freeze data, and then recheck for DTC. If the A/T DTC returns, go to the indicated DTC's troubleshooting. If the DTC does not return, there was an intermittent problem within the circuit. Make sure all pins and terminals in the circuit are tight.
How to Troubleshoot Circuits at the PCM
Special Tools Required
- Backprobe set 07SAZ-001000A (two required)
1. Pull back the carpet, and remove the passenger's front console cover and the rear vent duct. Center Console Removal/Installation
2. Inspect the circuit on the PCM, according to the DTC troubleshooting, with the special tools and a digital multimeter.
3. Connect the backprobe adapters (A) to the stacking patch cords (B), and connect the cords to a multimeter (C).
4. Using the wire insulation as a guide for the contoured tip of the backprobe adapter, gently slide the tip into the connector from the wire side until it touches the end of the wire terminal.
5. If you cannot get to the wire side of the connector or the wire side is sealed, disconnect the connector and use the tester probe to probe the connectors from the terminal side. Do not force the probe into the connector.
How to Clear A/T DTCs
1. Connect the HDS to the DLC (A).
2. Turn the ignition switch to ON (II).
3. Clear the DTC(s) on the HDS screen.
NOTE: If the HDS does not communicate with the PCM, troubleshoot the DLC circuit. Testing and Inspection
OBD Status
The OBD Status shows the current system status of each DTC and all of the parameters. This function is used to see if the repair was successfully completed. The results of diagnostic tests for the DTC are displayed as:
- PASSED: The on-board diagnosis is successfully finished.
- FAILED: The on-board diagnosis has finished but failed.
- NOT COMPLETED: The on-board diagnosis was running but is out of the enable conditions of the DTC.
How to End a Troubleshooting Session (required after any troubleshooting)
1. Reset the PCM with the HDS while the engine is stopped.
2. Do the PCM idle learn procedure. PCM Idle Learn Procedure
3. Turn the ignition switch to LOCK (0).
4. Turn the ignition switch to ON (II), and wait for 30 seconds.
5. Turn the ignition switch to LOCK (0), and disconnect the HDS from the DLC.
6. Start the engine in P or N, and warm it to normal operating temperature (the radiator fan comes on).
7. To verify that the problem is repaired, test-drive the vehicle for several minutes at speeds over 30 mph (50 km/h) or under the same conditions as those indicated by the freeze data.
Updating the A/T software in the PCM
Refer to the PCM update PCM Update when the A/T software updating is needed in the DTC troubleshooting.
Replacing the PCM
Refer to the PCM replacement Service and Repair when replacing the PCM is needed in the DTC troubleshooting.
Substituting the PCM
Special Tools Required
- Honda diagnostic system (HDS) tablet tester
- Honda interface module (HIM) and an iN workstation with HDS and CM update software
- HDS pocket tester
- GNA600 and an iN workstation with HDS and CM update software
Use this procedure when you have to substitute a known-good PCM during troubleshooting procedure.
1. Connect the HDS to the DLC (A).
2. Turn the ignition switch to ON (II).
3. Make sure the HDS communicates with the PCM. If it doesn't, go to the DLC circuit troubleshooting. Testing and Inspection If you are returning from DLC circuit troubleshooting, skip steps 4 to 5, then clean the throttle body after substituting the PCM. Procedures
4. Select the INSPECTION MENU with the HDS.
5. Select the ETCS TEST, then select the TP POSITION CHECK, and follow the HDS screen prompts.
NOTE: If the TP POSITION CHECK indicates FAILED, continue to the end of this procedure.
6. Jump the SCS line with the HDS.
7. Remove the front console cover (A) Center Console Removal/Installation and pull back the carpet.
8. Remove the ducts (B).
9. Disconnect the PCM connectors (C).
10. Remove the two bolts (D), and remove the PCM (E).
11. Install a known-good PCM in the reverse order of removal.
12. Open the SCS with the HDS.
13. Turn the ignition switch to ON (II).
NOTE: DTC P0630 "VIN Not Programmed or Mismatch" may be stored because the VIN has not been programmed into the PCM; ignore it, and continue this procedure.
14. Manually input the VIN to the PCM with the HDS.
15. Update the PCM if it does not have the latest software.
16. Select the IMMOBI SYSTEM with the HDS.
17. Enter the immobilizer code using the PCM replacement procedure in the HDS; this allows you to start the engine.
18. Reset the PCM with the HDS.
19. If the TP POSITION CHECK failed in step 6, clean the throttle body. Procedures
20. Do the PCM idle learn procedure. PCM Idle Learn Procedure
21. Do the CKP pattern learn procedure. Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview
