How to Troubleshoot A/T Systems (A/T)

How to Troubleshoot A/T Systems

How to Check for DTCs with the Honda PGM Tester or Honda Diagnostic System

When the powertrain control module (PCM) senses an abnormality in the input or output systems, the [D] indicator (A) in the gauge assembly (B) will usually blink.

When the data link connector (DLC) (A) (located under the left end of the dash) is connected to the Honda PGM Tester or Honda diagnostic system (HDS), it will indicate the diagnostic trouble code (DTC) when the ignition switch is turned ON (II).

NOTE: The illustration shows LHD model; RHD model is symmetrical.

If the [D] indicator or malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) has been reported on, or if a driveability problem is suspected, follow this procedure:

1.	Connect the Honda PGM Tester or HDS to the DLC. (See the Honda PGM Tester or HDS user's manual for specific instructions.)

2.	Turn the ignition switch ON (II), select A/T system and observe the DTC in the DTCs MENU on the tester screen.

3.	Record all fuel and emissions DTCs, A/T DTCs, and freeze data.

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, DTC P0700 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 in the CLEAR MENU.

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 DTC troubleshooting Index. 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 Check for DTCs with the SCS Mode (retrieving the flash codes)

When the PCM senses an abnormality in the input or output system, the [D] indicator (A) in the gauge assembly (B) will usually blink.

When the [D] indicator has been reported on, connect the Honda PGM Tester or HDS to the DLC (A) (located under the left end of the dash). Turn the ignition switch ON (II), select SCS mode, then the [D] indicator will indicate the DTC.

NOTE: The illustration shows LHD model; RHD model is symmetrical.

If the [D] indicator and the MIL come on at the same time, or if a driveability problem is suspected, follow this procedure:

1.	Connect the Honda PGM Tester or HDS to the DLC. (See the Honda PGM Tester or HDS user's manual for specific instructions.)

Turn the ignition switch ON (II), select SCS mode, then observe the [D] indicator in the gauge assembly.
Code 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, DTC 70 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 in the CLEAR MENU.

Drive the vehicle for several minutes under the same cobditions as those indicated by the freeze data, and then recheck for DTC. If the A/T DTC returns, go to the DTC Troubleshooting Index. 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.

Clear A/T DTCs, and PCM Reset Procedures

1.	Make sure you have the anti-theft code for the radio, then write down the radio station presets.

2.	Turn the ignition switch OFF.

3.	Connect the Honda PGM Tester or HDS to the DLC.

4.	Turn the ignition switch ON (II).

5.	Select the A/T system, then CLEAR on the tester screen.

6.	Clear the DTC(s) or reset the PCM in CLEAR MENU.

How to Troubleshoot Circuits at the PCM

1.	Pull back the carpet, and remove the passenger's console side trim.

2.	Inspect the circuit on the PCM, according to the DTC troubleshooting with a digital multitester (A) and tapered tip probe (B) as shown.

3.	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.

PCM Updating and Substitution for Testing

Special Tools Required
Honda Interface Module (HIM) ( EQS05A35570)

Use this procedure when you have to substitute a known-good PCM in a troubleshooting procedure. Update the PCM only if the PCM does not already have the latest software loaded.

Do not turn the ignition switch OFF while updating the PCM. If you turn the ignition switch OFF, the PCM can be damaged.

How to Update the PCM

NOTE:

To ensure the latest program is installed, update a PCM whenever the PCM is substituted or replaced.
You cannot update a PCM with the program it already has. It will only accept a new program.
Before you update the PCM, make sure the vehicle's battery is fully charged.
To prevent PCM damage, do not operate any electrical system; audio system, brakes, air conditioning, power windows, moonroof, and door locks, during the update.
If you need to diagnose the Honda interface module (HIM) because the HIM's red (#3) light came on or was flashing during the update, leave the ignition switch in the ON (II) position when you disconnect the HIM from the DLC. This will prevent PCM damage.

1.	Turn the ignition switch ON (II). Do not start the engine.

2.	Connect the Honda interface module (HIM) to the DLC (A) located under the left end of the dash. NOTE: The illustration shows LHD model; RHD model is symmetrical.

3.	Update the PCM according to the procedures described on the HIM label. If the software in the PCM is the latest, replace the PCM.

How to Substitute the PCM

1.	Connect the Honda PGM Tester or HDS to the DLC.

2.	Turn the ignition switch OFF.

3.	Jump the SCS line with the Honda PGM Tester or HDS.

4.	Remove the PCM, and install a known-good PCM.

5.	Rewrite the immobilizer code with the PCM replacement procedure in the Honda PGM Tester or HDS; this will allow you to start the engine.

6.	After completing your test, reinstall the original PCM and rewrite the immobilizer code with the PCM replacement procedure in the Honda PGM Tester or HDS again.

How to Remove and Install the PCM

1.	Pull back the carpet, and remove the driver's and passenger's console side trims.

2.	Connect the Honda PGM Tester or HDS to the DLC.

3.	Turn the ignition switch OFF.

4.	Jump the SCS line with the PGM Tester or HDS.

5.	Disconnect PCM connectors.

6.	Remove the two bolts, and remove the PCM.

7.	Install the PCM in the reverse order of the removal.

How to End a Troubleshooting Session

This procedure must be done after any troubleshooting.

1.	Turn the ignition switch OFF.

2.	Connect the Honda PGM Tester or HDS to the DLC.

3.	Turn the ignition switch ON (II).

4.	Select the A/T system, then CLEAR on the tester screen.

5.	Clear the DTC(s) or reset the PCM in CLEAR MENU.

6.	Turn the ignition switch ON (II).

7.	Enter the radio code, reset the preset stations, and set the clock.

8.	Start the engine in the [P] or [N] position, and warm it up to normal operating temperature (the radiator fan comes on). Do the PCM idle learn procedure.

9.	Do the power window control unit reset procedure.

10.	To verify that the problem is repaired, test-drive the vehicle for several minutes at speeds over 30 mph (50 km/h) or in freeze data range.