Battery - MID Shows Battery Charge Low
11-033December 8, 2011
Applies To:
2010-11 MDX - Check the iN VIN status for eligibility
2010-11 ZDX - Check the iN VIN status for eligibility
Product Update: MID Shows BATTERY CHARGE LOW
BACKGROUND
The battery sensor software update improves the accuracy in warning clients when the battery's state of charge is low by changing these inputs:
^ The sensor factors in the ambient temperature when calculating the current state of charge.
^ The sensor ignores short duration voltage drops. such as when the power tailgate is opened.
A low battery message may still appear if the client uses a system for an extended period of time with the engine off, such as playing a movie on the RES or planning a trip using the navigation system.
The new software will not improve vehicles with the following conditions:
^ The vehicle has a low battery because it's not driven regularly or long enough to recharge the battery.
^ There is a high-current draw problem with the vehicle, such as a high parasitic draw caused by aftermarket accessories (alarms, video game systems, etc.).
CLIENT NOTIFICATION
All owners of affected vehicles will be sent a notification of this product update.
Do an iN VIN status inquiry to make sure the vehicle is shown as eligible.
In addition, check for a punch mark above the seventh character of the engine compartment VIN. A punch mark in that location means this product update has already been completed.
Some vehicles affected by this campaign may be in your new or used vehicle inventory. Repair these vehicles before they are sold.
CORRECTIVE ACTION
Update the battery sensor software with the Flash Pack tool.
TOOL INFORMATION
Battery Sensor Flash Pack: T/N HONHLAKIT1 (Each dealer received a flash pack and a micro SD card adapter free of charge in December 2011. Keep the adapter in case you ever need to update the flash pack. Additional tools are not available, but if you need a replacement, contact the American Honda Tool and Equipment Program.)
WARRANTY CLAIM INFORMATION
Operation Number: 7105A4
Flat Rate Time: 0.3 hour
Failed Part: 32600-STX-A02
Defect Code: 55N00
Symptom Code: S0800
Skill Level: Repair Technician
REPAIR PROCEDURE
NOTE:
^ If the battery voltage is below 11 volts the Flash Pack tool warns you that the update cannot be done. Charge the battery using the GR-8 Diagnostic Battery Station then do the update.
^ Do not update the battery sensor while the GR-8 is charging the battery.
1. Turn the ignition switch to LOCK (0).
2. Disconnect the battery sensor 2P connector.
3. Connect the Flash Pack tool's positive clamp then connect the negative clamp to the corresponding battery terminal studs.
NOTE:
Make sure the clamps are securely on the battery studs. If the clamps slip off while updating the software, the battery sensor will be damaged.
4. when the flash tool displays the screen below, connect the 2P connector to the battery sensor, open the case, then press ENTER.
5. When the screen below appears, press ENTER on the Flash Pack to begin the update.
NOTE:
If the update has already been done, the screen indicates that the software is up to date.
The screen appears, indicating that the battery sensor software is being updated Do not disconnect any of the Flash Pack connections.
NOTE:
If the Flash Pack displays a red screen with the message PLEASE REPLACE BMS, try the update again. If it fails a second time, record the error code on the repair order, replace the battery sensor.
6. Wait until the update is done (the screen turns green)
7. Disconnect the Flash Pack clamps and the 2P connector
8. Reconnect the battery sensor 2P connector.
9. Charge the battery with the GR-8 Diagnostic Battery Station using the Diagnostic and DEALER INVENTORY settings.
10. Center-punch a completion mark above the seventh character of the engine compartment.