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Computers/Controls - Updating Control Units/Modules

01-023

February 15, 2013

Applies To:
Honda Vehicles With Programmable Control Units/Modules

Updating Control Units/Modules
(Supersedes 01-023, dated September 9, 2011, to revise the information marked by the black bars and asterisks)

REVISION SUMMARY

*Under UPDATING WITH THE MVCI, information was added.*

The procedures in this service bulletin are used and referenced in other service bulletins.

Most 2002 and later Hondas have reprogrammable control units/modules. To update (reprogram) any of these control units/modules, you need the vehicle you're working on and the Modular Vehicle Communications Interface (MVCI) unit with the latest control module (CM) update software installed.

This service bulletin describes these subjects:

^ Who to contact for questions or problems when using Honda-supplied updating equipment or the Interactive Network (iN).

^ Required Tools and Equipment: MVCI

^ Updating Tips and Precautions

^ Updating with the MVCI

NOTE:
Whenever you install a new, reprogrammable control unit/module, check that it has the latest software, and update it if needed.

WARRANTY CLAIM INFORMATION

Skill Level: Repair Technician

Refer to the specific service bulletin for the symptom you are repairing.

QUESTIONS ABOUT THE UPDATING EQUIPMENT OR THE INTERACTIVE NETWORK

For questions about the Honda-supplied updating equipment, call American Hondas Special Tools hotline.

For questions about the iN, call the iN Support Center.

MVCI Kit

NOTE:
For more information about the kit contents, refer to the Modular Vehicle Communication Interface (MVCI) User Guide or the Honda Tool and Equipment Program on ISIS.

- MVCI Unit - M/N OTCH5528542

- Ethernet Cable - M/N OTCH559594

- OBD-II 16P Cable (DLC Cable) - M/N OTC382532

- AC Adapter - M/N OTCH550207

- 4GB SD Memory Card - M/N OTCH55088

UPDATING TIPS AND PRECAUTIONS

- If you're updating a control module/unit on a new vehicle, make sure all its fuses were installed at PDI.

- To prevent control unit/module damage, do not operate anything electrical (audio system, brakes, A/C, power windows, moonroof, etc.) during the update.

- If the Database Update listed in the service bulletin is later than that shown by the software, please see the software installation procedures in the following two documents in Tool Information on ISIS (go to General Publications, then Tool Information):

- Installation Instructions for HDS PC Software

- MVCI User Guide (see HDS MVCI Firmware Update section)

- Do not connect an additional power supply to the MVCI when it is connected to the vehicle; power is supplied through the DLC.

- To ensure that the control module/unit is not permanently damaged during updating, verify that the vehicles 12-volt battery is fully charged before starting an update.

NOTE:
If the vehicles 12-volt battery drops below 10 volts during the update, the programming status bar may go past 100 percent, or the updating tool may display an error message.

- If you have a problem during an update (D4/immobilizer indicator flashes, update tool freezes, etc.), you can minimize the chances of damaging the control unit/module by doing one or more of these actions:

- CRITICAL: Keep the ignition switch in ON (II).

- Connect a jumper battery (DO NOT connect a battery charger).

- Disconnect the updating tool from the vehicles DLC.

- Reboot the updating tool.

- Reconnect the updating tool to the vehicles DLC, and retry the updating procedure.

HOW TO CHECK IF THE MVCI IS UPDATED

Whenever there is an HDS software update, there will be an update for the MVCI. After updating the HDS, update the MVCI. For more information on how to update the MVCI, refer to the MVCI User Guide on ISIS under General Publications > Tool Information.





To check that the MVCI has the latest database installed, go to the iN home page and click on SERVICE > Service Bay > Diagnostic Tools Software Versions. The most recent version of the database is listed under CM Update database.

Turn on the MVCI, then press the ENTER button on the MVCI to see the User Config menu. Select CM Update Mode, then select Reprogramming.





The current database update version is listed under Database Update.

If the Database Update version is not the same as the most recent version listed on ISIS, update the MVCI.

Unnecessary or incorrect repairs resulting from a failure to update the HDS or MVCI are not covered under warranty.

UPDATING WITH THE MVCI

Make sure you have the latest control module (CM) update software loaded from your HDS PC to your MVCI. To make sure you have the latest CM database update, see HOW TO CHECK IF THE MVCI IS UPDATED. The Database Update version appears when you select Reprogramming, then press ENTER.

1. Connect the DLC cable to the MVCI and to the vehicles DLC.





*2. Turn the ignition switch to ON (II). On vehicles with one push start ignition system, push the engine start button twice without your foot on the brake pedal. The MVCI automatically boots up.*





3. Press the ENTER button on the MVCI to see the User Config menu. Select CM Update Mode.

4. Select Reprogramming, then press ENTER.

NOTE: Use these MVCI default settings:
Setting 1 -
Destination: USA
Language: American English
Setting 2 -
Auto Detect: Yes





For more information on these settings, refer to the MVCI User Guide.

5. The CM Update software information appears.
Press ENTER to continue.





NOTE:
If the date shown below Database Update is an earlier version than the one listed in a Honda service communication (service bulletin, product update, iN message, etc.), press ESC, then update your MVCI before continuing.





6. Wait for the MVCI to check the vehicle for reprogrammable systems. This may take up to 90 seconds. The MVCI automatically checks the vehicles reprogrammable systems and, if an update is available, displays that system on the System Selection screen.





If the reprogramable systems on the vehicle are already updated, the following screen will be displayed:

7. If there is one or more updates available, select the system that you want to update, then press ENTER to continue, or press ESC to exit.





When you are directed to update a specific system by a service publication (service bulletin, service manual, etc.), or by American Honda personnel (Tech Line, DPSM, etc.), or if the update is based on the diagnosis of a customer complaint, update only that system, even if the MVCI indicates additional system updates are available.

8. The current program ID, the recommended update, and other details appear. Press ENTER to continue, or press ESC to exit.





NOTE:
Only updates indicated by a service publication, a representative from American Honda, or a repair based on a diagnosis of a customer complaint are covered under warranty. Updating other systems because an update is available is not covered.





*9. The current program ID, the recommended update, and other details appear. Press ENTER to continue, or press ESC to exit.
NOTE: If you are updating a system based on a service bulletin, check that the MVCI is recommending the applicable program ID listed in the bulletin (or a later program ID) as the Recommended Update when the update begins.*





10. Wait for the MVCI to copy the data for updating the vehicle.





11. After the MVCI has copied the files, a confirmation screen appears. Press ENTER to update the control unit/module, or press ESC to exit.





12. Wait for the MVCI to update the control unit/module.





*13. After the MVCI finishes updating the control unit/module, turn the ignition switch to LOCK (0) when directed by the MVCI. ON vehicles with one push start ignition system, push and hold down the start button without your foot on the brake pedal so the vehicle is in the OFF mode.





14. Turn the ignition switch back to ON (II) within 60 seconds to complete the updating procedure. On vehicles with one push start ignition system, push the start button twice without your foot on the brake pedal to turn ON the ignition again.*

NOTE: The MVCI has a countdown timer. If you do not turn the ignition switch to ON (II) within 60 seconds, the MVCI sets an error code.





15. After finishing the updating procedure, the MVCI gives you the option of updating the same system on another vehicle. For more information on updating several vehicles, see the MVCI User Guide.





16. If an error occurs during the updating procedure, an error message appears. Keep the ignition switch in ON (II). Press ENTER to display the error code. Refer to the CM Update Error Code Table in the MVCI User Guide for mor information about the code and its solutions.





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