Reading and Clearing Diagnostic Trouble Codes
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 driver's side of the dashboard, 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, follow this procedure:
1. Connect the HDS to the DLC.
2. Turn the ignition switch to ON (II). Make sure the HDS communicates with the PCM. If it does not, go to the DLC circuit troubleshooting. Testing and Inspection
3. Select A/T system, and observe the DTC in the DTCs MENU on the HDS screen.
4. Record the freeze data and the on-board snapshots for all fuel and emissions DTCs and A/T DTCs.
5. If there is a fuel and emissions DTC, first check the fuel and emissions system as indicated by the DTC.
6. Clear the DTC and the data.
7. 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 DTCs or cause the D indicator to blink. If the 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 DTCs.
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 driver's side of the dashboard. Turn the ignition switch to ON (II), select SCS mode, then the D indicator will indicate (blink) the DTC.
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 HDS to the DLC.
2. Turn the ignition switch to ON (II).Make sure the HDS communicates with the PCM. If it does not, go to the DLC circuit troubleshooting. Testing and Inspection
3. 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.
4. Record all fuel and emissions DTCs and A/T DTCs.
5. If there is a fuel and emissions DTC, first check the fuel and emissions system as indicated by the DTC.
6. Clear the DTC and the data.
7. Drive the vehicle for several minutes under the same conditions as those indicated by the freeze data, and then recheck for DTCs. 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
- Digital multimeter KS-AHM-32-003 (1) or a commercially available digital multimeter
- Backprobe set 07SAZ-001000A (2)
1. Connect the backprobe adapters (A) to the stacking patch cords (B), and connect the cords to a digital multimeter (C).
2. 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.
3. If you cannot get to the wire side of the connector or the wire side is sealed (A), disconnect the connector and probe the terminals (B) from the terminal side. Do not force the probe into the connector.
Do not puncture the insulation on a wire. Punctures can cause poor or intermittent electrical connections.
Clear A/T DTCs Procedure
1. Connect the HDS to the DLC.
2. Turn the ignition switch to ON (II).
3. Clear the DTC(s) with the HDS.
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 technician's repair was successfully completed. The results of diagnostic tests for the DTC are displayed as:
- PASSED: On-board diagnosis has been successfully completed.
- FAILED: On-board diagnosis has finished but failed.
- NOT COMPLETED: 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)
NOTE: Only reset the PCM with the HDS when the engine is stopped.
1. Turn the ignition switch to LOCK (0).
2. Connect the HDS to the DLC.
3. Turn the ignition switch to ON (II).
4. Clear the DTC(s) with the HDS.
5. Turn the ignition switch to ON (II).
6. Start the engine with the shift lever in P or N, and warm it up 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 31 mph (50 km/h) or under the same conditions as those indicated by the freeze data.
Failure Reproduction Technique
Make sure to follow these points while the vehicle is raised on a lift for the test-drive.
- Disable the VSA by pressing the VSA OFF switch.
- VSA DTC's may come on when test-driving on a lift. If the VSA DTC(s) come on, clear the DTC(s) with the HDS.