Acura RL. Manual - part 744

are not cleared when the battery is disconnected or the SH-AWD control unit is disconnected.



If there is a problem in the central processing unit (CPU) of the SH-AWD control unit, the SH-AWD
indicator comes on, but no DTC is memorized.

SELF-DIAGNOSIS

When a problem is detected by self-diagnosis, the system does the following:



Turns the SH-AWD indicator on.



Memorizes the DTC.



Stops AWD control and puts the vehicle back in FWD.



Reduces engine torque to suit the driving conditions when the abnormality was detected.

HOW TO CHECK FOR DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCS)

When the SH-AWD control unit senses an abnormality in the input or output systems, the SH-AWD
indicator in the gauge assembly will usually come on, and the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL), the D5
indicator, and/or the ABS indicator may also come on.

1. With the ignition switch OFF, connect the HDS to the data link connector (DLC) (A) behind the

driver's dashboard lower cover.

Fig. 3: Identifying Data Link Connector Location
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

2. Turn the ignition switch ON (II), and follow the prompts on the HDS to display the DTC(s) on the

screen. After determining the DTC(s), refer to the DTC TROUBLESHOOTING.

3. If there are fuel and emission DTCs, A/T DTCs, and VSA system DTCs at the same time,

troubleshoot the fuel and emission DTCs first.

4. After recording the DTCs, clear all DTCs.

5. Test-drive the vehicle for several minutes in AWD mode, and check for DTCs. If the DTC returns,

refer to the DTC TROUBLESHOOTING. If the DTC does not return, there was an intermittent
problem within the circuit. Make sure all connectors and terminals in the circuit are tight.

NOTE:

See the HDS help menu for specific instruction.

2007 Acura RL

2005-08 DRIVELINE/AXLES Rear Differential - RL

Friday, June 05, 2009 3:02:17 PM

Page 3

HOW TO TROUBLESHOOT CIRCUITS AT THE SH-AWD CONTROL UNIT

Special Tools Required

Backprobe set 07SAZ-001000A (two required)

1. Remove the rear seat (see REAR SEAT REMOVAL/INSTALLATION ).

2. Remove the trunk front trim panel (see TRIM REMOVAL/INSTALLATION - TRUNK AREA ).

3. Inspect the circuit on the SH-AWD control unit according to the DTC Troubleshooting using the

special tools and a digital multimeter or an analog circuit tester.

4. Connect the backprobe adapters (A) to the stacking patch cords (B), and connect the cords to the

multimeter or an analog circuit tester (C). Using the wire insulator as a guide for the contoured-tip of
the backprobe adapter, gently slide the tip into the connector from the wire side until it comes in
contact with the terminal end of the wires.

Fig. 4: Connecting Backprobe Adapters To Stacking Patch Cords
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

UPDATING THE SH-AWD CONTROL UNIT

Special Tools Required



Honda diagnostic system (HDS)



Honda interface module (HIM)



HDS pocket tester

NOTE:



Use this procedure when you need to update the SH-AWD control unit
in a troubleshooting procedure.



Make sure the HDS/HIM has the latest software version.



Before you update the SH-AWD control unit, make sure the battery in
the vehicle is fully charged.



Never turn the ignition switch OFF during the update. If there is a
problem with the update, leave the ignition switch ON.



To prevent SH-AWD control unit damage, do not operate anything

2007 Acura RL

2005-08 DRIVELINE/AXLES Rear Differential - RL

Friday, June 05, 2009 3:02:17 PM

Page 4

1. Select the update program, and follow the screen prompts to update the SH-AWD control unit.

2. If the software in the SH-AWD control unit is the latest, disconnect the HDS/HIM from the DLC, and

go back to the procedure that you were doing. If the software in the SH-AWD control unit is not the
latest, follow the instructions on the screen.

3. Do the SH-AWD control unit initialization.

4. Do the SH-AWD differential clutch torque memorization.

5. Do the yaw rate-lateral acceleration neutral position memorization.

SH-AWD DIFFERENTIAL CLUTCH TORQUE MEMORIZATION

Whenever the side clutch set is replaced, the differential clutch torque memorization must be done.

1. With the ignition switch OFF, connect the HDS to the 16P DLC (A) behind the driver's dashboard

lower cover.

Fig. 5: Identifying Data Link Connector Location
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

2. Turn the ignition switch ON (II).

3. From the mode menu, select miscellaneous test, then select neutral menu and follow the screen

prompts.

electrical (headlights, audio system, brakes, A/C, power windows,
moonroof (if equipped), door locks, etc.) during the update.



To ensure the latest program is installed, do an SH-AWD control unit
update whenever the SH-AWD control unit is substituted or replaced.



You cannot update an SH-AWD control unit with a program it already
has. It will only accept a new program.



If you need to diagnose the Honda interface module (HIM) because the
HIM's red (#3) lamp came on or was flashed during the update, leave
the ignition switch in the ON (II) position when you disconnect the HIM
from the data link connector (DLC). This will prevent SH-AWD control
unit damage.

NOTE:

See the HDS help menu for specific instructions.

2007 Acura RL

2005-08 DRIVELINE/AXLES Rear Differential - RL

Friday, June 05, 2009 3:02:17 PM

Page 5

STEERING ANGLE NEUTRAL POSITION MEMORIZATION

Whenever following operations are done, the steering angle neutral position memorization must be done.



The steering wheel replacement



The combination switch replacement



Front wheel alignment

1. With the ignition switch OFF, connect the HDS to the 16P DLC (A) behind the driver's dashboard

lower cover.

Fig. 6: Identifying Data Link Connector Location
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

2. Turn the ignition switch ON (II).

3. From the mode menu, select miscellaneous test, then select neutral menu and follow the screen

prompts.

YAW RATE-LATERAL/LONGITUDINAL ACCELERATION NEUTRAL POSITION
MEMORIZATION

Whenever the yaw rate sensor or the lateral/longitudinal acceleration sensor is replaced, its neutral position
be memorization must be done.

1. With the ignition switch OFF, connect the HDS to the 16P DLC (A) behind the driver's dashboard

lower cover.

NOTE:

See the HDS help menu for specific instructions.

2007 Acura RL

2005-08 DRIVELINE/AXLES Rear Differential - RL

Friday, June 05, 2009 3:02:17 PM

Page 6

Content .. 742 743 744 745 ..