Using The HONDA Interface Module (Him) To Update The ECM/Pcm (A01-026)

USING THE HONDA INTERFACE MODULE (HIM) TO UPDATE THE ECM/PCM

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN

DESCRIPTION

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

The ECM/PCM in 2002 and later RSXs can be reprogrammed. The tool used to update the RSX ECM/PCM is the Honda Interface Module (HIM).

Programmable ECMs/PCMs will be used in future Acura models. When a new model comes out, refer to its service manual to determine if this is the case.

To program an ECM/PCM, you need the HIM, the vehicle you're working on, a PC with Windows 95 or later, and your ACURALINK 2000, IN (Interactive Network), or TechCart workstation.

This service bulletin describes these items:

• Questions or problems With the HIM or the ACURALINK 2000 CD
• Required tools and equipment
• HIM user tips
• Programming the HIM and updating an ECM/PCM
• Diagnosing the HIM
• HIM self-test for warranty repair

WARRANTY CLAIM INFORMATION

1. Refer to the specific service bulletin for the symptom you are repairing.
2. Skill Level: Repair Technician

QUESTIONS OR PROBLEMS WITH THE HIM OR THE ACURALINK 2000 CD

1. For questions or problems on HIM hardware and its use, call American Honda Special Tools.
2. For questions when loading the ACURALINK 2000 CD, call the ACURALINK 2000 Support Center.

REQUIRED TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT

• Honda Interface Module: P/N EQS05A35570 includes module box, attached cable, and self-test adapter. See Fig 1.
  Fig 1: Honda Interface Module

  
• ACURALINK 2000 CD (July 2001 or later) loaded into your ACURALINK 2000 master terminal
• ACURALINK 2000 Workstation with 32-bit processor (not the master terminal)
  1. IN (Interactive Network) Workstation
  2. TechCart Workstation
• PC Interface Cable: P/N VET-01002832
  1. This is the same cable you use to connect the PGM Tester to the ACURALINK 2000, IN, or Tech Cart workstation when updating the Tester's program card or downloading DTCs to American Honda. It includes a blue cable with an integrated adapter.
• 110 VAC/12 VDC Power Supply: P/N VET-02002426
  1. This is the same power supply used by the PGM Tester.
• RS232 Self-Test Connector: P/N 02001606
  1. This connector is used in the HIM self-test. It was included along with your PGM Tester.
     NOTE: The HIM, the blue PC interface cable, the 110 VAC/12 VDC power supply, and the RS232 self-test adapter can be ordered through the Acura Tool and Equipment Program.

HIM USER TIPS

• Before you update an ECM/PCM, make sure the vehicle's battery Is fully charged.
• If you're updating the ECM/PCM on a new vehicle, make sure all its fuses were installed at PDI.
• To prevent ECM/PCM damage, do not operate anything electrical (audio system, brakes, A/C, power windows, moonroof, etc.) during the update.
• Do not connect an additional power supply to the HIM when it is connected to the vehicle; power is supplied through the DLC.
• If you need to diagnose the HIM because the red (#3) light came on or was flashing during an update, leave the ignition switch in the ON (II) position while you disconnect the HIM from the DLC (data link connector). This will prevent ECM/ PCM damage.
• When you replace an ECM/PCM with a new one from parts stock, make sure it has the latest update. As with any ECM/PCM replacement, you need to do the idle learn procedure, and also rewrite (initialize) the new ECM/PCM with the PGM Tester so the immobilizer system will work.
• After you've read this service bulletin and done a few updates, you can save some time by using the abbreviated updating instructions on the back of the HIM.
• If you get a Code 40 error message while the HIM is connected to the computer workstation (usually caused by a communication error between the HIM and the computer), do this:
  • Reprogram the PGM Tester program card to eliminate the HIM and its cable as the cause of the code.
  • Do the HIM self-test procedure (see HIM self-test for warranty repair).
  • Move the blue PC interface cable to another communication port on the back of the computer.
  • If one of the communication ports on the back of the computer has another cable connected to it, disconnect that cable, leave it disconnected during the HIM procedure, and connect the blue PC interface cable to that port.
  • Connect the HIM to another computer. (If you're using an IN workstation, know that some newer INs require an internal communication port setup procedure. For help, call the ACURALINK 2000 Support Center.
• If you get a Code 50 error message while the HIM is connected to the computer workstation (usually caused by a communications error between the HIM and the vehicle's DLC), do this:
  • Diagnose and clear any DTCs. (The ECM/PCM must be free of DTCs before you can update it.)
  • Make sure there's a good connection between the HIM and the DLC.
  • Retry the ECM/PCM updating procedures in this service bulletin or on the back of the HIM.
  • If needed, call Tech Line for further assistance.

PROGRAMMING THE HIM AND UPDATING AN ECM/PCM

1. To update an ECM/PCM, you need to program the HIM, and then do the actual update. Here's an overview, followed by the step-by-step procedures.
2. Take the HIM to the vehicle and connect it to the DLC; information about the ECM's/PCM's software is loaded into the HIM. Then, take the HIM to your computer workstation, connect it, and follow the instructions on the screen. The workstation determines if the software in the ECM/PCM is up-to-date. If the ECM/PCM needs to be updated, the update is programmed into the HIM. (If the ECM/PCM already has the update, it is indicated on the screen, and no further action is needed.)
3. To complete the ECM/PCM update, take the HIM back - to the vehicle, connect It to the DLC, and press the ENTER button. The HIM then replaces the current ECM/PCM software information with the update.

DIAGNOSING THE HIM

If the red (#3) light on the HIM came on or was flashing while updating the ECM/PCM, do this:

1. Leave the ignition switch in the ON (II) position while you disconnect the HIM from the vehicle's DLC.
2. If not already done, load the July 2001 or later ACURALINK 2000 CD onto your ACURALINK 2000 master terminal. Loading instructions are included in the CD's mailing.
3. Connect the HIM to the ACURALINK 2000, IN, or TechCart workstation. Connect the small end of the PC interface cable to the PC port on the HIM.
4. If not already done, connect the PC adapter end of the blue PC interface cable to the 9P serial port on the ACURALINK 2000, IN, or TechCart workstation.
5. Connect the 110 VAC/12 VDC power supply to the Power port on the HIM and to a wall outlet.
6. Log in to ACURALlNK 2000.
7. From the choices across the top of the ACURALINK 2000 screen, click on Service Bay  , and then click on HIM  from the drop down menu.
8. Click on View Err  at the bottom of the screen to display the problem encountered while the HIM was connected to the vehicle.
9. Call American Honda Special Tools for further instructions.

HIM SELF-TEST FOR WARRANTY REPAIR

If you suspect there's a problem with the HIM, review the instructions in this service bulletin to make sure you are using it correctly. If you still think there's a problem, do this HIM self-test.

1. If not already done, load the July 2001 or later ACURALINK 2000 CD onto your ACURALINK 2000 master terminal. Loading Instructions are included in the CD's mailing.
2. Log in to ACURALINK 2000.
3. From the choices across the top of the screen, click on Service Bay  , and then click on HIM  from the drop-down menu. This brings up the Honda Interface Module Welcome screen.
4. Click on Help  at the bottom of the screen to display the ECM/PCM Update System Table of Contents screen.
5. From the choices in the table of contents, click on Honda Interface Module self test Procedure  .
6. Follow the instructions on the screen to run the HIM self-test.
   NOTE: Be aware of these errors in the HIM self test; they will be corrected in a future ACURALINK 2000 CD:
   • In step 5, it should say that the yellow (#2) light glows steadily, and the green (#1) light flashes.
   • Three tool names In the HIM self-test procedure do not match the names in this service bulletin. Here are the tool names from the self-test procedure, and the correct names:
     • The RS232 loopback connector is the RS232 self-test connector. See Fig 5.
     • The DLC loopback connector is the HIM self-test connector. See Fig 5.
     • The PGM Tester AC adapter is the 110 VAC/12 VDC power supply. See Fig 5.
   Fig 5: Self Test Procedure Tool Names

   
7. If the self-test indicates a problem with the HIM, call American Honda Special Tools for instructions about warranty repair.