SH-AWD Control Unit Update

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2011 Acura TL, 2010 Acura TL, and 2009 Acura TL. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Special Tools Required

Honda diagnostic system (HDS)
Honda interface module (HIM)
HDS pocket tester
MVCI unit with the latest control module (CM) update software installed

NOTE:

Before you update the SH-AWD control unit, make sure the battery in the vehicle is fully charged
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
Never turn the ignition switch to LOCK (0), or press the engine start/stop button to select the OFF mode during the update If there is a problem with the update, leave the ignition switch in ON (II), or the vehicle in the ON mode, otherwise the control unit could be damaged, or it will set DTCs
To prevent SH-AWD control unit damage, do not operate anything electrical (headlights, audio system, brakes, A/C, power windows, moonroof, 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 the same program it already has installed It will only accept a new program
If you need to diagnose the Honda interface module (HIM) because the HIM's red (#3) light came on or was flashed during the update, leave the ignition switch in the ON (II) position, or the engine start/stop button in the ON mode, when you disconnect the HIM from the data link connector (DLC) This will prevent SH-AWD control unit damage

With the ignition switch in LOCK (0), or the vehicle in the OFF mode, connect the HDS/HIM to the DLC (A) located under the driver's side of the dashboard

Fig 1: Identifying HDS/HIM To DLC Location
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Turn the ignition switch to ON (II), or press the engine start/stop button to select the ON mode
Make sure the HDS communicates with the vehicle and the SH-AWD control unit If it does not, go to the DLC circuit troubleshooting (see DLC CIRCUIT TROUBLESHOOTING )
Select the update program, and follow the screen prompts to update the SH-AWD control unit
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
Do the SH-AWD control unit initialization (see YAW RATE-LATERAL/LONGITUDINAL ACCELERATION NEUTRAL POSITION MEMORIZATION )
Do the SH-AWD differential clutch torque memorization (see SH-AWD DIFFERENTIAL CLUTCH TORQUE MEMORIZATION )
Do the yaw rate-lateral/longitudinal acceleration neutral position memorization (see YAW RATE-LATERAL/LONGITUDINAL ACCELERATION NEUTRAL POSITION MEMORIZATION )