Updating Control Units/Modules With The HONDA Ecu Reprogramming Application (B22-100)

UPDATING CONTROL UNITS/MODULES WITH THE HONDA ECU REPROGRAMMING APPLICATION

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN

AFFECTED VEHICLES

All models with reprogrammable control units/modules.

REVISION SUMMARY

• Under REPROGRAMMING TIPS AND PRECAUTIONS , information was removed.
• Under REPROGRAMMING TIPS AND PRECAUTIONS , a new note was added.

INTRODUCTION

Reprogramming a vehicle's control unit/module requires a dedicated i-HDS laptop and an Acura approved Vehicle Communications Interface (VCI).

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

For detailed i-HDS information, refer to the i-HDS Honda Diagnostic System Quick Start Guide  on the Service Information System (SIS).

Most 2002 and later Acura vehicles have reprogrammable control units/modules. To reprogram any of them, you need the vehicle, an Acura-approved VCI, and a laptop with the latest version of the i-HDS software suite. The i-HDS software suite includes the Honda ECU Reprogramming  application, which is used to reprogram the vehicle's control unit/module(s).

This service bulletin describes these subjects:

• REQUIRED TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT
• REPROGRAMMING TIPS AND PRECAUTIONS
• REPROGRAMMING EQUIPMENT AND iN FAQs
• LAUNCHING THE APPLICATIONS

WARRANTY CLAIM INFORMATION

The normal warranty applies.

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 Acura supplied reprogramming equipment, call the Special Tools hotline at 800-346-6327  . For questions about iN, call the iN Support Center at 800-245-4343  .

REQUIRED TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT

The Honda Antares Capsule (Figure 1) is the newest VCI for diagnostics and reprogramming. It is available through the Honda Tool and Equipment Program. To purchase, call 888-424-6857  . Existing DST-i's can continue to be used to perform ECU Reprogramming updates as well. The Honda Antares Capsule and DST-i are the only VCI's authorized to perform diagnostics and reprogramming.

NETWORK SETTINGS

The Honda ECU Reprogramming  application requires Internet access to communicate with authorized Honda servers and for downloading calibrations files for vehicles. The dealer network and the i-HDS laptop must be allowlisted in order to communicate with the following sites:

Sites That Require Allowlisting	Port #
*.ahmhds.com	80, 443
*.honda.co.jp	80, 8080
*.in.honda.com	80, 443
*.prod-hota23.com	80, 443
*.cloudfront.net	80, 443
*.awsdns-14.org	53
*.awsdns-41.co.uk	53
*.awsdns-34.com	53
*.awsdns-55.net	53
*.amazonaws.org	53
*.awsdns-14.org	53
*.alvappgw.trafficmanager.net	80, 443
*.appgw-meuw.westeurope.cloudapp.azure.com	80, 443
*.appgw-musc.southcentralus.cloudapp.azure.com	80, 443
*.mlaks.autoliv.com	80, 443
*.apim.autoliv.com	80, 443

REPROGRAMMING TIPS AND PRECAUTIONS

• When reprogramming a control unit/module on a new vehicle, make sure all fuses are installed and functioning.
• To prevent control unit/module damage, do not operate anything electrical (audio system, brakes, A/C, power windows, moonroof, etc.) while reprogramming.
• Check the corresponding service bulletin for any pre/post update instructions, such as submitting files, doing an ECU reset or idle learn, etc.
• Reference the Honda Download Manager  application on the PC containing the i-HDS Software Suite. Check the Installed Version  column in the Honda ECU Reprogramming  row to confirm the version installed on the PC (See Figure 2). It should be the same or a later version than what is stated on the corresponding service bulletin.
• Do not connect any additional power supply to the vehicle communication interface (VCI) when it is connected to the vehicle; power is supplied through the DLC.
• Make sure the 12-volt battery is fully charged before starting an update
• Honda recommends using the Midtronics GR8-1100P AST in Power Supply Mode, the Midtronics DCA-8000 Dynamic Diagnostic Charging System in Reflash Mode, or the Associated Equipment Corporation ESS6100 100A Smart Charger in Power Supply | DIAG+, connected directly to the vehicle's 12-volt battery. They should be left connected during the entire procedure to maintain a steady voltage.

Select the Settings  icon at the top right of the initial screen as shown below (Figure 3).

Then, make sure the correct VCI is selected by selecting VCI Device selection  (Figure 4).

If the correct device is not selected, click on the drop box  (Figure 5).

Confirm the correct device by selecting it  (Figure 6).

STARTING UP THE APPLICATIONS

1. Connect the VCI to the vehicle and double-click on the i-HDS  icon (Figure 9) from the desktop.
2. When prompted, select the appropriate VCI from the list and select Start  (Figure 10).
3. On the i-HDS HOME  menu, select the Honda ECU Reprogramming  icon.
4. Enter a Repair Order Number  to begin the reprogramming procedure (Figure 12).
5. Select Read vehicle information  (Figure 13).
6. Once this step is completed (Figure 14), a list of applicable systems will be displayed (Figure 15).
   NOTE: Depending on the number of systems in the vehicle, this may take a moment.
7. Select the system(s) available for reprogramming and that you wish to update by marking the boxes in the Select  column (Figure 16).
   NOTE: Multiple systems can be selected if new program IDs are available.
8. Open the service information for each available update (figure 16.2).
   NOTE: The service information must be reviewed before the software can be applied to the vehicle.
9. Select OK  to confirm the service information has been reviewed. Once confirmed the reprogramming Start  button will be enabled. (figure 16.3).
   NOTE: If there is a hyper-link in the service information, it should take you to the applicable service bulletin.
10. Follow the on-screen instructions. Confirm the update information to start reprogramming (See figures 17 and 18).
    NOTE:

    • If multiple systems are selected, they will be reprogrammed sequentially.
    • Some updates are required to be installed via Over The Air (OTA) in the vehicle's audio unit. This can affect the ECU Reprogramming sequence.
11. Follow the on-screen prompts for ignition cycling steps (Figures 19 and 20).
    NOTE: The application will play an audible alert when interaction is needed, such as turning the ignition switch OFF. Your computer audio must be turned on for this alert.
12. Select Exit  when update(s) have completed (Figure 21).
    NOTE: The Print  button can create a .pdf format file that can be saved or printed.
13. The system will search for software updates again and show any other available updates, or confirm all software is up to date.
14. Close the Honda ECU Reprogramming  application (Figure 22).