Updating Control Units/Modules With The Ecu Reprogramming Application (A01-023)
Publication date: 2022-08-18Reference number: A01-023
UPDATING CONTROL UNITS/MODULES WITH THE ECU REPROGRAMMING APPLICATION
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN
| HONDA: | All Models |
AFFECTED VEHICLES
All models with reprogrammable control units/modules.
REVISION SUMMARY
The new ECU Reprogramming application replaces the i-HDS J2534 Rewrite application. We strongly recommend that you read this entire bulletin before reprogramming any Honda.
INTRODUCTION
Reprogramming a vehicle's control unit/module requires a dedicated i-HDS laptop and an American Honda 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). Go to General Publications > Tool Information > Diagnostics and Reprogramming.
Most 2002 and later Honda vehicles have reprogrammable control units/modules. To reprogram any of them, you need the vehicle, an American Honda-approved VCI, and a laptop with the latest version of the i-HDS software suite. The i-HDS software suite includes the 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 Honda 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 DST-i (Figure 1) is American Honda's sole, approved VCI for diagnostics and reprogramming. It is available through the Honda Tool and Equipment Program. To purchase, call 888-424-6857 .
INTERFACE TOOLS
Denso DST-i Part Numbers
| Denso DST-I | DSCWIFI |
| 3 Meter USB Cable | DSCUSBCABL |
| 3 Meter DLC Cable | DSCDLCCABL |
| 4GB SDHC Memory | DSCSDCARD |
NETWORK SETTINGS
The 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 whitelisted in order to communicate with the following sites:
| Sites That Require Whitelisting | Port # |
|---|---|
| *.ahmhds.com | 80, 443 |
| *.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 |
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 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
- Connect a fully charged jumper battery pack, the Midtronics GR8-110P AST in Power Supply Mode or the Midtronics DCA-8000 Dynamic Diagnostic Charging System in Reflash Mode directly to the vehicle's 12-volt battery. Leave it connected during the entire procedure to maintain steady voltage.
- Follow the on-screen instructions from the ECU Reprogramming application.
- If the reprogramming issue persists, try disconnecting the VCI from the vehicle's DLC. Restart the ECU Reprogramming application. Then, reconnect the VCI to the vehicle's DLC and retry the reprogramming procedure.
- If the message Ensure all connections are secured between the PC, VCI, and Vehicle appears, make sure the VCI name correctly matches the VCI device in use. Example name: Denso DST-i.
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).
QUESTIONS ABOUT THE UPDATING EQUIPMENT OR THE INTERACTIVE NETWORK
For questions about the Honda 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 .
STARTING UP THE APPLICATIONS
- Connect the VCI to the vehicle and double-click on the i-HDS
icon (Figure 9) from the desktop.
- When prompted, select the appropriate VCI from the list and select Start
(Figure 10).
- On the i-HDS HOME
menu, select the ECU Reprogramming
icon (Figure 11).
- Enter a Repair Order Number
to begin the reprogramming procedure (Figure 12).
- Select Read vehicle information
(Figure 13).
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Follow the on-screen prompts for ignition cycling steps (Figures 19 and 20).
- 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.
- The system will search for software updates again and confirm all software is up to date, then you can close the ECU Reprogramming application
(Figure 22).
END