How to Troubleshoot the i-SHIFT System
i-SHIFT Indicator
Under normal conditions, the i-SHIFT indicator (A) comes on when the ignition switch is turned to the ON (II) position, then goes off after the engine is started. This indicates that the LED and its circuit are operating correctly.
If there is a failure in the system after the engine is started, the i-SHIFT indicator will stay on.
The i-SHIFT indicator comes on under certain conditions even if the i-SHIFT system is working normally. Here are some examples:
  • When you use high-powered wireless equipment in the vehicle.
  • When the battery voltage suddenly drops below 9 volts or rises above 16 volts.
After the i-SHIFT indicator comes on, it stays on until you turn the ignition switch off.
NOTE: When I become i-SHIFT indicator ON by clutch temperature abnormality, there are both ignition switch off and trouble to turn off the light.
Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC)
  • The memory can hold 10 DTCs. However, when the same DTC is detected more than once, the more recent DTC is written over the earlier one. Therefore, when the same problem is detected repeatedly, it is memorized as a single DTC.
  • The DTCs are memorized in the EEPROM. Therefore, the memorized DTCs cannot be canceled by disconnecting the battery. Do the specified procedures to clear the DTCs.
Self-diagnosis
When a problem is detected by self-diagnosis, the system does the following:
  • Turns the i-SHIFT indicator on.
  • Memorizes the DTC.
  • When the system detects a problem, the TCM shifts to fail-safe mode.
NOTE: If the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) comes on at the same time as the i-SHIFT indicator, check for i-SHIFT system DTCs and troubleshoot them first.
Intermittent Failures
The term ‘‘intermittent failure'' means a system may have had a failure, but it checks OK now. If the i-SHIFT indicator does not come on, check for poor connections or loose terminals at all connectors related to the circuit that you are troubleshooting. If the indicator comes ON, but then went out, the original problem may have been intermittent.
When the below mentioned conditions occur and the clutch slips when departing, occasionally the engine speed will rise even though there is no trouble.
NOTE: Even for a vehicle in which a symptom occurred, a hydraulic refill is performed several seconds after the vehicle starts to move, resulting in the immediate return of normal vehicle operation.
  • High speed driving for extended periods of time results in high temperature inside the engine compartment.
  • When the vehicle experiences repeated stopping and creeping as a result of traffic jams.
NOTE: The clutch is disengaged to protect the clutch plate from thermal deformation during continual creeping operation.
How to Check for DTCs with the Honda Diagnostic System (HDS)
If the i-SHIFT indicator has been reported on, or if a driveability problem is suspected, follow this procedure:
  1. If the i-SHIFT indicator stays on, connect the HDS to the date link connector (DLC) (A) located under the driver's side of the dashboard.
  1. Turn the ignition switch to ON (II).
  1. Make sure the HDS communicates with the vehicle and the TCM. If it doesn't, troubleshoot the DLC circuit; L13Z1 engine model, R18A2 engine model.
  1. Check the diagnostic trouble code (DTC) and note it.
    NOTE: For specific operations, refer to the user's manual that came with the HDS.
  1. After recording the DTCs, clear all DTCs.
  1. Recheck the system under the same conditions as the problem has been reported on. If the DTC returns, go to the DTC troubleshooting index. If the DTC does not return, there was an intermittent problem within the circuit. Make sure all pins and terminals in the circuit are tight.
How to Clear DTCs
  1. With the ignition switch in LOCK (0), connect the HDS to the data link connector (DLC) (A) under the driver's side of the dashboard.
  1. Turn the ignition switch to ON (II).
  1. Make sure the HDS communicates with the vehicle and the TCM. If it doesn't, troubleshoot the DLC circuit; L13Z1 engine model, R18A2 engine model.
  1. Clear the DTC(s) by following the screen prompts on the HDS.
  1. Turn the ignition switch in LOCK (0).
  1. Disconnect the HDS from the DLC.
How to Substitute the TCM
  1. Connect the HDS to the date link connector (DLC) (A) located under the driver's side of the dashboard.
  1. Turn the ignition switch to ON (II).
  1. Make sure the HDS communicates with the vehicle and the TCM. If it doesn't, troubleshoot the DLC circuit; L13Z1 engine model, R18A2 engine model.
  1. Replace the clutch actuator (TCM); L13Z1 engine model, R18A2 engine model.
  1. Turn the ignition switch to ON (II).
  1. Update the TCM if it does not have the latest software.
  1. Reset the TCM with the HDS.
How to End a Troubleshooting Session (required after any troubleshooting)
  1. When the ignition switch in LOCK (0), connect the HDS to the date link connector (DLC) (A) under the driver's side of the dashboard.
  1. Turn the ignition switch to ON (II).
  1. Make sure the HDS communicates with the vehicle and the TCM. If it doesn't, troubleshoot the DLC circuit; L13Z1 engine model, R18A2 engine model.
  1. Clear the DTC(s) by following the screen prompts on the HDS.
  1. Turn the ignition switch to LOCK (0).
  1. Disconnect the HDS from the DLC.
How to Update the TCM
NOTE:
  • Make sure you have the latest software on the HDS.
  • To ensure the latest program is installed, do a TCM update whenever the TCM is substituted or replaced.
  • You can not update a TCM with the program it already has. It will only accept a new program.
  • Before you update the TCM, make sure the battery is fully charged.
  • To prevent TCM damage, do not operate anything electrical (audio system, brakes, A/C, power windows, sunroof, door locks, etc.) during the update.
  • If you need to diagnose the Honda interface module (HIM) because the HIM's red (#3) light came on or was flashing 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 TCM damage.
  • High temperature in the engine compartment might cause the TCM to become too hot to run the update. If the engine has been running before this procedure, open the hood and cool the engine compartment.
  1. Turn the ignition switch to ON (II) but do not start the engine.
  1. Connect the HDS to the data link connector (DLC) (A) located under the driver's side of the dashboard.
  1. Make sure the HDS communicates with the vehicle and the TCM. If it doesn't, troubleshoot the DLC circuit; L13Z1 engine model, R18A2 engine model.
  1. If the HDS does not have the update function, disconnect the HDS from the vehicle and connect the Honda interface module (HIM).
  1. If the software in the TCM is the latest, disconnect the HDS or the HIM from the DLC, and go back to the procedure that you were doing.
    If the software in the TCM is not the latest, do the TCM update procedure as described on the HIM label or in the TCM update system.
    NOTE: If the TCM update system requires you to cool the TCM, follow what is shown on the screen.