Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
SYS.OK|MANUAL.DB● LIVE
HOMESERVICE MANUALSACURA2012TL BASEREPAIR AND DIAGNOSISDRIVELINES & AXLESDIFFERENTIALS & DRIVE AXLESREAR DIFFERENTIALSH-AWD® CONTROL UNIT UPDATE
2012 Acura TL Base
SH-AWD® Control Unit Update
2012 Acura TL BaseSECTION SH-AWD® Control Unit Update
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.
- 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 SH-AWD® CONTROL UNIT INITIALIZATION ).
- Do the SH-AWD differential clutch torque memorization (see SH-AWD® DIFFERENTIAL CLUTCH TORQUE MEMORIZATION ).
- Do the yaw rate-acceleration neutral position memorization (see YAW RATE-ACCELERATION NEUTRAL POSITION MEMORIZATION ).
RENDER: 1.0x
NO RELATED
Recommended Tools & Savings
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
Pair factory procedures with proven DIY tools so the instructions are easier to execute.
Affiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.