DTC 86-14: F-CAN Communication With Gauge Control Module Malfunction (Without ACC) (2015-17)

2018 Acura TLX Base, 2.4L EngSECTION DTC 86-14: F-CAN Communication With Gauge Control Module Malfunction (Without ACC) (2015-17)

NOTE: 

DTC Description DTC Freeze Frame
86-14 F-CAN Communication With Gauge Control Module Malfunction    

DTCs (VSA)

  1. DTC check

    -1. Turn the vehicle to the ON mode.

    - 2. Clear the DTC with the HDS.

    - 3. Turn the vehicle to the OFF (LOCK) mode.

    - 4. Start the engine, and let it idle for at least 5 seconds.

    - 5. Check for DTCs with the HDS.

    DTC Description DTC Freeze Frame
    86-11 F-CAN Bus-Off Malfunction    
    86-14 F-CAN Communication With Gauge Control Module Malfunction    

    Is DTC 86-14 indicated?

    YES 

    If only DTC 86-14 is indicated, go to step 2.

    YES 

    If DTC 86-11 is also indicated, go to DTC 86-11 - Refer to: VSA DTC Troubleshooting: 86-11, 86-51 (With ACC),  or VSA DTC Troubleshooting: 86-11, 86-51 (Without ACC) .

    NO 

    Intermittent failure, the system is OK at this time. Refer to intermittent failures troubleshooting . If the freeze data/on-board snapshot of this DTC is recorded, try to reproduce the failure under the same conditions with the Freeze data/on-board snapshot.

  2. Open wire check (F-CAN_L, F-CAN_H lines) (L4 engine) or (F-CAN A_L, F-CAN A_H lines) (V6 engine)

    -1. Turn the vehicle to the OFF (LOCK) mode.

    - 2. Disconnect the following connectors.

    VSA modulator-control unit 38P connector
    Gauge control module 32P connector

    - 3. Check for continuity between test points 1 and 2.

    Test condition Vehicle OFF (LOCK) mode
      VSA modulator-control unit 38P connector: disconnected
      Gauge control module 32P connector: disconnected
    Test point 1 VSA modulator-control unit 38P connector No. 26 - Refer to: VSA Modulator-Control Unit Connector For Inputs And Outputs (With Auto Idle Stop System) (2015-17) or VSA Modulator-Control Unit Connector For Inputs And Outputs (Without Auto Idle Stop System) (2015-17) or VSA Modulator-Control Unit Connector for Inputs and Outputs (2018-19)
    Test point 2 Gauge control module 32P connector No. 28 - Refer to: Gauge Control Module Connector For Inputs And Outputs (Without SH-AWD) (2015-17) or Gauge Control Module Connector For Inputs And Outputs (With SH-AWD) (2015-17) or Gauge Control Module Connector for Inputs and Outputs (2018-19)
    Test point 1 VSA modulator-control unit 38P connector No. 38 - Refer to: VSA Modulator-Control Unit Connector For Inputs And Outputs (With Auto Idle Stop System) (2015-17) or VSA Modulator-Control Unit Connector For Inputs And Outputs (Without Auto Idle Stop System) (2015-17) or VSA Modulator-Control Unit Connector for Inputs and Outputs (2018-19)
    Test point 2 Gauge control module 32P connector No. 27 - Refer to: Gauge Control Module Connector For Inputs And Outputs (Without SH-AWD) (2015-17) or Gauge Control Module Connector For Inputs And Outputs (With SH-AWD) (2015-17) or Gauge Control Module Connector for Inputs and Outputs (2018-19)

    Is there continuity?

    YES 

    The F-CAN_L and F-CAN_H wires (L4 engine) or F-CAN A_L and F-CAN A_H wires (V6 engine) are OK. Go to step 3.

    NO 

    Repair an open in the wire between the gauge control module and the VSA modulator unit.

  3. Gauge control module check (substitution)

    -1. Substitute a known-good gauge control module.

    - 2. Reconnect the following connectors.

    VSA modulator-control unit 38P connector
    Gauge control module 32P connector

    - 3. Turn the vehicle to the ON mode.

    - 4. Clear the DTC with the HDS.

    - 5. Turn the vehicle to the OFF (LOCK) mode.

    - 6. Start the engine, and let it idle for at least 5 seconds.

    - 7. Check for DTCs with the HDS.

    DTC Description DTC Freeze Frame
    86-14 F-CAN Communication With Gauge Control Module Malfunction    

    Is DTC 86-14 indicated?

    YES 

    Go to step 4.

    NO 

    Replace the original gauge control module .

  4. VSA modulator-control unit check (update)

    -1. Update the VSA modulator-control unit if it does not have the latest software.

    - 2. Turn the vehicle to the OFF (LOCK) mode.

    - 3. Start the engine, and let it idle for at least 5 seconds.

    - 4. Check for DTCs with the HDS.

    DTC Description DTC Freeze Frame
         

    Is DTC 86-14 indicated?

    YES 

    Check for loose terminals in the VSA modulator-control unit 38P connector. If the VSA modulator-control unit was updated and the symptom/indication is still present, replace the VSA modulator-control unit - Refer to: VSA Modulator-Control Unit Removal and Installation (With SH-AWD), or VSA Modulator-Control Unit Removal and Installation (Without SH-AWD) .

    NO 

    Troubleshooting is complete. If any other DTCs are indicated, go to the indicated DTCs troubleshooting.

RENDER: 1.0x

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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.