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.
DLC Circuit Troubleshooting
If the ECM does not communicate with a scan tool, the HDS, or I/M test equipment, do this troubleshooting procedure.
- Measure voltage between DLC terminal No. 16 and body ground.
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Is there battery voltage?
- YES - Go to step 2.
- NO - Repair open in the wire between DLC terminal No. 8 and the ACGS (15 A) fuse in the under-hood fuse/relay box.
- Measure voltage between DLC terminals No. 4 and No. 16.
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Is there battery voltage?
- YES - Go to step 3.
- NO - Repair open in the wire between DLC terminal No. 8 and body ground (G401).
- Measure voltage between DLC terminals No. 5 and No. 16.
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Is there battery voltage?
- YES - Go to step 4.
- NO - Repair open in the wire between DLC terminal No. 8 and body ground (G101).
- Turn the ignition switch ON (II).
- Measure voltage between DLC terminals No. 5 and No. 7.
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Is there 8.5 V or more?
- YES - Go to step 10.
- NO - Go to step 6.
- Turn the ignition switch OFF.
- Disconnect ECM connector A (32P). Make sure the scan tool or the HDS is disconnected from the DLC.
- Check for continuity between DLC terminal No. 7 and body ground.
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Is there continuity?
- YES - Repair short to ground in the wire between DLC terminal No. 15 and the ECM (A21). After repairing the wire, check for DTCs with a scan tool or the HDS, and go to the indicated DTC's troubleshooting .
- NO - Go to step 9.
- Check for continuity between DLC terminal No. 15 and ECM terminal A21.
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Is there continuity?
- YES - Substitute a known-good ECM (see HOW TO SUBSTITUTE THE ECM FOR TESTING PURPOSES ) and recheck. If the symptom/indication goes away, replace the original ECM (see ECM REPLACEMENT ).
- NO - Repair open in the wire between DLC terminal No. 7 and the ECM (A21). After repairing the wire, check for DTCs with a scan tool or the HDS, and go to the indicated DTC's troubleshooting.
- Turn the ignition switch OFF.
- Disconnect ECM connector A (32P). Make sure a scan tool or the HDS is disconnected from the DLC.
- Turn the ignition switch ON (II).
- Measure voltage between DLC terminals No. 5 and No. 7.
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Is there 0 V?
- YES - Substitute a known-good ECM (see HOW TO SUBSTITUTE THE ECM FOR TESTING PURPOSES ) and recheck. If the symptom/indication goes away, replace the original ECM (see ECM REPLACEMENT ).
- NO - Repair short to power in the wire between the DLC terminal No. 7 and the ECM (A21). After repairing the wire, check for DTCs with a scan tool or the HDS, and go to the indicated DTC's troubleshooting.
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
Pair factory procedures with proven DIY tools so the instructions are easier to execute.
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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.
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