2003 Honda Pilot EXFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE

DLC Circuit Troubleshooting

If the PCM does not communicate with the scan tool, HDS or I/M test equipment, do this troubleshooting procedure.

  1. Turn the ignition switch ON (II).
  2. Measure voltage between data link connector (DLC) terminal No. 16 and body ground.
    Fig 1: Measuring Voltage Between DLC Terminal No. 16 & Body Ground
    G01464090Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

    Is there battery voltage? 

    1. YES  -Go to step 3.
    2. NO  -Repair open in the wire between DLC terminal No. 16 and the ACGS (15A) fuse in the under-hood fuse/relay box.
  3. Measure voltage between DLC terminals No. 4 and No. 16.
    Fig 2: Measuring Voltage Between DLC Terminals No. 4 & No. 16
    G01464091Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

    Is there battery voltage? 

    1. YES  -Go to step 4.
    2. NO  -Repair open in the wire between DLC terminal No. 4 and body ground.
  4. Measure voltage between DLC terminals No. 5 and No. 16.
    Fig 3: Measuring Voltage Between DLC Terminals No. 5 & No. 16
    G01464092Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

    Is there battery voltage? 

    1. YES  -Go to step 5.
    2. NO  -Repair open in the wire between DLC terminal No. 5 and body ground.
  5. Measure voltage between DLC terminals No. 5 and No. 7.
    Fig 4: Measuring Voltage Between DLC Terminals No. 5 & No. 7
    G01464093Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

    Is there 8.5 V or more? 

    1. YES  -Go to step  10.
    2. NO  -Go to step 6.
  6. Turn the ignition switch OFF.
  7. Disconnect the PCM connector A (32P).
  8. Check for continuity between DLC terminal No. 7 and body ground.
    Fig 5: Checking For Continuity Between DLC Terminal No. 7 & Body Ground
    G01464094Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

    Is there continuity? 

    1. YES  -Repair short to ground in the wire between DLC terminal No. 7 and the PCM (A21).
    2. NO  -Go to step 9.
  9. Check for continuity between DLC terminal No. 7 and PCM terminal A21.
    Fig 6: Checking For Continuity Between DLC Terminal No. 7 & PCM Terminal A21
    G01464095Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

    Is there continuity? 

    1. YES  -Substitute a known-good PCM and recheck (see HOW TO SUBSTITUTE THE PCM FOR TESTING ). If the symptom/indication goes away, replace the original PCM.
    2. NO  -Repair open in the wire between DLC terminal No. 7 and the PCM (A21).
  10. Turn the ignition switch OFF.
  11. Disconnect the PCM connector A (32P).
  12. Turn the ignition switch ON (II).
  13. Measure voltage between DLC terminals No. 5 and No. 7.
    Fig 7: Measuring Voltage Between DLC Terminals No. 5 & No. 7
    G01464096Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

    Is there 0V? 

    1. YES  -Substitute a known-good PCM and recheck (see HOW TO SUBSTITUTE THE PCM FOR TESTING ). If the symptom/indication goes away, replace the original PCM.
    2. NO  -Repair short to power in the wire between DLC terminal No. 7 and PCM (A21).
Factory Service Tools

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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.