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 PCM does not communicate with the scan tool, HDS or I/M test equipment, do this troubleshooting procedure.
- Turn the ignition switch ON (II).
- Measure voltage between data link connector (DLC) terminal No. 16 and body ground.
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Is there battery voltage?
- YES -Go to step 3.
- NO -Repair open in the wire between DLC terminal No. 16 and the ACGS (15A) fuse in the under-hood fuse/relay box.
- Measure voltage between DLC terminals No. 4 and No. 16.
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Is there battery voltage?
- YES -Go to step 4.
- NO -Repair open in the wire between DLC terminal No. 4 and body ground.
- 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 5.
- NO -Repair open in the wire between DLC terminal No. 5 and body ground.
- 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 the PCM connector A (32P).
- Check for continuity between DLC terminal No. 7 and body ground.
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Is there continuity?
- YES -Repair short to ground in the wire between DLC terminal No. 7 and the PCM (A21).
- NO -Go to step 9.
- Check for continuity between DLC terminal No. 7 and PCM terminal A21.
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Is there continuity?
- 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.
- NO -Repair open in the wire between DLC terminal No. 7 and the PCM (A21).
- Turn the ignition switch OFF.
- Disconnect the PCM connector A (32P).
- 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 0V?
- 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.
- NO -Repair short to power in the wire between DLC terminal No. 7 and PCM (A21).
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.
