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.
Shift Lock System Circuit Troubleshooting
- Connect the HDS to the DLC.
- Select Shift Lock Solenoid Test in the Miscellaneous Test Menu, and check that the shift lock solenoid operates with the HDS.NOTE: If the HDS does not communicate with the PCM, troubleshoot the DLC circuit (see DLC CIRCUIT TROUBLESHOOTING ).
Does the shift lock solenoid work properly?
YES -Go to step 3.
NO - go to step 6.
- Check the Brake Switch signal with the HDS in the A/T data list while pressing the brake pedal, and when the brake pedal is released.
Does the brake pedal position switch work properly?
YES -Go to step 4.
NO -Troubleshoot the brake pedal position switch signal circuit (see BRAKE PEDAL POSITION SWITCH SIGNAL CIRCUIT TROUBLESHOOTING ).
- Check the A/T P Switch signal with the HDS in the A/T data list. The shift lever must be in P.
Is the A/T P Switch ON?
YES -Go to step 5.
NO - go to step 17.
- Check the accelerator pedal position (APP) sensor A with the HDS in the A/T data list. Do not press the accelerator.
Is the APP sensor A opening 5 % or more, or the APP sensor A voltage 1.16 V or higher?
YES -Check the APP sensor (see APP SENSOR SIGNAL INSPECTION ).
NO -Update the PCM if it does not have the latest software (see ECM/PCM UPDATE ), or substitute a known-good PCM (see SUBSTITUTING THE ECM/PCM ), and recheck. If the symptom goes away with a known-good PCM, replace the original PCM (see ECM/PCM REPLACEMENT ).
- Turn the ignition switch to LOCK (0).
- Remove the center console (see CENTER CONSOLE REMOVAL/INSTALLATION ).
- Disconnect the shift lock solenoid/park pin switch/A/T gear position indicator panel light connector.
- Turn the ignition switch to ON (II).
- Measure the voltage between shift lock solenoid/park pin switch/A/T gear position indicator panel light connector terminal No. 1 and body ground.Fig 1: Measuring Voltage Between Shift Lock Solenoid/Park Pin Switch/A/T Gear Position Indicator Panel Light Connector Terminal No. 1 And Body Ground
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Is there battery voltage?
YES -Go to step 11.
NO -Check for a blown No. 22 (7.5 A) fuse in the under-dash fuse/relay box. If the fuse is OK, repair open in the wire between the shift lock solenoid/park pin switch/A/T gear position indicator panel light connector and the under-dash fuse/relay box.
- Turn the ignition switch to LOCK (0).
- Jump the SCS line with the HDS.
- Disconnect PCM connector A (49P).
- Check for continuity between PCM connector terminal A28 and shift lock solenoid/park pin switch/A/T gear position indicator panel light connector terminal No. 3.Fig 2: Checking Continuity Between PCM Connector Terminal A28 And Shift Lock Solenoid/Park Pin Switch/A/T Gear Position Indicator Panel Light Connector Terminal No. 3
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Is there continuity?
YES -Go to step 15.
NO -Repair open in the wire between PCM connector terminal A28 and shift lock solenoid/park pin switch/A/T gear position indicator panel light connector.
- Check for continuity between shift lock solenoid/park pin switch/A/T gear position indicator panel light connector terminal No. 3 and body ground.Fig 3: Checking Continuity Between Shift Lock Solenoid/Park Pin Switch/A/T Gear Position Indicator Panel Light Connector Terminal No. 3 And Body Ground
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Is there continuity?
YES -Repair short in the wire between PCM connector terminal A28 and shift lock solenoid/park pin switch/A/T gear position indicator panel light connector.
NO -Go to step 16.
- Connect a jumper wire from the negative battery terminal to shift lock solenoid/park pin switch/A/T gear position indicator panel light connector terminal No. 3, and connect another jumper wire from the positive battery terminal to connector terminal No. 1, then check that the shift lock solenoid operates.NOTE: Do not connect the positive battery terminal to the connector terminal No. 3 or you will damage the diode inside the shift lock solenoid.
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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.