Service Bulletin
November 17, 2016

16-044
05300 Version 3

Judder from the Torque Converter Lock-Up Clutch
Supersedes 16-044, dated November 2, 2016, to revise the information highlighted in yellow
AFFECTED VEHICLES
Year

Model

Trim

VIN range

2012

MDX

ALL

2HNYD2H…CH513517 thru 2HNYD2H…CH550713

2013

MDX

ALL

ALL

REVISION SUMMARY
Under WARRANTY CLAIM INFORMATION, some warranty information was updated.
BACKGROUND
A judder from the torque converter lock-up clutch may be felt while driving between 20 and 60mph. The problem is
typically diagnosed as a bad torque converter. American Honda investigated the judder and found that the torque
converter was not causing the judder, rather, it was caused by deteriorated transmission fluid. The transmission fluid
deteriorates quicker than expected when it is exposed to intermittent high heat loads under specific driving conditions.
American Honda is working on a software update that will maintain the transmission fluid temperature within the
desirable range under all driving conditions and eliminate the potential for this judder. American Honda will revise this
service bulletin when the software update is available.
Until the software is released, the judder can be fixed by flushing the transmission fluid as indicated in the FLUSH
PROCEDURE. Make sure the customer is aware that this is a temporary fix and he or she will have to return once the
software is available to make sure the transmission judder is resolved.
NOTE: American Honda defines flushing the transmission as draining and filling the transmission with a drive cycle
three times to help make sure the deteriorated fluid is removed. There are other aftermarket flush systems available,
but American Honda does not recommend using them.
TEMPORARY CORRECTIVE ACTION
Take an automatic transmission snapshot and review the data. For more information about capturing and interpreting
the data, refer to the job aid Torque Converter Clutch Shudder and Vibration and the Tech2Tech® video “Interpreting
Torque Converter Judder Snapshot Data.”
Once it is confirmed that the judder is coming from the torque converter, flush the transmission as indicated in the
FLUSH PROCEDURE. This is a temporary fix until the software is developed. The judder does not affect the durability
or life span of the torque converter.
NOTE: There is no need to call Tech Line before undertaking this ATF flush repair.

CLIENT INFORMATION: The information in this bulletin is intended for use only by skilled technicians who have the proper tools, equipment,
and training to correctly and safely maintain your vehicle. These procedures should not be attempted by “do-it-yourselfers,” and you should not
assume this bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle has the condition described. To determine whether this information applies,
contact an authorized Acura automobile dealer.

© 2016 American Honda Motor Co., Inc. – All Rights Reserved

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WARRANTY CLAIM INFORMATION
The normal warranty applies.
Operation
Number
2181BP
Skill Level:

Description

Flat Rate
Time

Defect Code

Symptom
Code

Template
ID

Failed Part
Number

1.4 hrs

01102

03505

16-044N

26000-5J7-305

ATF flush procedure.
Includes test-drive.
Repair Technician

PARTS INFORMATION
Part Name
Genuine Acura ATF DW1
Washer, Drain plug (18 mm)
Washer, Sealing (24 mm)

Part Number
08200-9008A
90471-PX4-000
11107-PWA-300

Quantity
10
1
1

FLUSH PROCEDURE
NOTE: The term “flushing” refers to repeatedly draining and filling the transmission with Acura Genuine
ATF-DW1. Other aftermarket flush systems are available, but American Honda strongly recommends that
you avoid using them on any Acura vehicles.
1. Start the engine. Hold the engine speed at 3,000 rpm without load (in Park or Neutral) until the radiator fan comes
on, then let it idle.
2. Position the vehicle on a lift and turn off the engine.
3. Remove the ATF filler bolt and sealing washer.
4. Raise the vehicle and make sure it is securely supported.
5. Remove the drain plug and drain the ATF.
6. Install the drain plug and original washer and torque it to 49 N.m (36 lb-ft).
7. Lower the vehicle and fill the transmission with 3.3 US qts (3.1 L) of ATF-DW1 through the filler hole.
NOTE: Do not use non-Acura ATF because it can affect shift quality.
8. Install the ATF filler bolt and original sealing washer and torque it to 44 N.m (32 lb-ft).
9. Check that the fluid is filled to the proper level.
10. Raise the vehicle and make sure it is securely supported.
11. Start the engine.
12. Press the VSA Off button.
13. Press the brake pedal and shift to Drive.
14. Release the brake pedal. Press the accelerator pedal and bring the speedometer up to 50 mph. Make sure the
transmission shifts through the first three lower gears and into fourth gear and the torque converter is locking up.
15. Apply the brakes to stop the front wheels.
16. Shift to Reverse, then Neutral.
17. Repeat the shifting procedure (steps 12 through 16) four more times.
18. Turn off the engine.
19. Repeat the above drain, fill, and shifting procedure (steps 3 through 18) one more time.
20. After the second refill and shift cycle, drain the transmission.
21. Install the drain bolt with a new washer and torque to 49 N.m (36 lb-ft).

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22. Fill the transmission with 3.3 US qts (3.1 L) of ATF-DW1.
NOTE: Do not use non-Acura ATF because it can affect shift quality.
23. Install the ATF filler bolt with a new sealing washer and torque the bolt to 44 N.m (32 lb-ft).
24. Confirm the judder is gone and clear any DTCs set while driving on the lift.
25. If the Maintenance Minder did not indicate the ATF needed replacement, reset the Maintenance Minder with the
i-HDS. For more information about resetting individual maintenance items, refer to the service information. If the
Maintenance Minder indicated the ATF needed replacement and a full service was done, reset the maintenance
minder with the multi-information display.
END

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