Service Bulletin
September 5, 2015

13-078
51869-02162 Version 5

Warranty Extension: MIL Comes On with DTCs P0301 thru P0304
Supersedes 13-078, dated May 29, 2015, to revise the information highlighted in yellow.
AFFECTED VEHICLES
Year
2008–12

Model
Accord

Trim
All V6 A/T

VIN Range
Check the iN VIN Status for Eligibility.

REVISON SUMMARY
All sections were revised; American Honda recommends that you review the entire bulletin.
CORRECTIVE ACTION
2008–11 Models: Complete the diagnosis procedure and if necessary, update the PCM software and replace
the affected spark plugs. If the vehicle returns after the updated PCM software and spark plug replacement
have been installed, clean pistons and replaced the pistons rings along with the spark plugs (Procedure B).
NOTE: Make sure the software update has been completed, spark plugs replaced (Procedure A), and the
vehicle returned to the customer before making any additional repairs. Failure to do so will result in claim
review by your DPSM and possible debit.
2012 Models: Complete the diagnosis procedure and if necessary, clean the pistons and replace the pistons
rings along with the spark plugs (Procedure B).
BACKGROUND
American Honda is announcing a powertrain warranty extension as a result of a settlement of a class action captioned,
Soto et al.v. American Honda Motor Co., Inc., Case No. 3:12-cv-1377-SI (N.D. Cal.).
The piston rings on certain cylinders may rotate and align which can lead to spark plug fouling. This can set DTCs
P0301 No. 1 cylinder misfire detected, P0302 No. 2 cylinder misfire detected, P0303 No. 3 cylinder misfire detected,
P0304 No. 4 cylinder misfire detected, and cause the MIL to come on.
American Honda is extending the powertrain warranty to cover repairs related to engine misfire (that triggers DTCs
P0301 through P0304) to 8 years with unlimited mileage from the original date of purchase and has settled a class
action based on this remedial measure.
This warranty extension does not apply to any vehicle that has ever been declared a total loss or sold for salvage by a
financial institution or insurer, or has a branded or similar title under any state’s law.
CUSTOMER NOTIFICATION
Owners of affected vehicles were sent a class action settlement notice regarding this warranty extension starting in
October 2013.
Before doing work on a vehicle, verify its eligibility by doing an iN VIN status inquiry.
Refer customers seeking information about settlement benefits to www.enginemisfiresettlement.com, or instruct them to
call 888-888-3082.

CUSTOMER 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 Honda automobile dealer.
© 2015 American Honda Motor Co., Inc. – All Rights Reserved

Page 1 of 25

DIAGNOSIS
1. Connect the HDS and check for the following DTCs: P0301 No. 1 Cylinder Misfire Detected,
P0302 No. 2 Cylinder Misfire Detected, P0303 No. 3 Cylinder Misfire Detected, P0304 No. 4 Cylinder Misfire
Detected.
Are any of these DTCs stored?
YES – Go to step 2.
NO – Stop. This bulletin does not apply. Continue with normal troubleshooting.
2. Remove and check the spark plug(s) on the affected cylinders (example: if P0301 is stored, check the spark plug on
cylinder No. 1).
Are the spark plug(s) fouled?
YES – Go to step 3.
NO – Stop. This bulletin does not apply. Continue with normal troubleshooting.

Page 2 of 25

3. Check the PCM software version P/N located above the PGM FI Data List. All 2012 vehicles are up to date, go
directly to step 4.

Year/Model

Program ID (or later)

Program P/N (or later)

2008–09 Accord (KA-ULEV)

70A630

37805-R70-A63

2008–09 Accord (KL-SULEV-PZEV)

71L630

37805-R71-L63

2010 Accord (KA-ULEV)

70A750

37805-R70-A75

2011 Accord 2-Door (KA-ULEV)

70A830

37805-R70-A83

2011 Accord 4-Door (KA-ULEV)

84A530

37805-R84-A53

2012 Accord (ALL)

Software Updated from Factory

Is the PCM Program ID and/or Program P/N the same or newer than what is listed above?
NO – The PCM software needs to be updated. Go to REPAIR PROCEDURE A.
YES – The correct software is installed. The piston rings on select cylinders need to be replaced. Go to step 4.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: The PCM software must first be updated with the correct version, replace spark plugs
and the vehicle returned to the customer. Piston cleaning and piston ring replacement, as described below,
should only be done after the customer has returned with a second failure or if the vehicle’s software is the
correct version. Failure to follow this process correctly may result in a full debit of the warranty claim to
your dealer.
4. Note which DTCs are stored in the vehicle.
Does the vehicle have DTC P0304 stored? (Any combination of DTCs P0301, P0302, P0303, P0304 may also
be stored.)
YES – Go to REPAIR PROCEDURE B for the cylinders listed, Cylinders 1–4: Clean the pistons, replace the
piston rings, and replace the spark plugs.
NO – Go to REPAIR PROCEDURE B for the cylinders listed below:
• Cylinder 1–3: Clean the pistons and replace the pistons rings.
• Cylinder 1–4: Replace the spark plugs.

Page 3 of 25

WARRANTY CLAIM INFORMATION
2008–11 Models: Confirm PCM software is or has been updated with the correct version, spark plugs 1–4 have
been replaced and the vehicle returned to the customer (Procedure A). Piston cleaning and piston ring
replacement should only be done after the customer has returned with a second failure or if the vehicle’s software is
the correct version (Procedure B). Failure to follow this process correctly may result in a full debit of the
warranty claim to your dealer.
2012 Models: Are equipped with updated software from factory, no software updated is needed. Piston cleaning
and piston ring replacement along with spark plugs 1–4 should performed (Procedure B).
FLAT RATE NOTE: The procedure in this bulletin is different than the service manual. This procedure does not
require the complete removal of the power steering pump, catalytic converter(s), engine and transmission, or the
crankshaft. As a result, the operation number is unique and the FRT is reduced (Procedure B).
2008–10 Accord
OP#

Description

Flat Rate Time

Template ID

Failed Part Number

1171G9

2008–10 Accord: Procedure A
Update the PCM and replace spark plugs
(KA) 1–4 (includes diagnosis).

0.5 hr

13-078A

13011–R70–A02

1171G9

2008–10 Accord: Procedure A
Update the PCM and replace spark plugs
(KL) 1–4 (includes diagnosis).

0.5 hr

13-078B

13011–R70–A02

1171H0

2008–10 Accord: Procedure B
Replace piston rings 1–3 and replace spark plugs
1–4 (includes diagnosis).

1171H0B 2008–10 Accord:
Add if replacing piston rings on cylinder 4.

6.2 hrs

13011–R70–A02

0.8 hrs

13011–R70–A02

2011–12 Accord
OP#

Description

Flat Rate Time

Template ID

Failed Part Number

13-078C

13011–5G0–A01

1171G9

2011 Accord: Procedure A
Update the PCM and replace spark
plugs 1–4 (includes diagnosis).

0.5 hr

1171H0

2011–12 Accord: Procedure B
Replace piston rings 1–3 and replace spark plugs 1–4
(includes diagnosis).

6.2 hrs

1171H0B 2011–12 Accord:
Add if replacing piston rings on cylinder 4.

13011–5G0–A01
0.8 hrs

13011–5G0–A01

Defect Code:
5V500
Symptom Code: JB700
Skill Level:

Repair Technician

Page 4 of 25

PARTS INFORMATION
NOTE: Do the DIAGNOSIS first to determine which cylinders you will need to repair.
REPAIR PROCEDURE A – SOFTWARE UDPATE AND CYLINDERS 1–4 SPARK PLUG REPLACEMENT
Required Parts
Part Name
Spark Plugs (KA)
Spark Plugs (KL)

Part Number

Quantity

12290-R70-A01
12290-R71-L01

4
4

REPAIR PROCEDURE B – PISTON CLEANING AND RING REPLACEMENT
Required Parts
Part Name
Cyl. Gasket (Fr)
Cyl. Gasket (Rr)
Drain Washer 14 mm
EGR Pipe Gasket A
EGR Pipe Gasket B
Ex. Chamber Gasket
Ex. Pipe Gasket
Head Gasket Fr (Valve Cover)
Head Gasket Rr. (Valve Cover)
In. Manifold Gasket Top
In. Manifold Gasket Base
Oil Filter
O-ring (7.47 mm x 3.6 mm)
O-ring (31.2 mm x 4.1 mm)
Piston Ring Set
Pre-chamber Gasket
Self-locking Nut (8 mm)
Self-locking Nut (10 mm)
Spark Plugs (KA)
Spark Plugs (KL)
Strainer O-ring
Timing Belt Bolt
Water Gasket Fr.
Water Gasket Rr.

Part Number
12251-R70-A01
12261-R70-A01
94109-14000
18716-R70-A01
18719-R70-A01
18115-R70-A01
18212-SA7-003
12030-R70-A00
12050-R70-A00
17146-R70-A01
17105-RCJ-A01
15400-PLM-A02
91301-PLC-000
91314-PH7-003
13011-5G0-A02
18393-SDB-A00
90212-RCA-A01
90212–SA5-003
12290-R70-A01
12290-R71-L01
15221-RYE-A01
14551-RCA-A01
19411-P8A-A03
19412–P8A-A02

Cyl 1-3
1
1
1
1
1
2
1
1
1
1
2
2
3
1
4
9
4
4
1
1
1
1

Cyl 1-4
1
1
1
1
1
2
2
1
1
1
1
1
2
2
4
1
8
9
4
4
1
1
1
1

Page 5 of 25

Replace Parts as Needed for Repair Procedure B
Part Name

Part Number

Connecting Rod Bolt (may require up to 8 bolts per