Service Bulletin

15-054

January 12, 2016

02991 Version 2

Transmission Function Improvements: Sensation of Surge While
Braking, Slow Downshift Response at Low Engine Speeds, and Other
Listed Symptoms
Supersedes 15-054, dated December 22, 2015, to revise the information highlighted in yellow
AFFECTED VEHICLES
Year

Model

Trim

VIN range

2016

MDX

2WD Base

5FRYD3H2.GB000001 thru 5FRYD3H2.GB012656

2016

MDX

2WD Technology

5FRYD3H4.GB000001 thru 5FRYD3H4.GB012723

2016

MDX

2WD Technology and Entertainment

5FRYD3H6.GB000001 thru 5FRYD3H6.GB012711

2016

MDX

2WD Advance

5FRYD3H9.GB000001 thru 5FRYD3H9.GB012787

2016

MDX

AWD Base

5FRYD4H2.GB000001 thru 5FRYD4H2.GB039814

2016

MDX

AWD Technology

5FRYD4H4.GB000001 thru 5FRYD4H4.GB039727

2016

MDX

AWD Technology and Entertainment

5FRYD4H6.GB000001 thru 5FRYD4H6.GB040204

2016

MDX

AWD Advance

5FRYD4H9.GB000001 thru 5FRYD4H9.GB039756

REVISION SUMMARY
Under AFFECTED VEHICLES, VINs have been added.
BACKGROUND
American Honda has made several shift quality improvements in the 2016 MDX.
SYMPTOM
There is a sensation of acceleration while coasting down
a hill.
There is a sensation of a surge while braking.
The transmission feels like it stays in the gear too long.
During slight acceleration, there is a surge or hesitation
from a stop.
The transmission feels rough at low speeds.

UPDATE
Engine mapping has been changed to better manage 8-7
and 5-4 downshifts with the throttle closed.
Transmission mapping on the 5-4-3 downshift when
accelerating at low engine speeds was changed to a 5-3
downshift to provide a quicker acceleration response.

Low speed acceleration feel in 1-3 gears has been
improved.

There is a hesitation from a stop (with idle stop canceled).
There is poor acceleration or bogging noise at slow
engine speeds.

Torque converter lock up strategy has been improved for
low speed drivability (parking lot speeds).

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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CORRECTIVE ACTION
Update both the PCM and the TCM software. Clear all codes created during both updates and do the idle learn
procedure.
NOTE: Failure to update both the PCM and the TCM software at the same time will result in poor shift quality and a
comeback.
This software update will change the way the transmission shifts.
After the update it may take up to 30 miles for the transmission to adapt to the client’s driving habits.
WARRANTY CLAIM INFORMATION
The normal warranty applies.
Operation
Number

Description

Flat Rate
Time

Defect
Code

Symptom
Code

Template
ID

Failed Part
Number

1255D7

Update the PCM and the TCM
software. Do the idle learn procedure.

0.5 hr

03214

03217

15-054N

37820-5J6-A05

Skill Level: Repair Technician
SOFTWARE INFORMATION
NOTE: Unnecessary or incorrect repairs resulting from a failure to update the HDS or MVCI are not covered under
warranty.
MVCI Control Module (CM) Update:
Application Version: 3.01.50 or later
Database update: 23-Nov-2015 or later
HDS Software Version:
3.017.012 or later
Before beginning the update, make sure that both the HDS and the MVCI are updated as listed above.
Do only the update listed in this service bulletin.
Check that the MVCI indicates the applicable program ID listed below (or a later program ID) as the Available Update
when the update begins.
If the MVCI displays This vehicle does not need an update at this time during the update, the software for this
service bulletin is already installed.
For more information about updating the HDS, the MVCI, and vehicle systems, refer to Service Bulletin 01-026,
Updating Control Units/Modules.
PCM
Year/Model/Trim
2016 2WD Base, Technology
2016 2WD AcuraWatch
2016 2WD Advance
2016 AWD Base, Technology
2016 AWD AcuraWatch
2016 AWD Advance w/Auto Stop

Program ID (or later)
J6A060
J6A160
J6A460
J6A260
J6A360
J6A960

Program P/N (or later)
37805-5J6-A060
37805-5J6-A160
37805-5J6-A460
37805-5J6-A260
37805-5J6-A360
37805-5J6-A960

TCM
Year/Model/Trim
2016 2WD Base, Technology
2016 2WD AcuraWatch
2016 2WD Advance
2016 AWD Base, Technology
2016 AWD AcuraWatch
2016 AWD Advance w/Auto Stop

Program ID (or later)
NBA570
NBA670
NBA770
NCA580
NCA680
NCA780

Program P/N (or later)
28101-5NB-A570
28101-5NB-A670
28101-5NB-A770
28101-5NC-A580
28101-5NC-A680
28101-5NC-A780
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REPAIR PROCEDURE
1. Update the TCM and the PCM software. Refer to Service Bulletin 01-026, Updating Control Units/Modules.
2. Do the idle learn procedure. Refer to the service information.

Page 3 of 3