@ACURA

Service Bulletin

February 11, 2017

16-062
05595 Version 2

2012-15 MDX: Judder from the Torque Converter Lock-Up Clutch
Supersedes 16-062, dated November 2, 2016, see REVISION SUMMARY
AFFECTED VEHICLES
Year
Model
2012
MDX
2013
MDX
2014-15
MDX

Trim
ALL
ALL
ALL

VIN Range
2HNYD2H ... CH513517 thru 2HNYD2H ... CH550713
ALL
ALL

REVISION SUMMARY
• Added information for 2012-2013 model year.
•
Updated information under CORRECTIVE ACTION, INSPECTION PROCEDURE, AND VERIFICATION
PROCEDURE.
BACKGROUND
A judder from the torque converter lock-up clutch may be felt while driving between 20 and 60 mph. 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 and the transmission is not damaged by this judder.
The judder 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. A software update is available to
maintain the transmission fluid temperature within the desirable range under all driving conditions and eliminate the
potential for this judder.
There are two bulletins referring to this subject:
•
16-062 - 2012-15 MDX: Judder from the Torque Converter Lock-Up Clutch. Do this bulletin first to apply the
software and flush the transmission as indicated in the REPAIR PROCEDURE.
•
16-063 - 2012-15 MDX: Judder from the Torque Converter Lock-Up Clutch After Software Update. Some vehicles
based on how they are driven may still experience ATF deterioration after updating the PGM-FI or A/T system. In
these cases, do the inspection and, if necessary, flush the transmission as indicated in the REPAIR PROCEDURE.

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.

© 2017 American Honda Motor Co., Inc. - All Rights Reserved

Page 1 of 8

CORRECTIVE ACTION
There are 2 corrective actions based on the year model.

2012-13 MDX
There are 2 types of PCM's in the 2012 and 2013 MDX. (Keihin and Continental)
The corrective action will be based on which PCM is in the vehicle.
Check the program ID in the Transmission Data List.
If the program ID starts with 3780§. it is a Continental PCM.
Software is not available for the Continental PCM at this time. Go to the Verification Procedure.

If the program ID starts with 3780§. it is a Keihin PCM.
Check if the software has been updated. If the software has not been updated, take an automatic transmission snapshot
and review the data, and confirm the judder is coming from the torque converter. If the snapshot indicates the judder is
coming from the torque converter, update the A/T system, then go to REPAIR PROCEDURE.

2014-15 MDX
Check if the software has been updated. If the software has not been updated, take an automatic transmission snapshot
and review the data and confirm that the judder is coming from the torque converter. If the snapshot indicates the judder
is coming from the torque converter, update the PGM-FI system, then flush the transmission as indicated in the REPAIR
PROCEDURE.

PARTS INFORMATION
Part Number

Quantity

Drain Plug Washer (18 mm)

904 71-PX4-000

1

ATF Fill Sealing Washer (24 mm)

90441-PK4-000

1

Part Name

Part Number

Quantity

Acura ATF DW-1

08200-9008A

10

Part Name

REQUIRED MATERIALS

WARRANTY CLAIM INFORMATION
The warranty is 8 years or 80,000 miles, whichever comes first.

Operation
Number
1255E4
A

Description

Flat Rate
Time

Update the PGM-FI or A/T
software.

0.2 hr

Flush the ATF.

1.4 hr

Defect
Code

Symptom
Code

Template ID

Failed Part Number

03214

03217

16-062N

37805-SJ6-3050

Page 2 of 8

SOFTWARE INFORMATION
NOTE: Unnecessary or incorrect repairs resulting from a failure to update the i-HDS or MVCI are not covered under
warranty.
i-HDS Software Version: 1.001.011 or later
J2534 Software Information:
PC Application Version 1.0.1.15 or later
Database update 26-OCT-2016 or later
Before beginning the repair, make sure that both the i-HDS and J2534 software are updated as listed above.
Do only the update listed in this service bulletin.
You cannot apply the updates with the MVCI as a standalone tool. To update the vehicle you must use the MVCI or
the DST-i interface in conjunction with the J2534 Rewrite PC application on the i-HDS.
For more information about updating the i-HDS, the MVCI, and vehicle systems, refer to Service Bulletin 01-026,
Updating Control Units/Modules.
Software
Program P/N (or later)
Trim
Program ID (or later)
System
12-13 MDX Base and Technology

A/T

YE3080

37806-RYE-3080

12-13 MDX ADVANCED
2014-15 MDX Base and
Technology

A/T

YE3090

37806-RYE-3090

PGM-FI

J63050

37805-5J6-3050

2014-15 MDX Advance
2014-15 MDX Base and
Technology AWD

PGM-FI

J63060

37805-5J6-3060

PGM-FI

J63070

37805-5J6-3070

2014-15 MDX Advance AWD

PGM-FI

J63080

37805-5J6-3080

Page 3 of 8

INSPECTION PROCEDURE
2012-13 MDX
1.

Connect the i-HDS and go to the A/T Data List. Check to see which PCM is in the vehicle.
• If the software program P/N starts with 3780§., it is a Continental PCM. There is no software available at this
time, go to Verification Procedure.
• If the software program P/N starts with 3780§., it is a Keihin PCM. Check if the PCM has been updated by
comparing the program P/N against the table below.

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PROGRAM PART NUMBER

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If the program P/N is not listed below, the vehicle has not been updated, continue with verification.
If the program P/N is listed below (or later), the vehicle has been updated. Go to service bulletin 16-063
2012-15 MDX- Judder from the Torque Converter Lock-Up Clutch After Software Update.
Program P/N (or later)
37806-RYE-3080 Keihin
37806-RYE-3090 Keihin

2014-15 MDX
Connect the i-HDS and go to the A/T Data List. Check to see if the software has been updated by comparing the
program P/N against the table below.
PROGRAM PART NUMBER

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If the program P/N is not listed, the vehicle has not been updated, continue to verification.
If the program P/N is listed below (or later), the vehicle has been updated. Go to service bulletin 16-063, 2012-15
MDX- Judder from the Torque Converter Lock-Up Clutch After Software Update.
Program P/N (or later)
37805-SJ6-3060
37805-SJ6-3070
37805-SJ6-3080
Page 4 of 8

VERIFICATION PROCEDURE
1.

Take an automatic transmission snapshot and forward it to Tech Line using the RO number. 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.
•
•
•

If the vehicle has a Continental PCM go to the ATF Flush Procedure.
If the vehicle has a Keihin PCM go to REPAIR PROCEDURE.
If the snapshot does not indicate a judder, this bulletin does not apply, continue with normal troubleshooting.
NOTE: You do not need to contact Tech Line after sending the snapshot. However, if you do not send a
snapshot, your claim may be subject to debit.

REPAIR PROCEDURE
NOTE:
• You can't update the vehicle using the MVCI as a standalone tool.
•
Do not use the MongoosePro VCI tool.
•
Make sure the 12 volt battery is fully charged before starting an update.
•
Connect a fully charged jumper battery to the vehicle and leave it connected during the entire procedure to maintain
steady voltage.
•
Never turn the ignition to OFF or ACCESSORY during the update. If there is a problem with the update, leave the
ignition turned to ON.
• To prevent PCM damage, do not operate anything electrical (headlights, audio system, brakes, A/C, power
windows, door locks, etc.) during the update.
•
If you see the following Error Display, check that you are using the correct tool (MVCI or DST-i) with the i-HDS.
Error Display

Error SO
DATA LINK COMMUNICATION ERROR
Make sure correct VCI device is Hleclad In the settings menu .

Maka sure that the Ignition switch Is: on, and retry programming.
Prass ENTER,

System :
Current Program 10 :
Program ID :
Model :
Update DescrlpUon :

Back

Help

?rtnt

To change this, click on either of the SETTING selection buttons at the bottom of the J2534 initial screens as
shown.
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