ServiceNews Article
February 2017

B17020D Version 1

Read This Before Swapping or Replacing an AcuraLink Telematics
Unit
AFFECTED VEHICLES
2016−17 ILX (Tech Plus and Tech Plus A-Spec), 2014−17 MDX (Tech and Advance), 2016−17 RDX (Tech and
Advance), 2014−17 RLX, and 2015−17 TLX (Tech and Advance)
We’ve made an important change to the AcuraLink telematics unit that you need to be aware of. This change switches
the coverage of the internal cellular module from Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) to Long Term Evolution (LTE).
You can easy tell a CDMA unit from an LTE unit by its label. CDMA units have a white label; LTE units have a blue
label.

If you need to replace the telematics unit, here are some important things to remember:
•

The change in telematics units from CDMA to LTE may have been in the middle of a model year. The parts catalog
correctly reflects the VIN change over point. To ensure you’re ordering the right part, always enter the VIN into the
parts catalog.

•

If you’re swapping telematics units for troubleshooting, always use units with the same color label. Never swap
different color label units; there will be problems with AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic, Real-Time Vehicle Status, and
24/7 Live Assistance.

•

If you’re replacing a blue label unit, make sure it’s with a new, unused blue label unit.

•

For the MDX, you’ll find that the telematics unit has superseded to the blue label unit. Only install a blue label unit in
a vehicle with a white label unit if it is going to be a permanent installation; otherwise, you’ll never be able to go back
to the white label unit.

For parts ordering info, see PIB B16-0023, Identify the Correct Telematics Control Unit.

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