Service Bulletin
December 9, 2014

14-078
ATB 00317 (1412)

Excessive Vibration Between 30 and 65 MPH
AFFECTED VEHICLES
Year
Model
2012
Pilot
2012
Pilot
2013–15
Pilot

Trim
2WD
4WD
ALL

VIN Range
5FNYF3H..CB029004 and later
5FNYF4H..CB058214 and later
ALL

NOTE: For 2012 models, two different PCMs, Keihin and Continental, were used. A software update is available for the
vehicles equipped with Keihin PCMs, and the software update for the Continental PCMs will be available in mid to late
January 2015. Once the software is available, this bulletin will be revised to include those vehicles.
SYMPTOM
Under certain driving conditions, there is excessive vibration between 30 and 65 mph.
POSSIBLE CAUSES
For 2WD and 4WD vehicles, the calibration VCM operation combined with the action of the lock up torque converter
creates excessive vibration.
Additionally for 4WD vehicles, the propeller shaft’s center support bearing bushing material may not effectively dampen
vibrations in cold (below 32ºF) temperatures.
CORRECTIVE ACTION
Do the inspection procedure, and based on your results, you may need to update the PCM. For 4WD vehicles, you may
also need to replace the propeller shaft.
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 3.001.040 or later
Database update 12-NOV-2014 or later
HDS Software Version:
3.015.023 or later
Before beginning the repair, make sure that both the HDS and 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 01-023,
Updating Control Units/Modules.
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.

© 2014 American Honda Motor Co., Inc. – All Rights Reserved

Page 1 of 8

Year/Model

PGM-FI
Program ID
(or later)

PGM-FI
Program P/N
(or later)

2012 Pilot 2WD
2012 Pilot 4WD
2013 Pilot 2WD
2013 Pilot 4WD
2014 Pilot 2WD
2014 Pilot 4WD
2015 Pilot 2WD
2015 Pilot 4WD

N0A070
N0A970
N0M030
N0M930
N0M030
N0M930
N0M120
N0M820

37805-RN0-A07
37805-RN0-A97
37805-RN0-M03
37805-RN0-M93
37805-RN0-M03
37805-RN0-M93
37805-RN0-M12
37805-RN0-M82

A/T
Program
ID (or
later)
N0A030
N0A930
N0A030
N0A930
N0A030
N0A930
N0A030
N0A930

A/T Program
P/N (or later)

System to Update

37806-RNO-A03
37806-RNO-A93
37806-RNO-A03
37806-RNO-A93
37806-RNO-A03
37806-RNO-A93
37806-RNO-A03
37806-RNO-A93

PGM-FI and A/T
PGM-FI and A/T
PGM-FI and A/T
PGM-FI and A/T
PGM-FI and A/T
PGM-FI and A/T
PGM-FI and A/T
PGM-FI and A/T

*Keihin PCMs contain two chips that require you to update both the PGM-FI and A/T system software. A software
update for Continental PCMs will be available in mid to late January 2015.
For more information about Keihin and Continental PCMs and how they’re different, refer to the ServiceNews article
New PCM Supplier for Odysseys and Pilots.
PARTS INFORMATION
Part Name

Part Number

Quantity

Bolt Washer

90382-SZA-003

2

Flange Bolt (10 mm x 25 mm)

90113-S3V-A00

8

Propeller Shaft (for 4WD)

40100-SZA-S01

1

Page 2 of 8

WARRANTY CLAIM INFORMATION
The normal warranty applies.
Software Update Only
Operation Number

Description

Flat Rate Time

Template ID

Failed Part Number

REPAIR PROCEDURE A:
For 2WD vehicles: Update the
PCM (includes test-drive and
diagnosis).

0.8 hour

14-078A

37820-RN0-A95

REPAIR PROCEDURE B:
For 4WD vehicles: Update the
PCM (includes test-drive and
diagnosis).

0.8 hour

14-078B

37820-RN0-A95

Description

Flat Rate Time

Template ID

Failed Part Number

2200A0

REPAIR PROCEDURE B:
For 4WD vehicles: Update the
PCM (includes test-drive and
diagnosis).

0.8 hour

14-078B

37820-RN0-A95

2191A8

REPAIR PROCEDURE C:
For 4WD vehicles: Replace
the propeller shaft.

0.4 hour

14-078C

40100-SZA-A02

Description

Flat Rate Time

Template ID

Failed Part Number

REPAIR PROCEDURE C:
For 4WD vehicles: Replace
the propeller shaft.

0.4 hour

14-078C

40100-SZA-A02

2200A0

Defect Code:

08001

Symptom Code: 04201
Skill Level:

Repair Technician

Software Update and Propeller Shaft Replacement
Operation Number

Defect Code:

08001

Symptom Code: 04201
Skill Level:

Repair Technician

Propeller Shaft Replacement Only
Operation Number
2191A8

Defect Code:

08001

Symptom Code: 04201
Skill Level:

Repair Technician

Page 3 of 8

INSPECTION PROCEDURE
Customer Questions
Have the service advisor ask the customer the following questions:
1. What is the outside temperature when the vibration occurs?
Above 32 ºF

Below 32 ºF

Temperature has no effect on vibration

2. At what speed does the vibration occur?
Low speed (up to 30 MPH)

Medium speed (30-65 MPH)

High speed (above 65 MPH)

3. What driving condition is the vibration occurring?
Light or steady throttle

Hard Acceleration

Light braking

Moderate or hard braking

Test-Drive the vehicle
1. Test-drive the vehicle and confirm the customer information using the HDS; set the cruise control Cancel button in
the perimeter setting to trigger the snapshot. Then, set up the HDS to take a PGM-FI snapshot 15 seconds before
and after the trigger.
2. Drive the vehicle in the speed range where the customer feels the vibration. Once you feel the vibration, keep the
throttle and speed steady and press the cruise control Cancel button once to trigger the snapshot.
3. Save the snapshot.
4. Repeat steps 1 through 3 a second time before going to step 5.
5. Continue driving to create the vibration again. Once you feel the vibration, press the cruise control Cancel button
again to trigger the snapshot, then lift off the throttle for 2 seconds, and then resume the throttle.
•
•

If the vibration does not go away, this bulletin does not apply. Continue with normal troubleshooting.
If the vibration goes away, continue to Results.

Results
To review the snap shots, select the following signals:
• Valve Pause
• Engine RPM
• Main Shaft
• Vehicle Speed
Set the cylinder (scale to 10).
NOTE: Setting the scaling parameters to the lowest levels will make interpreting the data easier.
This bulletin does not apply if any of the following occurred; continue with normal troubleshooting:
• The customer indicated the vibration occurred under braking or hard acceleration.
• The engine is not in valve pause when the vibration occurs.
• The snapshots 1 and 2 indicate fluctuations in the main shaft but the engine speed is steady – review the job
aid Torque Converter Clutch Shudder and Vibration.

Page 4 of 8

Do REPAIR PROCEDURE A (2WD) if:
• The vibration occurred between 30 and 65 mph; review the snapshots 1 and 2 to see if the snapshot shows the
engine in valve pause and the main shaft and rpms are steady at the time of the vibration. Also check snapshot
3 to confirm that the engine was in valve pause once the vibration occurred and went away when you released
the throttle.
• The vibration occurred between 30 and 65 mph; the vibration occurred during light or constant throttle.
Do REPAIR PROCEDURE B (4WD) if:
• The vibration occurred between 30 and 65 mph; review the snapshots 1 and 2 to see if the snapshot shows the
engine in valve pause and the main shaft and rpms are steady at the time of the vibration. Also check snapshot
3 to confirm that the engine was in valve pause once the vibration occurred and went away when you released
the throttle.
• The vibration occurred between 30 and 65 mph; the vibration occurred during light or constant throttle.
Do REPAIR PROCEDURE C (4WD) if:
• The customer indicated that the vibration occurs when the temperature was 32 ºF or colder, you will need to
replace the propeller shaft.
REPAIR PROCEDURE A (2WD)
Update the PGM-FI and the A/T software. Refer to Service Bulletin 01-023, Updating Control Units/Modules.
REPAIR PROCEDURE B (4WD)
Update the PGM-FI or the A/T software. Refer to Service Bulletin 01-023, Updating Control Units/Modules.
• If your inspection results indicated to replace the propeller shaft, go to REPAIR PROCEDURE C.
• If your inspection results did not indicate replacing the propeller shaft, the vehicle is repaired.
REPAIR PROCEDURE C (4WD)
NOTE: Make sure you update the A/T and PGM-FI software or check that the software has been updated before
replacing the propeller shaft.
1. Raise and support the vehicle.
2. Check that the propeller shaft has not already been replaced. Check if there is a purple mark on the center support
bearing as shown below.
•
•

If there is a purple mark on the center support bearing, the propeller shaft has already been replaced with a new
part. Do not replace the propeller shaft again. If there is still a vibration, this bulletin does not apply. Continue
with normal troubleshooting.
If there is no purple mark, go to step 3.

Page 5 of 8

3. Remove the propeller shaft protector.

4. Remove the flange bolts from the transfer companion flange.

5. Remove the flange bolts from the rear differential flange.

Page 6 of 8

6. Remove the center support bearing mounting bolts.

7. Install the new propeller shaft by aligning the factory reference marks on the No. 2 propeller shaft to the rear
differential companion flange as shown below. Then install new flange bolts and torque them to 72 N·m (53 lb-ft).

Page 7 of 8

8. Install the new center support bearing mounting bolts and torque them to 39 N·m (29 lb-ft).

9. Set the No. 1 propeller shaft to the transfer companion flange. Then install new flange bolts and torque them to
72 N·m (53 lb-ft).

10. Reinstall the propeller shaft protector.

END
Page 8 of 8