Service Bulletin

16-025

October 4, 2017

07444 Version 4

Steering Wheel Noise When Driving
Supersedes 16-025, dated October 20, 2016, to revise the information highlighted in yellow.
AFFECTED VEHICLES
Year

Model

Trim

VIN range

2016

RDX

ALL

ALL

2017

RDX

2WD

5J8TB3…HL000001 to 5J8TB3…HL003353

2017

RDX

AWD

5J8TB4…HL000001 to 5J8TB4…HL005430

2016

ILX

ALL

ALL

2017

ILX

ALL

19UDE2…HA000001 to 19UDE2…HA001454

REVISION SUMMARY
Under CORRECTIVE ACTION and DIAGNOSIS, a note was added.
SYMPTOM
There is a creaking, rattling, buzzing, clicking, or rubbing noise coming from the driver’s airbag area of the steering
wheel when turning or driving.
POSSIBLE CAUSE
The driver’s airbag rib, located below the surface of the cover, contacts the leather wrap on the steering wheel spokes
at the 3 and 9 o’clock positions.
CORRECTIVE ACTION
Trim the leather wrap on the steering wheel in the affected areas.
NOTE: Do not do this repair on vehicles that are not included in the VIN range. You may damage the steering
wheel leather, and your claim may be debited. You may not notice the damage immediately, but the vehicle will likely
come back. For vehicles outside the VIN range, follow normal diagnosis and repair procedures.
PARTS INFORMATION
Part Name

Part Number

Quantity

Hex Bolt (6 mm x 23 mm)

90134-S6A-A80

2

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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WARRANTY CLAIM INFORMATION
The normal warranty applies.
Operation
Number

Description

Flat Rate
Time

Defect
Code

Symptom
Code

Template
ID

Failed Part
Number

510135

Trim leather from steering wheel.

0.5 hr

06201

04201

16-025N

78501-TX6-A81ZA

Skill Level:

Repair Technician

DIAGNOSIS
Drive the vehicle to confirm the source of the noise. Insert a business card or your finger, between the steering wheel
spoke and airbag module on the side making the noise.
•

If the noise stops or changes, continue to REPAIR PROCEDURE.

•

If the noise does not change, this bulletin does not apply. Continue with normal troubleshooting.

•

NOTE: Do not do this repair on vehicles that are not included in the VIN range. You may damage the
steering wheel leather, and your claim may be debited. You may not notice the damage immediately, but the
vehicle will likely come back. For vehicles outside the VIN range, follow normal diagnosis and repair
procedures.

Page 2 of 6

REPAIR PROCEDURE
1. Disconnect the negative cable from the battery. Refer to the battery terminal disconnection procedure in the service
information. Then, wait at least 3 minutes before starting work.
2. Remove the access panel.

3. Disconnect the driver's airbag inflator connector on the cable reel harness.Disconnect the horn switch
connector.Remove the T30 Torx bolts, then remove the driver's airbag module.
NOTE: Make sure the terminal tab on the horn switch connector is still attached to the airbag side (as shown) when
removing the driver’s airbag module.

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4. Using a silver Sharpie pen or equivalent, scribe marks along the bottom edge of the leather fabric at 30 mm,
50 mm, and 65 mm as shown. Do this on both the right and left side spokes.

5. Measure 6 mm from the top edge of the spoke down towards the bottom of the leather material, and scribe marks at
30 mm, 50 mm, and 65 mm. Do this on both the right and left side spokes.

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6. Connect the marks to draw a rectangle. Do this on both the right and left side spokes.

7. Using a new flat razor blade, cut out the rectangle to remove the excess leather material from the steering wheel on
both the right and left side spokes.
NOTE: Once the cut section is removed, clean off any residual pen markings from the leather on the steering wheel.
If the proper amount of material is not removed, it can result in a comeback.

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8. Install the driver's airbag module with the new T30 Torx bolts. Torque bolts to 9.4 N·m (6.9 lb-ft).
NOTE: Make sure the clearance between the steering wheel and horn pad is the specified value.

9. Connect the driver's airbag inflator connector on the cable reel harness.
10. Connect the horn switch connector.
NOTE: After connecting the negative cable to the battery, make sure the horn works properly.
11. Install the access panel.
12. Connect the negative cable to the battery. Refer to the battery terminal reconnection procedure in the service
information.

END

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