Service Bulletin
February 27, 2018

17-018
08338 Version 2

2013–17 Accord: Judder from the Torque Converter Lock-Up Clutch
After Software Update (Snapshot Upload Required)
Supersedes 17-018, 2013–17 Accord: Judder from the Torque Converter Lock-Up Clutch After Software Update,
dated March 4, 2017, to revise the title.
AFFECTED VEHICLES
Year
Model
2013–17

Accord

Trim

VIN Range

V6, 6AT

ALL

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:
• 17-017 - 2013–17 Accord: 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.
• 17-018 - 2013–17 Accord: 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.
CORRECTIVE ACTION
Do the INSPECTION PROCEDURE, and check if the software has been updated. If the software is updated, take an
automatic transmission snapshot, review the data and confirm that the judder is coming from the torque converter.
Then, forward the snap shot to Tech Line. If the snapshot indicates the judder is coming from the torque converter, flush
the transmission three times as indicated in the REPAIR PROCEDURE.
PARTS INFORMATION
Part Name

Part Number

Quantity

Drain Plug Washer (18 mm)

90471-PX4-000

1

ATF Fill Sealing Washer (24 mm)

90441-PK4-000

1

Part Number

Quantity

08200-9008

10

REQUIRED MATERIALS
Part Name
Honda ATF DW-1

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.

© 2018 American Honda Motor Co., Inc. – All Rights Reserved

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

2180A5

Description
Flush the ATF three
times. Includes the test
drives.

Flat
Rate
Time
1.4 hrs

Defect
Code

Symptom
Code

Template
ID

Failed Part Number

01102

03505

17-018A

37805-5G0-A160

INSPECTION PROCEDURE
1. 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.

•

•

If the program P/N is listed below (or later), the vehicle has been updated. Go to step 2.
37805-5G0-A590

37805-5G0-A690

37805-5G1-L560

37805-5G1-L650

37805-5G0-A780

37805-5G1-L750

37805-5G0-A160

37805-5G0-A260

37805-5G0-A360

37805-5G1-L150

37805-5G1-L250

37805-5G1-L350

37805-5G0-A050

37805-5G0-A450

37805-5G0-A860

37805-5G0-A950

37805-5G1-L050

37805-5G1-L450

37805-5G1-L850

37805-5G1-L950

If the program P/N is not listed, the vehicle has not been updated. Go to service bulletin 17-017 2013–17
Accord: Judder from the Torque Converter Lock-Up Clutch After Software Update.

2. 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 snapshot indicates there is a judder, 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 debited.

Page 2 of 3

REPAIR PROCEDURE
NOTE: The term “flushing” refers to repeatedly draining and filling the transmission with Honda Genuine
ATF-DW1. Other aftermarket flush systems are available, but American Honda strongly recommends that you
avoid using them on any Honda vehicles.
1. Start the engine. Hold the engine speed at 3,000 rpm without load (in Park or Neutral) until the radiator fan comes
on, then let it idle.
2. Position the vehicle on a lift and turn off the engine.
3. Remove the ATF filler bolt and sealing washer.
4. Raise the vehicle and make sure it is securely supported.
5. Remove the drain plug and drain the ATF.
6. Install the drain plug and original washer and torque it to 49 N.m (36 lb-ft).
7. Lower the vehicle and fill the transmission with 3.3 US qts (3.1 L) of ATF-DW1 through the filler hole.
NOTE: Do not use non-Honda ATF because it can affect shift quality.
8. Install the ATF filler bolt and original sealing washer and torque it to 44 N.m (32 lb-ft).
9. Check that the fluid is filled to the proper level.
10. Raise the vehicle and make sure it is securely supported.
11. Start the engine.
12. Press the VSA Off button.
13. Press the brake pedal and shift to Drive.
14. Release the brake pedal. Press the accelerator pedal and bring the speedometer up to 50 mph. Make sure the
transmission shifts through the first three lower gears and into fourth gear and the torque converter is locking up.
15. Apply the brakes to stop the front wheels.
16. Shift to Reverse, then Neutral.
17. Repeat the shifting procedure (steps 13 through 16) four more times.
18. Turn off the engine.
19. Repeat the above drain, fill, and shifting procedure (steps 3 through 18) one more time.
20. After the second refill and drive cycle, drain the transmission.
21. Install the drain bolt with a new washer and torque to 49 N.m (36 lb-ft).
22. Fill the transmission with 3.3 US qts (3.1 L) of ATF-DW1.
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity
3.3 US qts (3.1 L) at change
NOTE: Do not use non-Honda ATF because it can affect shift quality.
23. Install the ATF filler bolt with a new sealing washer and torque the bolt to 44 N.m (32 lb-ft).
24. Confirm the judder is gone and clear any DTCs that were set while driving on the lift.
25. If the Maintenance Minder did not indicate the ATF needed replacement, reset the Maintenance Minder with the
i-HDS. For more information about resetting individual maintenance items, refer to the service information. If the
Maintenance Minder indicated the ATF needed replacement and a full service was done, reset the maintenance
minder with the multi-information display.

END

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