Service Bulletin
February 24, 2018

17-052
Version 1

2012-13 Odyssey: Judder from the Torque Converter Lock-Up Clutch
(Snapshot Required)
AFFECTED VEHICLES
Year

Model

Trim

VIN Range

2012

Odyssey

Touring, Touring Elite

5FNRL5H...CB054365 thru 5FNRL5H...CB148157

2013

Odyssey

Touring, Touring Elite

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 this and found that the torque converter is
not causing the judder and the transmission is not damaged by it.
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:
•

17-052, 2012–13 Odyssey: 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.

•

18-017, 2012–13 Odyssey: 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
There are two types of PCM's in the 2012-13 Odyssey (Keihin and Continental). The corrective action will be based on
which PCM is in the vehicle. Check the program P/N in the Transmission Data List
If the program P/N starts with 37805 it is a Continental PCM, the software is not available for the Continental PCM at
this time. Go to the VERIFICATION PROCEDURE.
If the program P/N starts with 37806 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 PGM-FI or A/T
system, then go to REPAIR PROCEDURE.

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

Page 1 of 7

PARTS INFORMATION
Part Name

Part Number

Quantity

Drain Plug Washer (18 mm)

90471-PX4-000

1

ATF Fill Sealing Washer (24 mm)

11107-PWA-300

1

REQUIRED MATERIALS
Part Name

Part Number

Quantity

Honda ATF DW-1

08200-9008

10

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

Description

Flat Rate Time Defect Code

1255E4

Update the A/T 0.2 hr
software. (with
Keihin PCM
only)

A

Flush the ATF.

1.4 hrs

2181BP

Flush the ATF.
(with
Continental
PCM only)

1.4 hrs

Symptom
Code

Template ID Failed Part
Number

03214

03217

A17052A

37806-RV0-5050

01102

03505

A17052B

37806-RV0-5050

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 1.004.012 or later
J2534 Software Information:
•

PC Application Version 1.1.0.5 or later

•

Database update 22-DEC-2017 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
DST-i interface in conjunction with the J2534 Rewrite PC application on the i-HDS.
For more information about updating the i-HDS, MVCI or DST-i, and vehicle systems, refer to Service Bulletin 01-023,
Updating Control Units/Modules.
Trim

Software System

Program ID (or later)

Program P/N (or later)

2012-13

Touring, Touring Elite (with
Keihin PCM only)

V05050

37806-RV0-5050

Page 2 of 7

INSPECTION PROCEDURE
1. Connect the i-HDS, and go to the A/T Data List. Check the program P/N.
•

If the software program P/N starts with 37805, 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 37806, it is a Keihin PCM. Check if the PCM has been updated by
comparing the program P/N against the table below.

•

If the program P/N (or later) is listed below, the vehicle has been updated. Go to Service Bulletin 18-017, 2012–
13 Odyssey: Judder from the Torque Converter Lock-Up Clutch After Software Update.
37806-RV0-5050

•

If the program P/N is not the same as above or higher, the vehicle has not been updated. Go to step 2.

2. Take an automatic transmission snapshot, and forward it to Tech Line using the RO number. To ensure you
are getting the correct data, compare your snapshot to the one in 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 system 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.

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 snapshot does not indicate a judder, this bulletin does not apply. Continue with normal system 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.

•

If the snap shot indicates there is a torque converter judder, go to the ATF FLUSH PROCEDURE.

REPAIR PROCEDURE
NOTE
•

You cannot update the vehicle using the MVCI as a standalone tool.
Page 3 of 7

•

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.

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

1. Update the A/T software by selecting the i-HDS Diagnostic System icon. Refer to Service Bulletin 01-023,
Updating Control Units/ Modules.
NOTE
Do not use Rewrite icon on your desktop.

2. Select J2534 Rewrite.

Page 4 of 7

3. Confirm the software is the same or later as listed in SOFTWARE INFORMATION, then select Start.

4. Enter the bulletin number 17-052.
5. Select Start, then follow the screen prompts.

NOTES
•

If you receive a message that the vehicle has been already updated or that no update is available, check the
transmission Data List. The header should indicate one of the following numbers (or later).
37806-RV0-5050
Page 5 of 7

•

If the program part number does not match the one listed above, the i-HDS software needs to be reinstalled.
Contact the Special Tools Hotline at 800-346-6327 for assistance.

6. Go to the ATF FLUSH PROCEDURE.
ATF FLUSH 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 3.6 US qts (3.4 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 4th gear and the torque converter is locking up.
15. Apply the brakes to stop the front wheels.
16. Shift to Reverse, then to 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 it to 49 N·m (36 lb-ft).
22. Fill the transmission with 3.6 US qts (3.4 L) of ATF-DW1.
NOTE
The automatic fluid capacity is 3.6 US qts (3.4 L) 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.

Page 6 of 7

25. If the Maintenance Minder™ did not indicate the ATF needed replacement, reset it 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, reset the maintenance minder with the multi-information display.
END

Page 7 of 7