Service Bulletin
February 24, 2018

18-017
Version 1

2012-13 Odyssey: Judder from the Torque Converter Lock-Up Clutch
After Software Update (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
Do the INSPECTION PROCEDURE to determine if the software has not been updated. Refer to Service Bulletin
17-052, 2012-13 Odyssey: Judder from the Torque Converter Lock-Up Clutch. If the software has been updated, take an
automatic transmission snapshot, review the data and confirm that the judder is coming from the torque converter. Then,
forward the snapshot 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

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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Part Name

Part Number

Quantity

ATF Fill Washer (24 mm)

90441-PK4-000

1

Part Name

Part Number

Quantity

Honda ATF DW-1

08200-9008

11

REQUIRED MATERIALS

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

Description

Flat Rate Time Defect Code

Symptom
Code

Template ID Failed part
Number

2180A5

Flush the ATF
three times.
(includes testdrive)

1.4 hrs

03505

A18017A

01102

37806-RV0-5050

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.
37806-RV0-5050

•

If the program P/N is not listed, or if the program P/N starts with a 37805 the vehicle has not been updated. Go
to Service Bulletin 17-052, 2012-13 Odyssey: Judder from the Torque Converter Lock-Up Clutch.

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.

Page 2 of 4

•

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.

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 3.6 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 transmission fluid capacity 3.6 US qts (3.4 L) at change. 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).
Page 3 of 4

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 iHDS. 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 multiinformation display.
END

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