Service Bulletin
February 27, 2018

16-066
08346 Version 3

2012 RL, 2014–17 RLX: Judder from the Torque Converter Lock-Up
Clutch After Software Update (Snapshot Upload Required)
Supersedes 16-066, 2012 RL, 2014–17 RLX: Judder from the Torque Converter Lock-Up Clutch After Software
Update, dated March 24, 2017, to revise the information highlighted in yellow
AFFECTED VEHICLES
Year
Model

Trim

VIN Range

2012

RL

ALL

ALL

2014–17

RLX

ALL except Hybrid

ALL

REVISION SUMMARY
Added additional information under Corrective action.
BACKGROUND
After the software update, some vehicles based on how they are driven (extreme conditions) may still experience ATF
deterioration after updating the PGM-FI system and the shudder may return. The problem is typically diagnosed as a
bad torque converter (TC). There is no damage to the TC, but because the ATF has deteriorated, it needs to be
changed even though the ATF Service Due message has not appeared. Make sure the software is updated by referring
to the INSPECTION PROCEDURE.
There are two bulletins referring to this subject:
• 16-065 – 2012 RL, 2014–17 RLX: 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.
• 16-066 – 2012 RL, 2014–17 RLX: 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 software.
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.
Send the snapshot to Tech Line. If the snapshot indicates the judder is coming from the torque converter, flush the
transmission 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 Name

Part Number

Quantity

Acura ATF DW-1

08200-9008A

10

REQUIRED MATERIALS

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.

© 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 (includes
test drive).

Flat
Rate
Time
1.4 hrs

Defect
Code

Symptom
Code

01102

03505

Template
ID
16-066N

Failed Part Number

37805-R9P-A590

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 software has been updated. Go to step 2.
37806-RKG-A760

37806-RKG-A960

37805-R9P-A590

37805-R9P-A730

37805-R9P-A830

37805-R9P-A920

37805-R9P-A690

If the program P/N is not listed, the software has not been updated. Go to Service Bulletin 16-065,
2012 RL, 2014–17 RLX: 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.
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.

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REPAIR PROCEDURE
NOTE: The term “flushing” refers to repeatedly draining and filling the transmission with Acura Genuine
ATF-DW1. Other aftermarket flush systems are available, but American Honda strongly recommends that you
avoid using them on any Acura 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-Acura 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 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
AWD: 3.3 US qts (3.1 L) at change
2WD: 3.3 US qts (3.1 L) at change
NOTE: Do not use non-Acura 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. Clear any DTCs that were set while driving on the lift and confirm the judder is gone.
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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