Service Bulletin
September 28, 2018

16-063
Version 4

2012–15 MDX: Judder from the Torque Converter Lock-Up Clutch After
Software Update (Snapshot Upload Required)
Supersedes 16-063, dated March 09, 2018, to revise the information highlighted in yellow
AFFECTED VEHICLES
Year

Model

Trim

VIN Range

2012

MDX

ALL

2HNYD2H…CH513517 thru 2HNYD2H…CH550713

2013

MDX

ALL

ALL

2014-15

MDX

ALL

ALL

REVISION SUMMARY
Added Continental PCM Program ID information under Inspection Procedure.
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 or A/T 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 vehicle is updated by referring
to the INSPECTION PROCEDURE.
If the vehicle has not been updated, do16-062,2012-15 MDX: Judder from the Torque Converter Lock-Up Clutch. Do
this bulletin first to apply the software and then flush the transmission as indicated in the REPAIR
PROCEDURE.
If the vehicle has been updated, refer to the INSPECTION PROCEDURE because the fluid may need to be flushed
again.
CORRECTIVE ACTION
Do the INSPECTION PROCEDURE and check if the software has been updated. If the software is updated, take an
automatic transmission snapshot and review the data and confirm that the judder is coming from the torque converter.
Send the snapshot to Tech Line. If the snapshot does not indicate the judder is coming from the torque converter, this
service bulletin does not apply. If the snapshot indicates the judder is coming from the torque converter flush the
transmission as indicated in the REPAIR PROCEDURE.

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

Page 1 of 4

PARTS INFORMATION
Part Name

Part Number

Quantity

Drain Plug Washer (18 mm)

90471-PX4-000

1

ATF Fill Plug Sealing Washer

11107-PWA-300

1

Part Name

Part Number

Quantity

Acura ATF DW-1

08200-9008A

10

PARTS INFORMATION

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 (includes
test drive).

1.4 hrs

01102

03505

16-063N

37805-5J6-3050

Skill Level: Repair Technician
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.
Program P/N (or later)
37806-RYE-3080
37806-RYE-3090
37805-5J6-3050
37805-5J6-3060
37805-5J6-3070
Page 2 of 4

Program P/N (or later)
37805-5J6-3080
37805-RYE-4070
37805-RYE-4080
•

If the program P/N is not listed, the vehicle has not been updated. Go to Service Bulletin 16-062, 2012-15 MDX:
Judder from the Torque Converter Lock-Up Clutch (Snapshot Required).

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 subject to debit.

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 fourth gear and the torque converter is locking up.
15. Apply the brakes to stop the front wheels.
16. Shift to Reverse, then Neutral.
Page 3 of 4

17. Repeat the shifting procedure (steps 12 through 15) four more times.
18. Turn off the engine.
19. Repeat the above drain, fill, and shifting procedure (steps 2 through 17) 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 3.3 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. 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
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

Page 4 of 4