Service Bulletin

13-078

December 20, 2018

Version 11

Warranty Extension: MIL Comes On with DTCs P0301 thru P0304
Supersedes 13-078, dated June 13, 2018, to revise the information highlighted in yellow.
AFFECTED VEHICLES
Year

Model

Trim

VIN Range

2008-12

Accord

ALL V6 A/T

Check the iN VIN status for eligibility.

REVISION SUMMARY
Under REPAIR PROCEDURE, a new tool is used to check any scratches in the cylinder bore.
CORRECTIVE ACTION
2008–11 Models: Complete the diagnosis procedure and if necessary, update the PCM software and replace the
affected spark plugs. If the vehicle returns after the updated PCM software and spark plug replacement have been
installed, clean pistons and replace the piston rings along with the spark plugs (Procedure B).
NOTE
Make sure the software update has been completed, spark plugs replaced (Procedure A), and the vehicle returned to
the customer before making any additional repairs. Failure to do so will result in claim review by your DPSM and
possible debit.
2012 Models: Complete the diagnosis procedure and if necessary, clean the pistons and replace the piston rings along
with the spark plugs (Procedure B).
BACKGROUND
American Honda is announcing a powertrain warranty extension as a result of a settlement of a class action captioned,
Soto et al.v. American Honda Motor Co., Inc., Case No. 3:12-cv-1377-SI (N.D. Cal.).
The piston rings on certain cylinders may rotate and align, which can lead to spark plug fouling. This can set DTCs
P0301 No. 1 cylinder misfire detected, P0302 No. 2 cylinder misfire detected, P0303 No. 3 cylinder misfire detected,
P0304 No. 4 cylinder misfire detected, and cause the MIL to come on.
American Honda is extending the powertrain warranty to cover repairs related to engine misfire (that triggers DTCs
P0301 through P0304) to 8 years with unlimited mileage from the original date of purchase and has settled a class
action based on this remedial measure.
This warranty extension does not apply to any vehicle that has ever been declared a total loss or sold for salvage by a
financial institution or insurer, or has a branded or similar title under any state’s law.
Additionally, the following videos are available to help with this bulletin:
•

Tech2Tech How to Clean Piston Ring Grooves

•

Tech2Tech Let's Talk Spring Compressors

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 34

•

Tech2Tech "Cylinder Wall Inspection Tool" (To be released January 2019)

CUSTOMER NOTIFICATION
Owners of affected vehicles were sent a class action settlement notice regarding this warranty extension starting in
October 2013.
Before doing work on a vehicle, verify its eligibility by doing an iN VIN status inquiry.
Refer customers seeking information about settlement benefits to www.enginemisfiresettlement.com, or instruct them to
call 888-888-3082.
DIAGNOSIS
1. Connect the HDS and check for the following DTCs: P0301 No. 1 Cylinder Misfire Detected, P0302 No. 2 Cylinder
Misfire Detected, P0303 No. 3 Cylinder Misfire Detected, P0304 No. 4 Cylinder Misfire Detected.
Are any of these DTCs stored?
YES – Go to step 2.
NO – Stop. This bulletin does not apply. Continue with normal troubleshooting.
2. Remove and check the spark plug(s) on the affected cylinders (example: if P0301 is stored, check the spark plug on
cylinder No. 1).
Are the spark plug(s) fouled?
YES – Proceed to Step 3.
NO – Stop. This bulletin does not apply. Continue with normal troubleshooting.

Page 2 of 34

3. Check the PCM software version P/N located above the PGM FI Data List.

Year/Model

Program ID (or later)

Program P/N (or later)

2008–09 Accord (KA-ULEV)

70A630

37805-R70-A63

2008–09 Accord (KL-SULEV-PZEV)

71L630

37805-R71-L63

2010 Accord (KA-ULEV)

70A750

37805-R70-A75

2011 Accord 2-Door (KA-ULEV)

70A830

37805-R70-A83

2011 Accord 4-Door (KA-ULEV)

84A530

37805-R84-A53

2012 Accord (ALL)

Software Updated from Factory

Is the PCM Program ID and/or Program P/N the same or newer than what is listed above, 2011 model years only?
NO– The PCM software needs to be updated. Go to REPAIR PROCEDURE A.
YES – The correct software is installed. The piston rings on select cylinders need to be replaced. Go to step 4.
NOTICE
The PCM software must first be updated with the correct version, replace spark plugs and the vehicle returned to
the customer. Piston cleaning and piston ring replacement, as described below, should only be done after the
customer has returned with a second failure or if the vehicle’s software is the correct version. Failure to follow this
process correctly may result in a full debit of the warranty claim to your dealer.

Page 3 of 34

4. Note which DTCs are stored in the vehicle.
Does the vehicle have DTC P0304 stored? (Any combination of DTCs P0301, P0302, P0303, P0304 may also be
stored.)
YES – Go to REPAIR PROCEDURE B for the cylinders listed, Cylinders 1–4: Clean the pistons, replace the piston
rings, and replace the spark plugs.
NO – Go to REPAIR PROCEDURE B for the cylinders listed below:
•

Cylinder 1–3: Clean the pistons and replace the piston rings.

•

Cylinder 1–4: Replace the spark plugs.

Page 4 of 34

WARRANTY CLAIM INFORMATION
2008–11 Models: Confirm PCM software is or has been updated with the correct version, spark plugs 1–4 have been
replaced and the vehicle returned to the customer (Procedure A). Piston cleaning and piston ring replacement should
only be done after the customer has returned with a second failure or if the vehicle’s software is the correct version
(Procedure B). Failure to follow this process correctly may result in a full debit of the warranty claim to your
dealer.
2012 Models: Are equipped with updated software from factory, no software updated is needed. Piston cleaning and
piston ring replacement along with spark plugs 1–4 should performed (Procedure B).
FLAT RATE NOTE: The procedure in this bulletin is different than the service manual. This procedure does not require
the complete removal of the power steering pump, catalytic converter(s), engine and transmission, or the crankshaft. As
a result, the operation number is unique and the FRT is reduced (Procedure B).
2008–10 Accord
Operation
Number

Description

1171G9

Flat Rate
Time

Defect
Code

Symptom
Code

Template
ID

Failed Part Number

2008–10 Accord (KA): 0.5 hr
Procedure A
Update the PCM and
replace spark plugs 1–4
(includes diagnosis).

5V500

JB600

13-078A

13011–R70–A02

1171G9

2008–10 Accord (KL): 0.5 hr
Procedure A
Update the PCM and
replace spark plugs 1–4
(includes diagnosis).

5V500

JB600

13-078B

13011–R70–A02

1171H0

2008–10 Accord:
Procedure B
Replace piston rings 1–
3 and replace spark
plugs 1–4 (includes
diagnosis).

6.2 hrs

5V500

JB600

13011–R70–A02

1171H0B

2008–10 Accord:
Add if replacing piston
rings on cylinder 4.

0.8 hr

5V500

JB600

13011–R70–A02

1171G9

2011 Accord:
0.5 hr
Procedure A
Update the PCM and
replace spark plugs 1–4
(includes diagnosis).

5V500

JB600

3-078C

1171H0

2011–12 Accord:
Procedure B
Replace piston rings 1–
3 and replace spark
plugs 1–4 (includes
diagnosis).

6.2 hrs

5V500

JB600

13011–5G0–A01

1171H0B

2011–12 Accord:
Add if replacing piston
rings on cylinder 4.

0.8 hr

5V500

JB600

13011–5G0–A01

2011–12 Accord
13011–5G0–A01

Page 5 of 34

Skill Level: Repair Technician
PARTS INFORMATION A – SOFTWARE UDPATE AND CYLINDERS 1–4 SPARK PLUG REPLACEMENT
Part Name

Part Number

Quantity

Spark Plugs (KA)

12290-R70-A01

4

Spark Plugs (KL)

12290-R71-L01

4

PARTS INFORMATION - PISTON CLEANING AND RING REPLACEMENT
Part Name

Part Number

Cyl 1-3

Cyl 1-4

Cyl. Gasket (Fr)

12251-R70-A01

Cyl. Gasket (Rr)

12261-R70-A01

1

1

Drain Washer 14 mm

94109-14000

1

1

EGR Pipe Gasket A

18716-R70-A01

1

1

EGR Pipe Gasket B

18719-R70-A01

1

1

Ex. Chamber Gasket

18115-R70-A01

1

2

Ex. Pipe Gasket

18212-SA7-003

2

2

Head Gasket Fr. (Valve Cover)

12030-R70-A00

Head Gasket Rr. (Valve Cover)

12050-R70-A00

1

1

In. Manifold Gasket (Intake Top Cover)

17146-R70-A01

1

1

In. Manifold Gasket (In. Manifold to Base)

17105-RCJ-A01

1

1

Oil Filter

15400-PLM-A02

1

1

O-ring (7.47 mm x 3.6 mm)

91301-PLC-000

2

2

O-ring (31.2 mm x 4.1 mm)

91314-PH7-003

2

2

Piston Ring Set

13011-R70-A12

3

4

Pre-chamber Gasket

18393-SDB-A00

1

1

Self-locking Nut (8 mm)

90212-RCA-A01

4

8

Self-locking Nut (10 mm)

90212–SA5-003

9

9

Spark Plug (KA)

12290-R70-A01

4

4

Spark Plug (KL)

12290-R71-L01

4

4

Strainer O-ring

15221-RYE-A01

1

1

Timing Belt Bolt

14551-RCA-A01

1

1

Water Gasket Fr.

19411-P8A-A03

1

1

1

1

Page 6 of 34

Part Name

Part Number

Cyl 1-3

Cyl 1-4

Water Gasket Rr.

19412–P8A-A02

1

1

Replace Parts as Needed for Repair Procedure B
Part Name

Part Number

Cyl 1-3

Cyl 1-4

Connecting Rod Bolt (may require up to 2