Service Bulletin
April 1, 2020

20-015
Version 2

9-Speed A/T Hard Upshift with Steady Acceleration
Supersedes 20-015, dated March 10, 2020, to revise the information highlighted in yellow.
AFFECTED VEHICLES
Year

Model

Trim

VIN Range

2019

MDX

ALL

ALL

REVISION SUMMARY
Due to a running change at the start of production for model year 2019 MDX, the MIL coming on with DTC P0716 does
not apply and was removed throughout this service bulletin.
SYMPTOM
The transmission has intermittent harsh or jerky upshifts with steady acceleration.
POSSIBLE CAUSES
There are abnormal TCM adaptation values in the TCM software.
NOTE
Make sure the vehicle has at least 500 miles on the odometer because it takes that long for the TCM to adapt to the
client's driving pattern.
CORRECTIVE ACTION
Update the TCM.
NOTES
•

This software update repairs intermittent harsh or jerky shifts with steady acceleration. For any other symptoms,
continue with normal system troubleshooting.

•

Have the service manager or service consultant explain to the client that after the TCM update, it will take about 500
miles for the TCM to adapt to the client's driving pattern.

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.
©

2020 American Honda Motor Co., Inc. — All Rights Reserved

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WARRANTY CLAIM INFORMATION
The normal warranty applies.
Operation
Number

Description

Flat Rate
Time

Defect
Code

Symptom
Code

Template
ID

Failed Part Number

1255D0

Update the TCM
software.

0.2 hr

03214

03217

B20015A

28101-5DH-A40

Skill Level: Repair Technician
SOFTWARE INFORMATION
NOTE
Unnecessary or incorrect repairs resulting from a failure to update the diagnostic and reprogramming software are not
covered under warranty.
Before beginning the repair, make sure all diagnostic and reprogramming software are updated as listed.
i-HDS Software Version

1.005.048 or later

HDS Software Version

3.103.048 or later

J2534 Rewrite Software Information
PC Application Version

1.2.1.1 or later

Database Update

18-MAR-2020 or later

Notice DB Version

18-MAR-2020 or later

Update only the systems and software listed in this service bulletin.
Do not use the MongoosePRO VCI for this service bulletin as it is not an American Honda-approved device.
For more information about updating vehicle systems, refer to service bulletin 01-026, Updating Control Units/Modules.
Year/Model

Vehicle System

Program ID (or later)

2019 MDX 2WD

TCM

28101-5LX-A400

2019 MDX AWD

TCM

28101-5DH-A400

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REPAIR PROCEDURE
NOTES
•

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.

•

Do not use the GR8 because the vehicle requires a steady electrical current.

•

Control module failure caused by the improper completion of a software update (early key cycle, low battery voltage,
disconnected DLC cable, etc.) is not covered by warranty.

•

If an error occurs during the update or the i-HDS freezes, do not disconnect the battery or turn the ignition to
OFF. Reboot the i-HDS, and start over.

•

To prevent control unit damage, do not operate anything electrical (headlights, audio system, brakes, A/C, power
windows, door locks, etc.) during the update.

•

Warranty reimbursement for technician labor is not allowed for routine checking/installation of any available
software update.

1. Verify the client concerns for the intermittent harsh or jerky upshift with steady acceleration.
NOTE
This service bulletin does not apply to vehicles with a hard downshift or hard upshift using the paddle shifters or
vehicles with under 500 miles on the odometer, Follow normal system troubleshooting.
2. Update the TCM software using the J2534 Rewrite software with the DST-i. Refer to service bulletin 01-026,
Updating Control Units/Modules.
NOTE
Have the service manager or service consultant explain to the client that after the TCM update, it will take about 500
miles for the TCM to adapt to the client's driving pattern.
END

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