Service Bulletin

15-040

September 11, 2020

Version 8

Firm 2nd to 3rd Gear Upshifts Under Certain Driving Conditions
Supersedes 15-040, dated March 22, 2017, to revise the information highlighted in yellow
AFFECTED VEHICLES
Year

Model

Trim

VIN Range

2015

TLX

V6 2WD

19UUB2...FA000001 to 19UUB2…FA021489

2015

TLX

V6 SH-AWD®

19UUB3…FA000001 to 19UUB3…FA007728

REVISON SUMMARY
•
•

Under REPAIR PROCEDURE – UPDATE TCM, the Program ID was updated.
Under REPAIR PROCEDURE – REPLACE TRANSMISSION, information was revised and added.

BACKGROUND
Under very specific driving conditions the customer may notice the 2-3 upshift is more pronounced (firmer) than the
other shifts. The transmission is working properly and this does not indicate a problem. This is not a durability concern.
CORRECTIVE ACTION
To get optimal performance out of the transmission, update the TCM software, clear any DTCs, and do the PCM idle
learn procedure.
After the update has been done, if the client returns after driving the vehicle 500 miles and is still concerned about the
2-3 shift, go to REPAIR PROCEDURE; REPLACE TRANSMISSION.
NOTE
•
•
•
•

The transmission is constantly learning.
After the update, it is important for the transmission to learn and to adapt to the client’s driving habits. This process
can only be done by allowing the client to drive the vehicle for 500 miles.
Any repair done before the client has driven 500 miles after installing the software update is subject to
debit.
To verify the correct software has been installed and the PCM idle learn is complete before ordering a transmission,
send Tech Line a transmission snapshot when you feel the hard shift. Failure to provide a snapshot at the time of
the order review will cause the order to be denied and it will have to be resubmitted after the snapshot is sent.

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

Page 1 of 7

WARRANTY CLAIM INFORMATION
The normal warranty applies.
Operation
Number
2235A2
A

Operation
Number
218102
B
218102
B

Operation
Number

Description

Flat Rate
Time

Update the TCM software
and clear any DTCs.

0.2 hr

Do the PCM idle learn
procedure.

0.1 hr

Description

Flat Rate
Time

Base or Tech (2WD) –
Replace the transmission
and torque converter.

5.8 hrs

Alignment – add

0.4 hrs

Advance (2WD) – Replace
the transmission and
torque converter.

5.8 hrs

Alignment – add

0.4 hrs

Description

Flat Rate
Time

Base or Tech (SH-AWD) –
Replace the transmission
and torque converter.

5.8hrs

A

For SH-AWD - add

0.4 hr

B

Alignment – add

0.4 hrs

Advance (SH-AWD) –
Replace the transmission
and torque converter.

5.8 hrs

A

For SH-AWD – add

0.4 hr

B

Alignment – add

0.4 hrs

218102

218102

Defect
Code
03214

Defect
Code

Symptom
Code
03217

Symptom
Code

Template ID

15-040N

Template ID

Failed Part
Number
06280-5L9-A52

Failed Part
Number

03214

03217

15-040W

06227-5J4-000

03214

03217

15-040X

06227-5J4-000

Symptom
Code

Template ID

03214

03217

15-040Y

06227-5J4-000

03214

03217

15-040Z

06227-5J4-000

Defect
Code

Failed Part
Number

Skill Level: Repair Technician

Page 2 of 7

REPAIR PROCEDURE – UPDATE TCM
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

1.006.004 or later

HDS Software Version

3.104.002 or later

J2534 Rewrite Software Information
PC Application Version

1.2.1.1

Database Update

02-JUL-2020 or later

NoticeDB Version

02-JUL-2020 or later

Update only the systems and software listed in this service bulletin.
American Honda has validated and approved the Denso DST-I as the vehicle communication interface (VCI) to
support this service bulletin.
For more information about updating vehicle systems, refer to service bulletin 01-026, Updating Control Units/Modules.
Year/Model

Trim

Program ID (or later)

2015 TLX

2WD Base/Tech

28103-5J4-3150

2015 TLX

2WD Advance

28103-5J4-3160

2015 TLX

SH-AWD Base/Tech

28103-5L9-3150

2015 TLX

SH-AWD Advance

28103-5L9-3160

1. Update the TCM software. Refer to S/B 01-026, Updating Control Units/Modules.
NOTE
•
•

On vehicles equipped with auto idle stop, the MVCI may indicate error code 56 during the update. If you see
the error code, open the hood, disable auto idle stop using the switch in the center console area, and retry the
update again leaving the hood open.
After completing the software update, check the Idle Learning signal in the PGM-FI Data List. If it reads NOT
COMPLETE, check the Target Idle Torque Correction Learning value. If it reads 65 N·m (47.9 lb-ft), you
need to update the PCM. Refer to S/B15-038, Hesitation, Surge, High Idle, or Auto Idle Stop Does Not Work,
for software update information. If the value reads 12 N·m (8.8 lb-ft), complete the idle learn according to the
service information.

2. Clear any stored DTCs with the i-HDS.
3. Do the PCM idle learn procedure:
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•
•
•
•