Service Bulletin

20-031

October 9, 2020

Version 3

Popping/Crackling from the Speakers; Display Blank
Supersedes 20-031, dated September 25, 2020, to revise the information highlighted in yellow.
AFFECTED VEHICLES
Year

Model

Trim Level

VIN Range

2019-20

RDX

ALL

ALL

REVISION SUMMARY
Under WARRANTY CLAIM INFORMATION, the flat rate time, template ID, and failed part number were updated.
SYMPTOM
There is a popping or crackling from the speakers, a blank display, or no sound from the audio system. You may also see a
Network Loss message.
POSSIBLE CAUSE
There is a loose connection in the MOST bus network.
CORRECTIVE ACTION
Install the FAKRA connector set.
PARTS INFORMATION
Part Name

Part Number

Quantity

Rear Pillar Trim Clip

91561-TA5-A11

1

FAKRA Connector Set

39817-TJB-AC0

3

Tool Name

Part Number

Quantity

Straight FAKRA Puller

07AAC-THRA200

1

TOOL INFORMATION

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
Operation
Number

Description

Flat Rate
Time

Defect
Code

Symptom
Code

Template
ID

Failed Part Number

0101Q0

Access the

1.4 hr

03214

03217

B20031B

39540-TJB-A01

infotainment, amplifier,
and tuner units, then
replace the affected
FAKRA connectors.
Skill Level: Repair Technician
INSPECTION PROCEDURE
1. Turn the ignition to ON, and on the touch pad, press and hold the Back, Home, and Cards List buttons at the same time.
Hold until the Dealer Diagnostics menu screen appears in the primary information area. You will hear a tone when you
release the buttons.

2. Using Touchpad A, select DETAIL INFORMATION & SETTING

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3. Scroll down the menu, and select SHUTDOWN REASON.

NOTE
In this example, the cause of the failure can be identified as Meter:SUDDEN_SIGNAL_OFF.

4. Write down any failures as they will be collected on the warranty claim. Then, clear the data.
REPAIR PROCEDURE
1. Remove the dash side panel and air vent.

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2. Remove the two screws.

3. Remove the lower trim, and disconnect the switch connectors and in-car temp sensor.

4. Remove the lower center cover to expose the infotainment unit.

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5. Remove the two tie down hooks on the passenger side, then remove the load floor strip.

6. Remove the cargo floor lid, cargo bin, then the rear trim panel.

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7. Remove the bolt from the rear seat cushion.

8. While pushing down on the rear seat cushion, pull the seat hook handles to release the hooks.
9. Pull back the seat cushion to pull the seat belt buckles from the slits in the seat cushion.
10. With rear seat heaters: Disconnect the connectors.

11. Remove the rear seat cushion.
12. Remove the lower trim.

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13. Remove the rear passenger seat hinge cover by lifting it up.

14. Remove the inner handle cap.

15. Pull back and remove the lower side trim panel.

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16. Remove the two screws.

17. Using a rubber mallet, apply a light blow to disengage the quarter pillar trim clip (a must-replace part). Then, remove the
quarter pillar trim. Once it is removed, install a new quarter pillar trim clip.

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18. With rear speaker: Disconnect the rear speaker from the upper quarter pillar trim.

19. Disconnect the red and green MOST connectors at the infotainment, stereo amplifier, and tuner units using the straight
FAKRA puller.
NOTE
To avoid mixing up the wires, remove only one FAKRA connector at a time.

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20. Using a small flat-tip screwdriver, remove the secondary lock, then break off the tab as shown.

21. Pull and twist counterclockwise to remove the housing from the wire. Then, discard the housing and lock.
22. Select the correct color FAKRA housing, then slide the new terminal onto the wire until it clicks into place.

23. Line up the locking tabs of the FAKRA housing to the new terminal, then slide the new terminal into the housing until it
clicks.

24. Repeat steps 20 thru 23 for the other connectors. Then, install the MOST connectors to the infotainment, amplifier and
tuner units.
25. Install all of the removed panels and trim pieces.
26. Test-drive the vehicle to confirm the repair.
END

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