Product Update: Pcm Update For Lock-Up Clutch Function (09-037)

Publication date: 2011-10-12
Reference number: 09-037

PRODUCT UPDATE: PCM UPDATE FOR LOCK-UP CLUTCH FUNCTION

SERVICE CAMPAIGN BULLETIN

Reference Number(s): 09-037, Date of Issue: October 12, 2011

ACURA:	2005-2006 MDX
CATEGORY:	Transxle
APPLIES TO:	All

Superceded Bulletin(s): 09-037, Date of Issue: July 15, 2011

NOTE: Supersedes 09-037, dated July 15, 2011

REVISION SUMMARY

Under WARRANTY CLAIM INFORMATION, the flat rate time was changed.

BACKGROUND

A judder from the torque converter lock-up clutch may be felt while driving between 20-45 mph. To minimize the opportunity for the judder to occur, a software update for the transmission is available.

If judder occurs sometime in the future, after the PCM A/T software is updated, the torque converter may need to be replaced.

CLIENT NOTIFICATION

NOTE: For the December 14, 2009 version of this service bulletin, only 2,100 notifications were sent to clients in four southeastern states as part of a limited campaign. Vehicles repaired according to the December 14, 2009 version of this service bulletin still need the latest PCM A/T software installed.

All owners of potentially affected vehicles will be sent a notification of this product update.

Not all vehicles within the affected VIN range have lock-up clutch judder. To verify vehicle eligibility, check for at least one of these items:

The client has a notification letter.
The vehicle is shown as eligible on a VIN status inquiry.

In addition, check for a punch mark above the third character of the engine compartment VIN. A punch mark in that location means this product update has already been completed.

Some of the vehicles affected by this product update may be in your used vehicle inventory. These vehicles must be updated before they are sold. To see if a vehicle is affected by this campaign, do a VIN status inquiry before selling it or returning it to a service client.

Should an unrepaired vehicle that was in inventory, or that came in for service after this service bulletin was issued, cause an injury or property damage because of the campaigned item, the dealership will be solely responsible to the damaged party, and will be required to defend and indemnify American Honda for any resulting claims.

CORRECTIVE ACTION

Update the PCM A/T software.

SOFTWARE INFORMATION

HDS Software Version:

2.023.009 (October 2010) (red) or later.

Control Module (CM) Update:

Database Update 17-SEP-2010 or later.

NOTE: To avoid an incorrect repair that would not be covered under warranty, use the software version listed above or a later version.

The updated PGM-FI software program IDs and P/Ns are shown below. If the HDS or MVCI is loaded with the latest software, and it displays No Update Needed during the update, the software for this service bulletin is already installed.

SOFTWARE INFORMATION

Year/Model	Program ID (or later)	Program P/N (or later)
2005 MDX	DJ3290	37805-RDJ-329
2006 MDX	DJA790	37805-RDJ-A79

WARRANTY CLAIM INFORMATION

NOTE: This product update ends on November 12, 2013. After that, any applicable warranty will apply.

Operation Number: 1255A9

Flat Rate Time: 0.3 hour

Failed Part: P/N 37820-RDJ-A76

Defect Code: 5MZ00

Symptom Code: R3800

Skill Level: Repair Technician

REPAIR PROCEDURE

Update the PCM A/T software. Refer to Service Bulletin 01-026 , Updating Control Units/Modules .
Center-punch a completion mark above the third character of the engine compartment VIN.

EXAMPLE OF CLIENT LETTER

November, 2010

Product Update: Important Transmission Software Update for Your Acura

Dear MDX Owner:

This letter is to inform you of the need to have an Acura dealer update the software that controls the transmission in your vehicle. This update will help your transmission operate properly, helping to assure longer life.

You may have received a similar letter from us in December 2009 that also required a transmission software update. Even if you have already had that repair performed, this update is still necessary, as it includes the previous changes and additional reprogramming.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you, but the update is important for your MDX. The purpose of this software change is to reduce a condition called "transmission judder" or vibration that may occur while driving between 20 and 45 mph. Even if you have not noticed transmission judder in your vehicle, this software update may help prevent it from occurring later in the life of your vehicle. This can help prevent your transmission from being damaged.

What is the problem?

A transmission judder (vibration) may sometimes be felt while driving between 20-45 mph. To minimize the opportunity for judder to occur, a software update for the transmission is available. If you do not feel the transmission judder, the software update may help to prevent it from occurring. If the transmission software is not updated, the transmission may become damaged.

What should you do?

Contact any authorized Acura dealer to schedule an appointment. If you need help locating your local dealer, go to www.acura.com or call Acura Client Relations at 800-382-2238. The dealer will update the automatic transmission software free of charge. Please plan to leave your vehicle at the dealer for half a day to allow some flexibility in scheduling. If you cannot leave your vehicle for half a day, please contact the dealer to discuss other options.

What to do if you feel this notice is in error

Our records show that you are the current owner or lessee of a 2005 or 2006 MDX involved in this product update. If this is not the case, or the name/address information is not correct, please fill out and return the enclosed, postage-paid Information Change Card. We will then update our records.

This product update ends on November 12, 2013.

After that, any applicable warranty will apply.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. Our goal is to ensure that your vehicle continues to be as reliable and enjoyable as possible.

Sincerely,

American Honda Motor Co., Inc.

Acura Automobile Division