SB-11-021

SB-10051922-5438
Service Bulletin
Applies To:
11-021
February 15, 2013
2009–11 TSX L4 with M/T – Check the iN VIN status for eligibility
Product Update: Software Update to Improve Fuel Injector and VTC Timing
(Supersedes 11-021, dated October 22, 2011, to revise the information marked by the black bars)
REVISION SUMMARY
Under REPAIR PROCEDURE, the phone number was
added for certificate ordering, and an example of the
certificate was added.
WARRANTY CLAIM INFORMATION
Operation Number: 1255A2
Flat Rate Time:
0.2 hour
Failed Part:
P/N 37820-RL5-A04
BACKGROUND
The fuel injector timing and VTC timing at cold start
may create deposits on the oil control rings that could
contribute to increased oil consumption.
Defect Code:
5NC00
Symptom Code:
R8800
Skill Level:
Repair Technician
CLIENT NOTIFICATION
All owners of affected vehicles will be sent a
notification of this product update. An example of the
client notification is included at the end of this service
bulletin.
SOFTWARE INFORMATION
NOTE: Unnecessary or incorrect repairs resulting from
a failure to update the HDS or MVCI are not covered
under warranty.
Do an iN VIN status inquiry to make sure the vehicle
is shown as eligible.
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 vehicles affected by this campaign may be in
your new or used vehicle inventory. Repair these
vehicles before they are sold.
Should a dealership sell an unrepaired vehicle that
subsequently causes injury or 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. To see if a vehicle in inventory is
affected by this campaign, do a VIN status inquiry
before selling it.
CORRECTIVE ACTION
Update the PGM-FI software.
MVCI Control Module (CM) Update: Application
Version 2.18.04 or later, Database Update:
4-JUL-2012 or later
HDS Software Version:
3.005.007 or later
Before beginning the repair, make sure that both
the HDS and MVCI are updated as listed above. Do
only the update listed in this service bulletin.
The MVCI automatically checks the vehicle’s
reprogrammable systems and, if an update is
available, displays that system on the System
Selection screen. Select the system that is indicated in
this service bulletin to update.
Check that the MVCI indicates the applicable program
ID listed below (or a later program ID) as the
Recommended Update when the update begins.
If the MVCI displays This vehicle does not need an
update at this time during the update, the software for
this service bulletin is already installed.
For more information about updating the HDS, the
MVCI, and vehicle systems, refer to Service Bulletin
01-026, Updating Control Units/Modules
 2013 American Honda Motor Co., Inc. – All Rights Reserved
Year/Model/Trans
Program ID
(or later)
Program P/N
(or later)
2009–10 TSX L4 with M/T
L5A120
37805-RL5-A12
2011 TSX L4 with M/T
L5A070
37805-RL5-A07
BTB 46778-49140-REV4 (1302)
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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.
REPAIR PROCEDURE
1. Update the PGM-FI software. Refer to Service
Bulletin 01-026, Updating Control Units/Modules.
2. Center-punch a completion mark above the third
character of the engine compartment VIN:
Center-punch here.
JH4XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
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3. For California Residents Only: Fill out a Vehicle
Emissions Recall - Proof of Correction certificate,
and use R88 as the campaign number. Give the
certificate to your client, and advise him or her to
keep it as proof that the product update was
completed. Your client will need to submit the
certificate to the DMV only if the DMV requests it.
If you need more certificates, contact Helm Inc. at
800-782-4356, and use reorder number Y0657.
11-021
Example of Client Letter
September 2011
Product Update: Software Update to Improve Fuel
Injector and VTC Timing
Dear TSX Owner:
This letter is to notify you of a potential problem with
your vehicle and what you should do to resolve it.
What is the problem?
On some 2009–2011 TSXs, the fuel injector timing and
VTC timing at cold start may create deposits on the oil
control rings that could contribute to increased oil
consumption.
What should you do?
Contact any authorized Acura dealer for an
appointment to have the software in your vehicle
updated. The dealer will update the electronic control
module (ECM) software. This work will be done free of
charge. Please plan to leave your vehicle at the dealer
for half a day to allow them flexibility in scheduling.
California Residents - After doing the update, your
dealer will give you a Proof of Correction certificate.
Keep this certificate for your records as proof that the
product update was completed. Submit the certificate
to the DMV only if the DMV requests it.
What to do if you feel this notice is in error
Our records show that you are the current owner or
lessee of a 2009–2011 TSX involved in this campaign.
If this is not the case, or the name/address information
is not correct, please complete, sign, and return the
enclosed, postage-paid Information Change Card. We
will then update our records.
Lessor Information
If this is a leased vehicle, and you are the lessor/
registered owner, please forward a copy of this notice
to the lessee.
If you have questions
If you have any questions about this notice, or need
assistance with locating an Acura dealer, please call
Acura Client Relations at 800-382-2238, and select
option 4.
We apologize for any inconvenience this campaign
may cause you.
Sincerely,
American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
Acura Automobile Division
11-021
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