A18-034

Service Bulletin
April 16, 2018
18-034
Version 1
Clicking from the Driver's Power Seat While Using the Height or Tilt
Adjustment
AFFECTED VEHICLES
Year
Model
Trim
VIN Range
2016-18
Pilot
EX, EX-L, Touring, Elite
ALL
2017-19
Ridgeline
RT-L, RTL-T, RTL-E, Black
Edition
ALL
SYMPTOM
When adjusting the driver's seat height or tilt, the power seat does not move or moves just a small amount and clicks
loudly during operation.
POSSIBLE CAUSES
The vertical transmission assembly (VTA) unit has a stripped internal gear.
CORRECTIVE ACTION
Replace the height adjust VTA unit and/or tilt adjust VTA unit.
CUSTOMER 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 Honda automobile dealer.
©
2018 American Honda Motor Co., Inc. — All Rights Reserved
Page 1 of 21
TOOL INFORMATION
Part Name
Tool Number
Quantity
Meshing Tool
07AAF-2GAA100
1
U-Joint Removal Tool - See note below before ordering.
OTC7248
1
Adapter G - See note below before ordering.
07XAF-001050B
1
NOTES
•
The U-Joint Removal Tool and Adapter G can be substituted with a commercially available 6-inch C-clamp with a 1inch foot.
•
The U-Joint Removal Tool is a required dealer tool. If you need another one, call the Honda Tool and Equipment
program at 888-424-6857.
PARTS INFORMATION
NOTE
The VTA unit is universal. The same unit is used for either tilt or height.
Part Name
Part Number
Quantity
VTA Unit (Tilt or Height) for driver's side with non-memory
seat (Includes grease and 3 nuts)
81603-T2F-A31
1
VTA Unit (Tilt or Height) for driver's side with memory seat
(Includes grease and 3 nuts)
81603-T2F-A51
1
Defect
Code
Symptom
Code
Template
ID
Failed Part Number
WARRANTY CLAIM INFORMATION
The normal warranty applies.
Operation
Number
Description
Flat Rate
Time
7491A5
Replace the height VTA 1.0 hrs
unit (non-memory seat).
01801
04202
A18034A
81603-T2F-A31
7491A3
Replace the tilt VTA unit 1.0 hrs
(non-memory seat).
01801
04202
A18034B
81603-T2F-A31
7491D8
Replace both VTA units
(non-memory seat).
1.1 hrs
01801
04202
A18034C
81603-T2F-A31
7491A5
Replace the height VTA
unit (memory seat).
1.0 hrs
01801
04202
A18034D
81603-T2F-A51
7491A3
Replace the tilt VTA unit 1.0 hrs
(memory seat).
01801
04202
A18034E
81603-T2F-A51
7491D8
Replace both VTA units
(memory seat).
01801
04202
A18034F
81603-T2F-A51
1.1 hrs
Skill Level: Repair Technician
Page 2 of 21
INSPECTION
NOTES
•
Before replacing a VTA unit, check which VTA unit is causing the noise and replace only the affected unit.
•
In most cases, only one VTA unit is damaged. It is rare to replace both.
Height Adjust VTA
Adjust the seat height. If you hear a loud clicking or ratcheting from the seat height VTA unit and the height adjustment
does not move very much, go to REPAIR PROCEDURE A (HEIGHT ADJUST VTA REPLACEMENT).
Tilt Adjust VTA
Adjust the seat tilt. If you hear a loud clicking or ratcheting from the seat tilt VTA unit and the tilt adjustment does not
move very much, go to REPAIR PROCEDURE B (TILT ADJUST VTA REPLACEMENT).
SETTING UP THE MESHING TOOL
1. Make sure the set screws are installed on the meshing tool. If they are not installed, install them without passing
through the inner cutout of the tool.
Page 3 of 21
2. Install the meshing tool onto the U-Joint Removal Tool (T/N OTC7248) or universal 6-inch C-clamp. Hand tighten
the set screws with a hex tool.
NOTE
If you are using a 6-inch C-clamp, the foot of the C-Clamp must be 1-inch in diameter for the meshing tool to fit
correctly.
3. If you are using the U-Joint Removal Tool (T/N OTC7248), install Adaptor G (T/N 07XAF-001050B).
Page 4 of 21
REPAIR PROCEDURE A (HEIGHT ADJUST VTA UNIT REPLACEMENT)
Be careful; there are many sharp edges. Wear protective gloves. Always wear protective eyewear when using a
hammer or impact tools.
1. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position and check if the SRS indicator comes on for about 6 seconds, then turns
off.
•
If the indicator comes on, then turns off after about 6 seconds, go to step 2.
•
If the indicator does not come on, or if it stays on, check the SRS DTC and record it.
2. Adjust the seat to the highest position possible, then lower by about 1/2 inch.
3. Disconnect the battery negative cable and wait at least 3 minutes before continuing.
4. Remove the affected seat and seat cushion cover/pad. Refer to the service information for the model and model
year you are working on.
NOTES
•
Do not remove the cushion cover from the foam pad. Remove both parts as an assembly.
•
For reference during assembly, take a photo of the harness routing and clip location layout as shown.
•
Ventilated seat is shown. It may differ slightly from the seat you are repairing.
Page 5 of 21
5. Remove the seat ventilator from seat bottom (if equipped).
6. Remove any harnesses or harness clips that will prevent removal of the cushion pan.
7. Remove the four 10 mm bolts from the front cushion pan.
Page 6 of 21
8. Lift the cushion pan, and hold it up with a bungee cord or set the seat on its back on a clean surface to keep the
cushion pan out of the way.
9. Disconnect the VTA unit connector.
10. Remove the VTA unit nuts, then remove the VTA unit.
NOTES
•
If the seat frame is too low and you cannot access the VTA unit nut, use an open end wrench.
•
If it is difficult to remove the VTA unit after removing the nuts, hit the center shaft of the VTA unit with a punch
tool and hammer to remove it.
Page 7 of 21
11. Raise the seat as much as possible by pulling the seat frame as shown. This allows easier meshing of the gear
teeth when installing the new VTA motor.
NOTE
The photo below shows how the seat should look after it is raised.
Place a hammer handle (or similar tool) between the upper and lower sections of the seat frame to prevent the rear
of the frame from collapsing and pinching fingers. Remove the blocking hammer ONLY when you have installed
and aligned the new VTA motor.
12. Wipe off any excess grease from the seat frame gear teeth with a paper towel or clean rag.
Page 8 of 21
13. Apply the provided grease to the new VTA unit motor splines.
NOTE
Only 1/8th of the grease packet is needed. Do not use the whole packet.
14. Mount the new VTA unit onto the seat frame.
15. While applying pressure to keep the VTA unit against the seat frame, use a rubber mallet or plastic hammer to hit
the frame downwards. This will allow the VTA unit splines to align and engage with the frame gear.
Page 9 of 21
16. Make sure the VTA unit splines and seat frame gear are properly engaged. The VTA unit center shaft should be
protruding from the frame.
NOTES
•
You may need to adjust or remove the blocking hammer handle if it is preventing proper gear engagement.
•
Use caution as the seat will NOT be fully supported and may collapse or pinch fingers until the new VTA unit is
secured to the seat frame.
17. Place the meshing tool as shown. Center the tool on the pinion shaft protruding from the VTA unit.
NOTICE
•
DO NOT over tighten the C-clamp.
•
DO NOT attempt to install the VTA unit without using the meshing tool. Seating the VTA unit by tightening the
nuts will damage the VTA unit.
Page 10 of 21
18. Gradually tighten the C-clamp until the VTA unit shaft is protruding out of the frame. Once the VTA unit shaft is
protruding, go to the next step.
NOTICE
•
DO NOT over tighten the C-clamp.
•
DO NOT attempt to install the VTA unit without using the meshing tool. Seating the VTA unit by tightening the
nuts will damage the VTA unit.
19. With the C-clamp still in place, install the new VTA unit nuts and snug them with a wrench.
20. Remove the C-clamp, and torque the nuts to 25 N•m (18 lb-ft).
Page 11 of 21
21. Make sure the VTA unit is supporting the seat's weight, then remove the blocking hammer or tool.
22. Connect the VTA unit connector.
23. Lower the seat cushion pan, and install the bolts. Torque the bolts to 6.7 N•m (5 lb-ft).
24. Route and install the harnesses and the harness clips.
NOTE
Make sure the routing is correct by looking at the photo you took before disassembly.
25. Install all other removed parts in the reverse order of removal, and install the seat.
26. Reconnect the battery.
27. If you are repairing a memory seat, clear the driving position memory as outlined in the service information.
28. Make sure the height and tilt functions on the seat work properly and the noise is gone.
29. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position and check if the SRS indicator comes on for about 6 seconds, then
turns off.
•
If the indicator comes on, then turns off after about 6 seconds, the procedure is complete.
•
If the SRS indicator did not perform correctly at the beginning of the procedure, check to see if the same
problem exists. If there are additional problems, make sure all of the reassembly steps were completed.
Page 12 of 21
REPAIR PROCEDURE B (TILT ADJUST VTA UNIT REPLACEMENT)
Be careful; there are many sharp edges. Wear protective gloves. Always wear protective eyewear when using a
hammer or impact tools.
1. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position and check if the SRS indicator comes on for about 6 seconds, then turns
off.
•
If the indicator comes on, then turns off after about 6 seconds, go to step 2.
•
If the indicator does not come on, or if it stays on, check the SRS DTC and record it.
2. Adjust the seat to the highest position possible.
3. Disconnect the battery negative cable and wait at least 3 minutes before continuing.
4. Remove the affected seat and seat cushion cover/pad. Refer to the service information for the model and model
year you are working on.
NOTES
•
Do not remove the cushion cover from the foam pad. Remove both parts as an assembly.
•
For reference during assembly, take a photo of the harness routing and clip location layout as shown.
•
Ventilated seat is shown. It may differ slightly from the seat you are repairing.
Page 13 of 21
5. Remove the seat ventilator from the seat bottom (if equipped).
6. Remove any harnesses or harness clips that will prevent the removal of the cushion pan.
7. Remove the four 10 mm bolts from the front cushion pan.
8. Lift the cushion pan, and hold it up with a bungee cord or set the seat on its back on a clean surface to keep the
cushion pan out of the way.
Page 14 of 21
9. Disconnect the VTA unit connector.
10. Remove the VTA unit nuts.
11. Remove the metal screw clip on top of the VTA unit with a clip removal tool.
NOTE
Make sure you do not damage or lose the metal screw clip.
Page 15 of 21
12. Remove the VTA unit.
NOTE
If it is difficult to remove the VTA unit after removing the nuts, hit the center shaft of the VTA unit with a punch tool
and hammer to remove it.
13. Raise the seat as much as possible by grabbing the seat frame as shown. This allows easier meshing of the gear
teeth when installing the new VTA motor.
Place a hammer handle (or similar tool) between the upper and lower sections of the seat frame to prevent the rear
of the frame from collapsing and pinching fingers. Remove the blocking hammer ONLY when you have installed
and aligned the new VTA motor.
Page 16 of 21
14. Wipe off any excess grease from the seat frame gear teeth with a paper towel or clean rag.
15. Apply the grease provided in the kit to the new VTA unit splines.
NOTE
Only 1/8th of the grease packet is needed. Do not use the whole packet.
16. Mount the new VTA unit to the seat frame.
Page 17 of 21
17. While applying pressure to keep the VTA unit against the seat frame, use a rubber mallet or plastic hammer to hit
the frame downwards. This will allow the VTA unit splines to align and engage with the frame gear.
18. Make sure the VTA unit splines and seat frame gear are properly engaged. The VTA unit center shaft should be
protruding from the frame.
NOTES
•
You may need to adjust or remove the blocking hammer handle if it is preventing proper gear engagement.
•
Use caution as the seat will NOT be fully supported and may collapse or pinch fingers until the new VTA unit is
secured to the seat frame.
Page 18 of 21
19. Place the meshing tool as shown. Center the tool on the pinion shaft protruding from the VTA unit.
NOTICE
•
DO NOT over-tighten the C-clamp.
•
DO NOT attempt to install the VTA unit without using the meshing tool. Seating the VTA unit by tightening the
nuts will damage the VTA unit.
20. Gradually tighten the C-clamp until the VTA unit shaft is protruding from the frame. Once the VTA unit shaft is
protruding, go to the next step.
NOTICE
•
DO NOT over-tighten the C-clamp.
•
DO NOT attempt to install the VTA unit without using the meshing tool. Seating the VTA unit by tightening the
nuts will damage the VTA unit.
Page 19 of 21
21. With the C-clamp still in place, install the new VTA unit nuts and snug them with a wrench.
22. Remove the C-clamp, and torque the nuts to 25 N•m (18 lb-ft).
23. Install the metal screw clip.
24. Make sure the VTA unit is supporting the seat's weight, then remove the blocking hammer or tool.
25. Connect the VTA unit connector.
Page 20 of 21
26. Lower the seat cushion pan, and install the bolts. Torque the bolts to 6.7 N•m (5 lb-ft).
27. Route and install the harnesses and the harness clips.
NOTE
Make sure the routing is correct by looking at the photo you took before disassembly.
28. Install all other removed parts in the reverse order of removal, and install the seat.
29. Reconnect the battery.
30. If you are repairing a memory seat, clear the driving position memory as outlined in the service information.
31. Make sure the height and tilt functions on the seat work properly and the noise is gone.
32. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position and check if the SRS indicator comes on for about 6 seconds, then
turns off.
•
If the indicator comes on, then turns off after about 6 seconds, the procedure is complete.
•
If the SRS indicator did not perform correctly at the beginning of the procedure, check to see if the same
problem exists. If there are additional problems, make sure all of the reassembly steps were completed.
END
Page 21 of 21