B18-047

Service Bulletin
18-047
September 28, 2018
Version 1
2012-14 TL: Judder from the Torque Converter Lock-Up Clutch
(Snapshot Upload Required)
AFFECTED VEHICLES
Year
Model
Trim
VIN Range
2012
TL
2WD
19UUA8F…CA035307 thru 19UUA8F…CA040693
2012
TL
4WD
19UUA9F…CA011186 thru 19UUA9F…CA012783
2013-14
TL
ALL
ALL
BACKGROUND
A judder from the torque converter lock-up clutch may be felt while driving between 20 and 60 mph. The problem is
typically diagnosed as a bad torque converter. American Honda investigated the judder and found that the torque
converter was not causing the judder and the transmission is not damaged by this judder.
The judder was caused by deteriorated transmission fluid. The transmission fluid deteriorates quicker than expected
when it is exposed to intermittent high heat loads under specific driving conditions. A software update is available to
maintain the transmission fluid temperature within the desirable range under all driving conditions and eliminate the
potential for this judder.
There are two bulletins referring to this subject:
•
18-047 - 2012-14 TL: Judder from the Torque Converter Lock-Up Clutch (Snapshot Upload Required). Do this
bulletin first to apply the software and flush the transmission as indicated in the REPAIR PROCEDURE.
•
18-048 - 2012-14 TL: Judder from the Torque Converter Lock-Up Clutch After Software Update (Snapshot Upload
Required). Some vehicles based on how they are driven may still experience ATF deterioration after updating the
PGM-FI or A/T system. In these cases, do the inspection and, if necessary, flush the transmission as indicated in the
REPAIR PROCEDURE.
CORRECTIVE ACTION
Check if the software has been updated. If the software has not been updated, take an automatic transmission snapshot
and review the data and confirm that the judder is coming from the torque converter. Send the snapshot to Tech Line.
If the snapshot does not indicate the judder is coming from the torque converter, this service bulletin does not apply. If
the snapshot indicates the judder is coming from the torque converter, update the PGM-FI system, then flush the
transmission as indicated in the REPAIR PROCEDURE.
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.
©
2018 American Honda Motor Co., Inc. — All Rights Reserved
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WARRANTY CLAIM INFORMATION
The normal warranty applies.
Operation
Number
Description
Flat Rate
Time
1255E4
Update the PGM-FI or
A/T software.
0.2 hr
A
ATF flush procedure.
Includes test-drive.
1.4 hrs
Defect
Code
Symptom
Code
Template
ID
Failed Part Number
03214
03217
B18047A
37805-RK1-3090
Skill Level: Repair Technician
SOFTWARE INFORMATION
NOTE
Unnecessary or incorrect repairs resulting from a failure to update the i-HDS are not covered under warranty.
i-HDS Software Version: 3.103.012 or later
J2534 Software Information:
•
PC Application Version 1.1.0.2 or later
•
Database update 14-SEP-2018 or later
Before beginning the repair, make sure that both the i-HDS and J2534 software are updated as listed above.
Do only the update listed in this service bulletin.
You cannot apply the updates with the MVCI as a standalone tool. To update the software you must use the MVCI
or the DST-i interface in conjunction with the J2534 Rewrite PC application on the i-HDS.
For more information about updating the i-HDS, the MVCI, and vehicle systems, refer to Service Bulletin 01-026,
Updating Control Units/Modules.
Year/Model
Software
System
Program ID (or later)
Program P/N (or later)
12-14 TL 2WD
PGM-FI
K13090
37805-RK1-3090
12-14 TL AWD
PGM-FI
K23070
37805-RK2-3070
PARTS INFORMATION
Part Name
Part Number
Quantity
Drain Plug Washer (18 mm)
90471-PX4-000
1
Sealing Washer (24 mm)
11107-PWA-300
1
Part Name
Part Number
Quantity
Genuine Acura ATF DW1
08200-9008A
10
PARTS INFORMATION
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INSPECTION PROCEDURE
Connect the i-HDS and go to the A/T Data List. Check to see if the software has been updated by comparing the
program P/N against the table below.
•
If the program P/N is not listed, the vehicle has not been updated, continue to the Verification Procedure.
•
If the program P/N is listed below (or later), the vehicle has been updated. Go to service bulletin 18-048, 2012-14
TL: Judder from the Torque Converter Lock-Up Clutch After Software Update.
Program P/N (or later)
37805-RK1-3090
37805-RK2-3070
VERIFICATION PROCEDURE
1. Take an automatic transmission snapshot and forward it to Tech Line using the RO number. For more information
about capturing and interpreting the data, refer to the job aid Torque Converter Clutch Shudder and Vibration and
the Tech2Tech® video Interpreting Torque Converter Judder Snapshot Data.
•
If the snapshot shows signs of torque converter shudder, go to REPAIR PROCEDURE.
•
If the snapshot does not indicate a judder, this bulletin does not apply, continue with normal troubleshooting.
NOTE
You do not need to contact Tech Line after sending the snapshot. However, if you do not send a snapshot, your
claim may be subject to debit.
REPAIR PROCEDURE
1. Update the software using the i-HDS J2534 rewrite software with the MVCI or DST-i. Refer to Service Bulletin
01-026, Updating Control Units/Modules.
FLUSH PROCEDURE
NOTE
The term "flushing" refers to repeatedly draining and filling the transmission with Acura Genuine ATF-DW1. Other
aftermarket flush systems are available, but American Honda strongly recommends that you avoid using them on any
Acura vehicles.
1. Start the engine. Hold the engine speed at 3,000 rpm without load (in Park or Neutral) until the radiator fan comes
on, then let it idle.
2. Position the vehicle on a lift and turn off the engine.
Page 3 of 4
3. Remove the ATF filler bolt and sealing washer.
4. Raise the vehicle and make sure it is securely supported.
5. Remove the drain plug and drain the ATF.
6. Install the drain plug and original washer and torque it to 49 N•m(36 lb-ft).
7. Lower the vehicle and fill the transmission with 3.3 US qts (3.1 L) of ATF-DW1 through the filler hole.
NOTE
Do not use non-Acura ATF because it can affect shift quality.
8. Install the ATF filler bolt and original sealing washer and torque it to 44 N•m (32 lb-ft).
9. Check that the fluid is filled to the proper level.
10. Raise the vehicle and make sure it is securely supported.
11. Start the engine.
12. Press the VSA OFF button.
13. Press the brake pedal and shift to Drive.
14. Release the brake pedal. Press the accelerator pedal and bring the speedometer up to 50 mph. Make sure the
transmission shifts through the first three lower gears and into fourth gear and the torque converter is locking up.
15. Apply the brakes to stop the front wheels.
16. Shift to Reverse, then Neutral.
17. Repeat the shifting procedure (steps 12 through 15) four more times.
18. Turn off the engine.
19. Repeat the above drain, fill, and shifting procedure (steps 2 through 17) one more time.
20. After the second refill and drive cycle, drain the transmission.
21. Install the drain bolt with a new washer and torque to 49 N•m (36 lb-ft).
22. Fill the transmission with 3.3 US qts (3.1 L) of ATF-DW1.
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity
AWD: 3.3 US qts (3.1 L) at change
2WD: 3.3 US qts (3.1 L) at change
NOTE
Do not use non-Acura ATF because it can affect shift quality.
23. Install the ATF filler bolt with a new sealing washer and torque the bolt to 44 N•m (32 lb-ft).
24. Clear any DTCs set while driving on the lift.
END
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