A20-029

Service Bulletin
20-029
October 9, 2021
Version 4
9-Speed A/T Hard Upshift with Steady Acceleration
Supersedes 20-029, dated October 16, 2020, to revise the information highlighted in yellow.
AFFECTED VEHICLES
Year
Model
Trim Level
VIN Range
2019
Passport
ALL
ALL
2016 - 19
Pilot
Touring and Elite
ALL
2020
Pilot
AWD Touring and Elite
5FNYF6...LB00001 thru 5FNYF6…LB024981
2020
Pilot
2WD Touring and Elite
5FNYF5...LB00001 thru 5FNYF5…LB011462
REVISION SUMMARY
Under WARRANTY CLAIM INFORMATION, failed part number was updated.
SYMPTOM
The transmission has intermittent harsh or jerky upshifts with steady acceleration.
POSSIBLE CAUSES
There are abnormal TCM adaptation values in the TCM software.
NOTE
Make sure the vehicle has at least 500 miles on the odometer because it takes that long for the TCM to adapt to the
customer's driving pattern.
CORRECTIVE ACTION
Update the TCM software.
NOTES
•
This software update repairs intermittent harsh or jerky shifts that happen during steady acceleration. For any
other symptoms, continue with normal system troubleshooting.
•
Have the service manager or service advisor explain to the customer that after the TCM update, it will take about
500 miles for the TCM to adapt to the customer's driving pattern.
•
2016 Pilot will require a PCM idle learn after the update. Failure to do so will cause a hard shift and a
comeback.
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.
©
2021 American Honda Motor Co., Inc. — All Rights Reserved
Page 1 of 3
WARRANTY CLAIM INFORMATION
The normal warranty applies.
2016 Pilot
Operation
Number
Description
Flat Rate
Time
1255D0
Update the TCM
software.
0.2 hr
B
Do the idle learn
procedure
0.1 hr
Defect
Code
Symptom
Code
Template
ID
Failed Part Number
03214
03217
A20029B
28101-5EY-A01
2017-20 Pilot and 2019 Passport
Operation
Number
Description
Flat Rate
Time
Defect
Code
Symptom
Code
Template
ID
Failed Part Number
1255D0
Update the TCM
software.
0.2 hr
03214
03217
A20029A
28101-5NZ-A00
Skill Level: Repair Technician
SOFTWARE INFORMATION
NOTE
Unnecessary or incorrect repairs resulting from a failure to update the diagnostic and reprogramming software are not
covered under warranty.
Before beginning the repair, make sure all diagnostic and reprogramming software are updated as listed.
i-HDS Software Version
1.006.013 or later
HDS Software Version
3.104.014 or later
J2534 Rewrite Software Information
PC Application Version
1.2.1.1 or later
Database Update
23-SEP-2020 or later
NoticeDB Version
23-SEP-2020 or later
Update only the systems and software listed in this service bulletin.
American Honda has validated and approved the Denso DST-i as the vehicle communication interface (VCI) to
support this service bulletin.
For more information about updating vehicle systems, refer to service bulletin 01-023, Updating Control Units/Modules.
Year
Model
Drivetrain
Trim Level
All
Vehicle System
TCM
Program ID (or later)
28103-5EY-A010
2016
Pilot
2WD
2016
Pilot
AWD
All
TCM
28103-5EZ-A010
2017
Pilot
2WD
All
TCM
28103-5EY-A110
2017
Pilot
AWD
All
TCM
28103-5EZ-A110
2018
Pilot
2WD
All
TCM
28103-5EY-A200
2018
Pilot
AWD
All
TCM
28103-5EZ-A200
2019
Passport
2WD
All
TCM
28101-5EY-A600
2019
Passport
AWD
All
TCM
28101-5EZ-A600
2019-20
Pilot
2WD
All
TCM
28101-5EY-A500
2019-20
Pilot
AWD
Touring and Elite
TCM
28101-5EZ-A500
Page 2 of 3
REPAIR PROCEDURE
NOTES
•
Make sure the 12-volt battery is fully charged before starting an update.
•
Connect a fully charged jumper battery to the vehicle, and leave it connected during the entire procedure to maintain
steady voltage.
•
Do not use the GR8 battery diagnostic station; the vehicle requires a steady electrical current.
•
Control module failure caused by the improper completion of a software update (early key cycle, low battery voltage,
disconnected DLC cable, etc.) is not covered by warranty.
•
If an error occurs during the update or the i-HDS freezes, do not disconnect the battery or turn the ignition to
OFF. Reboot the i-HDS, and start over.
•
To prevent control unit damage, do not operate anything electrical (headlights, audio system, brakes, A/C, power
windows, door locks, etc.) during the update.
•
Warranty reimbursement for technician labor is not allowed for routine checking/installation of any available
software update.
1. Verify the customer concerns for the intermittent harsh or jerky upshift with steady acceleration.
NOTE
This service bulletin does not apply to vehicles with a hard downshift or hard upshift using the paddle shifters or
vehicles with under 500 miles on the odometer. In this case, follow normal system troubleshooting.
2. Update the TCM software using the J2534 Rewrite software with the DST-i. Refer to service bulletin 01-023,
Updating Control Units/Modules.
NOTE
Have the service manager or service advisor explain to the customer that after the TCM update, it will take about
500 miles for the TCM to adapt to the customer's driving pattern.
3. Clear any DTCs caused by the update.
2016 Pilot only: Do the PCM idle learn procedure as follows:
4. Make sure all electrical items (A/C, audio, lights, etc.) are turned off.
5. Reset the PCM with the i-HDS.
6. Turn the ignition to ON, and wait 2 seconds.
7. Start the engine, and hold the engine speed at 3,000 rpm without load (in Park or Neutral) until the radiator fan
comes on or the engine coolant temperature reaches 194°F (90°C).
8. Let the engine idle for about 5 minutes with the throttle fully closed. If the radiator fan comes on, do not include its
running time in the 5 minutes.
9. Make sure the idle learn reads COMPLETED in the PGM-FI Data List.
10. Turn the ignition to OFF.
11. Jump the SCS line with the i-HDS.
12. Wait 60 seconds, then exit the SCS mode with the i-HDS.
END
Page 3 of 3