***Acura TL AWD V6-3.7L Technical Service Bulletin # 09-017 Date: 130222
Antitheft - Immobilizer System (Type 7 OPS) Information
09-017
February 22, 2013
Applies To:
See VEHICLES AFFECTED
Immobilizer System (Type 7, Keyless Access/One Push Start)
(Supersedes 09-017, dated January 27, 2012; see REVISION SUMMARY)
REVISION SUMMARY
This service bulletin has been revised extensively. American Honda recommends that you review the entire bulletin.
BACKGROUND
The listed vehicles have a Type 7 OPS (one push start) immobilizer system and a keyless access system. With the remote, you can lock/unlock the
doors, unlock the trunk, and start the engine. You also can start the engine by using the engine start/stop (ESS) button with the remote inside the
vehicle.
NOTE:
^ Some 2009-13 TL and 2010-12 ZDX models do not have a keyless access system (although you can lock/unlock the door with the remote
transmitter), and they use immobilizer keys for engine start/stop (See Bulletin 09-011).
^ The Type 7 and Type 7 OPS systems differ from the Type 6 system with their use of two-way B-CAN communication wires for faster
communication.
For more information on the immobilizer system, refer to the Body Electrical section of the appropriate service manual.
This service bulletin covers these subjects:
^ Immobilizer OPS System Components
^ Function and Operation of Main Components
^ Replacing the PCM
^ Replacing the Driver's Under-Dash Fuse/Relay Box (MICU)
^ Registration After Replacing Immobilizer Components
^ Starting the Engine Without the Remote
VEHICLES AFFECTED
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2009-13 TL - Technology and Advance Models
2010-12 ZDX - Technology and Advance Models
2013 ZDX - ALL
2013 ILX - ALL
2013 ILX Hybrid - ALL
2013 RDX - ALL
WARRANTY CLAIM INFORMATION
None. This service bulletin is for information only.
IMMOBILIZER OPS SYSTEM COMPONENTS
^ Immobilizer Indicator
^ Keyless Access System Indicator
^ Engine Start/Stop Button Switch
^ Power Control Unit
^ PCM
^ Remote Slot/Remote Slot Control Unit
^ Keyless Access/OPS Control Unit
^ Under-dash Fuse/Relay Box (MICU) with Built-in IMOES Unit and 2-wire B-CAN Communication
^ Electric Steering Lock (with built-in control unit) Keyless Access Remotes
FUNCTION AND OPERATION OF MAIN COMPONENTS
Immobilizer System
This system consists of a transponder built into the remote, a remote slot control unit (with built-in immobilizer function), a driver's MICU (with
built-in IMOES unit), an immobilizer indicator, and the PCM.
Keyless Access System, One Push Start System, and Remote
The keyless access system consists of a keyless access control unit, a power control unit, an engine start/stop switch, an electric steering lock, a
remote slot, and outer-handle touch sensors/door lock switches. It also has LF (low frequency) antennas, RF (radio frequency) units, a keyless
buzzer, and a keyless access system mode switch.
The system may not work if the remote's battery is weak, if the remote is covered by metal, if the vehicle's battery is weak, or if there is a strong
electrical current nearby.
Each keyless access remote has a built-in key. This key is used to lock/unlock the driver's door when the remote battery (or vehicle battery) becomes
weak or the power door lock/unlock buttons don't work. You cannot start the engine with this key. To replace a built-in key, you need the key
number (code) from the key number tag. The key number is also available on the iN (Interactive Network).
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NOTE:
(TL and ZDX only) The keyless access remote main switch is in the glove box. If this switch is off, you must insert the remote into the keyless
remote slot to start the engine.
The outer handle on each front door has a touch sensor. The sensor works with the remote so you can unlock each door by touch.
To unlock the remaining doors and the trunk, press the remote unlock button twice, or press the rear of the master door lock switch on the driver's
door.
Unlocking all doors with one touch is a programmable feature in the multi-information display settings.
NOTE:
The lock sensor buttons will not work if the remote is in the vehicle.
Key Cutting Instructions
To cut a new built-in key, use an appropriate key blank and a suitable key cutting machine.
Remote Slot
(TL and ZDX only)
You have to insert the remote into the slot to start the engine under these conditions:
^ The remote battery is weak, and the power door lock/unlock operation is disabled.
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^ The keyless access remote main switch in the glove box is off.
To remove the remote, the vehicle must be in the OFF mode (the green LED in the ESS button is off). It is locked in place when the vehicle is in the
ON or the ACC mode.
Keyless Access System Indicator
This indicator normally comes on for several seconds when you change the power mode to ON. If there is a problem, a message is displayed in the
multi-information display (MID):
CHECK KEYLESS ACCESS SYSTEM
(Insert the remote into the slot to start the engine.) or
CHECK KEYLESS STARTING SYSTEM
(Shut off the engine only when you are in a safe place. The vehicle may not restart.)
In both cases, the vehicle should be checked by a dealer.
Engine Start/Stop Button
This system uses an ESS button instead of an ignition switch to start and stop the engine. If you are carrying the keyless access remote, you can start
the engine by pressing the ESS button with the brake pedal pressed and the shift lever in P or N. To stop the engine, press the ESS button when the
vehicle is stopped.
The ESS button has four modes, OFF, ACCESSORY, ON, and START/STOP. Each time you press the ESS button while carrying the keyless access
remote, the mode switches between OFF, ACCESSORY, and ON.
You can start the engine anytime by pressing the ESS button with the brake pedal pressed and the shift lever in P or N. Before leaving the vehicle,
make sure the vehicle is in OFF mode and the green LED in the ESS button is off.
Electric Steering Lock
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If the steering wheel is locked, the engine cannot start. A message, TO UNLOCK WHEEL, is displayed, and the indicator in the ESS button blinks.
REPLACING THE PCM
If you replace the PCM, you must use the HDS to register the new PCM and the immobilizer keyless control unit to recognize each other's unique
serial code or the engine cannot start.
Preparation
To replace the PCM, you need these items:
^ Replacement PCM
^ PCM code
NOTE:
If you cannot log in to the iN screen on the HDS, you must retrieve the PCM Code from the Immobilizer Code Inquiry in the iN.
^ HDS with the latest software
NOTE:
Make sure the market, the date, and the time on the HDS setup screen are correct. Select the F12 key in the upper right corner to get the
Set-up Details screen. Make sure Market is set to USA. Select the time display in the lower right corner to get the Date/Time Properties
pop-up window. Make sure the date and time are correct. For details, see Honda Diagnostic System (HDS) Tablet Setup Instructions listed
under Tool Information in ISIS.
Procedure
^ Online, enter keywords PCM REP, and select PCM Replacement (with Navigation) from the list.
REPLACING THE DRIVER'S UNDER-DASH FUSE/RELAY BOX (MICU)
When you replace the under-dash fuse/relay box (MICU), you must use the HDS to register the IMOES unit with the immobilizer-keyless control
unit; if you don't, the engine won't start.
Preparation
To replace the under-dash fuse/relay box (MICU), you need these items:
^ Replacement under-dash fuse/relay box (MICU)
^ PCM code
NOTE:
If you cannot log in to the iN screen on the HDS, you must retrieve the PCM Code from the Immobilizer Code Inquiry in the iN.
^ HDS with the latest software
NOTE:
Make sure the market, the date, and the time on the HDS setup screen are correct. Select the F12 key in the upper right corner to get the
Set-up Details screen. Make sure Market is set to USA. Select the time display in the lower right corner to get the Date/Time Properties
pop-up window. Make sure the date and time are correct. For details, see Honda Diagnostic System (HDS) Tablet Setup Instructions listed
under Tool Information in ISIS.
Procedure
^ Online, enter keywords DRIVER MICU, and select Driver's Under-dash Fuse/Relay Box (MICU) Removal/Installation from the list.
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REGISTRATION AFTER REPLACING IMMOBILIZER COMPONENTS
NOTE:
^ Check for aftermarket electrical equipment that can cause problems with keyless access operation.
^ During the registration, keep the keyless access remote away from computer equipment, and make sure the doors are closed.
^ Programming the keyless access remote also programs the keyless transmitter.
After replacing the Remote Slot Control Unit/Keyless Access Control Unit/PCM/Driver's MICU or Registration of the Remotes
1. If replacing the keyless access control unit, insert the remote into the remote slot.
2. Connect the HDS to the DLC.
3. If all the remotes are lost, select the ON mode according to the instructions on the HDS screen, then go to step 5.
4. Press the ESS button to select the ON mode.
5. Select ONE-PUSH-START SYSTEM from the system select menu, then enter REGISTRATION mode.
6. Select the appropriate control unit or KEYLESS ACCESS REMOTES, and follow the instructions on the HDS screen.
7. Press the ESS button to select OFF mode, and make sure the systems work normally with all remotes.
After replacing the Power Control Unit or the Electric Steering Control Unit
1. Connect the HDS to the data link connector.
2. Follow the instructions on the HDS screen.
3. After registration, make sure the systems work normally with all remotes.
STARTING THE ENGINE WITHOUT THE REMOTE
If the remote is lost, you can still start the engine. This procedure is suitable when the client has another remote at home and plans to drive straight
home. This procedure is only a temporary fix. With the engine started, the immobilizer indicator stays on.
To start the engine without the remote, you need these items:
^ Push-button access code (Do an immobilizer code inquiry on the iN to get the 10-digit code.)
^ Immobilizer brake code (This five-digit code is also available on an immobilizer code inquiry.)
^ Built-in key blank, or a suitable key cut to fit the door locks
^ Key code for the vehicle
^ Suitable key cutter
Procedure
1. Cut a new built-in key (or a key suitable to fit the door locks).
2. Unlock the driver's door with the new built-in key.
3. Release the parking brake.
4. Press and hold the ESS button. Enter the first digit of the 10-digit push-button access code by pulling up and releasing the parking brake that
number of times. For example, if the first digit is four, pull up and release the parking brake four times. Release the ESS button; the LED in the
ESS button stays on.
5. Without pressing the ESS button, enter the second digit of the code by pulling up and releasing the parking brake that number of times.
6. Press and release the ESS button twice. The ESS LED goes go off the first time you press the button and stays on after the second press.
7. Enter the third thru 10th digits the same way as the second digit. Press the ESS button twice after you enter each digit.
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NOTE:
After you enter the 10th digit and press the ESS button twice, the steering wheel unlocks, the vehicle goes into ON mode, and the LED in the
ESS button flashes three times a second. The push-button access code is now entered into the system.
8. Enter the first digit of the five-digit immobilizer brake code by pulling up and releasing the parking brake that number of times. For example, if
the first digit is six, pull up and release the parking brake six times.
9. Press the ESS button twice. The immobilizer indicator comes on.
10. Enter the second thru fourth digits the same way as the first digit. Press the ESS button twice after you enter each digit.
11. Press and hold the brake pedal, then enter the fifth digit of the code the same way as the previous digits. Press the ESS twice; the second press
should start the engine. if the engine does not start, repeat steps 2 thru 11.
The engine can now be stopped and started for up to 10 minutes without re-entering the codes. To restart the engine during the 10 minutes, lock and
unlock the driver's door with the new built-in key, then press the ESS button. If the engine is not started within 10 minutes, repeat steps 2 thru 11.
