Product Update: 2016-2020 Honda HR-V Software Update and CVT Inspection

NHTSA ID Number: 10196765

Manufacturer Communication Number: A21-046

Summary

Service Bulletin – An incorrect value in the PCM may cause a pressure problem in the CVT under certain driving conditions, causing increased surface pressure on the belt leading to a partial or complete breakage as well as possible ring breakage. New PCM software will increase the overall durability of the CVT primary belt within the transmission. This is accomplished by revising operational loads placed on the belt under certain driving conditions. DTC P271E is added so at the early stages of a CVT primary belt failure, the D light will flash, the MIL will come on, and engine power output will be reduced. This will lessen the chances of an unexpected, sudden loss of acceleration and allow the customer an opportunity to get the vehicle to a Honda dealer

 

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A21-046
June 1, 2021
Version 2

Product Update: 2016-20 HR-V Software Update and CVT Inspection

Supersedes 21-046, Dated April 27, 2021, to revise the information highlighted in yellow.

 

AFFECTED VEHICLES

Year	Model	Trim Level	VIN Range
2016-20	HR-V 2WD and AWD (CVT models only)	ALL	Check the iN VIN status for eligibility.

 

REVISION SUMMARY

Under CVT INSPECTION, Information was added.

 

BACKGROUND

An incorrect value in the PCM may cause a pressure problem in the CVT under certain driving conditions, causing increased surface pressure on the belt leading to a partial or complete breakage as well as possible ring breakage. New PCM software will increase the overall durability of the CVT primary belt within the transmission. This is accomplished by revising operational loads placed on the belt under certain driving conditions. DTC P271E is added so at the early stages of a CVT primary belt failure, the D light will flash, the MIL will come on, and engine power output will be reduced. This will lessen the chances of an unexpected, sudden loss of acceleration and allow the customer an opportunity to get the vehicle to a Honda dealer

 

CUSTOMER NOTIFICATION

Owners of affected vehicles will be sent a notification of this campaign.

Do an iN VIN status inquiry to make sure the vehicle is shown as eligible.

Some vehicles affected by this campaign may be in your new or used vehicle inventory. Repair these vehicles before they are sold.

 

CORRECTIVE ACTION

Update the PCM software and inspect the transmission to verify if the internal components are prematurely deteriorating within the transmission.

NOTE:

• Failure to follow the inspection procedure correctly may result in the customer’s vehicle experiencing a transmission failure after the repair. Improper repairs could be subject to debit.
• Failure to perform the software update will result in the vehicle not having the ability to detect CVT belt slippage, trigger the MIL, and set a DTC which could cause the CVT belt to break and the vehicle not move when accelerating.

 

REQUIRED MATERIALS

Part Name	Quantity	Part Number
Disposable Paint Strainer (pack of 250) or Commercially equivalent (fixes 250 vehicles)	1	PMICSM6
Fine Point Permanent Marker (Black or Red) or Equivalent	1	Commercially Available

 

TOOL INFORMATION

Part Name	Quantity	Part Number
Belt Fragment Detection Kit (includes belt fragment detection template and a magnet, 5 kits were shipped to each dealership)	1	07AAJ-52NA100

 

SOFTWARE INFORMATION

This new software will increase the overall durability of the CVT belt within the transmission. This is accomplished by revising operational loads placed on the belt under certain driving conditions.  DTC P271E was added so at the early stages of a CVT belt failure, the D light will flash, the MIL will come on, and engine power output will be reduced. This will lessen the chances of an unexpected, sudden loss of acceleration and allow the customer an opportunity to get the vehicle to a Honda dealer.

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	1.006.026 or later
HDS Software Version	3.104.014 or later
J2534 Rewrite Software Information
PC Application Version	1.2.1.1
Database Update	05-APR-2021 or later
NoticeDB Version	05-APR-2021 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	Vehicle System	Program ID (or later)
2016 HR-V	2WD	LX	PCM	37805-51M-A54
2016 HR-V	2WD	EX, EXL	PCM	37805-51M-A64
2016 HR-V	AWD	LX	PCM	37805-51M-A74
2016 HR-V	AWD	EX, EXL	PCM	37805-51M-A84
2017 HR-V	2WD	LX	PCM	37805-51M-C53
2017 HR-V	2WD	EX, EXL	PCM	37805-51M-C63
2017 HR-V	AWD	LX	PCM	37805-51M-C73
2017 HR-V	AWD	EX, EXL	PCM	37805-51M-C83
2018 HR-V	2WD	LX	PCM	37805-51M-C22
2018 HR-V	2WD	EX, EXL	PCM	37805-51M-C32
2018 HR-V	AWD	LX	PCM	37805-51M-C42
2018 HR-V	AWD	EX, EXL	PCM	37805-51M-C92
2019 HR-V	2WD	LX	PCM	37805-51M-L52
2019 HR-V	2WD	EX, EXL	PCM	37805-51M-L72
2019 HR-V	2WD	Sport	PCM	37820-51M-L62
2019 HR-V	AWD	LX	PCM	37805-51M-L82
2019 HR-V	AWD	EX, EXL	PCM	37805-51M-L42
2019 HR-V	AWD	Sport	PCM	37820-51M-L92
2020 HR-V	2WD	LX	PCM	37805-6N8-A52
2020 HR-V	2WD	EX, EXL	PCM	37805-6N8-A72
2020 HR-V	2WD	Sport	PCM	37820-6N8-A62
2020 HR-V	AWD	LX	PCM	37805-6N8-A12
2020 HR-V	AWD	EX, EXL	PCM	37805-6N8-A32
2020 HR-V	AWD	Sport	PCM	37805-6N8-A22

 

REPAIR PROCEDURE

NOTE:

• 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 because 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.

 

2. Update the PGM-FI software using the J2534 Rewrite software with the DST-i. Refer to service bulletin 01-023, Updating Control Units/Modules.
3. ECM/PCM Idle Learn.

NOTE: Make sure all electrical items (the A/C, the audio, the lights, etc.) are off.

3. Turn the vehicle to the ON mode, and wait 2 seconds.
4. Start the engine. Hold the engine speed at 3,000 rpm without load (CVT in P or N) until the radiator fan comes on, or until the engine coolant temperature reaches 194 °F (90 °C).
5. Let the engine idle for about 5 minutes with the throttle fully closed.

NOTE: If the radiator fan comes on, do not include its running time in the 5 minutes.

6. Turn the vehicle to the OFF (LOCK) mode.
7. Jump the SCS line with the HDS.
8. Wait 60 seconds, and exit the SCS mode with the HDS.

 

CVT INSPECTION

The CVT inspection uses a special magnet to detect any metal fragments that may have been shed from the CVT belt.  These fragments will collect in the oil pan. The inspection will be performed by placing a clear template on the CVT oil pan; tracing the slots on the template onto the pan with a marker, removing the template and then slowly sliding the magnet over lines 1 through 7 on the pan to the inspection area. If the magnet sticks to the inspection area, then the transmission will need to be replaced.

NOTE: Click HERE to see video of the transmission inspection.

1. Remove the engine undercover (2WD models).
2. Remove the front splash shield.

 

3. Wipe the oil pan with a shop towel, removing any dirt or contamination.
4. Remove the clear protective wrapper from the template.
5. Place the clear template (07AAJ-52NA100) on the oil pan as shown below. Line up the template with the oil pan bolts and the center of the transmission oil pan with the dashed lines.

 

6. While holding the template with one hand, apply pressure to keep the left side of the template flat against the pan, and trace the grooves on that side with a permanent marker as shown above. Keeping it in position, press against the right side of the template so the right-side grooves are now flush against the oil pan and trace the remaining lines including the inspection area circle on that side. Next, trace grooves on Letter “A” with a permanent marker.

 

7. Remove the template from the oil pan.
8. Starting on line #1, place a magnet on each of the lines starting from the outside, slowly trace each line to the center inspection circle on the template, then lift the magnet off the inspection area (shown in black below).

 

9. Repeat until you have traced all 7 lines with the magnet.

NOTE: It is important to slide the magnet smoothly from outside (bolt side) of the oil pan slowly, following the 7 lines you traced to the inspection area circle. While sliding the magnet on the oil pan, you may feel the magnet sticking in some areas shown on illustration above. This is normal as there are some bolts under the oil pan that attach the valve body to the transmission.

10. After tracing all 7 lines from the outside to the inspection area, let go of the magnet to see if it sticks in place. If the magnet sticks to the oil pan in the inspection area there is a problem with the transmission, go to service bulletin 21047, Warranty Extension 2016 – 20 HR-V CVT Premature Belt Deterioration. If the magnet does not stick to the oil pan, go to the next step.
11. Place the magnet in the inspection area and slowly trace the “A” lines with the magnet to the lower right-side magnet shown on the oil pan (see image below). This is done to move any metal contaminates too small to hold the test magnet to the internal transmission magnet. Inspection is complete.

 

12. Install the engine undercover (2WD models) and front lower splash shield.
13. California residents only: Fill out a Vehicle Emissions Recall – Proof of Correction certificate, and use EAU as the recall number. Have the service advisor give the certificate to your customer, and advise him or her to keep it as proof that the recall was completed. Your customer will need to submit this certificate to the DMV only if the DMV requests it. If you need more certificates, use reorder number Y0657.

 

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5 Affected Products

Vehicle

MAKE	MODEL	YEAR
HONDA	HR-V	2016-2020

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1 Associated Document

Manufacturer Communications

A21-046
June 1, 2021
Version 2

https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=10196765

MC-10196765-0001.pdf 578.181KB

 

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NHTSA ID Number: 10191760

Manufacturer Communication Number: A21-046

Summary

Service Bulletin – An incorrect value in the PCM may cause a pressure problem in the CVT under certain driving conditions, causing increased surface pressure on the belt leading to a partial or complete breakage as well as possible ring breakage. New PCM software will increase the overall durability of the CVT primary belt within the transmission. This is accomplished by revising operational loads placed on the belt under certain driving conditions. DTC P271E is added so at the early stages of a CVT primary belt failure, the D light will flash, the MIL will come on, and engine power output will be reduced. This will lessen the chances of an unexpected, sudden loss of acceleration and allow the customer an opportunity to get the vehicle to a Honda dealer.

 

1 Associated Document

Manufacturer Communications

A21-046
April 27, 2021
Version 1

https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=10191760

MC-10191760-0001.pdf 644.706KB

 

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NHTSA ID Number: 10198210

Manufacturer Communication Number: ONL6MT6M9061721

Summary

Owner Notification Letter – Honda is conducting a product update to your 2016-20 HR-V. The current continuously variable transmission (CVT) software does not properly monitor internal fluid pressure and detect early CVT belt failure. This can possibly cause the vehicle not to move when accelerating. Honda is providing a product update with new CVT software to fix this issue.

 

1 Associated Document

Manufacturer Communications

Product Update – Service Bulletin #21-046 / Defect #6MT
Warranty Extension – Service Bulletin #21-047 / Defect #6M9

https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=10198210

MC-10198210-0001.pdf 323.031KB

 

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Reprogramming

i-HDS Diagnostic Software and J2534 Reprogramming Software

 

Honda J2534 Pass-Thru User Guide

Honda J2534 Pass-Thru Software Download

Latest ECU Software

 

i-HDS Diagnostic Software and J2534 Reprogramming Software

American Honda Motor Co., Inc. ("Honda") offers the i-HDS (Honda Diagnostic System) software suite for the diagnosis and repair of electronic systems on Honda and Acura automobiles, and for the reprogramming of electronic control units (including, but not limited to, ECMs and PCMs). This software provides access to all Honda and Acura vehicle systems (access to the immobilizer security system requires a Security Professional level software subscription and Vehicle Security Professional [VSP] registration with NASTF). To use the i-HDS software, you need to purchase one of our convenient subscription options. In addition, you will need a pass-thru Vehicle Communication Device (VCI) that is compliant with SAE J2534-1 and J2534-2 in order to communicate with the vehicle

 

Vehicle Communication Interfaces (VCI)

The i-HDS software supports the use of a generic pass-thru VCI that is compliant with SAE J2534-1 and J2534-2. However, Honda recommends the Denso DST-i or the Bosch MVCI for use on Honda and Acura vehicles, as Honda has worked closely with these manufacturers to ensure their hardware and our software interact safely and within the J2534-1 and -2 specifications, for both diagnostics and reprogramming. If you choose to use a generic VCI, please carefully consider the customer and technical support options you will receive from your chosen device supplier. Honda does not provide technical or customer support for generic VCI devices.

The VCI Application Table below lists devices that either are approved and supported by Honda or are known to have completed and passed an independent, exhaustive validation program with our i-HDS software suite.

VCI Name	Manufacturer	Version Information		Notes
		Firmware	J2534 API
DST-i	DENSO	2.02.0002*	04.04	This is the current generation VCI used by Honda and Acura dealers. Honda routinely validates the functionality and provides customer support for this device.
DST-nano	DENSO	2.02.0002*	04.04	This is the current generation VCI used by Honda Canada Inc. Honda and Acura dealers. Honda routinely validates the functionality and provides customer support for this device.
MVCI	Bosch	3.01.60*	04.04	This is the previous generation VCI used by Honda and Acura dealers. Honda routinely validates the functionality and provides customer support for this device.
MongoosePro Honda	Drew Technologies	1.9.5**	04.04	This company has completed an independent i-HDS validation and claims it to function with the i-HDS software. Honda does not provide ongoing validation, nor customer support for this device.
d-briDGe Pro	Dearborn Group	3.303**	04.04	This company has completed an independent i-HDS validation and claims it to function with the i-HDS software. Honda does not provide ongoing validation, nor customer support for this device.

* These versions may have been superseded. Honda provides the latest supported versions to current i-HDS subscribers.
** Version used in validation program. See Terms and Conditions and Important Notice Regarding Reprogramming below for more details.

 

Reprogramming with the J2534 Rewrite Application in i-HDS

Included in the i-HDS software suite is a new reprogramming application called J2534 Rewrite. This application is made available to all subscribers of the i-HDS software suite and replaces the previous generation software, J2534 Honda Pass-thru Reprogramming Software.

This new application is compatible with generic VCIs that comply with SAE J2534. It must be used to reprogram any Honda/Acura vehicle equipped with ECUs that support reprogramming. Refer to the table below for legacy applicability for the programming of ECMs and PCMs. Though system dependent, late-model vehicles may be equipped with other ECUs that support reprogramming as well, e.g. ABS or VSA. J2534 Rewrite must be used to reprogram these control modules, as instructed in an applicable service bulletin.

As shown in this table, not all legacy Honda/Acura models are equipped with a reprogrammable ECM/PCM. Furthermore, all 2007 and later models not listed in the table are fully supported with this application.

	CarDAQ-Plus 2 Diagnostic Code Reader and J2534 Programming Tool
	Drew Technologies (DRWCDPLUSKIT) CarDAQ-Plus J2534 Flash Reprogramming Kit
	CarDAQ-M Modular PassThru J2534 Vehicle Reflash Hardware
	VSI J2534 ECU Reprogrammer & Diagnostic Adapter
	MAXIFLASH PRO (ALT-MF2534)

 

DST-i Information:

• DST-i Quick Start Guide

• Instruction Manual

• WLAN Setup

MVCI Information:

• User Guide

• FAQs

 

techinfo.honda.com

 

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Last update on 2025-04-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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