NHTSA ID Number: 10189309
Manufacturer Communication Number: A20-021
Summary
Service Bulletin – The HFL system freezes during or after a phone call.
2 Affected Products
Vehicle
| MAKE | MODEL | YEAR |
HONDA | CIVIC | 2019-2020 |
SYMPTOM
The HFL system freezes during or after a phone call.
POSSIBLE CAUSE
Some audio units are not updated with the latest software.
CORRECTIVE ACTION
Update the audio unit software.
REPAIR PROCEDURE
Software Update Procedure
1. Connect a fully charged jumper battery to the vehicle, and leave it connected during the entire update procedure to maintain steady voltage.
2. Open the Honda Firmware Downloader from the shop’s computer.
NOTE: Refer to Job aid Honda Firmware Downloader for more information.
3. Insert a USB flash drive into the computer.
NOTE: Make sure the USB flash drive is empty and is formatted to FAT32.
4. Enter this service bulletin number, the VIN of the vehicle you are working on, and select Search.
5. When the software is found, select the Download Once the download is complete, remove the USB flash drive and take it back to the vehicle.
NOTE: The software download may take up to 10 to 15 minutes depending on the size of the file and the internet speed. You do not need to stay with the vehicle during this download.
6. Turn the ignition to ON.
7. Before updating the software, write down the customer’s audio unit presets.
8. First, verify the software information. With the audio turned off, press buttons 1, 3, and 5, then press the VOL/Power knob on the audio unit in the order shown.
The Version display screen will appear.
Only update the audio unit software if the software information matches the information shown above and listed below. If the software information does not match the information shown, no update is needed and continue with normal system troubleshooting.
NOTICE
Updating the software when the software information does not match what is shown will damage the unit. If that happens, you will need to replace it.
| Software Details | Original Software Version |
| 2019/2020 Civic LX (2dr/4dr/5dr) | |
| System ucom | GA04 |
| HMI ucom | G004 |
| DSP ucom | 11C20204 |
| Bluetooth module | HW02-SW03.29.07 |
9. Press the VOL/Power knob to exit the Version display
10. Turn off the audio unit, then insert the USB flash drive into the USB port. The audio unit will automatically detect the USB flash drive and start the update. When the update starts, the screen will go black, the buttons will start blinking, and the audio unit will beep.
NOTE: If the update does not automatically start, or an error occurs, cycle the ignition to reset the audio unit. Then, go back to step 9.
11. Once the update is complete, you will hear a long beep, the Honda logo will appear, and the screen will return to the audio screen.
Verifying the Audio Unit Software
1. With the audio unit turned off, press buttons 1, 3, and 5, then press the VOL/Power knob on the audio unit in the order shown.
The Version display screen will appear.
Make sure the software information matches the information shown above and listed below.
| Software Details | Original Software Version |
| 2019/2020 Civic LX (2dr/4dr/5dr) | |
| System ucom | GB04 |
| HMI ucom | G004 |
| DSP ucom | 11C20204 |
| Bluetooth module | HW02-SW03.29.07 |
2. Press the VOL/Power knob to exit the Version display
3. Remove the USB flash drive.
4. Set the clock to the correct time.
5. Press and hold the VOL/Power knob to skip the security code screen.
6. Restore the customer’s audio unit presets.
END
SEOCONTENT-START
Service Bulletin 20-021
March 17, 2021
Version 3
Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® (HFL) Freezes During or After a Call
Supersedes 20-021, dated February 16, 2021, to revise the information highlighted in yellow.
AFFECTED VEHICLES
| Year | Model | Trim Level | VIN Range |
| 2019-20 | Civic 2-door | LX | ALL |
| Civic 4-door | |||
| Civic 5-door |
REVISION SUMMARY
Under Verifying the Audio Unit Software, the System ucom software version was updated.
WARRANTY CLAIM INFORMATION
The normal warranty applies.
| Operation Number | Description | Flat Rate Time | Defect Code | Symptom Code | Template
ID |
Failed Part Number |
| 0100A1 | Update the audio unit software. | 0.3 hr | 03214 | 03217 | A20021A | 39171-TBA-A41 |
Skill Level: Repair Technician
SEOCONTENT-END
NHTSA ID Number: 10187522
Manufacturer Communication Number: A20-021
Summary
Service Bulletin – The HFL system freezes during or after a phone call.
1 Associated Document
Manufacturer Communications
A20-021
February 16, 2021
Version 2
MC-10187522-0001.pdf 332.226KB
1 Associated Document
Manufacturer Communications
A20-021
March 17, 2021
Version 3
Reprogramming
i-HDS Diagnostic Software and J2534 Reprogramming Software
Honda J2534 Pass-Thru User Guide
Honda J2534 Pass-Thru Software Download
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.
DST-i Information:
MVCI Information:
- J2534 Pass-Thru Programmer: TOPDON RLink J2534 is an advanced diagnostic and reprogramming tool that support all J2534 protocols, as well as D-PDU, CAN-FD and DoIP, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of modern vehicles. It offers extensive versatility with support for over 18 major automotive brands, including Chrysler, Ford, GM, Nissan, Toyota, Honda, Subaru, Land Rover/Jaguar, Volvo, Wuling, Volkswagen/Audi, Mercedes-Benz, and BMW. NOTE: Not compatible with Ford IDS diagnostic software
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- [J2534 Pass-Thru Programmer] - TOPDON RLink J2534 is engineered for professional technicians, delivering OEM diagnostic and reprogramming capabilities. It supports all J2534 protocols, CAN-FD, DoIP, D-PDU. Compatible with 17 vehicle brands—such as Chrysler, Ford, GM, KIA, Hyundai, Nissan, Toyota, Honda, Subaru, Mitsubishi, MAZDA, Land Rover/Jaguar, Volvo, Volkswagen/Audi, Mercedes-Benz, and BMW. RLink J2534 can help reduce the cost of purchasing equipment from different brands.
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