HVAC Display Flashes or Flickers – 2014-2015 Acura MDX

B15-036
July 20, 2017
06957 Version 3

HVAC Display Flashes or Flickers

Supersedes 15-036, dated September 24, 2015 to revise the information highlighted in yellow

 

AFFECTED VEHICLES

Year	Model	Trim	VIN Range
2014–15	MDX	ALL with navigation	ALL

 

REVISION SUMMARY

• Updated information under REPAIR PROCEDURE.
• Additional WARRANTY CLAIM INFORMATION added.

 

SYMPTOM

The HVAC information flashes or flickers.

 

POSSIBLE CAUSE

There is a software error.

 

CORRECTIVE ACTION

Update the audio-navigation unit with the DVD update.

 

TOOL INFORMATION

Tool Name	Tool Number	Quantity
2014 MDX Audio-Navigation System DVD Update (with navigation) (Blue)	07AAZ-T2GA310	1
2015 MDX Audio-Navigation System DVD Update (with navigation) (Red)	07AAZ-T2GA320	1

 

The DVD updates have recently shipped to all dealers. Additional DVDs are available for purchase through the parts system.

 

WARRANTY CLAIM INFORMATION

The normal warranty applies.

Model	Operation Number	DescriptionFlat Rate TimeTemplate ID		Failed Part Number
MDX	0100A1	Update the navigation system software.		0.3 hr	B15036A	39542-TY2-A01

 

Use the warranty information below only if the vehicle required a 2017 map update (2015 MDX only). Use the template below only in the rare case of when the client did not take advantage of the now expired Client Satisfaction Improvement Campaign.

MDX	0100A1	Update the navigation system software.	0.3 hr	B15036B	39542-TY2-A01
	B	Installing the 2017 map update.	0.1 hr

Defect Code: 03214
Symptom Code: 03217
Skill Level: Repair Technician

 

REPAIR PROCEDURE 2015 MDX

NOTE:

• If the vehicle does not have navigation, do not use this software update. If you do, you may permanently damage the audio unit.
• Apply this software update only to the vehicles listed under AFFECTED VEHICLES; otherwise this software update can permanently damage the unit.
• If you accidentally update the wrong vehicle, contact Tech Line; if the unit must be replaced, your dealership may be debited for the replacement cost.

1. Connect a battery charger or a fully charged jumper battery to the vehicle and leave it connected during the entire update procedure to maintain a steady voltage.
2. Set the power mode to ON.
   • Press the Settings button.
   • Select Navi Settings, then press the interface dial (jog knob).

• Scroll down and select System Device Information.

• Check the Database version is VER.ST003.02.00.
  • If the version matches, continue to step 4.
  • If the version is different, a 2017 or above Navi map update must be performed (this should only be in the rare case when the client did not take advantage of the now expired Client Satisfaction Improvement Campaign). The map database must be completely installed, including the background update, before continuing with this bulletin. If you try to update the ODMD without the correct software version, the ODMD will not work properly.

NOTE: If you are doing the 2017 or later navigation map update, make sure to use the correct WARRANTY CLAIM INFORMATION.

3. Set the power mode to OFF, then to ON and wait for the navigation system to boot up. Insert the RED DVD into the CD slot as shown. See TOOL INFORMATION.

NOTE: The power mode must remain ON during the entire update procedure. If the power mode is set to OFF, the engine is started, or the DVD is removed at any time during the update process, the audio-navigation unit will be locked up and you will need to use the RECOVERY PROCEDURE.

4. The software update will begin. The screen will show a Reading the Disc message, then both screens will shut off for about 10 seconds and reboot. The message No Data will appear on the screen. Do not eject the disc. The unit is uploading the update and may take up to 1 minute before beginning. The displays should change to a Notification screen loading bar.

NOTE:

• The engine does not need to be running to do this update, even if it says so on the screen.
• If the No Data screen does not change after about a minute, the software may already be updated. Go to step 11 to confirm the software versions.

NOTE: The software update takes about 30 minutes to complete; you do not have to oversee the update during this time as no action is needed until the update is loaded.  Update Order:

1. ERATO
2. SH-BOOT
3. SH-IPL
4. SH-NK
5. Utility
6. BUuCOM

On the touch screen, the progress bar will stop at 100% after ERATO is updated and remain at 100% throughout all SH and Utility updates. The progress bar will go back to 0% and resume when the BUuCOM update starts.

5. When the update is complete, the system will reboot to the AcuraLink screen. The Enter code message and keypad will appear on the screens, although they may not appear at the same time. Wait for both screens to appear, then press the engine start/stop button to set the power mode to OFF.

NOTE:

• You must wait for both screens to appear before setting the power mode to OFF, or you will lock up the unit.
• Do not remove the DVD until you set the power mode to OFF because if you do so, the audio-navigation unit will lock up. If it locks up, go to RECOVERY PROCEDURE.
• The audio-navigation unit may lock up if any of the following occurs during the update process. If the unit locks up, refer to the RECOVERY PROCEDURE to unlock it.
  • Loss of battery power/low voltage
  • Engine cranks or starts
  • The power mode is set to OFF
  • A rewrite failure occurs

6. Eject the DVD and wait at least 1 minute.
7. Set the power mode to ON. Once both Enter code screens appear, press and hold the power button for 2 seconds until you hear the beep.
8. The navigation screen will show the GPS initialization message.

9. Press and hold the NAVI, BACK, and MENU buttons until the Select Diagnosis Items screen appears.

10. Select Detail Information & Setting, then select Version.

11. Verify that the software versions were updated to the new version as shown:

Software	2015 MDX with RES	2015 MDX without RES
SH Flash	4.00.2309	4.00.2309
ERATO IPL	4.00.5004	4.00.5004
BU uCom APP	4.003.604	4.003.804
Model	TZ5A	TZ5A

 

NOTE: If the Version information does not match the table above after doing the update, or the update won’t auto start, select Download and press the interface dial.

12. Make sure the rear camera is working properly. If not, reset the rear camera.
    • Move the vehicle to an open area. Start the engine if not already done.
    • Press and hold the NAVI, BACK, and MENU buttons until the Select Diagnosis Items screen appears.
    • Press and hold the NAVI button.
    • Select Incomplete. The system restarts.

• When the In-Line Diag screen appears, select Start Diag.
• Make sure all the icons turn green.

NOTE: To get all the icons to turn green, make sure that you do the following:

• Press the Pick-up button.
• Press the Hang-up button.
• Press the Talk button.
• Snap your fingers in front of the microphone to complete the test.

13. Delete all paired phones from the vehicle. Make sure the service consultant informs the client that he or she needs to re-pair his or her phone to the vehicle.

If the audio-navigation unit fails during the update, refer to RECOVERY PROCEDURE at the end of this S/B.

 

REPAIR PROCEDURE 2014 MDX

NOTE:

• If the vehicle does not have navigation, do not use this software update. If you do, you may permanently damage the audio unit.
• Apply this software update only to the vehicles listed under AFFECTED VEHICLES; otherwise this software update can permanently damage the unit.
• If you accidentally update the wrong vehicle, contact Tech Line; if the unit must be replaced, your dealership may be debited for the replacement cost.

1. Connect a battery charger or a fully charged jumper battery to the vehicle and leave it connected during the entire update procedure to maintain a steady voltage.
2. Set the power mode to ON.
3. Wait for the navigation system to boot up. Insert the BLUE DVD into the CD slot as shown. See TOOL INFORMATION.

NOTE: The power mode must remain ON during the entire update procedure. If the power mode is set to OFF, the engine is started, or the DVD is removed at any time during the update process, the audio-navigation unit will be locked up and you will need to use the RECOVERY PROCEDURE.

4. The software update will begin. The screen will show a Reading the Disc message, then both screens will shut off for about 10 seconds and reboot. The message No Data will appear on the screen. Do not eject the disc. The unit is uploading the update and may take up to 1 minute before beginning. The displays should change to a Notification screen loading bar.

NOTE:

• The engine does not need to be running to do this update, even if it says so on the screen.
• If the No Data screen does not change after about a minute, the software may already be updated. Go to step 11 to confirm the software versions.

NOTE: The software update takes about 30 minutes to complete; you do not have to oversee the update during this time as no action is needed until the update is loaded.  Update Order:

1. ERATO
2. SH-BOOT
3. SH-IPL
4. SH-NK
5. Utility
6. BUuCOM

On the touch screen, the progress bar will stop at 100% after ERATO is updated and remain at 100% throughout all SH and Utility updates. The progress bar will go back to 0% and resume when the BUuCOM update starts.

5. When the update is complete, the system will reboot to the AcuraLink screen. The Enter code message and keypad will appear on the screens, although they may not appear at the same time. Wait for both screens to appear, then set the power mode to OFF.

NOTE:

• You must wait for both screens to appear before setting the power mode to OFF, or you will lock up the unit.
• Do not remove the DVD until you set the power mode to OFF because if you do so, the audio-navigation unit will lock up. If it locks up, go to RECOVERY PROCEDURE.
• The audio-navigation unit may lock up if any of the following occurs during the update process. If the unit locks up, refer to the RECOVERY PROCEDURE to unlock it.
  • Loss of battery power/low voltage
  • Engine cranks or starts
  • The power mode is set to OFF
  • A rewrite failure occurs

6. Eject the DVD and wait at least 1 minute.
7. Set the power mode to ON. Once both Enter code screens appear, press and hold the power button for 2 seconds until you hear the beep.
8. The navigation screen will show the GPS initialization message.

9. Press and hold the NAVI, BACK, and MENU buttons until the Select Diagnosis Items screen appears.

10. Select Detail Information & Setting, then select Version.

11. Verify that the software versions were updated to the new version as shown.

Software	2014 MDX with RES	2014 MDX without RES
SH Flash	3.00.2304	3.00.2304
ERATO IPL	3.00.2004	3.00.2004
BU uCom APP	3.002.604	3.002.804
Model	TZ5A	TZ5A

 

NOTE: If the software is not updated, set the power mode to OFF, and go back to step 2 and repeat the update procedure.

12. Make sure the rear camera is working properly. If not, reset the rear camera.
    • Move the vehicle to an open area. Start the engine if not already done.
    • Press and hold the NAVI, BACK, and MENU buttons until the Select Diagnosis Items screen appears.
    • Press and hold the NAVI button.
    • Select Incomplete. The system restarts.

• When the In-Line Diag screen appears, select Start Diag.
• Make sure all the icons turn green.

NOTE: To get all the icons to turn green, make sure that you do the following:

• Press the Pick-up button.
• Press the Hang-up button.
• Press the Talk button.
• Snap your fingers in front of the microphone to complete the test.

13. Delete all paired phones from the vehicle. Make sure the service consultant informs the client that he or she needs to re-pair his or her phone to the vehicle.

If the audio-navigation unit fails during the update, refer to RECOVERY PROCEDURE at the end of this S/B.

 

.

RECOVERY PROCEDURE

1. Set the power mode to OFF.
2. Make sure the DVD is inserted into the CD slot, then do a battery cable reset for 2 minutes.

NOTE: Make sure the DVD is inserted when you set the power mode back to ON because when the unit powers up, it will immediately look for the DVD to start the recovery process.

• Disconnect the negative battery cable first, then the positive battery cable.
• Short the battery cables together with a jumper wire for 2 minutes.
• Remove the jumper wire, and reconnect the battery cables – positive cable first, then negative.

3. Reattach the battery charger or fully charged jumper battery.
4. Set the power mode to ON (do not start the engine).

NOTE: Do not start the engine because starting it interrupts the steady battery power needed to update the audionavigation unit.

5. Make sure the green LEDs on each side of the CD slot are blinking. This indicates the recovery process is working. NOTE:
   • The recovery procedure and software update reload takes 15–30 minutes depending on when the update procedure was interrupted.
   • The displays may stay blank during this time.
6. When the recovery procedure and software update is complete, the Enter code message and keypad screens (with navigation) appear. Set the power mode to OFF.
7. Eject the DVD and wait at least 1 minute.
8. Go to REPAIR PROCEDURE to complete the update procedure.

END

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NHTSA ID Number: 10115159

Manufacturer Communication Number: B15-036

Summary

Service bulletin – The HVAC information flashes or flickers. There is a software error.

 

1 Associated Document

Manufacturer Communications

B15-036
September 24, 2015
02210 Version 2

https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=10115159

MC-10115159-9999.pdf 1123.637KB

 

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