Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview
How to Troubleshoot the IMA System
Intermittent Failures
The term intermittent failure means a system may have had a failure, but it is OK now. If the IMA system indicator on the dash does not come on, check for poor connections or loose terminals at all connectors related to the circuit you are troubleshooting. If the IMA system indicator was on but then went off, the original problem may have been intermittent.
Opens and Shorts
Open and Short are common electrical terms. An open is a break in a wire or at a connection. A short is an accidental connection of a wire to ground or to another wire. In simple electronics, this usually means something won't work at all. With complex electronics such as the BCM module and the MCM, this can mean something works, but not the way it's supposed to.
How to Use the HDS (Honda Diagnostic System) to Check for DTCs
If the IMA system indicator has come on
1. Start the engine, and check the IMA system indicator (A).
2. If the IMA system indicator stays on, turn the ignition switch to LOCK (0), then connect the HDS to the data link connector (DLC) (A) located under the driver's side of the dashboard.
- Turn the ignition switch to ON (II).
- Make sure the HDS communicates with the vehicle, the BCM module, and the MCM. If it doesn't, troubleshoot the DLC circuit. Testing and Inspection
- Select IMA SYSTEM on the HDS.
- Check the diagnostic trouble code (DTC) and note it. Also check the freeze data. Refer to the DTC troubleshooting, and begin the appropriate troubleshooting procedure.
NOTE: For specific operations, refer to the user's manual that came with the HDS.
If you can't duplicate the DTC
Some of the troubleshooting requires you to reset the BCM module and the MCM, and try to duplicate the DTC. If the problem is intermittent and you can't duplicate the DTC, do not continue through the procedure. To do so will only result in confusion and, possibly, a needlessly replaced parts.
DTC Clear
1. Turn the ignition switch to ON (II). Do not start the engine.
2. Use the HDS to clear the DTC.
NOTE: For specific operations, refer to the user's manual that came with the HDS.
How to End a Troubleshooting Session (required after any troubleshooting)
1. Clear the DTC with the HDS.
2. Turn the ignition switch to LOCK (0).
3. Disconnect the HDS from the DLC.
4. If the IMA battery level gauge (BAT) displays no segments, start the engine, and hold it between 3,500 rpm and 4,000 rpm without load (in P or N) until the BAT displays at least three segments.
Motor Rotor Position Calibration
Do the motor rotor position calibration whenever any of these actions are done:
- The MCM is replaced.
- The motor rotor position sensor is replaced or removed during service.
- The IMA motor is replaced.
- The motor stator is replaced.
- The engine assembly is replaced.
- The transmission is replaced.
1. Connect the HDS to the data link connector (DLC) (A) located under the driver's side of the dashboard.
2. Turn the ignition switch to ON (II).
3. Make sure the HDS communicates with the vehicle, the BCM module, and the MCM. If it doesn't, troubleshoot the DLC circuit. Testing and Inspection
4. Select IMA SYSTEM on the HDS.
5. Select the MOTOR ROTOR POSITION CALIBRATION in the ADJUSTMENT MENU of the HDS.
6. Turn the ignition switch to LOCK (0), and disconnect the HDS from the DLC.
Troubleshooting Circuits at the BCM Module and the MCM Connectors
Special Tools Required
- Digital Multimeter KS-AHM-32-003
- Backprobe Set 07SAZ-001000A (2)
*Available through the Honda Tool and Equipment Program 888-424-6857
If DTC troubleshooting requires voltage or resistance checks at the BCM module and the MCM connectors, remove the BCM module and disconnect the MCM connectors before doing the checks.
1. Remove the IPU lid IPU Lid Removal/Installation.
2. Connect the backprobe adapters (A) to the stacking patch cords (B), and connect the cords to a digital multimeter.
3. Remove the BCM module Service and Repair, then connect the backprobe adapters (A) to the stacking patch cords (B), and connect the cords to a digital multimeter.
Substituting the MCM
Special Tools Required
- Honda Diagnostic System (HDS) tablet tester
- Honda Interface Module (HIM) and an iN workstation with the latest HDS software version
- HDS pocket tester
- GNA600 and an iN workstation with the latest HDS software version
- MVCI unit with the latest control module (CM) update software installed
Any one of the above updating tools can be used.
Use this procedure when you have to substitute a known-good MCM during a troubleshooting procedure.
1. Remove the MCM MCM Replacement.
2. Install a known-good MCM.
3. Do the MOTOR ROTOR POSITION CALIBRATION in the ADJUSTMENT MENU with the HDS.
NOTE: If the IMA battery level gauge (BAT) displays no segments, start the engine, and hold it between 3,500 rpm and 4,000 rpm without load (in P or N) until the BAT displays at least three segments.
Substituting the BCM Module
Special Tools Required
- Honda Diagnostic System (HDS) tablet tester
- Honda Interface Module (HIM) and an iN workstation with the latest HDS software version
- HDS pocket tester
- GNA600 and an iN workstation with the latest HDS software version
- MVCI unit with the latest control module (CM) update software installed
Any one of the above updating tools can be used.
Use this procedure when you have to substitute a known-good BCM module during a troubleshooting procedure.
1. Remove the BCM module Service and Repair.
2. Install a known-good BCM module.
NOTE: If the IMA battery level gauge (BAT) displays no segments, start the engine, and hold it between 3,500 rpm and 4,000 rpm without load (in P or N) until the BAT displays at least three segments.
OBD Status
The OBD status shows the current system status of each DTC and all of the parameters. This function is used to see if the repair was successfully finished. The results of diagnostic tests for the DTC are displayed as:
- PASSED: The on-board diagnosis is successfully finished.
- FAILED: The on-board diagnosis has finished but failed.
- NOT COMPLETED: The on-board diagnosis was running, but it is out of the enable conditions of the DTC.