Suspension Stroke Sensor Circuit Troubleshooting

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2013 Acura MDX, 2012 Acura MDX, 2011 Acura MDX, and 2010 Acura MDX. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: Before troubleshooting, check the No. 31 (15 A) fuse in the under-dash fuse/relay box. Check the active damper system for DTCs and troubleshoot those codes first.

Raise the vehicle, make sure it is securely supported.
Disconnect the 3P connector (A) from the left-front suspension stroke sensor (B).

Fig 1: Identifying 3P Connector And Left-Front Suspension Stroke Sensor
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Disconnect the 3P connector (A) from the left-rear suspension stroke sensor (B).

Fig 2: Identifying 3P Connector And Left-Rear Suspension Stroke Sensor
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Turn the ignition switch to ON (II).
Turn the combination light (headlight) switch ON.
Check for continuity between left-front and left-rear suspension stroke sensors 3P connector terminal No. 3 and body ground individually.

Fig 3: Checking Continuity Between 3P Connector Terminal No. 3 And Body Ground
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

*: Left-rear suspension stroke sensor

Is there continuity?

YES -Go to step 7.

NO -Repair open in the wire or poor ground (G401), if the wire is OK, replace the headlight leveling control unit.
Measure the voltage between left-front and left-rear suspension stroke sensor 3P connector terminal No. 1 and body ground individually.

Fig 4: Measuring Voltage Between 3P Connector Terminal No. 1 And Body Ground
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

Is there about 5 V?

YES -Go to step 8.

NO -Check for an open or a short in the wire between the headlight leveling control unit and the left-front (or left-rear) suspension stroke sensor. If the wire is OK, do the headlight leveling control unit input test
Remove the nut (A) and the left-front suspension stroke sensor from the suspension side.

Fig 5: Left-Front Suspension Stroke Sensor Nut With Torque Specifications
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Remove the nut (A) and the left-rear suspension stroke sensor from the suspension side.

Fig 6: Left-Rear Suspension Stroke Sensor Nut With Torque Specifications
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Reconnect the 3P connector to each suspension stroke sensor.
Measure the voltage between headlight leveling control unit 16P connector terminals No. 4 and No. 7, and terminals No. 6 and No. 12 while the suspension stroke sensor arm (A) is moved.

Fig 7: Identifying Suspension Stroke Sensor Arm Movement
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

Fig 8: Measuring Voltage Between 16P Connector Terminals No. 4 And No. 7, No. 6 And No. 12
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

Is there about 0.5-4.5 V?

YES -Intermittent failure, the system is OK at this time. Check for loose or poor connections between the headlight leveling control unit and the left-front (or left-rear) suspension stroke sensor, if the connections are OK, replace the left-front (or left-rear) suspension stroke sensor.

NO -Check for an open or a short in the wire between the headlight leveling control unit and the left-front (or left-rear) suspension stroke sensor, if the wire is OK, replace the left-front (or left-rear) suspension stroke sensor.