Paddle Shifter - (Downshift Switch) 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.

SRS components are located in this area. Review the SRS component locations (see COMPONENT LOCATION INDEX ) and the precautions and procedures (see PRECAUTIONS AND PROCEDURES ) before doing repair or service.

Remove the steering wheel (see STEERING WHEEL REMOVAL ).
Check for continuity between cable reel subharness 20P connector terminals No. 9 and No. 10 when pressing the paddle shifter - (downshift switch) and when the paddle shifter - (downshift switch) is released.

Fig 1: Checking For Continuity Between Cable Reel Subharness 20P Connector Terminals No. 9 And No. 10
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

Is there continuity when pressing the paddle shifter - (downshift switch) and no continuity when the paddle shifter - (downshift switch) is released?

YES -Go to step 5.

NO -Go to step 3.
Disconnect the paddle shifter connector.
Check for continuity between paddle shifter connector terminals No. 4 and No. 5 when pressing and releasing the paddle shifter - (downshift switch).

Fig 2: Checking For Continuity Between Paddle Shifter Connector Terminals No. 4 And No. 5
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

Is there continuity when pressing the paddle shifter - (downshift switch) and no continuity when the paddle shifter - (downshift switch) is released?

YES -Replace the cable reel subharness or repair poor connection at terminal T801.

NO -Replace the paddle shifter (see PADDLE SHIFTER REPLACEMENT ).
Remove the cable reel (see CABLE REEL REPLACEMENT ).
Check for continuity between dashboard wire harness 20P connector terminal No. 3 and body ground.

Fig 3: Checking For Continuity Between Dashboard Wire Harness 20P Connector Terminal No. 3 And Body Ground
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

Is there continuity?

YES -Go to step 7.

NO -Repair an open in the wire between dashboard wire harness 20P connector terminal No. 3 and body ground (G501), or repair poor body ground (G501).
Check for continuity between dashboard wire harness 20P connector terminal No. 4 and body ground.

Fig 4: Checking For Continuity Between Dashboard Wire Harness 20P Connector Terminal No. 4 And Body Ground
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

Is there continuity?

YES -Repair a short to body ground in the wire between dashboard wire harness 20P connector terminal No. 4 and PCM connector terminal A37.

NO -Go to step 8.
Turn the ignition switch to ON (II), and shift to S.
Measure the voltage between dashboard wire harness 20P connector terminals No. 3 and No. 4.

Fig 5: Measuring Voltage Between Dashboard Wire Harness 20P Connector Terminals No. 3 And No. 4
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

Is there battery voltage?

YES -Replace the cable reel (see CABLE REEL REPLACEMENT ).

NO -Go to step 10.
Turn the ignition switch to LOCK (0).
Jump the SCS line with the HDS.
Disconnect PCM connector A (49P).
Connect dashboard wire harness 20P connector terminal No. 4 to body ground with a jumper wire.

Fig 6: Connecting Dashboard Wire Harness 20P Connector Terminal No. 4 To Body Ground With Jumper Wire
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Check for continuity between PCM connector terminal A37 and body ground.

Fig 7: Checking For Continuity Between PCM Connector Terminal A37 And Body Ground
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

Is there continuity?

YES -Check for loose or poor connections at PCM connector terminal A37. If the connection is OK, substitute a known-good PCM (see SUBSTITUTING THE PCM ) and recheck.

NO -Repair an open in the wire between PCM connector terminal A37 and the dashboard wire harness 20P connector.