DTC 12-1, 12-2, 12-3: Lateral Acceleration Sensor Malfunction

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 you troubleshoot, review the general troubleshooting information (see GENERAL TROUBLESHOOTING INFORMATION ).

Turn the ignition switch to ON (II).
Check for DTCs in the VSA system with the HDS.
Are any lateral acceleration sensor DTCs indicated?

YES -Go to the indicated DTC'S TROUBLESHOOTING .

NO -Go to step 3.
Test-drive the vehicle with an assistant. Drive in a left and right zig-zag pattern at about 13 mph (20 km/h) and check the LATERAL ACCELERATION SENSOR in the DATA LIST with the HDS.
Does the sensor value change when turning?

YES -Go to step 4.

NO -Update the SH-AWD control unit if it does not have the latest software (see SH-AWD® CONTROL UNIT UPDATE ), or substitute a known-good SH-AWD control unit (see SH-AWD® CONTROL UNIT REPLACEMENT ), and recheck. If the symptom/indication goes away with the updated SH-AWD control unit, troubleshooting is complete. If the symptom/indication goes away with a known-good SH-AWD control unit, replace the original SH-AWD control unit (see SH-AWD® CONTROL UNIT REPLACEMENT ).
Park the vehicle on a level surface.
Check the LATERAL ACCELERATION SENSOR in the DATA LIST with the HDS.
Is there 0.1 G or less?

YES -Intermittent failure, the system is OK at this time. If the DTC returns, replace the SH-AWD control unit (see SH-AWD® CONTROL UNIT REPLACEMENT ).

NO -Do the yaw rate-lateral/longitudinal acceleration neutral position memorization (see YAW RATE-LATERAL/LONGITUDINAL ACCELERATION NEUTRAL POSITION MEMORIZATION ). If the DTC returns, replace the SH-AWD control unit (see SH-AWD® CONTROL UNIT REPLACEMENT ).