DTC 44-12: SH-AWD Relay Stuck ON

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).
Clear the DTC with the HDS.
Start the engine.
Check for DTCs with the HDS.
Is DTC 44-12 indicated?

YES -Go to step 5.

NO -Intermittent failure, the system is OK at this time.
Turn the ignition switch to LOCK (0).
Remove the SH-AWD relay (see SH-AWD® RELAY REPLACEMENT ), then test the SH-AWD relay (see POWER RELAY TEST ).
Is the SH-AWD relay OK?

YES -Go to step 7.

NO -Replace the SH-AWD relay (see SH-AWD® RELAY REPLACEMENT ).
Disconnect SH-AWD control unit connector A (20P).
Turn the ignition switch to ON (II).
Measure the voltage between SH-AWD control unit connector terminal A17 and body ground with the SH-AWD relay removed.

Fig 1: Measuring Voltage Between SH-AWD Control Unit Connector Terminal A17 And Body Ground
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

Is there battery voltage?

YES -Repair a short to power in the wire between the SH-AWD control unit and the SH-AWD relay (FSR line).

NO -Go to step 10.
Turn the ignition switch to LOCK (0).
Disconnect SH-AWD control unit connector B (8P).
Measure the voltage between SH-AWD control unit connector terminals B1 and B2.

Fig 2: Measuring Voltage Between SH-AWD Control Unit Connector Terminals B1 And B2
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

Is there battery voltage?

YES -Repair a short to power in the wire between the SH-AWD control unit and the SH-AWD relay (PWR line).

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 ).