DTC 52-3: Left Clutch Electromagnetic Coil Current 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 ).
If DTC 49-1 is stored at the same time as DTC 52-3, troubleshoot DTC 49-1 first, then recheck for DTC 52-3.

Turn the ignition switch to ON (II).
Clear the DTC with the HDS.
Do the clutch function test with the HDS (see SH-AWD® FUNCTION TEST ).
Check for DTCs with the HDS.
Is DTC 52-3 indicated?

YES -Go to step 5.

NO -Intermittent failure, the system is OK at this time.
Turn the ignition switch to LOCK (0).
Disconnect SH-AWD control unit connector B (8P) and the left solenoid 4P connector.
Connect left solenoid 4P connector terminal No. 1 to body ground with a jumper wire.

Fig 1: Connecting Left Solenoid 4P Connector Terminal No. 1 To Body Ground With Jumper Wire
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Check for continuity between SH-AWD control unit connector terminal B5 and body ground.

Fig 2: Checking Continuity Between SH-AWD Control Unit Connector Terminal B5 And Body Ground
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

Is there continuity?

YES -Go to step 9.

NO -Repair an open in the wire between the SH-AWD control unit connector terminal B5 and the left solenoid 4P connector.
Remove the jumper wire from left solenoid 4P connector terminal No. 1.
Connect left solenoid 4P connector terminal No. 2 to body ground with a jumper wire.

Fig 3: Connecting Left Solenoid 4P Connector Terminal No. 2 To Body Ground With Jumper Wire
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Check for continuity between SH-AWD control unit connector terminal B4 and body ground.

Fig 4: Checking Continuity Between SH-AWD Control Unit Connector Terminal B4 And Body Ground
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

Is there continuity?

YES -Go to step 12.

NO -Repair an open in the wire between SH-AWD control unit connector terminal B4 and the left solenoid 4P connector.
Remove the jumper wire from left solenoid 4P connector terminal No. 2.
Check for continuity between SH-AWD control unit connector terminal B2 and body ground.

Fig 5: Checking Continuity Between SH-AWD Control Unit Connector Terminal B2 And Body Ground
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

Is there continuity?

YES -Go to step 14.

NO -Repair an open in the wire between SH-AWD control unit connector terminal B2 and body ground (G603), or repair poor body ground (G603).
Check for continuity between SH-AWD control unit connector terminals B2 and B4.

Fig 6: Checking Continuity Between SH-AWD Control Unit Connector Terminals B2 And B4
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

Is there continuity?

YES -Repair a short to body ground in the wire between SH-AWD control unit connector terminal B4 and the left solenoid 4P connector.

NO -Go to step 15.
Check for continuity between SH-AWD control unit connector terminals B2 and B5.

Fig 7: Checking Continuity Between SH-AWD Control Unit Connector Terminals B2 And B5
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

Is there continuity?

YES -Repair a short to body ground in the wire between SH-AWD control unit connector terminal B5 and the left solenoid 4P connector.

NO -Go to step 16.
Check for continuity between SH-AWD control unit connector terminals B4 and B5.

Fig 8: Checking Continuity Between SH-AWD Control Unit Connector Terminals B4 And B5
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

Is there continuity?

YES -Repair a short in the wires between the SH-AWD control unit and the left solenoid 4P connector.

NO -Go to step 17.
Measure the voltage between SH-AWD control unit connector terminals B2 and B5.

Fig 9: Measuring Voltage Between SH-AWD Control Unit Connector Terminals B2 And B5
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

Is there voltage?

YES -Repair a short to power in the wire between SH-AWD control unit connector terminal B5 and the left solenoid 4P connector.

NO -Go to step 18.
Measure the voltage between SH-AWD control unit connector terminals B2 and B4.

Fig 10: Measuring Voltage Between SH-AWD Control Unit Connector Terminals B2 And B4
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

Is there voltage?

YES -Repair a short to power in the wire between SH-AWD control unit connector terminal B4 and the left solenoid 4P connector.

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 ).