DTC 53-1, 53-3: Left Clutch Electromagnetic Coil (Open)

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.
Do the clutch function test with the HDS (see SH-AWD® FUNCTION TEST ).
Check for DTCs with the HDS.
Is DTC 53-1 or 53-3 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 and the left clutch electromagnetic coil.
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 the SH-AWD control unit and the left clutch electromagnetic coil.
Remove the jumper wire from left solenoid 4P connector terminal No. 2.
Reconnect all connectors.
Turn the ignition switch to ON (II).
Check the REAR DIFFERENTIAL FLUID TEMPERATURE in the DATA LIST is above 68°F (20°C) with the HDS before proceeding to the next step. If the temperature is below 68°F (20°C), drive the vehicle to warm up the rear differential until the fluid temperature becomes above 68°F (20°C).
Turn the ignition switch to LOCK (0).
Disconnect the left solenoid 4P connector.
Measure the resistance between left solenoid 4P connector terminals No. 1 and No. 2.

Fig 5: Measuring Resistance Between Left Solenoid 4P Connector Terminals No. 1 And No. 2
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

Is there 1.8 nor more?

YES -Replace the rear differential left side case (see SIDE CASE REPLACEMENT ).

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 ).