Special Tools Required

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.

Honda Diagnostic System (HDS)
Honda Interface Module (HIM)
HDS Pocket Tester
MVCI unit with the latest control module (CM) update software installed

NOTE:

Before you update the SH-AWD control unit, make sure the battery in the vehicle is fully charged.
Use this procedure when you need to update the SH-AWD control unit in a troubleshooting procedure.
Make sure the HDS/HIM has the latest software version.
Never turn the ignition switch to LOCK (0), during the update. If there is a problem with the update, leave the ignition switch to ON (II), otherwise the control unit could be damage, or it will set DTCs.
To prevent SH-AWD control unit damage, do not operate anything electrical (headlights, audio system, brakes, A/C, power windows, moonroof, door locks, etc.) during the update.
To ensure the latest program is installed, do an SH-AWD control unit update whenever the SH-AWD control unit is substituted or replaced.
You cannot update an SH-AWD control unit with the same program it already has installed. It will only accept a new program.
If you need to diagnose the Honda Interface Module (HIM) because the HIM's red (#3) lamp came on or was flashed during the update, leave the ignition switch in the ON (II) position, when you disconnect the HIM from the data link connector (DLC). This will prevent SH-AWD control unit damage.

With the ignition switch in LOCK (0), connect the HDS to the DLC (A) behind the driver's dashboard lower cover.

Fig 1: Identifying Data Link Connector
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Turn the ignition switch to ON (II).
Make sure the HDS communicates with the vehicle and the SH-AWD control unit. If it does not, go to the DLC circuit troubleshooting (see DLC CIRCUIT TROUBLESHOOTING ).
Select the update program, and follow the screen prompts to update the SH-AWD control unit.
If the software in the SH-AWD control unit is the latest, disconnect the HDS/HIM from the DLC, and go back to the procedure that you were doing. If the software in the SH-AWD control unit is not the latest, follow the instructions on the screen.
Do the SH-AWD control unit initialization (see SH-AWD® CONTROL UNIT INITIALIZATION ).
Do the SH-AWD differential clutch torque memorization (see SH-AWD® DIFFERENTIAL CLUTCH TORQUE MEMORIZATION ).
Do the yaw rate-lateral/longitudinal acceleration neutral position memorization (see YAW RATE-LATERAL/LONGITUDINAL ACCELERATION NEUTRAL POSITION MEMORIZATION ).