TRANSMISSION
Real Time 4WD System Troubleshooting & Testing - CR-V
HOW TO TROUBLESHOOT THE REAL TIME AWD SYSTEMS
AWD SYSTEM INDICATOR
The AWD system indicator will come on under certain conditions even if the real time AWD system is working
normally. Here are some examples:
When you use high-powered wireless equipment such as a CB or Ham radio in the vehicle.
When you keep spinning the rear wheels while the vehicle is stuck in sand, mud, snow, etc.
When the battery voltage suddenly drops below 8 volts.
After the AWD system indicator comes on, it stays on until you turn the ignition switch to LOCK (0).
DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC)
The real time AWD control unit can memorize up to eight different DTCs. The system displays the DTCs
by blinking the AWD system indicator. Multiple DTCs are displayed in the order they occurred,
beginning with the most recent.
If the same DTC is detected more than once, the most recent DTC is written over the earlier one.
Therefore, when the same problem is detected more than once, it is memorized as a single DTC.
The DTCs are memorized in the real time AWD control units EEPROM (non-volatile memory).
Therefore, the memorized DTCs are not cleared when the battery is disconnected or when the real time
AWD control unit is disconnected.
If there is a problem in the central processing unit (CPU) of the real time AWD control unit, the AWD
system indicator comes on, but no DTC is memorized. Refer to the symptom troubleshooting.
SELF-DIAGNOSIS
When a problem is detected during self-diagnosis, the system does the following:
Turns the AWD system indicator on.
Memorizes the DTC if possible.
Stops AWD control and puts the vehicle back into two-wheel drive (front wheel only).
HOW TO USE THE HDS (HONDA DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM)
1. With the ignition switch in LOCK (0) connect the Honda Diagnostic System (HDS) to the DLC (A)
located under the driver's side of the dashboard.
Fig. 1: Identifying Data Link Connector
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
2. Turn the ignition switch to ON (II).
3. Make sure the HDS communicates with the vehicle and the real time AWD control unit. If it does not, go
to the symptom troubleshooting for HDS does not communicate.
4. Check the diagnostic trouble code (DTC) and the freeze data, for all systems in the vehicle, troubleshoot
the powertrain DTCs first and note them. Then refer to the indicated DTC's troubleshooting, and do the
appropriate troubleshooting procedure.
NOTE:
The HDS can read the DTC, the freeze data, the current data, and
other system data.
For specific operations, refer to the Help menu that came with the
HDS.
It is best do an ALL DTC CHECK to look for other systems DTCs that
are related to the problem.
HOW TO CHECK FOR DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCS)
When the real time AWD control unit senses an abnormality in the input or output systems, the AWD system
indicator in the gauge control module will usually come on, and the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL), the D
indicator, the VSA indicator, and/or the ABS indicator may also come on.
NOTE:
Check the vehicle battery condition and charging system before
troubleshooting.
1. With the ignition switch in LOCK (0) connect the HDS to the DLC (A) located under the driver's side of
the dashboard.
Fig. 2: Identifying Data Link Connector
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
2. Turn the ignition switch to ON (II). Make sure the HDS communicates with the vehicle and the real time
AWD control unit. If it does not, go to the symptom troubleshooting for HDS does not communicate.
Follow the prompts on the HDS to display the DTC(s) on the screen. Check the DTC and the freeze data
for all systems. After determining the DTC(s), refer to the DTC Troubleshooting.
NOTE:
See the HDS help menu for specific instructions.
3. If there are PGM-FI system DTCs and other system DTCs at the same time, troubleshoot the PGM-FI
system DTCs first, otherwise the real time AWD DTC may return.
4. After recording the DTCs, clear all DTCs.
5. Test-drive the vehicle for several minutes in AWD mode, and check for DTCs. If the DTC returns, refer
to the DTC Troubleshooting. If the DTC does not return, there was an intermittent problem within the
circuit. Make sure all connectors and terminals in the circuit are tight.
HOW TO CLEAR DTCS
1. With the ignition switch in LOCK (0) connect the HDS to the DLC (A) located under the driver's side of
the dashboard.
Fig. 3: Identifying Data Link Connector
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
2. Turn the ignition switch to ON (II).
Make sure the HDS communicates with the vehicle and the real time AWD control unit. If it does not,
3. go to the symptom troubleshooting for HDS does not communicate.
4. Clear the DTC(s) by following the screen prompts on the HDS in the Real Time AWD Data List.
5. Turn the ignition switch to LOCK (0).
NOTE:
If the DTC that was cleared is related to another system, that system's DTC
must be repaired, or the real time AWD DTC will return.
HOW TO TROUBLESHOOT CIRCUITS AT THE REAL TIME AWD CONTROL UNIT
Special Tools Required
Backprobe Set 07SAZ-001000A
1. Remove the left rear side trim panel.
2. Inspect the circuit on the real time AWD control unit according to the DTC Troubleshooting using the
backprobe set and a digital multimeter or an analog circuit tester.
3. Connect the backprobe adapters (A) to the stacking patch cords (B), and connect the cords to a digital
multimeter or an analog circuit tester (C). Using the wire insulator as a guide for the contoured-tip of the
backprobe adapter, gently slide the tip into the connector from the wire side until it comes in contact with
the terminal end of the wires.
Fig. 4: Connecting Backprobe Adapters To Stacking Patch Cords
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
PRECAUTIONS FOR REAL-TIME AWD (ALL-WHEEL DRIVE)
Under normal conditions, the AWD vehicle is in 2WD (front-wheel drive). However, the system will instantly
transmit appropriate driving force to the rear wheels (depending on the driving force of the front wheels and the
road conditions).
The Real-time AWD System does not have a manual switch to disable the AWD system. Whenever service
work requires spinning the front or rear wheels with the engine, always lift and support the vehicle so all four
wheels are off the ground.
REAL TIME AWD SYSTEM SYMPTOM TROUBLESHOOTING INDEX
Symptom
Probable Cause
Remedy
Add recommended fluid
Fluid level too low
Incorrect fluid type
Rear differential overheats
Drain and fill the differential with the
recommended fluid
Fluid level too high
Lower to proper level
Clean or replace
Clogged breather hose
Worn or damaged oil seal
Damaged sealing washer
Rear differential leaks
fluid
Replace the oil seal
Replace the sealing washer
Recheck torque or apply sealant
Loose mounting bolts or
inadequate sealing
HDS does not
communicate with vehicle
TROUBLESHOOTING THE DLC
CIRCUIT
HDS does not
communicate with real
time AWD control unit
Do the symptom troubleshooting for HDS
does not communicate
2024 Honda CR-V Owner's Manual
2023 Honda CR-V Owner's Manual
2021 Honda CR-V Owner's Manual
2018 Honda CR-V Owner's Manual
2015 Honda CR-V Owner's Manual
