How to Troubleshoot the Real Time AWD System
System Indicator
The system has AWD system indicator comes on in the MID.

NOTE: For locations of each indicator, refer to gauge control module component location index.
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 12 volt battery voltage suddenly drops below 8 volts.

After the AWD system indicator comes on, it stays on until you turn the vehicle to the OFF (LOCK) mode.
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 12 volt 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 returns the vehicle back to two-wheel drive mode (front wheel only).
How to Use the HDS (Honda Diagnostic System)
1.
Turn the vehicle to the OFF (LOCK) mode, then connect the Honda Diagnostic System (HDS) to the DLC.

2.
Turn the vehicle to the ON mode.

3.
Make sure the HDS communicates with the vehicle and the real time AWD control unit. If it does not communicate, go to the real time AWD system 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, the MIL, the D indicator, the VSA indicator, and/or the ABS indicator may also come on.

NOTE: Make sure the 12 volt battery is in good condition and fully charged.

1.
Turn the vehicle to the OFF (LOCK) mode, then connect the HDS to the DLC.

2.
Turn the vehicle to the ON mode. Make sure the HDS communicates with the vehicle and the real time AWD control unit. If it does not communicate, go to the real time AWD system 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 4WD 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.
Turn the vehicle to the OFF (LOCK) mode, then connect the HDS to the DLC.

2.
Turn the vehicle to the ON mode.

3.
Make sure the HDS communicates with the vehicle and the real time AWD control unit. If it does not communicate, go to the real time AWD system 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 vehicle to the OFF (LOCK) mode.

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 (2)
1.

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.