3 minute read
Reprogramming can be diff cult, so charge for your time
from Auto Service Professional - March/April 2013
by EndeavorBusinessMedia-VehicleRepairGroup
Circle 105 on Reader Service Card
Circle 106 on Reader Service Card
Ref ashing Hondas
The “how to” ref ash” a Honda is very easy to forget because Hondas very rarely need module updates. Honda has two programs to ref ash modules. One is the free J2534 suite and the other is the OE software (which can be purchased for as little as $10 a day!).
Using the MVCI and a Honda subscription we can ref ash any module by simply connecting to “CM Update,” which should download as a red shortcut on your desktop when you connect to the car and update your MVCI. On some versions of HDS, it will be a red button on the bottom of the screen.
Now, even more complicated than ref ashing a module (which you will practically never do on a Honda) is coding a key. Here is how you do it:
1. Start out by going to Techinfo.Honda.com and click on the American f ag. In the right screen, you can see where a HDS subscription and a key code can be purchased. We are going to presume you have a HDS subscription and a “locksmith license” from NASTF.org and you’re going to get a key code. Click “click here to subscribe.”
2. Click on “click here” at the bottom of the left screen, choose the Honda service express subscription, and then click “checkout” in the right screen.
3. The next step is to scroll to the bottom of the screen and click on “I agree.”
4. After putting in all of your payment information click “Activate Subscription” on your online receipt. 18 | March/April 2013
Circle 107 on Reader Service Card
5. Put in your Honda username and password.
6. Click “Keys and Codes” on the top right of the screen and for now, start up your HDS.
7. Click “Immobi” to enter the immobilizer menu, in order to program keys. 8. In this case, we are adding the keys because the PCM was replaced. Click “Replace ECM/PCM.” This begins a key registration process, in which after you are done you can update the PCM if necessary. Now, click the check mark on the bottom right of the screen.
9. This screen simply gives you instructions in the event you have to ref ash the PCM. Now,
click the Check on the bottom right.
10. HDS (left) alerts us that we are going to obtain a “code” from Honda in order to continue the process.We enter in our locksmith ID and password from NASTF.org and the VIN of the car. Then, the Honda website gives us the all important “PCM code,” here it is 5559.
11. Simply enter in the PCM code into the vehicle and follow on screen instructions. When the process is complete, you can turn the key off and click the “exit” button.”
Reprogramming can be tough stuff, because every vehicle is so different. My advice? Take your time to learn and charge a fair amount for your time. Auto repair is becoming increasingly technical and it is important that customers understand this. ●
