Hondata

*Just as an FYI I sent an email to support@hondata.com last night* But I know these things take time. Kind of in a time crunch since my car is down, so figured I'd post here and hopefully get a faster response. Any help is highly appreciated, thank you all!

INFO:
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Vehicle: 06 Acura TSX M/T (JH4CL959X6C017068)

Dealer that is installing/tuning: No dealer yet, the repair shop doing the Hondata CAN wiring install is Xavier @ Precision Repair Solutions (PRS), a specialist Acura/Honda shop in Rockville, MD. The wiring was purchased from Marcus @ Heel Toe Automotive.

Parts being used: 07 MT ECU (37820-RBB-A21) and FP unit (FP-TSX-US-91704) was purchased used and verified unlocked with screenshot. Haven't even gotten to the FP part since we're currently stuck in the programming donor ECU to Immobilizer in vehicle.
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DESCRIPTION OF ISSUE:

Hey guys, having a bit of an issue with my 06 TSX MT and hope someone who did this before can help. Purchased an 07 MT ECU, Hondata CAN wiring harness, and FlashPro unit (verified unlocked).

1st. First concern is per the instructions, there are 2 types of CAN connectors. The most common which has an upper green plug with a single brown wire to the far left. And lastly, the second kind which has two upper empty slots. However, the one on my 06 TSX differs slightly from both, the two upper slots have plugs and there is no brown wire. I have attached a pic of this before and after CAN wiring install.

Due to this, technician installed the kit on the top connector and lined up the red and white wires the way they say to do it in the instructions. He also quadrupole checked his wiring on the DLC side and verified grey wire on terminal 1. That’s the one used for immobilizer programming.

2nd. Second issue is the main one, he’s unable to program the new ECU to the vehicle. After installing the 07 ECU, everything works, but the engine will not start & the green “key” is flashing in dash cluster; which is normal... Problem is HONDA changed the way ECU’s are replaced and the old immobilizer menu that they used to go through is now gone. Basically prevents people from using pre programmed ECU’s.

Now the only way to register immobilizer is by using the immobilizer setup tool. There appears to be ways around it, but they’d need to find either an old version of the HDS (from like 5 years ago) or a universal scan tool that will allow swapping. The new HDS software is constantly changing. However, the instructions say to go to any HONDA/ACURA dealer which will have the same new, updated software. I have attached pics of the error screens he’s getting from the OEM scan tool. He also tried using a SNAP-ON Universal scan tool and it won’t even read it properly, attached pics of that as well.

Both the Honda and SNAP-ON scanner keep displaying "06 TSX" when plugged in btw, not sure if this is an issue. He's not able to change the year or VIN# on ECU to go any further due to the errors.

I have a couple more pics and even a few videos if it helps.

Thanks in advance for any assistance with this.

If you are using an 07-08 ECU then you must tell the scanner or tool you have an 07 or 08 vehicle.

Thanks for your prompt reply. I figured as much, but he's not able to change the year or VIN# on ECU to go any further due to the errors. Immobilizer Setup Tool will now allow it on the the Honda/Acura scan tool. Snap-On one shows connection error but comes up as 06 too. I have videos of him going through the process on scan tool if it helps. I can upload to YT and link them

Per the tech:

"Problem is HONDA changed the way ECU’s are replaced and the old immobilizer menu that they used to go through is now gone. Basically prevents people from using pre programmed ECU’s."

"Now the only way to register immobilizer is by using the immobilizer setup tool." which is giving the "Immobilizer system is not normal X" system check error.

The only consistent thing I see is both of his screens show "06 TSX", like it's being automatically detected.

Unfortunately we have no control over these tools so there is nothing we can do for this.

Okay, I just wasn't sure if there were updated instructions or a workaround for this now. Since it seems to be a change in the last couple years, thought this would've came up and perhaps have a known fix. Or something we're totally missing or doing incorrectly.

You guys were basically my last hope for an answer.

Otherwise, looks like I'm stuck w this wiring (+ the install labor) and ECU/FP purchase. And I'll have to spend money on a reflash instead.

UPDATE:

07 ECU was successfully coded using a different Universal Scanner. Green key light doesn't flash multiple times anymore, car cranks and starts. However, car dies out almost immediately after. Is this normal? Per the instructions, it says you should be able to "gently drive your car until a calibration is uploaded". At this point, do I need to just plug in FP, lock it to the ECU, and upload a base 07-08 CAL and see if that fixes it?

You will have to try it and see if that resolves the issue.