Completing Acura Neutral Memorization

This bulletin applies to 2013-2019 Acura ILX and ILX Hybrid, 2014-2019 MDX, 2017-2019 NSX, 2013-2018 RDX, 2014-2019 RLX/RLX Sport Hybrid, and 2015-2020 TLX vehicles, where neutral memorization procedure will not complete.

When removing and installing a cable reel, you need to keep both the cable reel and the steering angle sensor in position. If you don’t, the VSA indicator may come on, along with one or more VSA DTCs. When you run the Neutral Memorization procedure in the i-HDS, it won’t complete.

If the sensor does move, you will need to manually adjust it. When you turn the steering wheel to the right (or the sensor clockwise), the reading increases or moves in a positive direction. When you turn the steering wheel to the left (or the sensor counterclockwise), the reading decreases or moves in a negative direction. To manually position the steering angle sensor, you first need to determine its current position with the i-HDS. How you do that depends on how far along you are with the repair.

For instance, if you’ve completely assembled the steering column, you’ll need to go to the ABS/TCS/VSA data list and check the steering angle (CAN) value. If you have not yet installed the steering angle sensor, you’ll need to at least hook up the sensor, the cable reel and either the airbag assembly or the applicable simulator tool, then read the sensor value in the data list.

When you’re done, you then need to install all of the removed components and repeat the Neutral Memorization procedure.

First, make sure that the front wheels are pointed straight ahead, with the steering wheel in the straight-ahead position. Then, before removing the cable reel, tape both the cable reel and steering angle sensor together. This not only keeps the parts properly positioned but keeps the sensor from accidentally moving.