Control Module Reprogramming Tools

Honda-supplied J2534 Reprogramming Software

American Honda offers SAE J2534 compliant software for Honda and Acura vehicles. The J2534 standard enables independent repair facilities to reprogram emissions related electronic control modules on a wide variety of vehicles with a single pass-thru device, starting with model year 2001. To use the Honda and Acura J2534 compliant software, three things are needed:

1. SAE J2534 software
   • An annual software subscription is $300.
   • A subscription covers all applicable Honda and Acura vehicles.
   • A subscription includes one year’s access to downloadable Honda and Acura J2534 software, plus PC updates.
   • Software is delivered over the Internet (DSL or high-speed connection is recommended due to file size). If a high-speed connection is not available, the software can be supplied on a CD at no additional cost.
   • Reprogramming should only be performed according to Honda or Acura service bulletins.
   • You must be an active Service Express subscriber to purchase the J2534 software and to get access to the latest documentation on the use of the reprogramming software.
   • To purchase J2534 software, or to enroll in the subscription program, select Honda or Acura, then select J2534 Reprogramming Software. To request the CD delivery option, call Helm, Inc. at (949) 330-7152.
2. PC or Laptops with:
   • Windows 2000 or later
   • Internet connection (high-speed connection recommended)
3. SAE J2534 complaint pass-thru device.
   • A Pass-thru device must be purchased separately from a third-party supplier.
   • American Honda does not recommend a specific J2534 device. Follow the manufacturers operating procedures when using this equipment.

Note:

• American Honda’s J2534 software when used with a J2534 pass-thru device will automatically check for the latest vehicle calibration information. If you do not have American Honda’s J2534 software and are not sure if your vehicle has the latest software calibration, please contact Helm at (949) 330-7152.
• It is possible to damage the vehicle's electronic control modules during the reprogramming process. Once the reprogramming process has started, the process must NOT be interrupted until the process is complete.
• If you experience any problems, contact your toolmaker or supplier. Do not contact American Honda or Honda/Acura dealers.

Honda-supplied Reprogramming Tools for OBD II vehicles (non-J2534 compliant)

1. Honda Interface Module (HIM) Kit

The HIM is a hand-held device that allows you to update the control module on all Honda and Acura vehicles that have reprogrammable chips. It connects to any Windows 2000 or later PC with an Internet connection.

• New unit cost is $796* (P/N EQS05A35570).
• Refurbished unit cost is $642* (P/N AHM35570101R ). Units are tested to ensure performance standards are met. Units and cables may have minor scratches and nicks, but operation is not affected. (Limited to stock on hand)
• Kit includes an AC power supply and PC interface cable.
• The currently offered HIM tool covers all reprogrammable vehicles thru 2005. Note: The current HIM tool will not work on some 2006 models, and a new generation interface module tool will be required. This tool will be available late 2005.

Hardware and software requirements:

• Windows 2000 or later PC with Internet connection
• RS232 port required to connect PC to HIM

Software updates

• Both new and refurbished units include the first year of PC software and control Module calibration updates and technical support.
• To continue to receive automatic updates and technical support after the first year, you must enroll in the software subscription program. You will be notified by Helm at the end of your first year’s subscription.
• Once enrolled, instructions for downloading the software updates will be sent via e-mail. You will be notified of subsequent software updates throughout the remainder of your enrollment.
• To order the tool, or, to enroll in the subscription program, select Honda or Acura, and then select either the new or refurbished Honda Interface Module.

2. Smart Cable Kit

The Smart Cable is a hand-held device that allows you to update the control module on all 1996-1999 Acura SLXs and 1996-2002 Honda Passports with a new calibration. This unit connects to any Windows 2000 or later PC with an Internet connection.

• Smart Cable Kit rental is for 3 days, and costs $155*, which includes next-day-shipping both ways; the latest software, AC power supply, and PC interface cable.
• Software includes step-by-step operating instructions, all available Honda Passport/Acura SLX calibrations, and the ability to detect the proper calibration automatically.

Hardware and software requirements:

• Windows 2000 or later PC with Internet connection
• RS232 port required to connect PC to HIM
• Active subscription to Service Express (At minimum, a 3-day subscription is required to rent the Smart Cable tool, subscribe to software updates, and to get access to the latest documentation. We recommend that you periodically update your subscription to check for the latest related bulletins, newsletters, and service manual procedures.)
• To rent the tool, select Honda or Acura, and then select the Smart Cable for Passport and SLX.

Control Module Initialization Tool Rental & Authorization Code Access

The Honda Interface Module (HIM) is a hand-held device that allows you to initialize replacement Control Modules on all Honda and Acura vehicles with Immobilizer.

You may purchase or rent the HIM tool, but in either case, you will need an authorization code specific to the Control Module you are replacing.

Rental Information:

• HIM rental is $155.00 for 3 days. This includes pre-paid shipping both ways via UPS Next Day Air, insurance, and return packaging.
• Upon receipt of your rental request, Helm will put a reserve on your credit card for the full value of the rental tool (HIM) and software.
• If your shop already has a HIM tool, you will not be charged a rental fee. There is no charge for the PCM initialization software and code. However you still need to submit the PCM Initialization Tool Rental/Code Authorization Request form to get the latest software and code.
• Requests received by 11:30 AM ET will be shipped the same day. Requests received after 11:30 AM ET will be shipped the next business day.
• You will need to download the software & loading instructions directly from the Helm web site.

Ordering Procedure

1. Complete the online PCM Initialization Tool Rental/Code Authorization Request form. To process your request, Helm requires your business name, address, business license number, shop owner name, and credit card information. Click here to go to the Helm web site to access the form.
2. Helm will call your shop to verify that you are prepared to perform PCM Initialization (HIM, software, instructions, PC, vehicle, parts, PCM, etc.). All of the components must be in place before a code will be supplied.
3. Once Helm is satisfied that you are prepared, they will obtain the PCM initialization code from Honda, then call you back.
   NOTE: The initialization code is good only for the day that you get it.

To perform a Control Module Initialization, you will need these items:

1. Access to a HIM tool, PC interface cable, and AC power supply
2. Access to the latest PCM Initialization information (Log on to Service Express, click on the Service Info screen, enter the model and year, then enter the keyword IMMOBI.)
3. A PC or Laptop configured with these items:
   • Windows 2000 Professional (SP4 or later) or XP (SP1 or later)
   • RS232 port
   • A monitor capable of displaying in VGA mode or above (1024x768 recommended)
   • A hard drive with at least 400MB of free space
   • A CD-ROM drive (if a high-speed Internet connection is not available)
   • Software is delivered over the Internet (DSL or broadband high-speed connection recommended due to file size).
   • If a high-speed connection is not available, software can be supplied on a CD at no additional cost. Call Helm, Inc. at 949-330-7152 to request the CD delivery option).

* Pricing subject to change without notice.

Control Module Initialization Tool Vehicle Coverage

HONDA	1996	1997	1998	1999	2000	2001	2002	2003	2004	2005	2006
Insight					X	X	X	X	X	X
Civic						X	X	X	X	X
Civic SI							X	X	X
Accord			X	X	X	X	X	X	X	X
Prelude		X	X	X	X	X
S2000					X	X	X	X	X	X
CR-V							X	X	X	X
Odyssey			X	X	X	X	X	X	X	X
Pilot								X	X	X
Element								X	X	X
Ridgeline											X
ACURA	1996	1997	1998	1999	2000	2001	2002	2003	2004	2005	2006
Integra					X	X
RSX							X	X	X	X
CL			X	X	X	X	X	X
TL				X	X	X	X	X	X	X
RL	X	X	X	X	X	X	X	X	X	X
MDX						X	X	X	X	X
TSX									X	X
NSX		X	X	X	X	X	X	X	X	X