American Honda Motor Co., Inc. ("Honda") offers the i-HDS (Honda Diagnostic System) software suite for the diagnosis and repair of electronic systems on Honda and Acura automobiles, and for the reprogramming of electronic control units (including, but not limited to, ECMs and PCMs). This software provides access to all Honda and Acura vehicle systems (access to the immobilizer security system requires a Security Professional level software subscription and Vehicle Security Professional [VSP] registration with NASTF). To use the i-HDS software, you need to purchase one of our convenient subscription options. In addition, you will need a pass-thru Vehicle Communication Device (VCI) that is compliant with SAE J2534-1 and J2534-2 in order to communicate with the vehicle

PC Requirements for the i-HDS Software

Minimum Recommended
Operating System Microsoft Windows 10 Professional 32bit or 64bit Microsoft Windows 10 Professional 64bit
Processor Speed1 (Base Clock Speed) 2.1 GHz Intel or AMD processor 2.6 GHz Intel or AMD processor
Memory (RAM) 4 GB (32bit) or 8GB(64bit) 16 GB of RAM
Storage Drive2 Solid State Drive (SSD) with 40 GB Free Space3 NVME Solid State Drive (SSD) with 60 GB Free Space3
Video Resolution 1366 x 768 or higher 1920x1080
Network 1 Gigabit Ethernet or 802.11ac WiFi 1 Gigabit Ethernet or 802.11ac WiFi
USB Ports USB 2.0 with Type A connector USB 3.1 with Type A connector
Bluetooth N/A Bluetooth 4.2 or higher

The i-HDS software suite, including the new ECU Reprogramming application, requires access to the websites and Internet port numbers listed below.
Please work with your dealer IT to ensure the dealer's service network is configured for i-HDS applications.

Required sites and port numbers
*.ahmhds.com 80, 443
*.honda.co.jp 80, 8080
*.in.honda.com 80, 443
*.prod-hota23.com 80, 443
*.cloudfront.net 80, 443
*.awsdns-14.org 53
*.awsdns-41.co.uk 53
*awsdns-34.com 53
*.awsdns-55.net 53
*.amazonaws.org 53
*.awsdns-14.org 53
alvappgw.trafficmanager.net 80, 443
appgw-meuw.westeurope.cloudapp.azure.com 80, 443
appgw-musc.southcentralus.cloudapp.azure.com 80, 443
mlaks.autoliv.com 80, 443
apim.autoliv.com 80, 443

 

Vehicle Communication Interfaces (VCI)

The i-HDS software supports the use of a generic pass-thru VCI that is compliant with SAE J2534-1 and J2534-2. However, American Honda (AH) and Honda Canada (HC) recommends the Honda Antares Capsule (HAC) for use on Honda and Acura vehicles. AH and HC has worked closely with this manufacturer to ensure their hardware and our software interact safely and within the J2534-1 and J2534-2 specifications, for both diagnostics and reprogramming. If you choose to use a generic VCI, please carefully consider the customer and technical support options you will receive from your chosen device supplier. Honda does not provide technical or customer support for generic VCI devices.

The VCI Application Table below lists devices that either are approved and supported by Honda or are known to have completed and passed an independent, exhaustive validation program with our i-HDS software suite.

Manufacturer VCI Name Version Information Notes
Firmware J2534 API
Bright Star Engineering Honda Antares Capsule (HAC) 1.06* 04.04 This is the officially supported VCI used by Honda and Acura dealers in North America for diagnostics and reprogramming.
Bosch MDI2 🡪 🡪 This VCI is used with GM Techline Connect (TLC) software package to support the 2024 Honda Prologue and the 2024 Acura ZDX. For additional information, please visit GM at https://gmtoolsandequipment.com
DENSO DST-i 2.02.0002* 04.04 This is an American Honda legacy official VCI that has been superseded by the Honda Antares Capsule
DENSO DST-nano 2.02.0002* 04.04 This is a Honda Canada legacy official VCI that has been superseded by the Honda Antares Capsule
OPUS IVS MongoosePro Honda 1.9.5** 04.04 This company has completed an independent i-HDS validation and claims it to function with the i-HDS software. Honda does not provide ongoing validation, nor customer support for this device.
Dearborn Group d-briDGe Pro 3.303** 04.04 This company has completed an independent i-HDS validation and claims it to function with the i-HDS software. Honda does not provide ongoing validation, nor customer support for this device

* These versions may have been superseded. Honda provides the latest supported versions to current i-HDS subscribers.

** Version used in validation program. See Terms and Conditions and Important Notice Regarding Reprogramming below for more details.

Reprogramming with the Honda ECU Reprogramming Application in i-HDS

Included in the i-HDS software suite is the Honda ECU Reprogramming application. This application is made available to all subscribers of the i-HDS software suite and replaces the previous generation software, J2534 Rewrite application.

This new application is compatible with generic VCIs that comply with SAE J2534. The Honda ECU Reprogramming Application must be used to reprogram any Honda and Acura vehicles equipped with ECUs that support reprogramming. Refer to the table below for legacy applicability for the programming of ECMs and PCMs. Though system dependent, late-model vehicles may be equipped with other ECUs that support reprogramming as well, e.g., ABS or VSA. Honda ECU Reprogramming Application must be used to reprogram these control modules, as instructed in an applicable service bulletin.

As shown in this table, not all legacy Honda/Acura models are equipped with a reprogrammable ECM/PCM. Furthermore, all 2007 and later models not listed in the table are fully supported with this application.

X = Reprogrammable

HONDA

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007 and later

Accord
Accord Hybrid
Civic
Civic Hybrid
CR-V
Element
Fit
Insight
Odyssey
Pilot ECM/PCM is reprogrammable
Ridgeline
S2000

ACURA

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

MDX
RDX
RL
RSX
TL
TSX

Important Notice Regarding Reprogramming

Do NOT program a control unit/module unless you are directed by a service procedure or an applicable Honda/Acura Service Bulletin. Control unit/module updating should only be undertaken by a skilled professional using proper equipment and procedures, or damage can occur. Updating control units/modules to the latest software not associated with a specific symptom may not resolve other specific customer concerns. Unauthorized or self-directed programming may cause unintended and irreversible effects and lead to vehicle harm and/or customer dissatisfaction.

Honda urges end users to always use the LATEST production release of the Honda ECU Reprogramming software in the i-HDS suite. Using the latest version of the software is the best way to ensure successful reprogramming of applicable control units/modules.

It is possible to damage the vehicle's electronic control units/modules during reprogramming. Ensure the following conditions are met BEFORE programming a control unit/module:

THE REPROGRAMMING PROCEDURE MUST BE FOLLOWED EXACTLY AS OUTLINED BY THE SOFTWARE AND/OR SERVICE INFORMATION. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS WILL CAUSE THE REPROGRAMMING EVENT TO FAIL.

Some units/modules may require additional programming/setup events performed before or after programming. Please refer to the appropriate Service Bulletins for details. (e.g. IMA Battery Module)

The information in Service Bulletins is intended for use by trained, professional technicians with the knowledge, tools, and equipment to do the job properly and safely. The procedures should not be performed by "do-it-yourselfers". Honda reserves the right to supersede this information without notice. The most recent information is available through American Honda Motor Co., Inc.'s online technical resources.