Suspension Stroke Sensor Circuit Troubleshooting

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2009 Acura MDX, 2008 Acura MDX, and 2007 Acura MDX. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: Before troubleshooting, check the No. 31 (15 A) fuse in the under-dash fuse/relay box. Check the active damper system for DTCs and troubleshoot those codes first.

Raise the vehicle, make sure it is securely supported.
Disconnect the 3P connector (A) from the left-front stroke sensor (B).

Fig 1: Identifying Left-Front Stroke Sensor And 3P Connector
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Disconnect the 3P connector (A) from the left-rear stroke sensor (B).

Fig 2: Identifying Left-Rear Stroke Sensor And 3P Connector
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Turn the ignition switch to ON (II).
Turn the combination light (headlight) switch ON.
Check for continuity between the left-front and left-rear suspension stroke sensors 3P connector No. 3 terminal and body ground individually.

Fig 3: Identifying Continuity Between Suspension Stroke Sensors 3P Connector Terminal 3 And Body Ground
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

Is there continuity?

YES - Go to step 7.

NO - Repair open in the wire or poor ground (G401), if the wire is OK, replace the headlight leveling control unit.
Measure the voltage between the left-front and left-rear suspension stroke sensor 3P connector No. 1 terminal and body ground individually.

Fig 4: Measuring Voltage Between Suspension Stroke Sensor 3P Connector Terminal 1 And Body Ground
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

Is there about 5 V?

YES - Go to step 8.

NO - Check for an open or a short in the wire between the headlight leveling control unit and the left-front (or left-rear) suspension stroke sensor. If the wire is OK, replace the left-front (or left-rear) suspension stroke sensor.
Remove the nut (A) and the left-front suspension stroke sensor from the suspension side.

Fig 5: Left-Front Suspension Stroke Sensor And Nut With Torque Specification
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Remove the nut (A) and the left-rear suspension stroke sensor from the suspension side.

Fig 6: Left-Rear Suspension Stroke Sensor And Nut With Torque Specification
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Reconnect the 3P connector to each suspension stroke sensor.
Measure the voltage between the headlight leveling control unit 16P connector No. 4 and No. 7 terminals, and No. 6 and No. 12 terminals while the suspension stroke sensor arm (A) is moved.

Fig 7: Identifying Suspension Stroke Sensor Arm
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

Fig 8: Measuring Voltage Between Headlight Leveling Control Unit 16P Connector Terminals 6 And 12
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

Is there about 0.5-4.5 V?

YES - Intermittent failure, the system is OK at this time. Check for loose or poor connections between the headlight leveling control unit and the left-front (or left-rear) suspension stroke sensor, if the connections are OK, replace the left-front (or left-rear) suspension stroke sensor.

NO - Check for an open or a short in the wire between the headlight leveling control unit and the left-front (or left-rear) suspension stroke sensor, if the wire is OK, replace the left-front (or left-rear) suspension stroke sensor.