Electronic Control System: Self-diagnosis

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 6 other vehicles, including the 2014 Honda Ridgeline, 2013 Honda Ridgeline, 2012 Honda Ridgeline, 2011 Honda Ridgeline, and 2010 Honda Ridgeline. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The PCM detects the failure of a signal from a sensor or from another control unit and stores a Temporary DTC or a DTC. Depending on the failure, a DTC is stored in either the first or the second drive cycle. When a DTC is stored, the PCM turns on the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) by a signal sent to the gauge control module via F-CAN.

One Drive Cycle Detection Method
When an abnormality occurs in the signal from a sensor or from another control unit, the PCM stores a DTC for the failure and turns on the MIL immediately.
Two Drive Cycle Detection Method
When an abnormality occurs in the signal from a sensor or from another control unit in the first drive cycle, the PCM stores a Temporary DTC. The MIL does not come on at this time. If the failure continues in the second drive cycle, the PCM stores a DTC and turns on the MIL.