NHTSA ID Number: 11028516
Manufacturer Communication Number: A26-002
TSB/Document Date: 2026-02-06
Summary
Service Bulletin - The piston ring function deteriorates due to ring low wear toughness and sticking from sludge. Oil adheres to the spark plug leading to carbon fouling and misfire. This can set DTCs P0301 No. 1 cylinder misfire detected, P0302 No. 2 cylinder misfire detected, P0303 No. 3 cylinder misfire detected, P0304 No. 4 cylinder misfire detected, and cause the MIL to come on.
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TSB/Document ID: A26-002
Replacement Service Bulletin Number:
MFR Communication Date: 2026-02-01
MFR Internal Campaign ID/Software Version:
Communication Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
NHTSA Components: ENGINE
MFR Component System:
MFR Component Subsystem:
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Installing a rod cap incorrectly will result in engine knock and/or engine failure. Remove and mark one rod
assembly at a time to make sure it is assembled correctly.
NOTE:
• Before removing the rod caps, use a grease pencil or suitable marking pen to mark each cap and its
corresponding connecting rod with the cylinder number it came from.
• Do not confuse the existing marking on the side of the connecting rod and rod cap with a cylinder number. They
are just manufacturing marks referring to the size of the big end of the rod.
• When torquing the rod cap bolts, refer to the service manual for details.
Click the link to go to the Tech2Tech® video “Tips When Working with Fracture Rods”.
Page 32 of 109
Piston Cleaning and Ring Replacement
1.
Remove the piston rings from the piston using a ring expander. Be careful not to damage the piston.
2.
Spray the piston head and piston ring grooves thoroughly with Honda throttle plate cleaner.
3.
While holding the piston upright in one hand, take the piston ring groove cleaner tool in the other hand and line up the
cleaner tool guides with the second (middle) piston ring groove.
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4.
Press the handle on the piston ring groove cleaner tool and slide the cleaning bit so it engages all 3 piston ring
grooves.
5.
Once the cleaning bit is in the appropriate ring grooves of the piston, make sure the tool handle clicks into place.
NOTE: There is only one notch on the tool for the handle to engage.
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6.
Hold the piston steady and rotate the tool counterclockwise five to six times to remove any carbon deposits in the
piston ring grooves. Do not rotate the tool clockwise.
NOTE: You can watch this procedure in the Tech2Tech segment “How to Clean Piston Ring Grooves”.
7.
Remove the piston groove cleaning tool and clean off the carbon from the tool bit.
Page 35 of 109
8.
Finish cleaning the piston with throttle plate cleaner and the nylon brush. Do not use a steel wire brush.
NOTE: Below are some examples of before and after pictures. Depending on mileage and running conditions, the
pistons will achieve different levels of cleanliness.
9.
Install the piston rings as shown.
NOTE: The first (top) ring has a 1R manufacturing mark and the second (middle) ring has a SPR manufacturing mark.
The manufacturing marks must be facing upward.
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10. Rotate the rings in their grooves, make sure the rings do not bind.
11. Position the ring end gaps as shown.
NOTE: If the ring gaps are not positioned correctly, excessive blowby may occur.
12. Apply new engine oil to the piston, the inside of the piston ring compressor, and the cylinder bore.
NOTE: Cylinder wall honing is NOT required for this repair.
13. Install the piston/connecting rod assembly into the cylinder bore with the arrow on top of the piston facing the timing
belt side of the engine.
NOTICE
Be careful not to damage the cylinder wall when installing the piston.
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14. Set the piston in the ring compressor and position the piston in the cylinder based on the rod/cap marks that were
made during disassembly.
15. Set the ring compressor on the piston bore, then push the piston in with your hands.
16. Stop after the ring compressor pops free and check the connecting rod-to-rod journal alignment before pushing the
piston into place.
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17. Measure the diameter of the connecting rod bolts to determine if they need replacement. Calculate the difference in
diameter between point A and point B. It should not be more than 0–0.1 mm (0–0.004 in). Any bolts exceeding
specification should be replaced.
18. Install the connecting rod cap and bearing by applying new oil to the connecting rod bolt threads and flanges. Torque
the connecting rod cap bolts to 20 N•m (14 lb-ft), then tighten the bolts an additional quarter turn (90 degrees).
NOTICE
Do not mix up the connecting rod caps. See March 2017 Service News.
Page 39 of 109
19. Install the baffle plate, then install the oil strainer with a new O-ring.
20. Install the oil pan and tighten the bolts in 3 steps. In the final step, tighten all bolts in sequence to 12 N·m (8.9 lb-ft).
21. Lower the vehicle
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22. Install the cylinder head(s).
NOTE: The crankshaft and camshafts should be set to TDC.
Steps for torquing the cylinder head bolts to specification:
1.
Apply new engine oil to the threads and under the bolt heads.
2.
Torque the cylinder bolts in sequence to 29 N·m (22 lb-ft).
3.
Tighten in sequence an additional 90 degrees (third step).
4.
Tighten in sequence an additional 90 degrees (fourth step).
5.
If the bolts are new, tighten an additional 90 degrees.
Page 41 of 109
Cylinder Head Bolt Installation Sequence
23. Install the catalytic converter(s).
Page 42 of 109
24. Install the timing belt auto-tensioner.
NOTE: Refer to the service manual for the procedure to compress the timing belt auto-tensioner before installation.
25. Install the timing belt.
NOTE: Refer to the service manual for the full procedure.
26. Tighten the idler pulley bolt to 45 N·m (33 lb-ft), then remove the pin from the auto-tensioner.
27. Install the lower half of the side engine mount bracket using new bolts (A) and (B).
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28. Raise the vehicle.
29. Install the lower timing cover and torque the mounting bolts to 12 N·m (8.9 lb-ft).
30. Install the crankshaft pulley.
1.
Remove any oil and clean the pulleys (A), the crankshaft (B), the bolt (C), and the washer (D). Lubricate with new
engine oil as shown.
2.
Install the crankshaf t pulley and bolt.
a.
Hold the pulley with the handle (A) and the holder attachment (B). Torque the bolt to 65 N·m (48 lb-ft).
b.
Tighten the bolt an additional 60º.
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31. Install exhaust pipe A (A) with new gaskets (B) and nuts.
32. Adjust the valve clearance:
NOTE: Ref er to the service manual f or the f ull procedure.
Valve Clearance
Intake
0.20 - 0.24 mm (0.008 – 0.009 in)
0.28 - 0.32 mm (0.011 – 0.012 in)
33. Install spark plugs 1-4.
34. Reinstall the remaining components in the reverse order of removal.
Page 45 of 109
35. Replace the oil filter and refill all fluids.
36. Check the PCM software version P/N located above the PGM-FI Data List.
Year
Trim
Software System
New Program ID
2013–2014
Pilot (2WD)
PGM-FI
37805-RN0-M050
2013–2014
Pilot (4WD)
PGM-FI
37805-RN0-M950
2015
Pilot (2WD)
PGM-FI
37805-RN0-M140
2015
Pilot (4WD)
PGM-FI
37805-RN0-M840
37. Do the PCM update, if needed.
NOTE: For information on updating the PCM see service bulletin 22-100 Updating Control Units/Modules with the
Honda ECU Reprogramming Application.
Is the PCM Program ID and/or Program P/N the same or newer than what is listed above?
NO – The PCM software needs to be updated.
YES – The correct software is installed.
38. Do the PCM idle learn procedure.
Page 46 of 109
REPAIR PROCEDURE B
Engine short Block Replacement
1. Remove the front cylinder head, if applicable, following the steps in the INSPECTION PROCEDURE.
2. Remove the steering joint bolt (A) to disconnect the steering column at the joint.
3.
Remove the coolant connecting pipe.
4.
Remove the front and rear catalytic converters.
Page 47 of 109
5.
Remove the harness clamps (A), then disconnect the positive alternator cable (B) from the under-hood fuse/relay box.
6.
Remove the harness clamps (A), and the auxiliary under-hood fuse/relay box (B), then remove the battery base (C).
Page 48 of 109
7.
Disconnect the transmission shift cable.
NOTE: If 4WD – place shifter in neutral (N) before removing shift cable.
1.
Remove the spring clip (F) and the control pin (E), then separate the shif t cable end (A) f rom the selector control
lever (D).
2.
Remove the nuts securing the shif t cable bracket (C).
Page 49 of 109
8.
Disconnect the A/C compressor clutch connector (B), then remove the A/C compressor (A) without disconnecting the
A/C hoses.
NOTE:
•
•
9.
Do not bend the A/C hoses excessively.
Hang the A/C compressor f rom the f an shroud with a wire tie.
Remove power steering fluid from the reservoir (A) to prevent fluid leaks.
Page 50 of 109
10. Disconnect the power steering pump inlet hose (C) and the power steering pump outlet hose (A) from the power
steering pump, then plug the power steering hoses and the power steering pump. Power steering hose bracket (D)
was removed earlier. Leave the power steering pump off to the side.
NOTE: Replace the seal (B) on reassembly and torque to specification.
11. Lift the vehicle.
12. Drain the transmission fluid.
NOTE: Reinstall the drain bolt with a new sealing washer after draining the transmission fluid. Torque the drain bolt to
49 N·m (36 lb-ft).
13. With VTM-4 Only - Remove the transfer assembly.
NOTE: For non-VTM-4 vehicles, proceed to step 12.
1.
Remove the drain plug (A) and drain the ATF. After the ATF has drained, reinstall the drain plug with a new sealing
washer (B).
Page 51 of 109
2.
Remove the bolt securing the transfer breather hose bracket (A) and disconnect the breather hose (B) from the
breather pipe (C) on the transfer assembly.
3.
Make a reference mark (A) across the propeller shaft (B) and the transfer companion flange (C).
4.
Separate the propeller shaft from the transfer companion flange.
Page 52 of 109
5.
Remove the transfer assembly (A) and the dowel pin (B) from the transmission. Proceed to step 15.
14. Remove the left fender liner.
15. Disconnect the power steering hose (A) and the ATF cooler hoses (B).
Page 53 of 109
16. Remove the transmission ground (B).
17. Remove the damper pinch bolts (A) and the flange nuts (B) from the damper. Repeat for both sides.
Page 54 of 109
18. Remove the left side brake hose mounting bolt (A), then remove the caliper bracket mounting bolts (B) and remove the
caliper (C) from the knuckle. Repeat for the right side.
NOTE: To prevent damage to the caliper assembly or brake hose, use an S-hook to hang the caliper assembly from
the strut. Do not twist the brake hose excessively.
19. Remove the flange nut (C) while holding the joint pin (D) with a hex wrench and disconnect the upper stabilizer link (A)
from the damper (B).
Page 55 of 109
20. Remove the wheel speed sensors (A) from the knuckles (B). Repeat for both sides.
21. Disconnect the front and rear engine harness connector.
22. Disconnect the front engine mount actuator connector (A).
23. Disconnect the rear engine mount actuator connector (A).
Page 56 of 109
24. Remove the CKP sensor cover (A) and bolts, then disconnect the CKP sensor connector (B).
NOTE: Do not remove the CKP sensor at this time.
25. Disconnect the lower power steering pressure switch connector.
26. Loosely install crankshaft pulley bolt.
Page 57 of 109
27. Remove the four bolts securing the oil pan to the transmission.
28. Remove the torque converter cover (C), then remove the eight bolts (B) that attach the drive plate (A) to the torque
converter.
Page 58 of 109
29. Position the lift table to support the engine and subframe.
30. Set a commercially available lift pad on the lift table to line up with the transmission.
31. With the subframe supported by the lift table, remove the front and rear subframe bracket bolts, then remove the main
subframe bolts.
Page 59 of 109
32. Lower the lift table.
33. With the lift table out of the way, lower the vehicle.
34. Remove the cylinder head dowel pins from the original engine block.
35. Remove the driveshaft heat cover.
36. Remove the rocker arm oil pressure sensor cover.
Page 60 of 109
37. Remove the front engine mount stop (B).
38. Remove the rear engine mount stop (C).
Page 61 of 109
39. Remove the right driveshaft.
NOTE: It is not necessary to disconnect the right ball joint.
1.
Remove the driveshaft bearing bracket bolts (A).
2.
Remove the inboard joint (A) f rom the dif f erential.
NOTE:
• Do not pull on the driveshaf t (B), or the inboard joint may come apart.
• Pull the inboard joint straight out to avoid damaging the oil seal (C).
• Be caref ul not to damage the inboard joint ring (D).
Page 62 of 109
3.
Remove the f lange bolt (A) and the two dowel bolts (B), then remove the driveshaf t support base (C).
40. Remove the f ront and rear engine mount brackets f rom the f ront and rear engine mounts.
41. Loosen the f ront and rear engine mounting brackets f rom the engine block.
42. Loosen the top bolts connecting the transmission to the engine.
43. Attach the engine hoist and engine load leveler to engine block.
Page 63 of 109
44. Remove the upper transmission hardware.
45. Remove the f ront engine mount.
Page 64 of 109
46. Remove the rear engine mount.
Page 65 of 109
47. Remove the f ront engine mount bracket.
48. Separate the engine f rom the transmission.
42. Remove the engine short block and set the engine on a f lat surf ace.
43. Remove the new engine short block f rom the box and set on a clean f lat surf ace f or preparation f or parts to be
transf erred f rom the original engine short block.
44. Transfer the following parts from the original engine block to the new engine block:
1.
Remove and transfer the knock sensor (A) and knock sensor harness (B).
2. Remove the A/C compressor bracket from the old engine block and transfer to the new engine block.
Page 66 of 109
3.
Remove and transfer the timing belt idler pulley.
4.
Remove the drive plate (A) and the washer (B) and transfer to the new engine.
NOTE: Install the drive plate and washer with the eight bolts, then tighten in a crisscross pattern in at least two
steps.
Page 67 of 109
5.
Remove and transfer the transmission dowel pins.
6.
Remove and transfer rear engine mount bracket.
Page 68 of 109
7.
Remove and transfer the timing belt stopper (A), timing belt drive pulley (B), and the key (C).
8.
Remove and transfer the timing belt adjuster. Remove the bolt (A), then remove the timing belt adjuster (B) and the
collar (C) and transfer to the new block.
NOTE: Install the timing belt adjuster in the reverse order of removal.
Page 69 of 109
9.
Remove the CKP sensor (C), then transfer to the new block with a new O-ring (D).
Engine Installation
1.
With the engine hoist and load leveler, lift the new engine block and line up to the transmission.
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