I need to update my A/T software for my 2014 ACURA RDX Base AWD. The current version I have is [37806-R8A-A530] I need to update it to [37806-R8A-A540] or later. Dealer wants $150 diagnostic up front for this 15 min job because "I can't tell them what service I need, they will tell me what service I need"

Where can I find reliable source of access for i-HDS and J2534 Software with versions later than:



This is regarding the procedure on SB17-017.

 

Hi, if you can get a adapter for hds you can access the software on techinfo.honda.com. It's about $45 for one day and you have the newest version from the hds.

 

Thanks! I have an MVCI. Does this $45 subscription contain both the I-HDS and the J2534 software? Or are they actually one software?

 

It's the complete software package with honda download manager. iHDS, HDS, J2534 rewrite. All you need.

 

Hello, were you able to end up doing the update yourself with the hds day pass? I'm looking to do the same exact update for my 16' RDX, but don't want to pay the $200 the dealer is asking. Thanks!

 

If you have a mvci to use the hds you can do it by yourself.
I'm doing all the Updates on my car with that.

I've the Chipsoft J2534 Mid and it works very good with the oem Software.

 

Nice! In that case I'll probably order an xhorse or chipsoft mvci. Thanks for the insight!

 

Another quick question for you, what is the process of downloading an update once I receive the cable?

I watched a few videos and it looks like I will need to login into iHDS after purchasing the day pass, is this provided with the purchase or is this a dealer login that I don't have access to? Also, is the Chipsoft J2534 Mid cable plug and play with iHDS or are there additional drivers that are needed to connect the car with iHDS?

Thank you once again!

 

I know this is an old thread, but just wanted to add my experience for the sake of anyone else trying to figure out what works. Long story short, my 16 year old son slid his 2013 RDX into a curb while driving (too fast) on a snowy road. I repaired the mechanical damage to the right rear and replaced the headliner and passenger side curtain airbag, but needed to do an ODS initialization to sync the replacement SRS ECU to the passenger occupancy sensors so the dash light would turn off.

I looked at a few different VCI cables, but ended up going with the Topdon RLink J2534 because it seemed to have consistently positive reviews for compatibility with i-HDS and Toyota's Techstream and it wasn't prohibitively expensive ($200 in Jan 2026). Once I had the Topdon software loaded to my computer, I signed up for a 1-day subscription to i-HDS. Once the Honda software downloaded and installed, it immediately recognized the RLink VCI and let me connect to the vehicle and the SRS ECU to run the initialization. Within 5 minutes, the process was done and my SRS light was off.

In case this comes up in a search for anyone replacing their airbags after an accident, I sent my original ECU to one of the ebay sellers that offered to 'reset' it after an accident. That didn't work for me, not sure what they did but I could never re-connect to that module (with my Innova scan tool or i-HDS). What did work was a junkyard SRS module that was taken from another RDX that didn't have an airbag deployment.

 

@aging_fleet Do you have a specific vendor link (I assume Amazon) to purchase the Topdon RLink J2534? I am going to attempt to perform the registration of a used TCU to the keyless immobilizer setup for my 2019 Acura RDX following article Product Improvement Campaign: 3G TCU VoLTE OTA Update.

 

I bought mine from Battery Mart, they have it listed for $204 with free shipping. Mine shipped from Virginia and they had it out the door the next business day.

BatteryMart Topdon R-Link

Good luck with the TCU

 

@aging_fleet I appreciate the quick response. I was looking at the correct one via Amazon.

So, outside of what I need this tool for, (subscribe to a 1-day i-HDS) to perform the TCU registration -- this tool becomes a "paid yearly subscription" to continue using their TopScan app via Bluetooth (FREE for 1 year $99). Do you see the value for occasional DIY?

 

Does anyone know a fix for getting the hdm to update with the i-hds software for download? I’m trying to program and new ecu on a 2014 rdx. So far have paid for a day pass twice. Log into hdm and there is nothing even after reinstalling the hdm and letting it sit to see if it updates. Nothing both times. I don’t want to keep buying passes if I can’t get access to the software.