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Introduction
Checking Cell Phone CompatibilityVoice Control Tips and Improving Voice
Recognition
23-361
The HFL system works only with Honda approved
Bluetooth
-enabled cell phones with a hands-free
profile. If you are not sure if a particular cell phone is
compatible with the HFL system, Acura has a dedicated
call center at 888-528-7876 and website www.acura.
com/handsfreelink to answer your questions.
The HFL system allows you to make and receive hands-
free calls. It cannot control the phone’s performance
(call quality and signal strength). For more information
about performance and performance problems, refer to
Dropped Calls.
The most important step in troubleshooting HFL issues
is to identify the model, software version, and wireless
carrier of the phone in question. Not all phones with the
Bluetooth feature and a hands-free profile are
compatible with the HFL system.
Go to handsfreelink.com, and check if the client phone
is approved to work with Honda HFL system.
NOTE: The lists of approved, archived, and currently testing phones are constantly changing, so make sure you
view them frequently.
Phones are added as they are approved.
Phones can be removed from the approved list if a software bug is discovered that makes the phone
incompatible. These phones can be added back to the
approved list if the phone manufacturer corrects the
bug.
If the software bug is corrected, a new software version is created and may be listed in the Supported
Features section of the phone.
The software versions that are approved are now being listed in the Software Version field.
If you cannot access the Acura website, call the HFL call center at 888-528-7876 for further assistance. The
call center is open Monday thru Friday from 6:00 a.m.
to 6:00 p.m. CT; Saturday from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
CT; and Sunday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. CT. To give a voice command to the HFL system, press and
release the HFL TALK button. Always wait for the beep,
then give your command in a clear, natural voice. The
HFL microphone is on the ce
iling by the map lights.
If the HFL system doesn’t recognize your voice
command, you’ll hear ‘‘Pardon.’’ If your command isn’t
recognized a second time, you’ll hear ‘‘Please repeat.’’
If your command isn’t recognized a third time, the HFL
system sends you to its Help menu.
To hear a list of available options at any time, press the
HFL TALK button and say ‘‘Hands-free help.’’
The HFL system may have problems recognizing some
voices. To improve voice recognition:
Close the windows and the moonroof.
Set the fan speed to low (1 or 2) or off.
Adjust the airflow from the center vents down, so that it’s not blowing against the microphone on the ce iling.
Speak in a clear and natural voice. If the system cannot recognize your command, try speaking louder,
in a deeper tone.
If the background noise is too loud, you may need to speak louder.
If you speak with something in your mouth, or your voice is too high, the system may not interpret your
command correctly.
Find out if the problem is with one person or with everyone who uses the system. If the system has a
problem with only one person’s voice, this is a
system limitation.
(cont’d)
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Navigation Through Menus
23-362HandsFreeLink System
General Troubleshooting Information (cont’d)
Many issues result from the client not using the system
properly. Make sure the client is using the HFL buttons
and not the navigation buttons. When the HFL TALK
button is pressed, the client hears one audible tone.
When the HFL BACK button is pressed, the client hears
two audible tones. Make sure to press the HFL BACK
button to exit the HFL main menu after completing a
call and before giving any navigation commands.
The HFL system may experience a number recognition
issue, such as when a client says a set of numbers in a
group unrecognized by the system. The HFL system
understands phone numbers in specific blocks of 1, 3, 4,
7, and 10 numbers. For example, the system
understands:
1234567890
123-456-7890
1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-0
The system may become confused if numbers are
stated in other blocks, as following: 1234-567-890
12-34-56-78-90
12345-67890
123-4567-890 To skip a voice prompt, press and release the HFL TALK
button while the HFL system is speaking. The system
beings listening for your next voice command.
To go back a step in a voice command sequence, press
and release the HFL BLACK button, or press the HFL
TALK button and say ‘‘Go back.’’ If you
don’t say
anything while the HFL system is listening for your
voice command, it times out and stops voice
recognition. The next time you press and release the
HFL TALK button, the HFL system begins listening from
the point it timed out.
If you’ve finished or want to stop a voice command
sequence at any time, press and release the HFL BACK
button, or press and release the HFL TALK button, wait
for the beep, and say ‘‘Cancel.’’ The next time you press
and release the HFL TALK button, the HFL system
begins from its main menu. To avoid keeping the audio
system muted, press and release the HFL BACK button
when you are finished.
NOTE: You can say multiple commands in one
sequence, like ‘‘Phone setup-pair’’ after pressing the
HFL TALK button.
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Pairing a Cell Phone
23-363
You must pair an approved Bluetooth-compatible
phone to the HFL system before you can make and
receive calls. For a current list of approved phones and
specific phone pairing instructions for each phone, see
Checking Cell Phone Compatibility, go towww.acura.
com/handsfreelink, or call 888-528-7876.
The following procedure works for most phones. If you
cannot pair a phone to the HFL system with this
procedure, refer to the phone’s operating manual, visit
www.acura.com/handsfreelink, or call 888-528-7876.
NOTE: You cannot pair a phone while the vehicle is moving.
Your phone must be in Discovery Mode.
A maximum of six Bluetooth-compatible phones can be paired to the system. 1. With the phone on and the ignition switch in
ACCESSORY (I) or ON (II), press and release the
HFL TALK button. After the beep, say ‘‘Phone setup.’’
The HFL responds, ‘‘Phone setup options are status,
pair, edit, delete, and list.’’
2. Press and release the HFL TALK button. After the beep, say ‘‘Pair.’’ The HFL responds, ‘‘The pairing
process requires operation of your mobile phone.
For safety, only perform this function while the
vehicle is stopped. State a four-digit code for
pairing. Note this code. It will be requested by the
phone.’’
3. Press and release the HFL TALK button. After the beep, say the four-digit code you want to use. This
can be any four-digit number you want. For
example, say ‘‘1, 2, 3, 4.’’ The HFL responds, ‘‘1, 2,
3, 4. Is this correct?’’
4. Press and release the TALK button. After the beep, say ‘‘Yes.’’ The HFL responds, ‘‘HFL is now
searching for a Bluetooth phone. Make sure the
phone you are trying to pair is in Discovery mode.’’
If these steps do not work on the phone you are
pairing, refer to the phone’s operating manual.
5. Follow the prompts on your phone to get it into its Discovery mode. The phone will search for the HFL.
When it comes up, select HandsFreeLink from the
list of options displayed on your phone.
6. When asked by the phone, enter the four-digit code from step 3 into your phone. The HFL responds, ‘‘A
new phone has been found. What would you like to
name this phone?’’
7. Press and release the HFL TALK button. After the beep, say the name you want to use. For example,
say ‘‘Tom’s phone.’’ The HFL responds, ‘‘Tom’s
phone has been successfully paired. Returning to
the main menu.’’
(cont’d)
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Pairing TroubleshootingPairing Checks
23-364HandsFreeLink System
General Troubleshooting Information (cont’d)
Many pairing issues are resolved by altering the client’s
phone settings.
Bluetooth feature settings must be turned on. Phone
manufacturers set the default to disable Bluetooth
features to conserve battery life. Cell phones may
provide procedures to Temporary Power On Bluetooth,
or Power On Bluetooth. Turn the Bluetooth feature on,
pair the phone to the vehicle, and confirm the phone is
linked. Do this by turning the phone off and back on.
Make or receive a call to confirm that the cell phone is
successfully paired.
When the phone’s Bluetooth feature is on, other
handsfree accessories such as earpieces or headsets
may automatically reconnect to the phone when you
turn on the accessory or move it within range of the cell
phone. This results in the phone not connecting to the
HFL system when the client’s enters the vehicle. You
must unlink the hands-free accessory from the phone
before the HFL system can reconnect.
Some phones have an Auto Answer setting that
functions with a headset. This setting must be turned
off or the HFL system cannot accept any incoming calls.
When this setting is on, it blocks the HFL system from
answering the call, and the call goes to voice mail. This
can cause the client to think that the cell phone is not
paired properly.
If the HFL system has six phones paired, it will not tell
you that it has reached its maximum, and will not allow
you to pair a new phone. To check how many phones
are paired, press and release the HFL TALK button.
After the beep, say ‘‘Phone setup list.’’ The HFL system
lists every assigned
phone name paired with it, then
finishes by saying ‘‘The entire list has been read.
Returning to the main menu.’’ Count the number of
phones listed. If there are six, you must delete one
phone before adding a new one. For more information about pairing, refer to the cell
phone owner’s manual, or go to handsfreelink.com.
1. Is the cell phone compatible with the HFL?
2. Is the Bluetooth feature turned on?
3. Is the client using the HFL buttons, not the navigation buttons, when pairing?
4. Is the cell phone battery fully charged, and is there good signal strength when pairing?
5. Do a soft reset on the cell phone.
6. If the client is trying to pair a Blackberry
or Palm
Treo device, make sure the client uses the shift
key when entering the pass code. If the shift key is
not pressed, the client may be entering letters. The
HFL does not recognize letters.TM
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Dropped Calls
23-365
Clients may perceive dropped calls as being an HFL
system fault, but most dropped calls are from cell
phone and cell phone carrier issues. The HFL system
does not directly handle the cell phone signal. It allows
the cell phone to transmit the cell phone audio over the
vehicle’s audio system.
Before troubleshooting for dropped calls, confirm the
cell phone settings: Disable Audio Answer. If Auto Answer is enabled, incoming calls are routed to voice mail.
Disable Always Ask/Trust, Authorize Device, or similar setting, If these settings are enabled, each
time the HFL system attempts to link to the phone, the
phone will ask if you want to connect. If you do not
allow the connection, the HFL will not operate. The
phone must be set to N ever Ask, Authorize Device,
etc. (based on the phone manufacturer and carrier)
for permission. Refer to the cell phone owner’s
manual for more information.
Disable Flip Open to Answer. If this setting is enabled, the phone must remain open in the vehicle. If it is
closed, the incoming calls are routed to voice mail. Always confirm with the client if the number of dropped
calls is higher while using the HFL system as opposed
to using the cell phone only. Clients often confuse
problems with their phone or carrier as a problem with
the HFL system. The HFL system cannot control or
determine:
Cellular connection quality.
Signal strength.
Cellular coverage.
Ambient weather conditions that affect cellular signals.
When a client complains about dropped calls, ask
questions about when or where the calls are dropped,
such as: Do you drive the same route on a regular basis?
Does the call drop in the same location?
Where do you keep your cell phone?
Have you compared the number of dropped calls using the HFL versus making calls from the handset?
Does your phone have an antenna that needs to be extended?
(cont’d)
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Phone Will Not Automatically Connect the
HFL
Incoming Calls
23-366HandsFreeLink System
General Troubleshooting Information (cont’d)
Many reasons for a dropped call are not related to the
HFL system. Here are some causes for dropped calls:
If the quantity of dropped calls is about the same when the client uses the HFL system versus the
handset, the issue is likely due to the cellular phone
or carrier.
If the phone is equipped with a retractable antenna, it needs to be extended to maximize signal strength.
If a client also notices that the calls tend to drop in the same areas, the HFL system may be operating
normally, but something about the area diminishes
cellular coverage to a point where the call drops.
Hills or m ountains can block or interfere with cellular
signals.
High-rise buildings, bridges, or other large structures may block or interfere with cellular signals.
Placing the cell phone in a purse, in a metal briefcase, under the seat, in the glove box, or in the trunk can all
affect signal reception.
There are coverage gaps in the cellular service. When driving, a call is typically passed from one tower to
another. If the client drives through an area where
there is a coverage gap between towers, the call
drops.
Electrical storms, heavy rain, or overcast c onditions
interfere with signal strength.
The cell phone battery’s state of change can affect signal reception. A low battery may reduce the
phone’s ability to boost the antenna’s power and
function properly, especially in low signal strength
areas. Some phone manufacturers trade off signal
transmission and reception strength for battery life.
As the battery weakens, the signal strength may also
weaken. Some cell phones may operate more
effectively than others in low signal strength areas,
especially with a partially charged battery, and
depending on whether or not the retractable antenna
is fully extended (if applicable). On these models,
make sure the antenna is always extended to
maximize signal strength and extend battery life. If a client complains that their cell phone is not
automatically connecting to the HFL system when they
enter the vehicle, do this:
1. Make sure the Bluetooth feature is turned on in the cell phone.
2. Make sure the cell phone is properly painted to the HFL system.
3. Do a soft reset to the cell phone.
4. Check if the phone has an Authorized Connection or Trusted option.
5. Check the battery and signal strength on the cell phone. Pairing a phone requires optimal signal
strength and a nearly full battery.
If a client complains that they cannot receive incoming
calls through the HFL system, see if the call is routing to
the cell phone instead of the HFL system. An easy way
to know if the call is routed to the cell phone is when the
client says, ‘‘I can’t hear the caller, but they can hear me.’’ 1. Make sure the Bluetooth feature is turned on in the cell phone.
2. Make sure the cell phone is paired to the HFL system and linked.
3. Make sure the answer settings in the cell phone are set to multi-key or any-key answer. If the phone is
set to flip open to answer, recommend changing
the setting to Any Key or leaving the phone flipped
open when using the HFL system.
4. Make sure the Auto Answer feature is turned off in the cell phone.
5. Do a soft reset to the phone.
6. Make sure the battery is fully charged and there is adequate signal strength.
7. Ask the client if they have set specific ring tones or ringer IDs to specific contacts. If they have,
recommend using one standard ring tone for all
calls.
8. Make sure the client is pressing the HFL TALK button and not the HFL BACK button or the
navigation buttons.
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Outgoing CallsClearing the HFL System
23-367
If a client says that they cannot place a call using the
HFL system, ask if the call was initiated through the HFL
system or the cell phone itself.
IfthecallisplacedbytheHFLsystem:
1. Make sure the Bluetooth feature is turned on in the cell phone.
2. Make sure the cell phone is paired to the HFL system and linked.
3. Make sure the client is pressing the HFL TALK button before each command and going through
the calling process correctly.
4. Make sure the client is pressing the HFL TALK button and not the HFL BACK button or the
navigation buttons.
5. Check if the cell phone has an Authorized Connections or Trusted option.
6. Do a soft reset to the cell phone.
If the call is placed by the cell phone:
The call will remain on the handset until you transfer it
over to the HFL system. To continue the call on the HFL
system, you must use the Transfer command by
pressing and releasing the HFL TALK button during an
active call and saying ‘‘Transfer.’’ The client can now
continue the call using the HFL system. NOTE:
This operation clears the HFL system of all passcode(s), any paired phones, and all names in the
HFL phonebook.
Clearing the HFL system is recommend before selling the vehicle.
If the system is locked and the pass code is lost or forgotten, see the symptom troubleshooting.
1. Press and release the HFL TALK button. After the beep, say ‘‘System clear’’ and the HFL system
responds, ‘‘This process will clear all paired phone,
clear all entries in the phonebook, clear the
passcode and restore all defaults in the system
setup. Is this what you would like to do?’’
2. Press and release the HFL TALK button. After the beep, say ‘‘Yes’’ and the HFL system responds,
‘‘Preparing to clear all paired phone, all phonebook
entries, the passcode. This may take up to 2
minutes to complete’’.
3. Press and release the HFL TALK button. After the beep, say ‘‘OK’’ to proceed, or say ‘‘Go back’’ or
‘‘Cancel’’.
4. If you said ‘‘OK’’, after a short period of time, the HFL system responds, ‘‘System has been cleared.
Returning to the main menu, the Clearing HFL
system procedure is now complete’’.
(cont’d)
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Self-diagnostic FunctionGlossary of Terms
Auto Answer
Answer Options
Authorized Connection
Bluetooth Power
Discovery Mode
Downloaded Ringtones
23-368HandsFreeLink System
General Troubleshooting Information (cont’d)
NOTE: This procedure should be used only if HDS is
unavailable.
To run the self-diagnostic function, do the following:
1. Turn the ignition switch to ON (II).
2. Press and hold the HFL BACK button for more than 5 seconds.
3. When the HandsFreeLink system enters the self- diagnostic function, the following will occur.
If the system has not completed testing for DTCs, the HandsFreeLink system says ‘‘The hands free
system test is in progress’’.
If there is no DTC, the HandsFreeLink system says ‘‘The hands free system is OK’’.
If there is any DTC, the HandsFreeLink system says ‘‘The hands free system needs to be
serviced’’.
NOTE: The self-diagnostic function can only be initiated while the HFL is in its idle state.
The self-diagnostic function is considered start once the 5 seconds press and hold is detected, and ends
when the units returns to idle state. This cell phone setting forces incoming calls to
automatically be answered by the handset. Disable this
feature on the phone when using the HFL system, as it
may interfere with the HFL system answering incoming
calls. Set the phone setting to:
SendKey
AnyKey
Multi Key answer
These cell phone settings allow you to select how you
would like to answer an incoming call on the handset.
The answer option in the phone can affect inbound calls
on the HFL system.
This cell phone setting allows the phone to connect
automatically with the HFL system without prompting
the client for permission to connect. In some instances,
it can affect the ability of the phone to properly route
sound to the HFL system.
This cell phone function enables or disables the
Bluetooth application. When using a hands-free device
such as HFL, the Bluetooth application needs to be
enabled.
You need to have the cell phone in Discovery Mode to
allow other devices with Bluetooth capabilities (such as
the HFL system) to find the phone during the pairing
process.
A client gets these ringtones from an outside source,
such as the internet or a mobile phone store.
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