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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DYNOMITE -2009-
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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ÎHFL Buttons
Hard Reset
Linking Pairing
Soft Reset (cellular phone)
Software Version
Standard Ringtone
23-369
A
B
HFL TALK button (A): Use this button on the steeringwheel to give commands. Press the button before a
voice command is given.
HFL BACK button (B): Use this button on the steering wheel to end a call or return to a previous prompt in
the HFL menu. Pressing the button twice or holding it
down returns you to the HFL main menu.
Hard resets clear the saved settings in the cell phone
and restores it to the factory defaults. A hard reset
should be done only as a last resort (see the sell phone
owner’s manual for more information).
This is when your paired phone is actively ready to use
the HFL system. You can pair up to six phones to the
HFL system, but only one phone can be linked at a time.
If two paired phones are in the vehicle, only the phone
that is linked can use the HFL system and functions. The
second phone must be used as a normal handset. A description for linking two Bluetooth devices together.
In this case, you are linking a cell phone with the HFL
system. After the pairing process is complete, the
devices are able to recognize each other and
communicate wirelessly via Bluetooth.
This helps to restore the basic functions of the phone.
To do a soft reset, turn the phone power off, remove
and reinsert the cell phone battery, then turn the phone
back on.
This refers to the software version loaded in the cell
phone. The software version that was tested and
determined to be compatible with the HFL system may
be listed on the HFL website. Not all software versions
are compatible with the HFL system.
These ringtones come factory-installed on the cell
phone.
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(#'#
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Symptom Diagnostic procedure Also check for
23-371
Symptom Troubleshooting Index
HFL does not respond
Control Unit Input Test
(see page 23-388) Check and repair all CAN related DTCs
The Bluetooth icon in the
navigation display is grayed-out There is no HFL-compatible
phone paired to the vehicle. Pair
an approved HFL-compatible
phone to the vehicleThe phone must be on the Honda list of
approved Bluetooth phones and
configured correctly. For a current list of
approved phones, go to www.acura.com/
handsfreelink, or call 888-528-7876 for
further assistance.
Check the Diagnostic Menu and use the
Navi System Link
The Honda approved Bluetooth
phone is having problems pairing
to the vehicle HFL System Troubleshooting
(see page 23-373)
The phone must be on the Honda list of
approved Bluetooth phones and
configured correctly. For a current list of
approved phones, go to www.acura.com/
handsfreelink, or call 888-528-7876 for
further assistance.
Check the Diagnostic Menu and use the
Navi System Link
The Honda approved Bluetooth
phone cannot use all its functions HFL System Troubleshooting
(see page 23-373)The phone must be on the Honda list of
approved Bluetooth phones and
configured correctly. For a current list of
approved phones, go to www.acura.com/
handsfreelink, or call 888-528-7876 for
further assistance.
Check the Diagnostic Menu and use the
Navi System Link
The Honda approved Bluetooth
phone does not place or receive
calls using the HFL system HFL System Troubleshooting
(see page 23-373)
The phone must be on the Honda list of
approved Bluetooth phones and
configured correctly. For a current list of
approved phones, go to www.acura.com/
handsfreelink, or call 888-528-7876 for
further assistance.
Check the Diagnostic Menu and use the
Navi System Link
The client wants the HFL system
reset (all phones and address
information cleared from the HFL
system) Clearing the system (see page
23-367)
See the owner’s manual for additional
information.
The HFL system is locked and the
pass code has been lost or
forgotten Symptom Troubleshooting
(see page 23-383)
The HFL system does not
recognize all voice prompts Symptom Troubleshooting
(see page 23-382)Also see Voice control tips.
The address book does not
transfer from Honda approved
Bluetooth phone to HFL system There is no HFL compatible
phone paired to the vehicle or
the approved phone does not
support the function. Pair an
approved HFL compatible
phone to the vehicle.The phone must be on the Honda list of
approved Bluetooth phones and
configured correctly. For a list of approved
phones, go to www.acura.com/
handsfreelink, or call 888-528-7876.
The HFL messages cannot be
heard or are weak Symptom Troubleshooting
(see page 23-383)Excessive interior noise (open windows,
vents blowing on microphone, etc.).
The Bluetooth icon does not
display (the Bluetooth phone is
linked) Symptom Troubleshooting
(see page 23-386)
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DYNOMITE -2009-
Î(#'#
)
´
23-374HandsFreeLink System
Circuit Diagram
UNDER-HOOD FUSE/RELAY BOX
Q1E5
WHT 15 16
ORN
RED
WHT
ACC
BAT
IGNITION SWITCH
No. 23 (10 A)
No. 2 (IG) (50 A)
BATTERY
No. 1 (BAT) (100 A)
BRN
BRN
2
GRN 3
BLK
G501 1
CABLE REEL
H1
D4
G2
B ACC
MICU
13 HFL-VOICE CONTROL SWITCH4
LIGHTS
(LEDx4)
5 PUR
UNDER-DASH FUSE/RELAY BOX
No. 35 (7.5 A)
GND 20BLUETOOTH
TRANSCEIVER
1k
HANDSFREELINK CONTROL UNIT
VOICE
CONTROL
SWITCH
HFL
BACK HFL
TALK
47 180 A
C2
No. 4 (10 A) FUSE
(In the under-hood
fuse/relay box) ORN/WHT 10
20
HFL
STRG
SW
DASH LIGHTS
BRIGHTNESS
CONTROLLER RED BRN
BRN
1
2
11
12
RED/BLK
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Î
Î
(#'#
)
µ
µµ µ
YES
NO YES
NO
The Bluetooth icon does not display
(the Bluetooth phone is linked)
23-38623-386HandsFreeLink System
Symptom Troubleshooting (cont’d)
HANDSFREELINK CONTROL UNIT 28P CONNECTOR
HFL MUTE (LT BLU)
NAVIGATION UNIT CONNECTOR B (24P) HFL MUTE (LT BLU)
HANDSFREELINK CONTROL UNIT 28P CONNECTOR
HFL ICON (LT GRN)
13. Check for continuity between HandsFreeLinkcontrol unit 28P connector terminal No. 3 and
navigation unit connector B (24P) terminal No. 8.
Substitute a known-good HandsFr eeLink
control unit (see page 23-388), and recheck. If the
symptom/indication goes away, replace the
original HandsFreeLink control unit. If the
symptom/indication is still present, replace the
navigation unit (see page 23-355).
Repair open in the wire between
HandsFreeLink control unit and the navigation
unit. 1. Turn the ignition switch to ON (II).
2. Disconnect navigation unit connector B (24P) and
the HandsFreeLink control unit 28P connector.
3. Check for continuity between body ground and HandsFreeLink control unit 28P connector terminal
No. 19.
Repair short to body ground in the wire
between the HandsFreeLink control unit and the
navigation unit.
Go to step 4.
Wire side of female terminals
Wire side of female terminals Wire side of female terminals
Is there continuity?
Is there continuity?
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