Part One
How to Troubleshoot the HandsFreeLink System
How to Check for DTCs with the HDS
1. Make sure the ignition switch is in LOCK (0).
2. Connect the HDS to the data link connector (DLC) (A) located under the driver's side of the dashboard.
3. Turn the ignition switch to ON (II).
4. Make sure the HDS communicates with the vehicle and the HandsFreeLink control unit. If it does not, troubleshoot the DLC circuit Testing and Inspection.
5. Select HandsFreeLink in the BODY ELECTRICAL menu.
6. Select DTCs in the HandsFreeLink menu.
7. Check for DTCs. If any DTCs are indicated, write down the DTCs, then go to the indicated DTC troubleshooting. If no DTCs are indicated, refer to symptom troubleshooting.
NOTE:
- After troubleshooting, clear the DTCs with the HDS.
- For specific operations, refer to the HDS user's manual.
Lever-Locked Connector
Disconnecting
To disconnect the connector, pull the lever (A) while pushing the lock tab (B) down, then pull the connector(C).
Connecting
To connect the connector, push the connector into the connector sleeve (A). As the connector is pressed in, the lever (B) moves to the locked position.
Introduction
The HFL system works only with Acura approved Bluetooth-enabled cell phones with a hands-free profile. If you are not sure if your cell phone is compatible with the HFL system, Acura has a dedicated call center at 888-528-7876 and web site www.acura.com/handsfreelink, to answer your questions. You can also contact the call center for information about phone software versions and settings.
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.
Always call the HFL call center first, not Tech Line because the HFL call center has the latest information about cell phone software versions, settings and other issues.
Most HFL complaints are due to pairing, configuration, or compatibility issues. Contact the Acura call center before replacing the HandsFreeLink control unit.
The call center is open Monday thru Friday from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. CST; Saturday from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. CST; and Sunday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. CST.
Checking Cell Phone Compatibility
The most important step in troubleshooting HFL issues is to identify the client's phone model, the software version, and the cellular carrier that experiences the HFL problem. Not all phones with the Bluetooth feature and a hands-free profile are compatible with the Acura HFL system.
Go to www.acura.com/handsfreelink or call the Acura's dedicated call center at 888-528-7876, and check if the client's phone is approved to work with the Acura HFL system.
NOTE:
- These approved and currently testing phone model lists 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. There 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. If you have trouble finding the phone's software version, you can call the HFL call center at 888-528-7876.
- The Acura web site now includes the software versions that are tested and approved. When software versions are listed, you need to know which version is loaded on the phone to help you troubleshoot the client's complaint. If you cannot access the Acura web site, call the Acura's dedicated call center at 888-528-7876 for further assistance.
Voice Control Tips and Improving Voice Recognition
To give a voice command to the HFL system, press and release the TALK button (A) or the HFL TALK button (B). Always wait for the beep, then give your command in a clear, natural voice. The HFL microphone is on the ceiling by the map lights.
If the HFL system does not recognize your voice command, you'll hear "Pardon? Press the TALK button or the HFL TALK button and say a command. For a list of commands, say Hands free help." If your command is not recognized a second time, you'll hear "Bluetooth HandsFreeLink main menu. Available calling options are call, dial, redial, and transfer. Available setup options are phone setup, phone book, and system setup. For more detailed help, say Hands free help. For general instructions on how to use Bluetooth Hands free Telephone system, say Tutorial." If your command is not 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 TALK button or the HFL TALK button, and say "help."
The HFL system may have problems recognizing some voices. To improve voice recognition:
- Close the windows and 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 ceiling.
- Speak in a clear and natural voice. If the system cannot recognize your command, try speaking louder, slower, or 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.
- Make sure you are sitting in the driver's seat when setting up the HFL system, initiating calls, or giving voice commands.
- When speaking numbers, makes sure to speak clearly. If the system still has issues, try speaking slower.
Many issues result from the client not using the system properly. When the TALK button or the HFL TALK button is pressed, the client hears one audible tone. When the BACK button (C) or the HFL BACK button (D) is pressed, the client hears two audible tones. Make sure to press the BACK button or the HFL BACK button to exit out of 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 rattles off a set of numbers in a group unrecognized by the system. The HFL system understands phone numbers in specific blocks of 3, 4, 7, 10, and 11 numbers. For example, the system understands:
The system may become confused if numbers are stated in other blocks like these:
If the system does not understand your voice commands, see Voice Control Tips and Improving Voice Recognition.
Navigation Through HFL Menus
To skip a voice prompt, press and release the TALK button (A) or the HFL TALK button (B) 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 BACK button (C) or the HFL BACK button (D), or press the TALK button or the HFL TALK button and say "Go back." If you do not 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 TALK button or the HFL TALK button, the HFL system begins listening from the point it timed out.
If you have finished or want to stop a voice command sequence at any time, press and release the BACK button or the HFL BACK button, or press and release the TALK button or the HFL TALK button, wait for the beep, and say "Cancel." The next time you press and release the PICK-UP button or the HFL TALK button, the HFL system begins from its main menu. To avoid keeping the audio system muted, press and release the BACK button or the HFL BACK button when you are finished.
Pairing a Cell Phone
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 to www.acura.com/handsfreelink, or call the Acura's dedicated call center at 888-528-7876.
The following procedure works for most Acura approved phones. If you cannot pair your phone to the HFL system with this procedure, refer to your phone's operating manual, the vehicle's Owner's Manual, visit www.acura.com/handsfreelink, or call the Acura's dedicated call center at 888-528-7876.
NOTE:
- You cannot pair a phone while the vehicle is moving.
- Your phone must be in its Discovery mode.
- A maximum of six approved Bluetooth-compatible phones can be paired to the system.
With Navigation
The commands for pairing the phone can either be selected using the interface dial or by using the voice recognition system (TALK and BACK buttons).
NOTE: The navigation system can pair up to six approved phones. If you try to pair a seventh phone, a message appears that prompts you to delete one of your existing phones.
1. Turn the ignition switch to ACC (I), and make sure the phone you are pairing is on and in its discovery mode.
2. Press the INFO/PHONE button, and turn the interface dial to select Cellular Phone, then press ENTER.
3. Move the interface dial down to select Phone Setup.
4. Select Setup Bluetooth phone, and press Enter.
5. Select Pair Phone, then press enter.
6. When a four-digit pass key number appears on the screen, wait until prompted by the phone, then enter the pass key into your cell phone.
7. Once the phone is successfully paired, the screen displays "The pairing was successful."
Without Navigation
1. With your approved phone on and the ignition switch in ACC (I) or ON (II), press and release the HFL TALK button. After the beep, say "Phone setup." The HFL responds, "Phone setup options are pair, edit, delete, list, status, next phone, set pairing code."
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. For proper system function a compatible Bluetooth phone is required. Please visit www.acura.com/handsfreelink for a list of approved phones and other system information. HandsFreeLink is waiting to pair with a Bluetooth phone. From your phone, search for Bluetooth devices, and select HandsFreeLink. When prompted by your mobile phone enter the pairing code XXXX." The HFL system will give you a 4-digit pairing code.
3. When prompted by your mobile phone, enter the pairing code. Refer to your cell phone user guide for more information about searching for a Bluetooth device.
4. Once the phone is recognized by the HFL system, it responds, "HandsFreeLink has connected to a new phone. A name is needed to identify this phone. Press the talk button and say a name. For example, John's phone."
5. 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."
Pairing Troubleshooting
Many pairing issues are resolved by altering the client's phone settings. Call the Acura's dedicated call center at 888-528-7876 after you have duplicated the problem.
If you cannot get an approved HFL phone to pair, call the Acura's dedicated call center at 888-528-7876, or go online to www.acura.com/handsfreelink.
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 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 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.
The HFL system can pair a maximum of six phones. Some vehicles will tell you that the HFL system has reached its maximum while other vehicles will not. To check how many phones are paired, press and release the TALK button or 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 number of phones listed. If there are six, you must delete one phone before adding a new one.