Reading and Clearing Diagnostic Trouble Codes
How to Troubleshoot the HandsFreeLink System
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 Honda approved Bluetooth(R)-enabled cell phones with a hands-free profile. If you are not sure if your cell phone is compatible with the HFL system, Honda has a dedicated call center at 888-528-7876 and web site handsfreelink.honda.com, 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 Honda 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 customer'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 Honda HFL system.
Go to handsfreelink.honda.com or call the Honda's dedicated call center at 888-528-7876, and check if the customer's phone is approved to work with the Honda 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 Honda 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 customer's complaint. If you cannot access the Honda web site, call the Honda'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). 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 and say a command. For a list of commands, say HandsFreeHelp." If your command isn't 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 HandsFreeHelp. 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, 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 customer not using the system properly. When the TALK button is pressed, the customer hears one audible tone. When the BACK button (B) is pressed, the customer hears two audible tones. Make sure to press the 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 customer 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) while the HFL system is speaking. The system begins listening for your next voice command.
To go back a step in a voice command sequence, press and release the BACK button (B), or press the 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 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 BACK button, or press and release the TALK button, wait for the beep, and say "Cancel." The next time you press and release the PICK-UP button (C), the HFL system begins from its main menu. To avoid keeping the audio system muted, press and release the 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 handsfreelink.honda.com, or call the Honda's dedicated call center at 888-528-7876.
The following procedure works for most Honda 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 handsfreelink.honda.com, or call the Honda'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 HFL 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 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
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 HFL 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 PHONE button, and turn the SELECTOR knob to select Connection, then press the SELECTOR knob.
3. Move the SELECTOR knob down to select Add New Phone.
4. Select Pair Phone, then press the SELECTOR knob.
5. 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.
6. Once the phone is successfully paired, the screen displays "Connection complete."
Pairing Troubleshooting
Many pairing issues are resolved by altering the customer's phone settings. Call the Honda'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 Honda's dedicated call center at 888-528-7876, or go online to handsfreelink.honda.com.
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 customer 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 customer 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. 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.
Pairing Checks
For more information about pairing, refer to the cell phone operating manual, or go to handsfreelink.honda.com.
1. Is the cell phone compatible with the HFL?
2. Is the Bluetooth feature turned on?
3. Is the customer using the HFL buttons, not the navigation buttons (if applicable), 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 customer is trying to pair a Blackberry(R) or Palm TreoTM device, make sure the customer uses the shift key when entering the pass code. If the shift key is not pressed, the customer may be entering letters. The HFL does not recognize letters.
Dropped Calls
Customers may perceive dropped calls as being an HFL system fault, but most dropped calls are resultant from cell phone and cell phone carrier issues. The HFL system does not directly handle the cell phone signal. It allows the cell phones to transmit the cell phone audio over the vehicle's audio system.
Many dropped calls issues can be resolved by changing the customer's phone settings. For help on approved HFL settings, call the Honda's dedicated call center at 888-528-7876, or go online to handsfreelink.honda.com.
Always confirm with the customer if the number of dropped calls is higher while using the HFL system as opposed to using the cell phone only. Customers 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 customer 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?
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 customer 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 customer 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 mountains 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 customer drives through an area where there is a coverage gap between towers, the call drops.
- Electrical storms, heavy rain, or overcast conditions 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.
Phone will not Automatically Connect the HFL
Call the Honda's dedicated call center at 888-528-7876 after you have duplicated the problem.
If a customer 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 paired 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.
Incoming Calls
Call the Honda's dedicated call center at 888-528-7876 after you have duplicated the problem.
If a customer 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 customer 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 Audio 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 customer if they have set specific ring tones or ringer IDs to specific contacts. If they have, recommend returning them to a standard ring tone for all calls.
8. Make sure the customer is pressing the PICK-UP button (A).
Outgoing Calls
Call the Honda's dedicated call center at 888-528-7876 after you have duplicated the problem.
If a customer 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.
If the call is placed by the HFL system:
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 customer is pressing the TALK button (A) before each command and going through the calling process correctly.
4. Make sure the customer is pressing the PICK-UP button (B).
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:
- With navigation system; 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 selecting "Transfer." The customer can now continue the call using the HFL system.
- Without navigation system; By default calls made from the handset will transfer to the HFL system. If Auto-transfer is turned "off " calls will remain on handset. To continue or the HFL system, press the HFL TALK button and say "Transfer."
Clearing the HFL system
With Navigation
The commands for deleting a phone can either be selected using the interface dial or by using the voice recognition system (use the TALK and BACK buttons).
NOTE:
- The entire HFL system cannot be deleted at once. You must delete one phone at a time.
- If the system is locked and the pass code is lost or forgotten, see symptom troubleshooting.
1. Turn the ignition switch to ACC (I).
2. Press the INFO 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 Edit User, and press ENTER.
5. Select Delete, then select the phone you want to delete from the list. Press ENTER to select the phone, then press ENTER again to confirm.
6. Repeat steps 4-5 for each phone you want to delete.
Without Navigation
The commands for deleting a phone can either be selected using the interface dial or by using the voice recognition system (use the TALK and BACK buttons).
NOTE:
- The entire HFL system cannot be deleted at once. You must delete one phone at a time.
- If the system is locked and the pass code is lost or forgotten, see symptom troubleshooting.
1. Turn the ignition switch to ACC (I).
2. Press the PHONE button, and turn the SELECTOR knob to select Connection, then press the SELECTOR knob.
3. Move the interface dial down to select Delete, then press the SELECTOR knob.
4. Select the phone you want to delete from the list. Press the SELECTOR knob to select the phone, then press the SELECTOR knob again to confirm.
5. Repeat steps 3-5 for each phone you want to delete.
Glossary of Terms
Auto Answer
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:
- Send Only
- Any Key
- Multi-Key answer
Answer Options
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.
Authorized Connection
This cell phone setting allows the phone to connect automatically with the HFL system without prompting the customer for permission to connect. In some instances, it can affect the ability of the phone to properly route sound to the HFL system.
Bluetooth Power
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.
Discovery Mode
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.
HFL Button
- TALK button (A): This button activates the voice control system and is used for all voice commends. Press and release it, wait for a beep, and give a voice command.
- BACK button (B): This button has the same function as the CANCEL button. When you press and release it, the current voice command is canceled and the display returns to the previous screen.
- PICK-UP button (C): This button is used to answer incoming calls or to make outgoing calls. You can also go directly to the Cellular Phone screen by pressing this button.
- HANG-UP button (D): This button is used to end a call.
Hard Reset (Cellular Phone)
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 cell phone owner's manual for more information).
Linking
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.
Pairing
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.
Soft Reset (Cellular phone)
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. See the cell phone user manual for more information.
Software Version
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.