HandsFreeLink(R) - Is Inoperative/Vehicle Battery Low
08-057July 14, 2012
Applies To:
2005-08 TL - ALL
2008 MDX - ALL
HandsFreeLink (HFL) Doesn't Work, or Battery Is Too Low to Start the
Engine
(Supersedes 08-057, HandsFreeLink (HFL) Doesn't Work, dated March 30, 2012)
Updated information is noted by asterisks and a black bar.
REVISION SUMMARY
*Under REPAIR PROCEDURE, step 6 was updated to include the 05-06 TL 22P connector.*
SYMPTOM
The HandsFreeLink (HFL) system doesn't work, and/or
the battery sometimes wont start the vehicle.
PROBABLE CAUSE
The HFL control unit has an internal problem, which
creates a parasitic current draw of 250 mA.
CORRECTIVE ACTION
Replace the HFL control unit.
PARTS INFORMATION
HFL Control Unit:
2008 MDX:
P/N 39770-STX-A01
2005-06 TL:
Light Tan, YR167L
P/N 39770-SEP-A02ZB
Light Cream Ivory, YR240L
P/N 39770-SEP-A02ZC
Moon Lake Gray, NH528L
P/N 39770-SEP-A02ZA
2007-08 TL:
Moon Lake Gray, NH528L
P/N 39770-SEP-A12ZA
Gray, YR167L
P/N 39770-SEP-A12ZB
Light Cream Ivory, YR240L
P/N 39770-SEP-A12ZC
Graphite Black, NH167L
P/N 39770-SEP-A62ZA
Gray, NH556L
P/N 39770-SEP-A62ZB
WARRANTY CLAIM INFORMATION
The normal warranty applies.
Failed Part: P/N 39770-SEP-A12ZA
Defect Code: 03217
Symptom Code: 09001
Skill Level: Repair Technician
REPAIR PROCEDURE
1. Start the engine, and wait for the HFL and AcuraLink (HIP) control units to boot up (30 seconds).
2. Press the HFL TALK button on the left side of the steering wheel while listening for a beep.
Does the HFL beep?
Yes - This bulletin does not apply. Continue with normal troubleshooting.
No - Go to step 3.
3. Turn the ignition switch OFF.
4. MDX: Check the No. 5 (10 A) fuse in the under-dash fuse/relay box.
TL: Check the No. 6 (7.5 A) fuse in the under-dash fuse/relay box.
Is the fuse OK?
Yes - Go to step 5.
No - Replace the fuse, then repeat steps 1 and 2.
5. MDX: Remove the center console rear trim:
^ Refer to page 20-110 of the 07-09 MDX Service Manual, or
^ Online, enter keywords CENTER CONSOLE, and select Center Console Rear Trim Removal/Installation from the list.
TL: Remove the roof console:
*6. 05-06 TL: Disconnect the HFL control unit 22P connector, and measure the resistance between terminals No. 2 and No. 13 with an ohmmeter.*
07-08 TL: Disconnect the HFL control unit 28: connector, and measure the resistance between terminals No. 1 and No. 2 with an ohmmeter.
MDX: Disconnect the HFL control unit 28P connector, and measure the resistance between terminals No. 1 and No. 2 with an ohmmeter.
Does the resistance change while pressing the HFL TALK/BACK buttons?
Yes - Connect the HFL control unit connector, and go to step 7.
No - This service bulletin does not apply. Continue with normal troubleshooting.
7. Open the hood, and disconnect the hood switch connector.
8. Close and lock all doors.
NOTE:
The exterior lights should flash and the alarm should beep to indicate that the alarm is set.
9. Attach the LH41 AC/DC low current clamp meter to the battery ground cable. Follow the LH41 instructions to measure parasitic draw (parasitic draw is about 250 mA until the HFL control unit goes into sleep mode). Wait at least 10 minutes to allow the HFL unit to go into sleep mode. Does the parasitic draw drop from about 250 mA down to about 50 mA?
Yes - Go to step 11.
No - Go to step 10.
10. Disconnect the HFL control unit 28P connector, then recheck the parasitic draw.
Is the parasitic draw about 50 mA or less?
Yes - Go to step 11.
No - This service bulletin does not apply. Continue with normal troubleshooting to determine the cause of the parasitic draw.
11. Replace the HFL control unit:
^ MDX: Refer to page 23-296 of the MDX service manual, or
^ TL: Refer to page 23-284 of the TL service manual, or
^ Online, enter keywords HFL INPUT, and select HandsFreeLink Control Unit Input Test/Replacement.
12. Reconnect the hood switch connector, and close the hood.
13. Check the vehicles battery, and charge or replace it if needed.
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