Part 3

How to Troubleshoot the HandsFreeLink System (Continued)

Pairing Troubleshooting

Many pairing issues are resolved by altering the client's cell 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 cell 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 cell phone to the vehicle, and confirm the cell 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 cell phone's Bluetooth feature is on, other handsfree accessories such as earpieces or headsets may automatically reconnect to the cell phone when you turn on the accessory or move it within range of the cell phone.

This results in the cell phone not connecting to the HFL system when the client enters the vehicle. You must unlink the hands-free accessory from the cell phone before the HFL system can reconnect.

Some cell 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 cell phones. Some vehicles will tell you that the HFL system has reached its maximum while other vehicles will not. To check how many cell phones are paired, press and release the TALK button or the HFL TALK button. After the beep, say "cell phone setup list." The HFL system lists every assigned cell phone name paired with it, then finishes by saying "The entire list has been read. Returning to the main menu." Count number of cell 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 www.acura.com/handsfreelink.

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 (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 client is trying to pair a Blackberry(R) or Palm TreoTM 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.

Dropped Calls

Clients 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 client's cell phone settings. For help on approved HFL settings, call the Acura's dedicated call center at 888-528-7876, or go online to www.acura.com/handsfreelink.

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 cell 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 cell 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 client uses the HFL system versus the handset, the issue is likely due to the cell phone or carrier.
- If the cell 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 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 client 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 cell phone's ability to boost the antenna's power and function properly, especially in low signal strength areas. Some cell 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 Acura's dedicated call center at 888-528-7876 after you have duplicated the problem.

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 paired to the HFL system.

3. Do a soft reset to the cell phone.

4. Check if the cell phone has an Authorized Connection or Trusted option.

5. Check the battery and signal strength on the cell phone. Pairing a cell phone requires optimal signal strength and a nearly full battery.