Part 1
How to Troubleshoot the HandsFreeLink System
How to Check for DTCs with the HDS
NOTE: Check the vehicle battery condition first Battery Test.
1. Make sure the ignition switch is in LOCK (0), or press the engine start/stop button to select the OFF mode.
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), or press the engine start/stop button to select the ON mode.
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(R)-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 cell phone software versions and settings.
The HFL system allows you to make and receive hands-free calls. It cannot control the cell 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 cell phone model, the software version, and the cellular carrier that experiences the HFL problem. Not all cell 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 cell phone is approved to work with the Acura HFL system.
NOTE:
- These approved and currently testing cell phone model lists are constantly changing, so make sure you view them frequently.
- Cell phones are added as they are approved.
- Cell phones can be removed from the approved list if a software bug is discovered that makes the cell phone incompatible. There cell 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 cell phone. If you have trouble finding the cell 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 cell 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 HandsFreeHelp." 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 HandsFreeHelp." If your command isn't 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.
