Mike734

After searching I have found a tremendous amount of info about HFL modules going bad in the TL community but not much on the RL side.

I am unable to pair my iPhone with my new 2006 RL (non-tech). The hands free link will not show up on my iPhone when it's in discover mode. After reading the TL threads it seems the module goes bad and can be easily replaced. I would appreciate any/all info/links to find reasonably priced replacement parts.

Is this just not a problem with the RLs?

Mike734

Got off the phone with Tim at Oemacuraparts and he says he's never heard of a HFL going bad on an RL. He acknowledges the TL has this problem a lot but not the RL. I guess I'm headed to the dealer for a $100 diagnostic just to be told it will be $1000 for some part that may or may not work. Any other help out there?

HEAVY_RL

iTrader: (1)

Sorry, I've got nothing. Tim is the man

Mike734

So I go the Bellevue Acura this morning and, surprise, they can't clear the AcuraLink messages or pair the phone either. They want $130 to diagnose the problem. He says the Navi unit may be malfuntioning. No thanks!

Related or Unrelated? The navi DVD is the original v4.31c
I'll update when the new one comes out in September (if I can wait that long) and see if some sort of firmware change makes a difference.

Mike734

Decided not to wait for the new DVD in Sept. New rules from the govt. might make future Nav updates disable certain features like entering an address while in motion. I'm going to update now before these rules take effect. Hopefully the software changes will improve my experience.

Mike734

Got the latest DVD today and updated the nav unit. Still no help for my Bluetooth problem.

I can't tollerate the thought of paying $700 for a HFT unit for my 06 RL. Does anyone know if I can substitute another HFT unit from a different year/model? What could be the difference, a different voice?

I tried to pair my IPhone 4s on a 08 RL in a local for sale lot today and it paired no problem. Now I'm sure the Bluetooth part of my HFL is not working when I et a manual I'm going to see if it's something simple like a loose connection. I really miss a Bluetooth connection.

HEAVY_RL

iTrader: (1)

They should all be the same from 05 to 08, Tim is your best reference.

I think you've known the HFL needed to be replaced so its time to do it or just buy an ear bud LoL

Mike734

I would think that this forum would have some better answers. I'll just have to keep digging I guess.

HEAVY_RL

iTrader: (1)

Better solution, than the hardware is bad replace it?

LoL, please keep us posted.

Mike734

Tim and others I've spoken to think the hardware is probably good based on the fact that problems with the RL HFL are rare. I'd like to replace it but $750 for the part is not acceptable. An ear bud is not a solution either as I'd like to hear a call while enjoying my super sound system.

I'd like to find an acceptable, cheaper replacement. I'm sure there's a compatible part, like the TL part that would work just fine.

Mike734

Found where the part is under the passenger dash and investigated a loose wire etc. The black box had been monkeyed with previously. The plastic tabs used to mount the part to the car were broken. It's obvious someone had replaced the box or tried something with it.

Now my search for a replacement is on. Quality auto parts wants to sell it to me for $315. Not bad but I know the price was just dreamed up because they started at $350.

Guess what? They just called back after I said I'd think about it and lowered the price to $275 delivered. I'm going for it. They say they have a 30 day refund guarantee so we'll see.

I'll let you know the latest.

***Update***

Jeez, before I even push save on this post, Second chance Auto parts wants to sell me one for $170 delivered.

Mike734

Got the replacement part today, took out the glove box to access the mount, put in the "new" part and it works perfectly. I guess I'm one of the rare ones that had a bad Bluetooth unit.

Replacement part cost 275 delivered. Certainly better than the $800-$1300 I was quoted by Acura.

HEAVY_RL

iTrader: (1)

thanks for following up

shahram72

Wonderful. Glad to hear good news like this!

shdwghst457

I'm looking into replacing the Bluetooth module to be more compatible with newer phones; can you send me a picture or part numbers from the dead module? I want to somehow swap the 2010 BT controller into my 05 CGP.

Mike734

I don't believe there is a compatable upgraded BT mod available. I'd like to upgrade myself so please let us know if you find one.

HEAVY_RL

iTrader: (1)

I think there is a pic in this thread...

https://acurazine.com/forums/2g-rl-audio-bluetooth-electronics-navigation-90/hf-link-stuck-868799/

chesnutlane

ere is some info about the HFL system

My I phone 5 failed to pair but has no the 4s . Acura has a HFL call center at 888-528-7876 they can tell you if the phone is even capiable of working with their system.

To run a self diagnostic function, do the following
1. turn the ignition switch to acc
2. press and hold the HFL BACK button for more than 5 seconds
3. when the hands free link system enters the self diagnostic function the follwing will occur
* if the sysyemhas not completed testing for DTCs, the handsfree link system says "the hands free system test in progress"
* if the is no DTC the handsfree link system says "the handsfree system is ok"
* if there is a DTC the handsfree llink system says "the hands free system needs to be serviced

There are 5 knowns DTC codes

DTC B1775 microphone input/output short to power/open
DTC B1776 microphone input/output short to ground/open
DTC B1779 hfl switch or hfl (back button) circuit open/short
DTC B1780 hfl circuit short
DTC B1792 hands free link contol unit internal error

chesnutlane

There is a HFL test/replacement procedure to vefify the swich works as well as one for the control unit which is an input test if any one wants it let me know and I will post it.

otoupalik

Yes, please post it! I am getting frustrated with my new MDX and HFL issues!

HEAVY_RL

iTrader: (1)

ditto, post up

chesnutlane

HFL test switch/replacement

1. remove the drivers air bag
2. disconnect the 6 pin connector
3. remove the 2 screws and the hfl switch
4. measure the resistance between the # 5 and # 2 terminals in each switch position according to the formula below

position resistance

off about 1k ohm
hfl talk button pressed about 227 ohm
hfl back button pressed about 47 ohm

5. if the resistance is not as specified replace the switch


I will post the control unit input test over the weekend ... there is a bit more to it

chesnutlane

control unit input test - handsfree link system

1. remove the throttle actuator control module ( which is behind the right kick panel 16 pin gry/wht connector, adaptive cruise control unit ( behind right side of dash 12 pin blk/wht ), and hfl control unit ( behind right kick panel 22 pin green )

2. disconnect the 22 pin connector from the hfl control unit.

3. inspect the connector and socket terminals for a good pinfit to be sure they are making good contact.
- if the terminlas are bent loose or corroded repair as necessary and recheck the system.

- if the terminals look OK go to step # 4

4. reconnect the connector and make these input tests at the connector
- if any test indicates a problem find and correct the cause, then recheck the system

- if all the input tests prove OK go to step #5

The black wire in cavity # 13 measure the voltage to ground and should have less than 1 volt with the ignition swich on as well as off , if not there is an open in the wire or poor ground. **The ground stud is located on the left side of the floor**

the white wire in cavity # 11 again with the igition switch on as well as off measure the voltage to ground and you should have battery voltage if not the # 5 fuse (7.5 amp) is blown in the drivers under-dash fuse/relay box or an open in the wire.

the purple wire in cavity # 1 should have battery voltage again by measuring to ground with the ignition switch ON if not # 32 ( 10 amp ) fuse is blown in the drivers under dash box or an open in the wire.

5. disconnect the 22 pin connector again and make this input test at the connector

- if the test indicates a problem find and correct the cause then recheck the system

- if the input test proves OK , the HFL control unit must be faulity, replace it

the light green wire # 14 cavity with the ignition switch on or off needs to have continuity. check for it between the terminal and the drivers under dash fuse box # 27 terminal ( the connector itself has 39 pins ) again continuity must be there if not there is an open in the wire.

lastly disconnect that 39 pin connector and check for continuity to ground * there should be no continuity * if there is then you have a short to ground.

bennett21

After owning my '05 RL since new my phone became unpaired and I could not pair mine or any phone with my HFL system. It sounds like this is rare with RLs but common with TLs. The symptoms were that I could go through the pairing process but then would not complete after it asked me to name the phone, similar to what someone else had posted. I bought a used replacement unit on Ebay for $140 and installed it and it worked right away.

HEAVY_RL

iTrader: (1)

congrats on the fix

fasst1

I have this issue now on my 05 RL. I found a used box for 175. I am getting the recall fixed on RL Monday so I will see what the dealer says first before I drop the coin.

HEAVY_RL

iTrader: (1)

Keep us posted

BluNosr2

How difficult is it to get at the HFL module in an 05RL? I found threads mentioning removing the glovebox is the easiest way but nothing really detailed/documented on the process?

fasst1

The Dealer said when I brought it in that they could fix it with a reset. I said be my guest and try. I said if you cant fix it and it is the module can I have it for free. He said they are not too expensive. I said ok. He did all of his troubleshooting and said the box is bad. They gave me a price of over 1K. I left and went to the junkyard and picked one up for $175. It is fixed and working now.

Mike734

That's hilarious. What was the stealers reaction when he found out "they are not too expensive" at $1000? Was he consolatory and give you a huge break on the price? Didn't think so. I'm rarely surprised, these days, when I learn just how ignorant the service writers are about our car.

Toppatop

I have a question on the HFL system. While in the vehicle I make. Phone call with my iphone 5 and press the hands free link option on the phone for the audio. What happens is the HFL will be checked off but will not ring though the car speakers and when the phone call is answered the call automatically goes to the iphone. I the. Have to press the call button on the HFL and say "transfer." Does this sound like how everyone's HFL works or is mine in need of servicing.

Mike734

Yup, that's the way it works. Sucks, I know. The only way to dial, ring and answer over the car speakers is to load the number in your HFL memory. That or use the command "Call" and say the numbers you want to call. It's just one reason I want to get a newer car.

ak2176

My bluetooth recently "died". I got in the car and there was no connection. I attempted to re-pair my phone with the car and the system never turns on bluetooth during the phone setup.

It stops after i give it the passcode to use. I confirmed that my phone's bt is working fine and here I am.

Looks like I'll need to order a new BT module and go through the process of doing this myself because 1k to the dealer is way out of my budget.

Any tips on how to replace the unit?

I've never removed the glovebox and would like to avoid silly mistakes if at all possible.

On a weird side note, the passenger door handle also recently stopped responding to touches (no longer locks or unlocks). Drivers side is normal.

I'm not sure if these two things are in anyway related or if I have two fixes to work on.

If anyone has any insight it would be greatly appreciated.

-ak

Mike734

The door handle problem is most likely not related. You can get a replacement HFL unit from used car parts stores. Try Second chance Auto parts. I was offers one for $170 (30 day warranty)
The glove box is not hard to remove. You should be able to find a DIY on this board. One caution though. I've been told that you should disconnect the battery before plugging in the replacement part. I didn't and did. It have a problem but it seems like a good idea.

hbhaas

I wish I could find the poster whom informed us that YOU DO NOT NEED TO REMOVE THE GLOVE BOX IN AN 06 RL to replace the bluetooth component. It took me 5 mins. to remove the trim and molding and there it was. Simply unplugged and plugged the unit back in and it works again. Couldn't have done it without the wealth of sharing here, many thanks to all. I will be returning an $80 39970-SJA to an ebayer since I won't need it now. BEFORE YOU PAY THE DEALER OR ANYONE ELSE TRY DISCONNECTING AND RECONNECTING FIRST.

hbhaas

When I found where the unit was located it also had broken screw holes and was simply tucked behind a cable. Fortunately it only needed to be unplugged and plugged back in to reset it and it works fine again. I may have just been lucky but suggested trying it first. Couldn't done it without all of the sharing on this thread and multiples other threads I read on this site. Many thanks to all!

HEAVY_RL

iTrader: (1)

My firewall may be blocking it but did anyone snap a pic of it?

Mike734

There's a picture of the module in this thread. https://acurazine.com/forums/showthread.php?t=868799

HEAVY_RL

iTrader: (1)

Good call, I meant in its natural dwelling... none the less posting the pic here to close the loop.