Handsfreelink System Acura MDX I

Scheme 39

General Troubleshooting Information

The HandsFreeLink (HFL) works only with Bluetooth enabled cell phones with the Hands Free Profile. If you are not sure if your cell phone is compatible with the HFL - and not all phones are - Acura has a dedicated call center and web-site to answer your questions. On the web go to www.acura.com or dial 888-528-7876 for further assistance. The 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.

The HFL gives the user the convenience of hands-free operation. It can't control the phone's performance (call quality and signal strength). To avoid performance problems, don't put the phone in a metal briefcase or in a purse under the seat.

This guide shows you just a few of the HFL's many features. You will see how to pair your phone to the HFL and then make and receive calls, all using simple voice commands. If you want a complete description of this system, please refer to the owner's manual and quick start guide.

Voice Control Tips

To give any voice command, press and release the Talk button. Always wait for the beep, then give your command in a clear, natural voice. The HFL microphone is on the ceiling, by the front spotlights. To improve HFL voice recognition, make sure the moonroof and all windows are fully closed. Keep conversation among other passengers to a minimum. Turn the blower speed down and turn the dash vents away from the HFL microphone. Sometimes background noise (i, e. rough roads or rain) can adversely affect HFL voice recognition. If this is the case, pull the vehicle off the road or park the vehicle in a sheltered location and try again.

If the HFL doesn't recognize your voice command, you'll hear "Pardon." If after repeating your command, it still doesn't recognize it, you'll hear "Please repeat." If after repeating your command again, it still doesn't recognize it, the HFL plays the help prompt.

To hear a list of available options at any time, say "Hands free help."

You can give many voice commands together. For example, you can say "Dial 123-456-7890."

To give a string of numbers in a call or dial voice command, you can say them all at once, or separate them into blocks of 3, 4, 7, 10, or 11.

To skip a voice prompt, press and release the Talk button while the HFL is speaking. The HFL begins listening for your next voice command.

To go back a step in a voice command sequence, press and release the Back button, or say "Go back."

If you don't say anything while the HFL is listening for your voice command, it will time out and stop its voice recognition. The next time you press and release the Talk button, the HFL begins listening from the point where it timed out.

To stop a voice command sequence at any time, press and hold 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 Talk button, the HFL begins from its main menu.

When you're done with a voice command sequence, the HFL goes back to its main menu. The next time you press and release the Talk button, you'll be at the main menu.

Remember to press and hold the Back button until you exit the main menu, otherwise, the audio system stays muted.

Pairing Your Cell Phone (A One Time Procedure)

You must pair a Bluetooth compatible phone to HFL before you can make and receive calls. The following steps show you what you need to do. For specific pairing instructions, on the web, go to www.acura.com, or contact Acura's call center at 888-528-7876. You can also refer to the vehicle quick start guide or owner's manual, the phone's operating manual or the phone retailer. Make sure the vehicle is stationary when you pair the phone

Note. You cannot pair a phone if the vehicle is moving. Your phone must be in its Discovery mode. Up to six Bluetooth compatible phones can be paired by the HFL.

1. Turn on your phone, and follow the prompts to activate Bluetooth.
2. Give these voice commands to the HFL by pressing the HFL talk button. PAIRING YOUR CELL PHONE (A ONE TIME PROCEDURE) You say You'll hear "Phone setup" "Phone setup options are status, pair, edit, delete, and list." "Pair" "The pairing process requires operation of your mobile phone. For safety, only perform this function while the vehicle is in park. State a four-digit code for pairing. Note this code, it will be requested by the phone." "1. 2. 3. 4." (This can be any four-digit code you want.) "1. 2. 3. 4. is this correct?" "Yes" "Searching for a Bluetooth phone. Make sure the phone you are trying to pair is in Discovery mode ! "
3. Follow the cell phone manufacturer's instructions to put the phone in its Discovery mode. The phone will search for the HFL. When you see HANDSFREELINK in the device list on the phone, select it.
4. When prompted, enter the four-digit PIN from step 2 into the phone. You will hear the HFL say "A new phone has been found. What would you like to name this phone?"
5. Press and release the HFL talk button, and say what the phone name will be. For example, say "John's phone". You'll hear "John's phone has been successfully paired". Returning to the main menu. "When the phone is linked to the HFL, you'll also see a phone icon in the radio display."
6. To pair another phone, repeat step 1 through 5 .
7. Have the customer rename the phone(s) that are paired, so the HFL will recognize their speech pattern.

Clearing the System

This operation clears the HFL of the passcode, the paired phones, and all names in the HFL phonebook.

To clear the system, do this

1. Press and release the Talk button. After the beep, say "System". The HFL response is, "System options are setup and clear".
2. Press and release the Talk button. After the beep, say "Clear". The HFL response is, "This process will clear all paired phones, clear all entries in the phonebook, clear the passcode, and restore defaults in the system setup. Is this what you would like to do?"
3. Press and release the Talk button. After the beep, say "Yes." The HFL response is "Preparing to clear all paired phones, all phonebook entries, and the passcode. This may take up to 2 minutes to complete." Press and release the Talk button. After the beep, say "OK." to proceed, or say "Go back" or "Cancel."
4. If you said "OK." after a short period of time, the HFL response is, "The system has been cleared. Returning to the main menu".

Self-Diagnostic Function

Note. This procedure should be used only if HDS is unavailable.

To run the self-diagnostic function, do the following

1. Turn the ignition switch ACC (I).
2. Press and hold the HFL BACK button for more than 5 seconds.
3. When the HandsFreeLink system enters the self-diagnostic function, the word "HANDS FREE LINK" is displayed on the audio unit. If the system has not completed testing for DTCs, the HandsFreeLink control unit audibly outputs "The hands free system test is in progress". If there is no DTC, the HandsFreeLink control unit audibly outputs "The hands free system is OK". If there is any DTC, the HandsFreeLink control unit audibly outputs "The hands free system needs to be serviced". NOTE: The self-diagnostic function can only be initiated while the HFL is in its idle state. The self-diagnostic function is considered to start once the 5 seconds press and hold is detected, and ends when the units returns to idle state.

Exiting The Self-Diagnostic Mode

Press the HFL BACK button and exit the self-diagnostic mode.

Scheme 40

Scheme 41

Symptom Troubleshooting Index

SYMPTOM TROUBLESHOOTING INDEX

Scheme 42

Scheme 43

Scheme 44

Scheme 45

Scheme 46

Scheme 47

Scheme 48

Scheme 49

1. Turn the ignition switch OFF.
2. Remove the roof console (see step 4 in «FRONT INDIVIDUAL MAP LIGHT TEST»(/acura/mdx/i-2000-2006/remont/interiorillumination-lights/#interior-lights__front-individual-map-light-test) ).
3. Disconnect the roof console 20P connector and the HandsFreeLink control unit 22P connector. Check for poor connections or loose terminals. If any are found, fix and recheck the system.
4. Check for continuity between the HandsFreeLink control unit 22P connector No. 9 terminal and body ground, and No. 10 terminal and body ground individually. Is there continuity? YES - Repair a short to ground in the wire. NO - Go to step 5.
5. Turn the ignition switch ON (II).
6. Check for voltage between the HandsFreeLink control unit 22P connector No. 9 terminal and body ground, and No. 10 terminal and body ground individually. Is there battery voltage? YES - Repair a short to power in the wire. NO - Go to step 5 .
7. Turn the ignition switch OFF.
8. Check for continuity between the HandsFreeLink control unit 22P connector No. 9 terminal and the roof console 20P connector No. 8 terminal. Is there continuity? YES - Go to step 9. NO - Repair an open in the wire.
9. Check for continuity between the HandsFreeLink control unit 22P connector No. 10 terminal and the roof console 20P connector No. 10 terminal. Is there continuity? YES - Substitute a known-good roof console, then recheck. If the symptom goes away, replace the original roof console (microphone). If the symptom does not goes away, go to step 10. NO - Repair an open in the wire.
10. Disconnect the navigation unit B connector (14P).
11. Check for continuity between the HandsFreeLink control unit 22P connector No. 21 terminal and body ground, and No. 22 terminal and body ground individually. Is there continuity? YES - Replace the affected shielded harness. NO - Go to step 12.
12. Check for continuity between the HandsFreeLink control unit 22P connector No. 20 and No. 21 terminals, and No. 20 and No. 22 terminals individually. Is there continuity? YES - Replace the affected shielded harness. NO - Go to step 13.
13. Check for continuity between the HandsFreeLink control unit 22P connector No. 22 terminal and the navigation unit B connector (14P) No. 14 terminal. Is there continuity? YES - Go to step 14. NO - Replace the affected shielded harness.
14. Check for continuity between the HandsFreeLink control unit 22P connector No. 21 terminal and the navigation unit B connector (14P) No. 6 terminal. Is there continuity? YES - Substitute a known-good HandsFreeLink control unit, then recheck. If the symptom goes away, replace the original HandsFreeLink control unit. If the symptom does not goes away, replace the navigation unit. NO - Replace the affected shielded harness.

Scheme 50

Scheme 51

Scheme 52

Scheme 53

1. Turn the ignition switch OFF.
2. Do the HFL switch/HFL-voice control switch test (see «HFL SWITCH/HFL-VOICE CONTROL SWITCH TEST/REPLACEMENT»(/acura/mdx/i-2000-2006/remont/communication-devices/#handsfreelink-system) ). Is the switch OK? YES - Go to step 3. NO - Replace the HFL switch or HFL-voice control switch (see «HFL SWITCH/HFL-VOICE CONTROL SWITCH TEST/REPLACEMENT»(/acura/mdx/i-2000-2006/remont/communication-devices/#handsfreelink-system) ).
3. Remove the steering column covers (see «STEERING COLUMN REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION»(/acura/mdx/i-2000-2006/remont/manual-power-steering/#power-steering-system__steering-column-removal-and-installation) ).
4. Disconnect the 13P connector from the cable reel.
5. Remove the roof console (see «FRONT INDIVIDUAL MAP LIGHT TEST»(/acura/mdx/i-2000-2006/remont/interiorillumination-lights/#interior-lights__front-individual-map-light-test) ).
6. Disconnect the HandsFreeLink control unit 22P connector.
7. Turn the ignition switch ON (II).
8. Check for voltage between the HandsFreeLink control unit 22P connector No. 2 terminal and body ground. Is there battery voltage? YES - Repair a short to ground in the wire. NO - Go to step 9.
9. Turn the ignition switch OFF.
10. Check for continuity between the HandsFreeLink control unit 22P connector No. 2 terminal and body ground. Is there continuity? YES - Repair a short to ground in the wire. NO - Go to step 11.
11. Check for continuity between the HandsFreeLink control unit 22P connector No. 2 terminal and the cable reel 13P connector No. 8 terminal. Is there continuity? YES - Go to step 12. NO - Repair an open in the wire.
12. Remove the audio unit (see «AUDIO UNIT REMOVAL/INSTALLATION»(/acura/mdx/i-2000-2006/remont/entertainment-systems/#audio-system__audio-unit-removalinstallation) ).
13. Disconnect the audio unit connector A (20P).
14. Check for continuity between the cable reel 13P connector No. 3 terminal and the audio unit connector A (20P) No. 11 terminal. Is there continuity? YES - Check for an open or a short in the HFL switch or HFL-voice control switch harness. If OK, check for loose or poor connections at the audio unit, HandsFreeLink control unit, cable reel, and HFL switch or HFL-voice control switch connector. If the connections are OK, substitute a known-good HandsFreeLink control unit. If the problem is gone, replace the original HandsFreeLink control unit. NO - Repair an open in the wire.

Scheme 54

1. Remove the roof console (see «FRONT INDIVIDUAL MAP LIGHT TEST»(/acura/mdx/i-2000-2006/remont/interiorillumination-lights/#interior-lights__front-individual-map-light-test) ).
2. Remove the roof console bezel (see step 7 in «HEADLINER REMOVAL/INSTALLATION»(/acura/mdx/i-2000-2006/remont/exteriorinterior-trim/#interior-trim__headliner-removalinstallation) ).
3. Disconnect the 22P connector (A) from the HandsFreeLink control unit (B).
4. Inspect the connector and socket terminals for a good pin fit to be sure they are all making good contact. If the terminals are bent, loose or corroded, repair them as necessary, and recheck the system. If the terminals look OK, go to step 5.
5. Reconnect the connector to the HandsFreeLink control unit, 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, the HandsFreeLink control unit must be faulty; replace it. CONTROL UNIT INPUT TEST Cavity Wire Test condition Test: Desired result Possible cause if result is not obtained 13 BLK Under all conditions Check for voltage to ground: There should be less than 1 V. Poor ground (G551) An open in the wire 11 WHT/GRN Under all conditions Check for voltage to ground: There should be battery voltage. Blown No. 10 (7.5 A) fuse in the under-hood fuse/relay box An open in the wire 1 WHT/RED Ignition switch ACC (I) or ON (II) Check for voltage to ground: There should be battery voltage. Blown No. 9 (15 A) fuse in the under-dash fuse/relay box Faulty accessory socket relay An open in the wire 12 BLK/BLU Ignition switch ON (II), shift lever in P position Check for voltage to ground: There should be less than 1 V. Poor ground (G101, G102) Faulty transmission range switch An open in the wire

Scheme 55

1. Remove the driver's airbag assembly (see «DRIVER'S AIRBAG REPLACEMENT»(/acura/mdx/i-2000-2006/remont/airbag/#srs-supplemental-restraint-system) ).
2. Disconnect the 16P connector (A) from the cable reel.
3. Measure resistance between the 16P connector No. 6 and No. 7 terminals in each switch position according to «HFL SWITCH/HFL-VOICE CONTROL SWITCH TEST/REPLACEMENT»(/acura/mdx/i-2000-2006/remont/communication-devices/#handsfreelink-system) . HFL SWITCH/HFL-VOICE CONTROL SWITCH TEST/REPLACEMENT Position Resistance OFF About 1 k ohm HFL Talk button pressed About 185 ohm HFL Back button pressed About 45 ohm
4. If the resistance is not as specified, remove the screws and the 1P connector (D), then replace the HFL switch (B) and cruise SET/RESUME/CANCEL switch (C) as an assembly.

See also:
• RADIO REMOTE SWITCH TEST/REPLACEMENT
• FRONT INDIVIDUAL MAP LIGHT TEST
• STEERING COLUMN REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
• AUDIO UNIT REMOVAL/INSTALLATION
• HEADLINER REMOVAL/INSTALLATION
• DRIVER'S AIRBAG REPLACEMENT
• MICROPHONE DOES NOT WORK