Handsfree Link System Acura TL III

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General Troubleshooting Information

The Hands Free Link {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 website 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 am to 6:00 pm CST, Saturday from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm CST, and Sunday from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm 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 phones 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.

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 sends you to the Help menu.

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. You'll see MAIN MENU on the multi-information display (MID) in the instrument panel.

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 and you'll see MAIN MENU on the MID.

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 the phone to the 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 phone's operating manual or call 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. HFL VOICE COMMAND SPECIFICATIONS 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 stopped. 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 call phone manufacture's instructions to put the phone in its Discovery mode. The phone will search for the HFL. When you see Hands Free Link 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. 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 paired to the HFL, you'll also see a phone icon in the subdisplay in the dashboard."
6. To pair another phone, repeat step 1 thru 5.

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 Hands Free Link system enters the self-diagnostic function, the word "DIAGNOSTIC MODE" is displayed on the multi-information display (MID) on the gauge control module. If the system has not completed testing for DTCs, the Hands Free Link control unit audibly outputs "The hands free system test is in progress". If there are no DTCs, the Hands Free Link control unit audibly outputs "The hands free system is OK". If there are any DTCs, the Hands Free Link 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.

Symptom Troubleshooting

SYMPTOM TROUBLESHOOTING

Scheme 20

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Control Unit Input Test

Note. Before testing, troubleshoot the multiplex integrated control system using B-CAN System Diagnosis Test Mode A (see TROUBLESHOOTING - B-CAN SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS TEST MODE A ).

Scheme 22

1. Remove the roof console (see «INTERIOR LIGHT SWITCH TEST/REPLACEMENT»(/acura/tl/iii-2003-2006/remont/interiorillumination-lights/#interior-lights) ).
2. Disconnect the 22P connector (A) from the Hands Free Link control unit (B).
3. 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 4.
4. With the connector still disconnected, 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 Hands Free Link control unit must be faulty; replace it. Hands Free Link 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 continuity to ground: There should be continuity. Poor ground (G503, G601) An open in the wire 11 GRY/BLU Under all conditions Check for voltage to ground: There should be battery voltage. Blown No. 6 (7.5 A) fuse in the underdash fuse/relay box An open in the wire 14 RED/WHT Under all conditions Check for continuity between No. 14 terminal and the underdash fuse/relay box connector X (39P) terminal No. 18: There should be continuity. An open in the wire Under dash fuse relay box connector X (39P) disconnected Check for continuity to ground: There should be no continuity. A short to ground in the wire 1 YEL/RED Ignition switch ACC(I) or ON(II) Check for voltage to ground: There should be battery voltage. Blown No. 32 (7.5 A) fuse in the underdash fuse/relay box An open in the wire

DTC B1751: Hands Free Link Control Unit CPU Error (Anomalous CPU)

Note. If you are troubleshooting multiple DTCs, be sure to follow the instructions in B-CAN system diagnosis test mode A (see TROUBLESHOOTING - B-CAN SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS TEST MODE A ).

1. Clear the DTCs with the HDS.
2. Turn the ignition switch OFF, and then back ON (II).
3. Check for DTCs with the HDS. Is DTC B1751 indicated? YES -Replace the Hands Free Link control unit. NO -Intermittent failure, the system is OK at this time.

DTC B1775: Microphone Input/Output Short to Power/Open

Note. If you are troubleshooting multiple DTCs, be sure to follow the instructions in B-CAN system diagnosis test mode A (see TROUBLESHOOTING - B-CAN SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS TEST MODE A ).

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1. Clear the DTCs with the HDS.
2. Turn the ignition switch OFF, and then back ON (II).
3. Check for DTCs with the HDS. Is DTC B1775 indicated? YES -Go to step 4. NO -Intermittent failure, the system is OK at this time.
4. Turn the ignition switch OFF.
5. Remove the roof console (see «INTERIOR LIGHT SWITCH TEST/REPLACEMENT»(/acura/tl/iii-2003-2006/remont/interiorillumination-lights/#interior-lights) ).
6. Disconnect the 20P connector from the roof console and 22P connector from the Hands Free Link control unit.
7. Turn the ignition switch ON (II).
8. Check for voltage between the Hands Free Link control unit 22P connector terminal No. 9 and body ground. Is there battery voltage? YES -Replace shielded harness. NO -Go to step 9.
9. Turn the ignition switch OFF.
10. Check for continuity between the Hands Free Link control unit 22P connector terminal No. 9 and roof console 20P connector terminal No. 8. Is there continuity? YES -Substitute a known-good Hands Free Link control unit, then recheck. If the symptom goes away, replace the original Hands Free Link control unit. NO -Replace the shielded harness.

DTC B1776: Microphone Input/Output Short to Ground/Open

Note. If you are troubleshooting multiple DTCs, be sure to follow the instructions in B-CAN system diagnosis test mode A (see TROUBLESHOOTING - B-CAN SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS TEST MODE A ).

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1. Clear the DTCs with the HDS.
2. Turn the ignition switch OFF, and then back ON (II).
3. Check for DTCs with the HDS. Is DTC B1776 indicated? YES -Go to step 4. NO -Intermittent failure, the system is OK at this time.
4. Turn the ignition switch OFF.
5. Remove the roof console (see «INTERIOR LIGHT SWITCH TEST/REPLACEMENT»(/acura/tl/iii-2003-2006/remont/interiorillumination-lights/#interior-lights) ).
6. Disconnect the 22P connector from the Hands Free Link control unit.
7. Check for continuity between the Hands Free Link control unit 22P connector terminal No. 10 and body ground, then between No. 8 and No. 9. Is there continuity? YES -Replace the shielded harness. NO -Go to step 8.
8. Check the vehicle's trim level. Is the vehicle navigation system equipped? YES -Go to step 9. NO -Substitute a known-good Hands Free Link control unit, then recheck. If the symptom goes away, replace the original Hands Free Link control unit.
9. Disconnect the 14P connector from the navigation unit.
10. Check for continuity between the Hands Free Link control unit 22P connector terminal No. 22 and body ground, then between No. 20 and No. 21. Is there continuity? YES -Replace the shielded harness. NO -Substitute a known-good Hands Free Link control unit, then recheck. If the symptom goes away, replace the original Hands Free Link control unit. If the symptom does not go away, replace the faulty navigation unit.

DTC B1779: HFL Switch or HFL-Voice Control Switch* (HFL TALK/HFL BACK Buttons) Open/Short

Note. If you are troubleshooting multiple DTCs, be sure to follow the instructions in B-CAN system diagnosis test mode A (see TROUBLESHOOTING - B-CAN SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS TEST MODE A ). Information marked with an asterisk ( * ) applies to the switch with navigation system.

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1. Clear the DTCs with the HDS.
2. Turn the ignition switch OFF, then start the vehicle and turn the steering wheel back and forth several times.
3. Check for DTCs with the HDS. Is DTC B1779 indicated? YES -Go to step 4. NO -Intermittent failure, the system is OK at this time.
4. Turn the ignition switch OFF.
5. Do the HFL switch or HFL-voice control switch * test (see «DTC B1792: Hands Free Link CONTROL UNIT INTERNAL ERROR»(/acura/tl/iii-2003-2006/remont/communication-devices/#handsfree-link-system__dtc-b1792-hands-free-link-control) ). Is the switch OK? YES -Go to step 6. NO -Replace the HFL switch or HFL-voice control switch* (see «DTC B1792: Hands Free Link CONTROL UNIT INTERNAL ERROR»(/acura/tl/iii-2003-2006/remont/communication-devices/#handsfree-link-system__dtc-b1792-hands-free-link-control) ).
6. Remove the roof console (see «INTERIOR LIGHT SWITCH TEST/REPLACEMENT»(/acura/tl/iii-2003-2006/remont/interiorillumination-lights/#interior-lights) ).
7. Disconnect the 22P connector from the Hands Free Link control unit.
8. Disconnect the 5P connector from the HFL switch or HFL-voice control switch*.
9. Turn the ignition switch ON (II).
10. Check for voltage on HFL switch connector terminal 3. Is there voltage? YES -Repair a short to power in the ORN wire. NO -Go to step 11.
11. Check for continuity between the Hands Free Link control unit 22P connector terminal No. 2 and HFL switch or HFL-voice control switch * 5P connector terminal No. 3. Is there continuity? YES -Go to step 12. NO -Repair an open in the ORN wire between the switch, cable reel and HFL unit.
12. Check for continuity between the HFL or HFL-voice control switch 5P connector No. 2 terminal and the audio unit connector A (20P) No. 11 terminal. Is there continuity? YES -Check for loose or poor connections at the audio unit, HFL control unit and HFL switch or HFL-voice control switch. If the connections are OK, substitute a known-good HFL control unit. If the problem is gone, replace the original control unit. NO -Repair open in the wire between the switch, cable reel, and the audio unit.

DTC B1780: HFL Switch or HFL-Voice Control Switch* (HFL TALK/HFL BACK Buttons) Short

Note. Information marked with an asterisk ( * ) applies to the switch with navigation system. If you are troubleshooting multiple DTCs, be sure to follow the instructions in B-CAN system diagnosis test mode A (see TROUBLESHOOTING - B-CAN SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS TEST MODE A ).

Scheme 29

1. Clear the DTCs with the HDS.
2. Turn the ignition switch OFF, then start the vehicle and turn the steering wheel back and forth several times.
3. Check for DTCs with the HDS. Is DTC B1780 indicated? YES -Go to step 4. NO -Intermittent failure, the system is OK at this time.
4. Turn the ignition switch OFF.
5. Do the HFL switch or HFL-voice control switch* test (see «DTC B1792: Hands Free Link CONTROL UNIT INTERNAL ERROR»(/acura/tl/iii-2003-2006/remont/communication-devices/#handsfree-link-system__dtc-b1792-hands-free-link-control) ). Is the switch OK? YES -Go to step 6. NO -Replace the HFL switch or HFL-voice control switch* (see «DTC B1792: Hands Free Link CONTROL UNIT INTERNAL ERROR»(/acura/tl/iii-2003-2006/remont/communication-devices/#handsfree-link-system__dtc-b1792-hands-free-link-control) ).
6. Remove the roof console (see «INTERIOR LIGHT SWITCH TEST/REPLACEMENT»(/acura/tl/iii-2003-2006/remont/interiorillumination-lights/#interior-lights) ).
7. Disconnect the 22P connector from the Hands Free Link control unit.
8. Disconnect the 5P connector from the HFL switch or HFL-voice control switch*.
9. Turn the ignition switch OFF.
10. Check for continuity between the Hands Free Link control unit 22P connector terminal No. 2 and body ground. Is there continuity? YES -Repair a short in the wire. NO -Replace the Hands Free Link control unit.

DTC B1792: Hands Free Link Control Unit Internal Error

1. Clear the DTCs with the HDS.
2. Turn the ignition switch OFF, and then back ON (II).
3. Check for DTCs with the HDS. Is DTC B1792 indicated? YES -Replace the Hands Free Link control unit. NO -Intermittent failure, the system is OK at this time.

HFL Switch/HFL-Voice Control Switch Test/Replacement

Note. Information marked with asterisk ( * ) applies to the switch with navigation system.

Scheme 30

1. Remove the driver's airbag (see «DRIVER'S AIRBAG REPLACEMENT»(/acura/tl/iii-2003-2006/remont/airbag/#air-bag-srs-supplemental-restraint-system) ).
2. Disconnect the 5P connector (A).
3. Remove the two screws and HFL switch or HFL-voice control switch* (B).
4. Measure resistance between the No. 3 and No. 2 terminals in each switch position according to the table. HFL SWITCH (TERMINAL NO. 3 AND NO. 2) Position Resistance OFF About 1 kohm HFL Talk button pressed About 187 kohm HFL Back button pressed About 45 kohm NAVIGATION VOICE CONTROL SWITCH (TERMINAL NO. 1 AND NO. 2) Position Resistance OFF About 10 kohm Talk button pressed About 2.2 kohm Back button pressed About 637 ohm
5. If the resistance is not as specified, replace the switch.

See also:
• TROUBLESHOOTING - B-CAN SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS TEST MODE A
• INTERIOR LIGHT SWITCH TEST/REPLACEMENT
• DRIVER'S AIRBAG REPLACEMENT
• DTC B1792: Hands Free Link CONTROL UNIT INTERNAL ERROR