Part One
How to Troubleshoot the HandsFreeLink System
How to Check for DTCs with the HDS
NOTE: Check the vehicle battery condition first Testing and Inspection.
1. Make sure the ignition switch is in LOCK (0).
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).
4. Make sure the HDS communicates with the vehicle and the HandsFreeLink control unit. If it doesn't, 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.
Introduction
The HFL system works only with Honda approved Bluetooth-enabled cell phones with a hands-free profile. If you are not sure if your cell is cell phone is compatible with the HFL system, Honda has a dedicated call center at 888-528-7876 and a website handsfreelink.honda.com to answer your questions. You can also contact the call center for information about phone software versions and settings.
The HFL system allows you to make and receive hands-free calls. It cannot control the 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 Honda call center after verifying the problem, or 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 customer's phone model, the software version, and the cellular carrier that experiences the HFL problem. Not all phones with the Bluetooth feature and a hands-free profile are compatible with the Honda HFL system.
Go to handsfreelink.honda.com, or call Honda's dedicated handsfreelink call center at 888-528-7876, and check if the customer phone is approved and correctly configured to work with the Honda HFL system.
NOTE:
- These approved, and currently testing phone model lists are constantly changing, so make sure you view them frequently.
- Phones are added as they are approved.
- Phones can be removed from the approved list if a software bug is discovered that makes the phone incompatible. There 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 phone.
- The Honda 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 phone to help you troubleshoot the customer's complaint. If you cannot access the Honda website, call the HFL 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 HFL 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 map lights.
'09 model: If the HFL system doesn't recognize your voice command, you'll hear "Pardon." If your command isn't recognized a second time, you'll hear "Please repeat." If your command isn't recognized a third time, the HFL system sends you to its Help menu.
'10 model: If the HFL system doesn't recognize your voice command, you'll hear "Pardon? Press the TALK button and say a command. For a list of commands, say handsfreehelp." If your command isn't 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 HFL TALK button and say "Hands-free 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.
Many issues result from the customer not using the system properly. Make sure the customer is using the HFL buttons and not the navigation TALK/navigation BACK buttons. When the HFL TALK button is pressed, the customer hears one audible tone. When the HFL BACK button is pressed, the customer hears two audible tones. Make sure to press 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 of recognition issues, such as when a customer says a set of numbers in a group unrecognized by the system. The HFL system understands phone numbers in specific blocks of 1, 3, 4, 7, and 10 numbers. For example, the system understands:
The system may become confused if numbers are stated in other blocks, as following:
If the system does not understand your voice commands, see Voice Control Tips and Improving Voice Recognition.
Navigation Through Menus
To skip a voice prompt, press and release the HFL TALK button while the HFL system is speaking. The system beings listening for your next voice command.
To go back a step in a voice command sequence, press and release the HFL BACK button, or press the HFL TALK button and say "Go back." If you don't say anything while the HFL system is listening for your voice command, it times out and stops voice recognition. The next time you press and release the HFL TALK button, the HFL system begins listening from the point it timed out.
If you've finished or want to stop a voice command sequence at any time, press and release the HFL BACK button, or press and release the HFL TALK button, wait for the beep, and say "Cancel." The next time you press and release the HFL TALK button, the HFL system begins from its main menu. To avoid keeping the audio system muted, press and release the HFL BACK button when you are finished.
NOTE: You can say multiple commands in one sequence, like "Phone setup-pair" after pressing the HFL TALK button.
Pairing a Cell Phone ('09 model)
You must pair an approved Bluetooth-compatible phone to the HFL system before you can make and receive calls. For a current list of approved phones and specific phone pairing instructions for each phone, see Checking Cell Phone Compatibility, go to handsfreelink.honda.com, or call 888-528-7876.
The following procedure works for most phones. If you cannot pair a phone to the HFL system with this procedure, refer to the phone's operating manual, the vehicle's owner's manual, visit handsfreelink.honda.com, or call 888-528-7876.
NOTE:
- You cannot pair a phone while the vehicle is moving.
- Your phone must be in Discovery Mode.
- A maximum of six Bluetooth-compatible phones can be paired to the system.
- Until you pair a cell phone, the HandsFreeLink system always starts off with the tutorial.
- Some non-approved phones may pair to the HFL system, but some features may not work, or the phone may cause the HFL system to malfunction.
1. With the phone on and the ignition switch in ACCESSORY (I) or ON (II), press and release the HFL TALK button. After the beep, say "Phone setup." The HFL responds, "Phone setup options are status, pair, edit, delete, and list."
2. Press and release the HFL TALK button. After the beep, say "Pair." The HFL responds, "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."
3. Press and release the HFL TALK button. After the beep, say the four-digit code you want to use. This can be any four-digit number you want. For example, say "1, 2, 3, 4." The HFL responds, "1, 2, 3, 4. Is this correct?"
4. Press and release the HFL TALK button. After the beep, say "Yes." The HFL responds, "HFL is now searching for a Bluetooth phone. Make sure the phone you are trying to pair is in Discovery mode." If these steps do not work on the phone you are pairing, refer to the phone's operating manual.
5. Follow the prompts on your phone to get it into its Discovery mode. The phone will search for the HFL. When it comes up, select HandsFreeLink from the list of options displayed on your phone.
6. When asked by the phone, enter the four-digit code from step 3 into your phone. The HFL responds, "A new phone has been found. What would you like to name this phone?"
7. Press and release the HFL TALK button. After the beep, say the name you want to use. For example, say "Tom's phone." The HFL responds, "Tom's phone has been successfully paired. Returning to the main menu."
Pairing a Cell Phone ('10-11 models)
You must pair an approved Bluetooth-compatible phone to the HFL system before you can make and receive calls. For a current list of approved phones and specific phone pairing instructions for each phone, see Checking Cell Phone Compatibility, go to handsfreelink.honda.com, or call 888-528-7876.
The following procedure works for most phones. If you cannot pair a phone to the HFL system with this procedure, refer to the phone's operating manual, the vehicle's owner's manual, visit handsfreelink.honda.com, or call 888-528-7876.
NOTE:
- You cannot pair a phone while the vehicle is moving.
- Your phone must be in Discovery Mode.
- A maximum of six Bluetooth-compatible phones can be paired to the system.
- Until you pair a cell phone, the HandsFreeLink system always starts off with the tutorial.
- Some non-approved phones may pair to the HFL system, but some features may not work, or the phone may cause the HFL system to malfunction.
1. With the phone on and the ignition switch in ACCESSORY (I) or ON (II), press and release the HFL TALK button. After the beep, say "Phone setup." The HFL responds, "Phone setup options are pair, edit, delete, list, status, next phone, set pairing code."
2. Press and release the HFL TALK button. After the beep, say "Pair." The HFL responds, "The pairing process requires operation of your mobile phone. For safety, only perform this function while the vehicle is stopped. For proper system function a compatible bluetooth phone is required. Please visit the HandsFreeLink website, listed in the owner's manual, for a list of approved phones and other system information. Handsfreelink is waiting to pair with a bluetooth phone. From your phone, search for bluetooth devices, and select handsfreelink. When prompted by your mobile phone enter the HFL-generated, random four-digit pairing code xxxx."
3. When prompted by your cell phone, enter the pairing code from step 2. Refer to your cell phone user guide for more information about searching for a bluetooth device.
4. Once the phone is recognized by the HFL system, it responds, "Handsfreelink has connected to a new phone. A name is needed to identify this phone. Press the TALK button and say a name. For example, John's phone."
5. Press and release the HFL TALK button. After the beep, say the name you want to use. For example, say "Tom's phone." The HFL responds, "Tom's phone has been successfully paired. Returning to the main menu."
NOTE: If no phones have been paired to the system, upon pressing the TALK button, the system will ask if you want to pair a phone. Press the Talk button and say "Yes". The system then proceeds to Step 2.
Pairing Troubleshooting
Many pairing issues are resolved by altering the customer's phone settings. Call the HFL call center at 888-528-7876 after you have duplicated the problem.
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 phone to the vehicle, and confirm the phone is linked. Do this by turning the phone off and back on. Make or receive a call to confirm that the cell phone is successfully paired.
When the phone's Bluetooth feature is on, other handsfree accessories such as earpieces or headsets may automatically reconnect to the phone when you turn on the accessory or move it within range of the cell phone.
This results in the phone not connecting to the HFL system when the customer enters the vehicle. You must unlink the hands-free accessory from the phone before the HFL system can reconnect.
Some 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 customer to think that the cell phone is not paired properly.
The HFL system can pair a maximum of six phones. Some vehicles will tell you that the HFL system has reached its maximum while other vehicles will not. To check how many phones are paired, press and release the HFL TALK button. After the beep, say "Phone setup list." The HFL system lists every assigned phone name paired with it, then finishes by saying "The entire list has been read." Count the number of 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 owner's manual, or go to handsfreelink.honda.com or call the HFL support desk at 888-528-7876.
1. Is the cell phone compatible with the HFL?
2. Is the Bluetooth feature turned on?
3. Is the customer using the HFL buttons, not the navigation TALK/navigation BACK buttons, 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 (see cell phone manual).
6. If the customer is trying to pair a Blackberry device, make sure the customer uses the shift key when entering the pass code. If the shift key is not pressed, the customer may be entering letters. The HFL does not recognize letters.