Part 1

How to Troubleshoot the HandsFreeLink System

How to Check for DTCs with the HDS (without navigation)

NOTE: Check the vehicle battery condition first Battery Test.

1. Make sure the ignition switch is turned to 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 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 HandsFreeLink System DTC Troubleshooting Index. 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.

How to Check the HFL DTC's (with navigation)

1. Turn the ignition switch to ON (II).

2. Press and hold the MAP/GUIDE, the DEST, and the CANCEL buttons for 3 seconds or more, and the self-diagnosis begins. Select the Detail Information Setting.






3. Select the Unit Check from the Detail Information Setting menu.






4. Select the HFL from the Unit Check menu.






5. Check the GA-NET status:

- If OK, go to step 6.
- If NG, do the HandsFreeLink control unit Input Test.





6. Check the HFL status:

- If OK, go to step 7.
- If B1792 is displayed, go to DTC B1792 troubleshooting B1792.

7. Return to the Detail Information Setting menu, and select the Functional Setup.

8. Select the Mic Level from the Functional Setup menu.






9. Check the MIC and the STRG SW status:

- If OK, there was an intermittent failure, the system is OK at this time.
- If any DTC(s) are displayed, troubleshoot the indicated DTC(s).





10. To end the self-diagnostic function, select the Return, or turn the ignition switch to LOCK (0).

Introduction

The HFL system works only with Honda approved Bluetooth(R)-enabled cell phones with a hands-free profile. If you are not sure if a particular cell phone is compatible with the HFL system, Honda has a dedicated call center at 888-528-7876 and 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 6:00p.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, 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. Also make sure to check the compatible functions. Some functions of approved phones are not compatible with the HFL system.

Go to handsfreelink.honda.com, and check if the customer's phone is approved to work with the Honda HFL system.

NOTE:

- The lists of approved and currently testing phone model lists change, 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. These 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. If you have trouble finding the phone's software version, you can call the HFL call center at 888-528-7876.
- 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.

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.
- 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, 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 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 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:






Navigating Through HFL 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

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 approved 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.
- 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.

With navigation

Pairing a phone when there are no other phones paired:

1. Turn the ignition switch to ACCESSORY (I) or ON (II), and make sure the phone you are pairing is on and in its discovery mode.

2. Select OK on the navigation Confirmation screen.

3. Press the PHONE button on the audio-navigation unit. A phone Confirmation screen appears on the display, select YES to add a new phone.






4. Confirm the phone is in its discovery mode, then select OK.

5. Once the phone is discovered by the HFL, select the phone on the screen.

NOTE: If the HFL doesn't find the phone, select Find Another Phone, then, when prompted, enter the PIN into the phone.










6. When the 4-digit pairing code appears on the navigation display, enter this code into the phone.

7. Once the phone is successfully paired, the screen displays "(phone name) PHONE" has been added.






Pairing additional phones:

1. Turn the ignition switch to ACCESSORY (I) or ON (II), and make sure the phone you are pairing is on and in its discovery mode.

2. Select OK on the navigation Confirmation screen.

3. Press the PHONE button on the audio-navigation unit, then select Phone Setup from the PHONE menu. If none of the previously paired phones are in the vehicle, a phone confirmation screen appears stating there is no phone connected. Select NO to go to the phone menu. Select Phone Setup, then go to step 4.










4. Select Add/Select a phone from the Phone Setup menu.






5. Select Search from the Bluetooth Setup menu.

6. Make sure the phone is in its discovery mode, and once the phone is discovered by the HFL, select the phone from the displayed list.

NOTE: If the HFL doesn't find the phone, select Find Another Phone, then, when prompted, enter the PIN into the phone.










7. When the 4-digit pairing code appears on the navigation display, enter this code into the phone.

8. Once the phone is successfully paired, the screen displays "(phone name) PHONE" has been added.

Without navigation

1. Turn the ignition switch to ACCESSORY (I) or ON (II), and make sure the phone you are pairing is on and in its discovery mode, 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 handsfreelink.honda.com 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 pairing code XXXX." The HFL system gives you a 4-digit pairing code.

3. When prompted by your mobile phone, enter the pairing code. 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 are paired to the system when you press the TALK button, the system asks if you want to pair a phone. Press the TALK button and say "Yes." The system then proceeds to step 2.