Handsfree Link Booting Up?
 

I have a 2005 Acura TL non Navi and I just recently went to link my new phone up with the HFL in my car and it gave me the "Hands Free Link Booting Up" message on my Driver Information Center. I have also noticed the buttons for the HFL on the Wheel are INOP as well. What would cause this and what is the proper steps I need to take to fix it.

Turn off the ignition and don't restart the car for 10 minutes -- then see if the error clears when you restart.
My HFL had the "booting up" error occur several times over a couple of years, but it would clear up on the next ignition cycle. It hasn't happened on my TL for the last couple of years. :xfingers:

I have tried that and tried un plugging the (-) battery terminal for 15 mins and that didnt do it either

First time it happened on my TL (in first 6 mos of ownership :run: ), it didn't clear until the next day. After that, each "booting up" episode cleared within a few minutes of shutdown, and stopped altogether in the last couple of years.

If it doesn't clear overnight, you may be looking at an HFL replacement.

On my '06 TL (bought used) it was "permanent". I finally got an '04 HFL module off eBay and replaced the bad one. Works fine now.

Good luck!

where is the HFL module located and how much are they and how much of a PITA is it to install

The HFL module lives in the overhead console... houses the sun roof switch, map lights, home link, etc. It's very easy to replace. Use a feeler gauge to pop the sun roof switch out (insert on the side of switch to rear of car to release latch). Disco the switch from the wiring. Put your finger in the hole and pop out the map light module... just pull straight down and disco the wiring harness.

Next remove (4) 8mm bolts and remove the final part of the housing. The HFL module is where the final wiring harness attaches - two circuit cards covered by a black 'shroud'.

Purchase price of a new module is about $400. I got mine off eBay for $65 with shipping.

Disclaimer: I suppose it's possible problems other than with the HFL could cause the "booting" message in the MID. The dealer told me mine was bad, so I was fairly confident.

One other thing to try: pull fuses #7 and #10 from the interior fuse box for maybe 10 or 15 seconds. One of these affects the HFL (don't know which) and may correct your problem. I believe that the HFL remains powered up even with the car turned off. I concluded that by noting that when there's condensation on the windshield, the area over the HFL module is dry.

Good luck!
Steve

You said to pull Fuses #7 and #10, what are they labeled as so I can just pull them and see what happens... I had the thing come on and work the other day then it started the booting up thing again.

I don't recall what they are labeled... look on the inside of the fuse door/cover and it will say. I *think* #7 is labeled "backup".

Steve

Booting Up error on HFL - should I disconnect the battery? how about radio code?
 

If you have any more updates on this "Booting Up" error on HFL, please let me know.

The HFL buttons don't work. Holding the buttons doesn't do anything. I waited a day, when it suddenly started working again. Then, a couple hours later, the same problem reappeared, booting up error. So weird, isn't it?

My thoughts:
I have 2 phones paired on it. The second phone was never left alone in the car without the main phone in there as well. I realized that the night before it happened, I left the second phone there alone. I didn't see if it got connected to the HFL system. Somehow, I think this may have caused the system to crash.
Hopefully, it will work tomorrow morning, then I will reset the system, and just pair one phone.

Questions:
If that doesn't work, I'm planning to disconnect the battery, but I don't know what my radio code is. Bringing it to the dealer to find the code will easily cost $100 at least. I tried pressing 1 and 6 preset buttons to find the serial number, but nothing came up. Anyone know how to get the radio code?
I checked the glove compartment, and every possible hidden places in the car, but none is there.

Turn the radio off, then you need to press 1 and 6 and at the same time, press the power button. Then it will show you the serial number.

Has one one figured out what the issue is the HFL - is there away to "fix" it, or just replace it?

I pulled the interior fuses number 6, 7 i think 6 is the interior lights fuse and I read some where that this one is linked to the HFL module. After i fulled the fuses and put them back in. Everything is working fine again.

It doesn't seem as though they do... My HFL just displays 'booting up" , but I've been able to use the garage door opener for 2 garages just fine.

I am having the same problem with my HFL. My phone was working fine until one day it just stopped. Now it says "booting" and the talk buttons do not work. It has been doing this for a couple weeks now. Should I look into getting this replaced?

I too am having same issue. going to try the fuse pull here in a few minutes, will let everyone know if that works.

When HFL stops responding to the switches-something is wrong with it. Had the same symptoms with my 06. Did all the recommended checks (fuses/battery/reset) recommended by members. Problem is there is not alot you can do-when the switches on the steering wheel do not work. I had mine replaced-and it is expensive when out of warranty.

Check out the thread from mmclendon in this forum-this member was able to diagnose and fix his broken module (even posted pictures of what the HFL looks like taken apart-and what he did to fix it-bad capacitor in the power up circuit).

same problem here. It just says Booting up. It stopped working when my battery died and got replaced (by me). Radio is working fine after I entered the code (check sticker in the side of the glove compartment) and the garage opener still remembers the code. Mine is a 2004 TL.

Update. Removed both fuses mentioned and it is working now.:thumbsup:

Mine also does not work. I notice that my rear view mirrow (auto option button) does not work either. Maybe when I got my windshield replaced. They might had for got to plug it in or damaged it.

This just happened to me too, I tried reseating all the fuses still does not work. Dealer wanted 1st born just to look at it. I'll go with replacing it off eBay thanks guys.

2007 TL-S here and mine is stuck at booting up as well. Went out of town for 4 days and came back to a dead battery. Oddly the garage door openers do work.

To no avail, I just pulled fuses 6,7 and 10. This did not fix the problem.

Anyone have any other suggestions?

Pull the HFL and unplug it-- may take 10 minutes the first time.
See posts 219-221 in this thread: https://acurazine.com/forums/3g-tl-audio-bluetooth-electronics-navigation-94/bluetooth-fails-792642/.
Member Adoniram has a video of HFL removal at: https://acurazine.com/forums/3g-tl-problems-fixes-114/hfl-fix-youre-welcome-hands-free-link-fix-900427/.

Remove the HFL circuit board and bake it in the oven for 9 minutes @ 385*F, then replace it and reinstall the HFL to see if the problem is resolved.
See https://acurazine.com/forums/showt...792642&page=10 for more info.

If not, replace the HFL for @$180.
If you don't replace the HFL, you lose Bluetooth and Voice commands.

We Have been going through hell the past year with dead batteries! Wife's car was completely unreliable.
Disconnected the HFL as per this thread and the linked Youtube instructions and problem solved! I wished I would have googled this a long time ago.

I feel terrible about something as well. Not long after this problem started, i had a couple amps installed in the TL. I was certain it was something the shop did and read them the riot act. Considered even taking them to court. Now I have to call them and apologize.

This should be a recall!

+1 TL '07 "booting up" message - baked in the oven as mentioned above for 9 min, and it works normally now, hopefully for a while :-)

I fixed mine with a $1 capacitor (220uF 35V) from RS. Mine also had the "booting up" message earlier. There is a thread about this fix in this forum. I have a 06 TL base.

I have one for sale in good condition..you guys can text me here 862-249-5693

Any updates from those who have had this issue.....have the "baking" repairs worked long term?

Worked well ... for about 1 week :-(

thats what I was afraid of. I took mine all apart and reseated and checked all connections. Seems to be working again, but I am not holding out much hope for a long term fix. Figure it is just a matter of time before I have to replace the unit. Found online for much cheaper than dealer.

did it actually work I have a 07 TL and I will do the same

I'm stuck on booting up as well..pulled out the hfL and disconnected it. But it still reads booting up. Any ideas?

see the other threads regarding "baking" board to cause reconnect. I had to buy a new unit on Amazon (great dealer excellent customer service)....about $225....5 minute replace.

good luck

I actually pulled the board out of the black jacket and stuck it in the oven. 385F for 8 minutes followed by a 25 minute cool down. I then inspected for any damage caused by the baking and found none visible. Threw it all back together and in the car and now it's working again like a brand new. don't wast your $600 at the dealer for a replacement
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazi...509a279d6d.jpg

My HFL buttons stopped working about two months, ago then the battery started to die. Replaced HFL with used one from a Mechanic and the Talk button worked about 5 times but didnt connect the phone then stopped working all together. Anyone figure out how to troubleshoot fuses vs. the HFL board, or potential wiring? Going to try and pull out fuses 6, 7 & 10 as mentioned from this thread to see if that helps.

how did u know which capacitor to replace? link to a thread about this?

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazi...83a9d3685.jpegMelted connector

Well, I have to report a failed attempt to fix this, but that's probably my bad.

Pulled the two boards and put them in the oven for 9 min at 385F. However, seems like I had put it "upside down" and three components just fell off..

no problem, I solved the puzzle of which one goes where and in what direction. After a while, put the board back in the oven to re-solder them, same time and temp. Well, they did get soldered. but the green connector melted and deformed!! So it's time for eBay..

Lessons:
1) make sure you bark the boards with the bigger one on the bottom;
2) maybe the temp doesn't have to be all the way at 385?

found this link, worth a shot instead of baking in oven
ACURA HFL Bluetooth Module Repair

Great thread, fixed the HFS in my ‘08 TL!
 

Always get nervous with heating up any electronics. My ‘08 TL type S starting having problems with the Hands free link a couple weeks ago. Would work randomly and was frustrated since I conduct a lot of calls while driving for work.

read through this and figured a few minutes taking apart the roof console couldn’t hurt. I’ve done it before when I hard wired my dash cam in a last year.

So I popped out the HFL board, raised it on some foil in the oven (350 degrees preheated for 10 minutes. Let it cool for 30 minutes. Put it all back together and bam, phone paired right away and I’m back in the game. Will keep posted on how long it lasts. Saved me some money for now before replacing the unit!