ivyleaf

Rockstar 143, Thanks for responding to my problem. Yes, I do have a navigation system. My batter died..after replacing it, I reprogram the radio and the navigation system. However, I could not get the HFL to work. My car is a 2006 TL please help me.

Will Y.

Turn your phone's Bluetooth connection off, then turn the phone off. Restart the phone, then start the Bluetooth.
Go to your car and turn on the ignition.

Does the phone pair?

If not, go to the MID and check the HFL link status using the select button. If the HFL indicator shows antenna strength, the problem is a setting on your phone. If it shows "Booting up," chances are the HFL unit is dead.

rickd

I have an 07 TL-S and hadn't had any major issues with my HFL...until today. I took a day off work, so my car sat for about 36 hours. When I went out to start it this morining, I heard the dead battery click. Without doing any research, I jumped my car and drove it to the dealership. A couple of hours later they told me the battery was good, but the HFL module was failing and was drawing power. They replaced the part for about 430 dollars....

I decided to call Acura Customer Relations to report the issue that seems to be wide spread. While I was on the phone, I stated that I was concerned about the issue and inquired if this was something that should be recalled. I was told that there hadn't been any issues like this reported, and I was told that since it is an accessory its functionality was not required for the vehicles operation?? The car doesn't run with a dead battery... I filed a claim for reimbursement; I will post the outcome.

danielfinzel

Sorry for the unfortunate turn of events! I hope they will compensate you somehow. With the NUMEROUS members that have claimed to have the same issue, you would think acura would know about it. I call bluff on their end. Good luck and please keep us updated

rockstar143

iTrader: (6)

Please...they haven't heard about a bluetooth issue? How about cracking dashes, that either?!?!

Chad05TL

I woudn't do that capacitor trick.

rockstar143

iTrader: (6)

^^^I did...and it didn't fix it. So I agree, I wouldn't do it either.

xmrgoodcatx

iTrader: (1)

I have a 2007 tl-s and my bluetooth failed to pair continuously for the past day. I took it apart but instead of just blowing out the dust and debris with a can of air I folded a piece of sandpaper small enough to slide into the socket and lightly sanded the pins. Then took isopropyl alcohol to rinse the pins and used the can of air to dry the pins and clear the board of any dust. Inspected the board to make sure no oil or other residue was left behind then Re-installed the HFL unit. Everything worked better then before it failed. Before I had to yell almost to get certain commands to work such as phone setup, but now I can speak in a normal tone and it picks up everything.

acura_dipset_tl

iTrader: (40)

^ this might be worth a try before shelling out the $$ for a new one. Before you did this did you have a "rebooting" display on your speedometer under the hands free link option?

paperboy42190

iTrader: (7)

i have an 07 tl-s, im planning on doing the capacitor trick....gotta try it cuz its my last resort before getting a new unit

xmrgoodcatx

iTrader: (1)

No, I even ran the diagnostic (pressing the talk and end button) and it found no issues. I would try what I did first as it is a little less invasive then replacing the capacitor.

xmrgoodcatx

iTrader: (1)

Just to give you a heads up, you may want to look at the board first before purchasing your capacitor. When I looked at mine (07 tl-s here) the board is different then the 04-06 and post a picture if you're unsure which capacitor. I am not sure which capacitor it is, I had a guess based off the cap description on the top. But I I would definitely take a look before hand in case the board is completely different.

paperboy42190

iTrader: (7)

dont worry, i alrdy did. its a different board than the 04-06 TL, and the capacitors are surface mount instead of through-hole capacitors. however i have a friend who owns an electronics shop and he has all these parts. i will report back if it gets fixed. btw, surface mount capacitors are much more tough to solder on than through-hole capacitors.

Nukeman

Great work mmclendon... sounds like you might have just begun a great side line business...

zaidiahmed

I have a 2006 RL, about 2 months ago my battery started dying where I would have to jump the car every morning to get it going.
This battery issue started when it was really cold(31F) outside. I took the car into the dealership and since it was under warranty they replaced the alternator and said that was my issues.
I took the car back last Wednesday because I was having all sorts of Error Messages come up on the dash "VSA" "BRAKE" "SH-AWD". The guy at Vandergriff Acura in Arlington, TX told me that they ran 30 tests on the alternator and there was nothing wrong with it, but I took the car by Auto Zone a day earlier and they tested the battery and said the battery was fine but it did not have charge; they then went on to checking the alternator and said it was putting out only 33amps when it should be at 100amps.

Long story short! The service rep calls me and tells me I need to shell out 770 for the Bluetooth Unit (Honda P/N 39770-SJA-A012-M1) plus 120 labor. I said "I have never used the Bluetooth" he said "great we will unplug it." Since I was at work I had my wife get the car back. When I looked at the unit they gave her and it looks like they broke it out of the car. (should I post pictures?) Also the backup camera I installed last summer displays a green screen.
Should i replace the unit? What should I do about the back up camera?

jvisaac

Looks like I'm a day late and now $350 short. My HFL stopped working about a year ago and I wasn't ready to shell out $800 to have it fixed so I just went without. About 5 months after it went out I started having the infamous battery problems. Purchased a new batter and within 4 months it went out again. If found this forum and had my mechanic disconnect the HFL which caused me to lose my internal lights, voice commands for NAV, and my garage door remote. Luckily my battery was under warranty so they replaced it. Another 4 months and I was back to the drawing board. This time I took it to the Acura dealer and the cost for the HFL replacement was down to $350. I was tired of the problems and I'm not really the car DIY guy so I forked the cash over. Next morning.....dead battery. I'm hoping I can just replace the battery that was being drained now that I have a new HFL and my problems will be solved.......at least until the HFL goes out again.

stepuptata

Count my 07 s as another failure. 24 hours of no start =dead battery! .I don't use the hfl. So can I just unplug it to prevent drainage?

Reelingyears

I see 2005 and 2206 failures. I want to add my 2007 TL, it stopped working about 2 months ago. Was able to connect few times with disconnecting battery. Then battery trick stopped working. Bought a replacement from OEMACURAPARTS.COM, with S/H came about $206. Replacement unit works fine now. As one member said, "Now You mastered The SKill...", I put the old one back. But probably works 30% of the time. Once sealed it, it quit. Opened it up, would work for couple times. Seal it, worked once then quit. Maybe that explains the capacitor posting. SOmething warming up temp related.

HyperVTEC

After following this thread for a year, I have decided to go ahead an just order the HFL part from my dealership. It's Priority Acura in Chesapeake, VA (off of Military Highway for those in the area). They didn't have the part in stock but the warehouse in NJ had them and they ship parts daily. So, I placed my order yesterday and I picked it up from my dealership this afternoon.

The reason I went this route is because I didn't want to deal with soldering and then be paranoid about it working 100%. Also, the replacement part was $190 with tax and all I have to do is take off the cover and put this in. Simple fix. My kind of fix

This is what I got:





If you are looking for a quick, simple and affordable (even though it seems like a lot and I sort of agree that it is but it's cheaper than $250-$300 range that I have read about) fix then I would go this route.

rockstar143

iTrader: (6)

The soldering doesn't work for the majority of the people anyway...so you went the right route! Congrats and enjoy your BT!

acura_dipset_tl

iTrader: (40)

congrats HyperVTEC, i have yet to order mine....

HyperVTEC

Thanks! I would just go ahead and order the replacement part since the price has come down a lot.

rockstar143

iTrader: (6)

Well, if you had originally told me almost 200 bucks...I would have said HELL no...but since I already knew the dealer was trying to charge 800 (400 out of pocket)...I thought it was a bargain!

Plus, when the replacement part was FIRST found online, it was $130 but the price jumped to $170 pretty quickly.

acura_dipset_tl

iTrader: (40)

I want to, but im also looking to upgrade the whole hfl unit to the 07-08 one. I'm just waiting for the right deal.

mle724

Well, HFL is stuck in "booting up" on my '04 TL and I'm not happy at all! It's been stuck for 2 days now. I had a similar problem in '06 and the HFL was replaced under warranty. This time, it's not under waranty.

Acura is well aware of the problem, but they aren't interested in making it right. I'm taking it to the dealership today to have them disconnect it so it doesn't drain my battery. Give them a day or two to decide if they want to take care of a loyal long-standing customer that will be buying a new car in near future, and then decide if I fix/repalce it myself and start looking for another brand vehicle.

I'm not at 100K miles yet, and IMO with it being so widespread, they should take ownership.

Ok, I'm done. LOL

erdoc48

I agree it should be covered since so many have failed, but why take it to the dealership for what you can do in a matter of 5 minutes (or less) to disconnect it? They will charge for this I'm sure. For <$200 which is quite a bit less than the part was previously, I'd just get a replacement unit and reinstall it. The instructions for the removal are right here on Azine.

rockstar143

iTrader: (6)

He got it free the first time, so probably doesn't like the idea of paying anything. This is NOT a wear and tear item so I was annoyed too...but didn't feel like fighting city hall so I fixed it.

I've got a similar issue with paying nearly $200 for the lumbar support that is now broken beyond repair.

Will Y.

There's no reason to take the car to the dealership unless it will replace the HFL under warranty.

FWIW, the HFL disconnection and installation instructions are also in the two prior pages of this very thread.

paperboy42190

iTrader: (7)

anyone know if the 07-08 base tl and type s have different bluetooth modules? reason i ask is that they have different part numbers.

rockstar143

iTrader: (6)

I think the difference was with navi or not, so might not be a difference with the years so much as the fact that type s's all have navi and some bases don't.

paperboy42190

iTrader: (7)

so a base tl with navi should be same as a type s? the part number is still different from what i checked. however, i think that is because the part includes the color of the interior, and the type s has different shades of the color. but perhaps the PCB itself is the same.

LoveOurTL

My 2006 TL HFL doesn't work. List price in Canada is over $780. Online at OEMAcuraparts.com it's $173. Incredible. Only problem is that I have no guarantees from the parts people in either dealership that the U.S. part is equivalent to the Canadian part...a slight variation in the part#. Can anyone tell me if the HANDS FREE *NH528L* (MOON LAKE GRAY) Part # 39770-SEP-A02ZA is equivalent to the Canadian part (same # except for a "C" instead of an "A" in the last set of numbers.

erdoc48

Easy solution- the actual BT module will be the same (it should be for all the 04-06 cars, US spec or not). The bezel color might be different, but it's not important as you can simply take the module from the new bezel and install it in the one from your car. The module should be identical. Go for the lesser price.

mle724

I figured it couldn't hurt to try and see if they would cover it. They did disconnect it for free, but no luck getting it replaced again for free. So I'm ordering the part and installing it myself. The dealership first told me the part was $268, then agreed to sell it to me for $210. Then the next day, called and tried to tell me the part was $1,200! Told them they ha dlost their minds and somone needed to be fired for even suggesting such.

Tried going a few days without it, and just can't do it. Even with my BT piece in my ear....just not the same as my HFL.

mle724

Ok, now I'm REALLY pissed off!

Get this...

Thank you for your order, Melvin. Unfortunately, the part you are requesting is discontinued and no longer available. In checking the part against the VIN you provided, the catalog told me an alternative part is available. However, it is far more expensive than the HFT unit. The recommended replacement part is referred to as "Set HFT *NH528L*" and has a list price of $1124.15 and a discounted price of $809.39. Your current order and credit card authorization will be cancelled. If you decide you would like to purchase the 'other' HFT unit, please call us toll free at 866-347-4510. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

mle724

Acura Service manager confirmed yesterday that the module is not the same. The '04 refurbished model has been pulled and now the full new part is $1,200.00. The '05-'06 model is still available for the $180 price, but it will not work in the '04 TL.

Confirmed it with the two online parts sources as well.

So '04 TL owners with a failed HFL are screwed.

erdoc48

That's pretty interesting. Do you have a friend with a TL of 05 or 06 MY with a working BT module you can swap in just to try it out? I'm not sure I understand why the module would change just in one model year (and more importantly, why it's so ridiculously expensive).
I apologize for my bad advice. I assumed they were the same part.

Unfortunately, this winds up being a black eye to anyone who wants to sell an 04 if the BT has gone bad in an otherwise great car as a new owner won't want to pay that much for a BT module.

rockstar143

iTrader: (6)

Just an FYI, but I am an 04 without navi (don't know if that's what you meant) but I have replaced mine with the $180 one and it works just fine.

PM Tim@oemacuraparts or whatever his screen name is here. Tim is the man and will help you figure this out. Doesn't make sense to be $1200.

EDIT: Worth mentioning also, I was told by Tim that the original part was discontinued but that was $130 and the new part was $170 plus shipping...still a great deal so I went for it.

For $1200 I'd get a custom installed Pioneer Avic touchscreen head unit with better sound and reverse camera and bluetooth in it.

ohsixMTee

iTrader: (2)

I'm not sure of my reasoning behind putting this out there but maybe it will be helpful.

The HFL unit died in my 06, well....was working when it felt like it.

The replacement was dated to early 2004 and works just fine, only thing I noticed was that it does not have the security lock option my original 06 one had and does not have very good range, walk more than a few feet from my car and it loses my phone where my original would see my phone from plenty far away.

mopy

Awesome information. I am going to try this myself. My dealership offered to replace mine for around $200.00 but I think I am going to give this a shot myself.