rockstar143

iTrader: (6)

walking away from the car with the phone and losing connectivity defeats the purpose of the bluetooth IMO. Range shouldn't matter.

ohsixMTee

iTrader: (2)

https://acurazine.com/forums/3g-tl-audio-bluetooth-electronics-navigation-94/hfl-module-replacement-06-tl-843512/

tonester

iTrader: (1)

My HFL suddenly died on me in the middle of a call a couple of days ago as well. After digging around acurazine, I'm glad I found this thread. I was only getting the "booting up" text if I press the SELECT button on the MID controls. I took out the HFL unit last night according to the instructions here and cleaned up the connections. After putting everything back and turning the key to the ON position, the HFL worked. But when I started up the car this morning, the HFL is dead again. For those of you who changed out the capacitor on a broken HFL unit, did that work for you guys? If not, I might have to resort to buying a brand new HFL unit for my car.

gabe2006

I just replaced my HFL unit (05 TL gray plastic: PN 39770-SEP-A02ZA ) for $147 including shipping and no tax from dealerdirectparts.com. It took 10min to replace. Whatever data you had stored on the old one is gone. Once you install the new HFL Module you need to store the numbers and pair the phone again.

rockstar143

iTrader: (6)

capacitor fix did NOT work for me.

Desert_TL

So, my bluetooth module probably died about a year ago because I've been having battery-staying-charged problems since then, but didn't realize it was the bluetooth module until I tried to pair a phone for the first time today. Buttons didn't respond, got the "BOOTING UP" message, etc.

I happen to work for a company that, among other things, is involved in high reliability electronics. I took apart the HFL module and performed a visual analysis under a high power stereo microscope.

To say that the HFL board is of poor quality is an understatement. Under the microscope, it looked like a high school science project. I've never seen so many solder voids, solder oversplash, and misaligned components on a single board in my life. It's clear that whoever built this board did so with the least possible amount of care. It looked straight up amateur, like someone put this thing together in their back yard. That Acura apparently has no control over the quality of the components it sources from its suppliers is very troubling.

I believe the real issue most people experience is that the heat generated by the HFL board, in conjunction with its poor location near the roof, causes the board to overheat in the summer time. This manifests itself in the form of solder reflow from improperly applied solder, causing shorts and open circuits. This type of issue is commonly found in the cheapest, shittiest Chinese knockoff electronics, but very rarely in "quality" electronics.

I didn't want to dick around with ordering parts off the internet hoping I got the right thing, and just went straight to the dealer. With no negotiating, they offered to fix it for $305, which I think is pretty reasonable. I could have made a big deal and tried to get it installed for free or a reduced fee, but didn't want to go through the hassle.

This entire experience has me very turned off of Acura. I purchased my '06 TL new under the assumption that Honda had their act together regarding the quality of their vehicles. This is just the latest in a long string of repairs I've had to make to this car and it will be the last Honda product I ever purchase.

kels_TL

same issue on my 2month old used 06 tl with 40k miles non navi.
noticed when pairing iphone 4s it would stay on booting up.dropped roof panel and noticed heat on console and broken plastic tab, granted today in Nj was 50 and sunny.but never moved car in driveway. since this piece is near the body panel roof of the car, any sun would heat this entire location. very poor design Acura, now I get no information available from HFB. basically never been able to pair phone but can hear commands.
will have to look at ordering new part for $200 and insult roof.sucks rather invest in a spoiler wtf honda

1789

01 March 2012 update and shameless plug for Tim @ OEMAcuraParts.com

Pricing has changed for the 05 TL version: Part number 39770-SEP-A02ZA. $161.05 + shipping ($14 to Maryland) from dealerdirectparts.com, $173.93 from Tim @ OEMAcuraParts.com 866.347.8355. Tim is a valued resource; he's knowledgeable, pleasant, and responsive. He "gets it" and takes care of his customers. He's earned my repeat business, including the HFL replacement ordered today.

rockstar143

iTrader: (6)

^^^+1 BILLION on that...

1789

Installed new HFL unit today. Piece of cake. Many thanks to DBConz post on 11.09.2011 (this thread) for direction on how to remove the light housing. I'd add that the removal of the sunroof switch = the removal of the whole switch housing - not just the cover on the sliding switch. It just pries out, easy.

My error, I ordered the wrong color replacement unit. The electronics are the same, just the trim housing is different. No need to reorder since the electronics and internal protective cover are interchangeable - 3 screws out and in does it. If anyone needs a new pristine trim housing in gray, drop me a PM.

Since heat may be a cause the failure of the HFL units, I added a piece of foil faced insulation between the unit and the roof. The insulation is thin enough to fit easily, and was scavenged from a windshield solar shield. If you try this, remember to place the foil side towards the roof (away from the HFL unit).

New unit works fine...like it's supposed to.

surlynkid

iTrader: (1)

my acura is now part of this club. anybody have the part number handy for 2007 TL-S with Nav? Interior trim is Ebony/Silver per the original window sticker. i need to call tim this week and order a new one.

xmrgoodcatx

iTrader: (1)

Acura Part: CONTROL UNIT, HFI *NH167L* (GRAPHITE BLACK)
Part NO.: 39770-SEP-A62ZA

http://www.acurapartswarehouse.com/o...SEP-A62ZA.html

coujac

2005 TL w/ nav 219,000 miles and the HFL went out yesterday. Not sure if I'm going to replace it or not.

My daughters boyfriend has a 05 TL w/ nav as well and his HFL doesnt work either.

Add two more to the list

rockstar143

iTrader: (6)

sad state of affairs, huh...
LOVE having it!

jknight

Hi all. My bluetooth just went out. What would the part number be for a 2004 with Nav and black interior?

mzilvar

iTrader: (3)

So my HFL has been out for a while as well, haven't replaced it yet as I hadn't decided on anything yet.

I have an '05 TL, anyone know if the '07/'08 HFL boards will work in the '05 TL?

I'm thinking if there are any changes its minor and as long as they kept the same connector it should work.

I have the homelink as well, figure thats part of the HFL since the buttons are right up there, duno though.

Anyhow, anyone know if the '07/'08 one fits if removed from it's cover? The reason I'm asking is '07/'08 has syncing contacts over bluetooth whereas the '05 unit does not.

mrsimeon

Looks like that usually happens to TLs.

The HFL unit keeps receiving power from the battery, and in the long term of things, mY buddies TL, He has replaced 2 batteries since New, That is not normal for a battery and the oem battery to die in about 2 years.

we currently have an Interstate Megatron Plus 2 in there now, and since we repaired the HFL module the car has been running fine and battery now is 2 years old and running strong.

Thats what he ment by battery killing battery.

timknopp

phone wont pair with hfl

rockstar143

iTrader: (6)

I love bacon

Johnny_b

Can people elaborate on "HFL broke"?

Ever since I paired my current phone, mine hasn't worked right. It paired after a few tries, and it receives incoming calls, but callers rarely if ever hear me. I can hear the caller though. It also doesn't understand commands anymore.

If they are going to try to bend me over at the dealership I'm going directly to BBB. BBB worked very well with my last issue with Enterprise Rental. Everyone here with a HFL problem should do the same.

Juan801

this happen to mine too

rockstar143

iTrader: (6)

I would be surprised if the BBB is able to get you a replacement. Not hearing you though, that might be a mic issue?

Johnny_b

Yea, idk. I'm assuming it's not just the mic, due to the number of people with the same problem.

If nothing else, the BBB complaints will remove the ability for Acura and Acura dealers to deny the widespread problem. The goal is to make their choice to use bad quality materials in a supposedly higher end car public.

rockstar143

iTrader: (6)

I agree with you, totally...that was my argument with them to begin with. It's not a wear and tear item, wtf...

paperboy42190

iTrader: (7)

i got a used bluetooth module on craigslist....my HFL is working again

lukin3

my HFL problem started over a year ago on my 06 NAVI. it disconnects the phone from bluetooth and then I have to grab the phone and talk, and then it will reconnect. in a half hour conversation it does this maybe 3 times. everything else works fine, buttons, etc. it doesn't drain the battery. i have a Sprint Samsung Galaxy S. i would just buy a new module but i want to make sure this is the problem. has anyone had this problem? and does replacing the module fix it? thanks

Fatfrii

are HFL units year specific?

rockstar143

iTrader: (6)

I think it's more about whether or not you have Navi or not...although I think there was a part number change after 06.

kjelly

What fuse resets the HFL system?

Will disconnecting the battery for 30 or so min, accomplish the same thing?

I can't connect to my HFL any more, it doesn't show up on my Iphone 3GS...

Fatfrii

for the record 04-06 and 07-08 have 2 different part numbers...no difference regarding navi.

tonester

iTrader: (1)

even though they have different part numbers, they both should work correct?

Fatfrii

^not sure. maybe some one else knows

also best price I have found for a new HFL unit is $166 at
http://www.parts.com/parts/2004/Acur...icleid=1429130

anyone know a better price???

tonester

iTrader: (1)

I just got mine from http://www.acurapartsexpress.com/ for $151.

Fatfrii

parts.com has 25 dollar shipping on top of that 166 so thats a rip compared to the rest.

acurapartsexpress charges 160 shipped thats the best price so far. thanx tonster!

rockstar143

iTrader: (6)

glad more people are fixing this themselves...it's really, very simple.

Fatfrii

this thread got taken over by the new price lol

im gonna keep looking for the best price and order one tonight, cant wait

TerpTL05

Newb here....Didn't see it mentioned if any one with a 2005 w/navi has made the switch to the new part. The 2004 Service Bulletin mention the navi version needed and extra part or perhaps that theft codes needed to be reset. Any truth to those items or is it strictly plug & play with the new BT parts?

Thanks!

tonester

iTrader: (1)

FYI, i can confirm that the part numbers are interchangeable. I have an 06, but the HFL unit I ordered was for post-06 TLs and it connects and works just fine.

TerpTL05

Thanks! I emailed Tim at oemacuraparts.com and he said he thought it was just plug and play. But then I read somewhere in here about theft codes and that caused me to pause. The one I'm looking at is the 39770-SEP-A02ZB (Light Tan). I've got the Camel interior so if it doesn't match, I'll just put the new BT into my old bezel.

Will Y.

Then you didn't read the middle of the thread, where my posts are located.

The HFL I got from Tim for my '05 w/Nav was plug-and-play.

The different part numbers are due to the color of the plastic bezel which comes attached to the HFL.

Welcome to AZ.