I see that the 07 RDX includes Acuralink. I am confused, however, as to what it is capable of, and what it uses for communication. I know the Nav-traffic is based of XM satellites, but it seems as though, through Acuras description, that Acuralink relays info if a "service related issue occurs". Then the error is sent to acura through your bluetooth enable phone. At the same time, however, they show Acuralink working prior to the mention of the phone. Why does it do this, why is it not all done through the satellites? Then is the message sent to acura through your bluetooth enabled phone? Does it get this info about the issues with the car though acuralink or a onboard computer system pre-loaded into the car? A thorough accurate explanation would be nice.

Thanks, Dan

 

Acuralink has a few different facets to it. Acura can send you messages through the XM satellite. These can be your standard feature guides or service appointment reminders. Your vehicle can send diagnostic information to acura through your bluetooth enabled phone, if you have a compatible data plan and connection setup. This would be rare unless you are having major problems with your vehicle. Not even sure that this information would help you at all when getting your vehicle serviced, but rather it would likely help acura to track problems with their cars in general. I doubt the service departments get the information from your vehcile bluetooth connection. I'm sure they can get the same information and more when you take your car in and they hook it up to their diagnostic computers. the reason why they can't do it all over the satellite is because the satellite is one way and your vehicle only receives information, much like DirectTV satellites for your home. I would guess the majority of RDX owners out there will never even use the features of Acuralink that send information to Acura.

 

In what kind of cases would they send a message through your phone? And if it would rarely be used, why was it even added. Is it like this on all Acuras with bluetooth phone connectivity and Acuralink?

 

I don't know if it is like this with any other acura model.

I only say it would rarely be used in the hopes that the RDX would rarely have a problem that would use that kind of information.

From the RDX Owners manual:

When you select the Diagnostic Info
option, if the HFL is connected to a
cellular data service, AcuraLink
gathers more information about the
problem, and sends it to Acura.
There, the information is analyzed
and returned to the vehicle with the
most accurate repair information.

 

So is the information sent back to the car thought the satellites? Right? Seems like a not that usefull doo dad that was added.

 

Well if your stuck in the middle of no where it may be useful to figure out how critical your problem is.

Mike

 

Well if you have a cell phone anyways, you still can get help no matter what. Unless you are in a spot where there is no cell coverage.

 

I mean, if your CEL comes on, its best to at least check to make sure you or your vehicle aren't in any immediate danger. Also, if your handy, they could possibly advise you as to how to fix the problem, at least temporarily.

Mike

 

I doubt that they would advise you how to fix the problem even if you are "handy". Maybe because of Acura's tlc program, they would likely send some one out. So then how does OnStar send data i.e. voice, and maintenance check/reminders, to the car and back to an associate. Or how do they communicate?

 

It costs them money to send out help through TLC, unless they have a deal worked out with various agencies. I think they would be more than willing to advise one on what measures to take to get back on the road if it was something as simple as turning off the car for 30 seconds, or disconnecting and reconnecting the battery.

Mike

 

Onstar also uses a cellular connection in addition to the satellite services they offer. Cellular for your vehicle to talk to Onstar, and satellite for Onstar to talk to your vehicle.

 

Yes, I know that. But I am talking about in the OnStar commercials where they have a OnStar rep talking to the passengers say when the airbags go off, how is that connection made?

 

100% cellular, again the satellite signal is only one way just like acuralink

 

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