My 2005 TL has had the HFL replaced once (due to the battery drain issue) and I believe it has just gone down again. It looks like the modules are no longer available, so what are the best options for replacement. I’d rather not have to disassemble the whole of the interior to add a cable to the back of the radio, but what are my other choices?

My son bought a Bluetooth power socket radio transmitter which is pretty grim, but the absence of an aux socket make things tricky.

So:

1. Are the Bluetooth cassette adapters any good? Can they be powered continuously or do they all have to be regularly charged?;

2. Is it possible to connect something to the XM receiver module in the rear (power needed?)?;

3. Is there a direct replacement for the HFL module made by a third party? Godwin Technologies no longer fixes the old boards.

4. Other choices?

I have searched the forum, but most responses are from a few years ago, and technology has moved on considerably since then.

TIA

Phil

 

Your limitations greatly limits the options you may have. I would suggest getting a USA Spec device which plugs into the XM module in the trunk but you would still need to run a mic cable from there to the driver’s seat. I wouldn’t bother with cassette, its all trash.

 

I mean if you are just looking for music streaming, that is what cassette adapters are for. Usually better sound quality than the FM transmitter types. Combine that with a 3.5mm to BT adapter and done.

 

Thanks!

It looks like the BT45 is the way to go, but has anyone had any good success/luck with routing the microphone from the trunk to the driver seat? I’m sure it is doable, and probably a pain, but anyone know of any tricks to make it easy?

Phil

 

Tons of folks: https://www.google.com/search?client...razine.com+mic

 

Thanks!!

 

I have the BT unit, but I didn’t run a mic wire for it. I did run a wire for my DOM’s device which is also in the trunk by the nav dvd box, and the wire goes to the center console. If memory serves me right I removed the rear bottom seat cushion and the little plastic trim at the bottom of the door threshold.
If I can do it, you can too, I’m extremely incompetent and I managed

 

Am I understanding correctly that if I got the BT45-ACU that I can’t install it behind the dash? I wanted to add in the USB into the cubby below the nav screen so I figured I’d brave taking the dash apart.

 

it connects to the XM unit in the trunk so behind the dash won’t work i mean unless you decide to extend all the wires in the harness i guess

 

Will the BT45-HON3 install behind the dash but negate the live traffic service that nobody will ever use again? Is there any reason other than the live traffic to go with the ACU model on a nav 2007?

 

I have a 2008 RL Tech that I purchased from a good friend. The HFL module failed on him so he simply disconnected it. I installed the BT45-ACU module myself. Instructions were very good and the installation was simple. I ran the microphone from the top of the A-pillar back to the trunk along the headliner edge. Tucking the wire into the trim was very easy. I had to remove the back seat base then pull the seatback forward a bit to run the wire into the trunk. Again, all very easy. I have about one inch of microphone wire showing where it transitions at the base of the C-pillar to behind the seat. Phone operation is very good with no complaints from anyone I talk to. They can hear background noise such as rain or if I have the heater/ac fan on full blast but I don't expect there is much that can be done about that. I listen mainly to podcasts and I'm not an audiophile by any means, so the audio quality is good enough for me. There is a bit of a high pitched whine that I notice when no audio is playing.

I purchased my BT45-ACU from Crutchfield. It was a little more expensive than elsewhere, but I wanted the peace of mind of having their customer support in case I needed it.