Bluetooth Fails
Racer
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 295
Likes: 0
From: Murfreesboro, TN
Advanced
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 84
Likes: 0
From: On the banks of a filthy river in east TX ruled by crooked cops, brazen women and pansexual cowboys.
Thanks for the great thread -- I too had the same issue where my phone would not see the Acura HFL.
Once I replaced the capacitor my phone found the HFL, paired with it, and worked great...for about 30m when it then all of a sudden to failed (I think) again. Was not quite sure what was going on until I say this post:
Assuming excess heat's the culprit here, is there anything that can be done to help offset this? (i.e. using a higher grade capacitor) or should I just resign myself to the fact that I'll at some point just need to replace the entire unit and hope to get another 100k out of it before it too fails?
Once I replaced the capacitor my phone found the HFL, paired with it, and worked great...for about 30m when it then all of a sudden to failed (I think) again. Was not quite sure what was going on until I say this post:
Update - although my hands free works now, it will only work when the unit is cold. It gets quite warm. Once it heats up, I just get the "booting up." It would work first thing in the day and if I let my car sit for an hour or so in between boot ups. I rigged it to hang in the open air by sliding the harness out of the side of the trim and it works significantly better with only a 20% fail rate since it can cool (my supposition anyway).
I guess that I will try a higher quality cap to solder on? Worth a try... bought some audio grade caps to try out.
I guess that I will try a higher quality cap to solder on? Worth a try... bought some audio grade caps to try out.
Dogmatic Dinosaur
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 1,532
Likes: 74
From: Boulder, CO
I got mine to work just fine by replacing the replaced cap with a different one (audiophile grade from ebay... about $5 each). It would also work when just dangling.
Mine will still drain the battery, though, so I took it out completely. It is in my wife's TL and she doesn't care. I use the heck out of mine, so I am glad that it works. I am not in her car enough to really troubleshoot it.
I thought about wiring the unit to accessory-only so that it would not drain.
Mine will still drain the battery, though, so I took it out completely. It is in my wife's TL and she doesn't care. I use the heck out of mine, so I am glad that it works. I am not in her car enough to really troubleshoot it.
I thought about wiring the unit to accessory-only so that it would not drain.
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
From: Las Vegas, San Jose
I am having the same issue in my 06 TL as well. I have brought my car out to the Acura dealer and they said it is a bad unit and I need to replace everything. Trued to tell me we got you the best price... $859 dollars. My phone buttons don't work like many on here. So i'm guessing that my problem is similar to everyone elses. I'm going to try to replace the capacitor and see where it goes. BY THE WAY NEW TO THE FORUMS. Hi everyone!
7th Gear
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: WI
I sat down and changed out the capacitor on my board the other night. I then put the board back in the car and buttoned everything back up. I powered everything up and still no bluetooth detection of my phone.
I was ready to pack it in, then I read something that caught my eye in this thread I think. It was about someone leaving the unit dangling and having the unit pair. So, for giggles, I ended up dropping the unit from the roof and trying to pair.
Sure as a heart attack, my phone all of a sudden detects and pairs with the hfl. That was enough for that night. The next day, I drove around town. I noticed that the hfl would come and go. This was with the unit all buttoned up again. So, while I was driving, I gave the roof in the general area of the HFL a Fonzie Tap and it would come back on after a few seconds.
I haven't had a chance to open things back up, but my guess is that the cable harness has issues. I had an HP laptop that several months ago had a bad monitor. I opened it up and found that the wiring harness that had dozens of wires in it was being kinked and about 3 wires had frayed inside of their insulators. I have a feeling the same thing is going on here. There is a nasty bend in the harness in my unit. I have a feeling that with a few years of heat, etc., and with some bumps, that some wires in that kink have frayed internally and that is what is causng this issue. I have a feeling that if the capacitor is in fact bad on the board, it is a byproduct of the cabling issue (i.e. a short, or something like that). It also could account for the sporadic nature of this fault (i.e. different people having different issues with varying degrees of the unit actually working).
Sometime this week, or this next weekend, I am going to take things apart, take a few pictures and see if I can diagnose for sure if there are some bad wires. I did replace the capacitor on mine, but in hindsight, I have a feeling that there was nothing wrong with it.
I will post later with updates on what I find.
I was ready to pack it in, then I read something that caught my eye in this thread I think. It was about someone leaving the unit dangling and having the unit pair. So, for giggles, I ended up dropping the unit from the roof and trying to pair.
Sure as a heart attack, my phone all of a sudden detects and pairs with the hfl. That was enough for that night. The next day, I drove around town. I noticed that the hfl would come and go. This was with the unit all buttoned up again. So, while I was driving, I gave the roof in the general area of the HFL a Fonzie Tap and it would come back on after a few seconds.
I haven't had a chance to open things back up, but my guess is that the cable harness has issues. I had an HP laptop that several months ago had a bad monitor. I opened it up and found that the wiring harness that had dozens of wires in it was being kinked and about 3 wires had frayed inside of their insulators. I have a feeling the same thing is going on here. There is a nasty bend in the harness in my unit. I have a feeling that with a few years of heat, etc., and with some bumps, that some wires in that kink have frayed internally and that is what is causng this issue. I have a feeling that if the capacitor is in fact bad on the board, it is a byproduct of the cabling issue (i.e. a short, or something like that). It also could account for the sporadic nature of this fault (i.e. different people having different issues with varying degrees of the unit actually working).
Sometime this week, or this next weekend, I am going to take things apart, take a few pictures and see if I can diagnose for sure if there are some bad wires. I did replace the capacitor on mine, but in hindsight, I have a feeling that there was nothing wrong with it.
I will post later with updates on what I find.
Over Caffeinated
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 216
Likes: 2
From: Tampa, FL
I *may* have previously reported that I was able to find a replacement BT module for my '06 on eBay.
This worked "OK" (never great IMHO) for maybe a year and a half. Now the voice recognition seems to be going 'deaf', coughing up wild responses to my request to "call house" ("call home" never worked 'cause it said the phrase conflicted with Idontrememberwhat).
I've about given up on using it, although it still works "OK" for receiving calls. My daily commute is down to 1.5 miles and about 10 minutes, so it doesn't get used as much any more.
If anyone has thoughts on the "deafness", I'd love to hear them!
Steve
This worked "OK" (never great IMHO) for maybe a year and a half. Now the voice recognition seems to be going 'deaf', coughing up wild responses to my request to "call house" ("call home" never worked 'cause it said the phrase conflicted with Idontrememberwhat).
I've about given up on using it, although it still works "OK" for receiving calls. My daily commute is down to 1.5 miles and about 10 minutes, so it doesn't get used as much any more.
If anyone has thoughts on the "deafness", I'd love to hear them!
Steve
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
From: Las Vegas, San Jose
I ran through this and seems as if this is a similar issue in the 04 TL's as well. I don't know why they wouldn't consider this an issue to recall all the vehicles. Check this out:
http://ww2.justanswer.com/uploads/di..._hfl_07_tl.pdf
This also shows everyone how to take the HFL unit out. For those with a navigation is says we will need to replace the HFL unit as well as the HFL delay box behind the center console.
http://ww2.justanswer.com/uploads/di..._hfl_07_tl.pdf
This also shows everyone how to take the HFL unit out. For those with a navigation is says we will need to replace the HFL unit as well as the HFL delay box behind the center console.
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
From: Las Vegas, San Jose
I still have not fixed the HFL in my 06 TL yet. The reason being is that I am in contact with the Acura customer relations. I am trying to get them to make a mandatory recall on this particular issue. I don't believe that it should be the Acura owners problem to deal with if it is happening to so many individuals. As I have posted above this is an issue they pointed out in the 04 TL's. I will definitely keep everyone updated on the progress.
10th Gear
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 14
Likes: 9
jamesl5385, please let us know if the rest of us can help somehow... maybe make a certain call to a certain department or person... I think that if there are enough of us complaining they will have to address it. Thanks.
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
From: Las Vegas, San Jose
Update. After numerous attempts to deal with the Acura customer relations they had called in to the dealership to have my HFL replaced free of charge since I am out of warranty. They seem to have said that there has not been a recall for any of 06 TLs. I did find out however that the same issue has happened with the 04 tl and was recalled. It was for a particular vin number and HFL code. I find this to be an issue that needs to be addressed. If the problem had happened in an earlier model and is now showing up in a later model they should be responsible for it. I recommend anyone with this issue to call the Acura customer relations in reagrds to it. Maybe you will be lucky as i was and have them get you a replacement for no charge.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 12,521
Likes: 1,824
From: MAGA country
Well, not exactly. The 04 TSB for HFL replacement was due to faulty voice recognition, not failure....Those HFL units fully functioned, but the voice recognition accuracy was less than desired.
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 90
Likes: 3
My HFL quit working today, took it apart and visually inspected the capacitor. Looks OK, not bulging or anything suspect. Put an ohmmeter on it, could see the resistance climb as the cap charged up (don't have a cap checker or ESR meter). I reassembled and the HFL worked for about 20 seconds. Not sure what that is all about - thought it might have been a pinched wire as that plastic bezel has two slots in it for the wiring harness, one part of the harness was not hitting the slot.
I'm also wondering if it is that relay (Delay Box) that is behind the nav unit. I once had bad relay connections in a box that runs the daytime running lights on my Canadian TL. A quick hit with the soldering iron fixed that.
Open to ideas before I see what the dealership has to say. My '05 MDX is out of warranty, I'm at 107K. They'll probably want to do the timing belt project and give me 'discount' for fixing the HFL.
I'm also wondering if it is that relay (Delay Box) that is behind the nav unit. I once had bad relay connections in a box that runs the daytime running lights on my Canadian TL. A quick hit with the soldering iron fixed that.
Open to ideas before I see what the dealership has to say. My '05 MDX is out of warranty, I'm at 107K. They'll probably want to do the timing belt project and give me 'discount' for fixing the HFL.
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 90
Likes: 3
Replaced both caps today. Unfortunately, same result. I can intermittently get the HFL to come on but it will not pair. And usually does not even come on.
Does anyone know what modules will work in an 05 MDX? Will the newer ones work?
Does anyone know what modules will work in an 05 MDX? Will the newer ones work?
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 90
Likes: 3
22uf not 220uf
Doing some due-diligence, I researched the numbers on the capacitor in question. According to what I found, it is NOT a 220uf cap like you might think, it is a 22uf. That cap is made by Nichicon, UD series aliminum electrolytic capacitor. The data sheet shows a code of 220H wich is a 22uf, 50v.
I wonder if putting a larger capacitor is not such a good thing? I'm going to try a 22uf cap and see what happens. Might as well replace the other large cap too, it's a 68uf, 16volt.
At this point, it can't hurt.
Wish me luck !
I wonder if putting a larger capacitor is not such a good thing? I'm going to try a 22uf cap and see what happens. Might as well replace the other large cap too, it's a 68uf, 16volt.
At this point, it can't hurt.
Wish me luck !
Check this- it shows pics and a narrative for cap location:
http://picasaweb.google.com/mjmclend...ir?feat=email#
If you're not good with electronics, find someone who can do it for you- first, I would clean the contacts with contact cleaner spray from Radio Shack- spray on the female end on the board, plug harness into it, and wait 30 minutes for the stuff to evaporate so you don't get a short (potentially)- if that doesn't work, take the board out and see if someone you know can do the soldering for you.
This is the exact cap I bought- it's a surface mount cap from www.mouser.com:
667-EEE-FK1H221P
Panasonic Aluminum Electrolytic Capacitors - SMD
220UF 50V
It was $1.12 + shipping.
http://picasaweb.google.com/mjmclend...ir?feat=email#
If you're not good with electronics, find someone who can do it for you- first, I would clean the contacts with contact cleaner spray from Radio Shack- spray on the female end on the board, plug harness into it, and wait 30 minutes for the stuff to evaporate so you don't get a short (potentially)- if that doesn't work, take the board out and see if someone you know can do the soldering for you.
This is the exact cap I bought- it's a surface mount cap from www.mouser.com:
667-EEE-FK1H221P
Panasonic Aluminum Electrolytic Capacitors - SMD
220UF 50V
It was $1.12 + shipping.
4th Gear
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
This was a very good thread. Just joined the community, so I could comment on my 2005 TL HFL which just went in-op. (at 105k miles). Same story- different dealer: $710 to replace HFL. Interestingly the hands free link support group continues to deny any issue, or provide any type of customer service or technical support. Why is it there at all? I would also love to read the Service bulletins, but cannot access the posted links, must be Honda proprietary data.
Now to my question on these Acura HFL modules. Does anyone have part number cross reference data?
Got a hold of a HFL from an 2006 RL and wondering if it would if it may be compatible with my 2005 TL (without Nav). Any help would be appreciated. THank you very much!
Now to my question on these Acura HFL modules. Does anyone have part number cross reference data?
Got a hold of a HFL from an 2006 RL and wondering if it would if it may be compatible with my 2005 TL (without Nav). Any help would be appreciated. THank you very much!
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 12,521
Likes: 1,824
From: MAGA country
http://www.acurapartswarehouse.com/
Cruisin'
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 17
Likes: 2
Just for the record, the Bluetooth transceiver in my 2005 TL no longer works. Been out for almost a year. Hearing about the battery drain issues, I simply unplugged it up inside the light quadrant.
I installed an iSimple PXAMG gateway module and plugged an iSimple ISBT21 Bluetooth module with external mic into the gateway.
The system streams Bluetooth audio to the factory non-navi radio via the satellite radio button fine.
Unfortunately, the phone quality sucks. It's WAY TOO LOUD and distorted and can't be adjusted easily. It's also hit or miss on answering calls. Sometimes the system just "crashes" and disconnects the phone instead of answering. Nice try, but not perfect.
I installed an iSimple PXAMG gateway module and plugged an iSimple ISBT21 Bluetooth module with external mic into the gateway.
The system streams Bluetooth audio to the factory non-navi radio via the satellite radio button fine.
Unfortunately, the phone quality sucks. It's WAY TOO LOUD and distorted and can't be adjusted easily. It's also hit or miss on answering calls. Sometimes the system just "crashes" and disconnects the phone instead of answering. Nice try, but not perfect.
Cruisin'
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
quick question.. i'm not getting any error messages from hfl... but my battery is still being drained by something... is it possible that the hfl is still the most likely the culprit? i can't find anythign on here that says it might be anything else...
any advice is appreciated
any advice is appreciated
Last edited by tupacboy; Apr 24, 2011 at 03:10 PM.
Over Caffeinated
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 216
Likes: 2
From: Tampa, FL
My failed one seemed to be on all the time. My TL is not garaged, and coming out in the morning to a dew soaked car revealed a dry spot on the windshield and roof where the upper console (and BT module) is located.
That went away when I replaced the module.
However, I think it would be pretty challenging for that module to draw enough current to run down a battery except over the course of many, many days.
Just my two cents.
Steve
That went away when I replaced the module.
However, I think it would be pretty challenging for that module to draw enough current to run down a battery except over the course of many, many days.
Just my two cents.
Steve
Racer
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 333
Likes: 5
From: Vienna, VA
Doing some due-diligence, I researched the numbers on the capacitor in question. According to what I found, it is NOT a 220uf cap like you might think, it is a 22uf. That cap is made by Nichicon, UD series aliminum electrolytic capacitor. The data sheet shows a code of 220H wich is a 22uf, 50v.
I wonder if putting a larger capacitor is not such a good thing? I'm going to try a 22uf cap and see what happens. Might as well replace the other large cap too, it's a 68uf, 16volt.
At this point, it can't hurt.
Wish me luck !
I wonder if putting a larger capacitor is not such a good thing? I'm going to try a 22uf cap and see what happens. Might as well replace the other large cap too, it's a 68uf, 16volt.
At this point, it can't hurt.
Wish me luck !
10th Gear
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 14
Likes: 9
I called customer care last week. After explaining that I wanted a new part free of charge due to it being a defect, the rep. put me on hold for quite a few minutes. I was getting hopeful, then he came back and said that I had too many miles on my car for anything to be done (98K). I'm going to try one more time. This type of treatment really pisses me off. Esp. after paying so much for a car and knowing this happens to so many owners.
Dogmatic Dinosaur
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 1,532
Likes: 74
From: Boulder, CO
If I wasn't so damn honest, I would go and test drive a used like-year TL at the Acura dealer, take it around the corner and swap a bad unit out with a good. It would serve them right for being such a-holes about this... but it would be wrong of me to do so.
What kills me is that my 2004 works like a charm, but my 2006 fails and it is supposedly 2 years newer technology.
What kills me is that my 2004 works like a charm, but my 2006 fails and it is supposedly 2 years newer technology.
Racer
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 333
Likes: 5
From: Vienna, VA
A new card?
Pulled the roof console, and here in my HFL circuit card
<a href="http://s1211.photobucket.com/albums/cc423/baby_igor/?action=view&current=tlhfl.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1211.photobucket.com/albums/cc423/baby_igor/tlhfl.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
My car is a 2004 with Navi, but in 2006 I had an HFL service under warranty. Is that why this modules looks different. More importantly, I do not see the offending capacitor.
<a href="http://s1211.photobucket.com/albums/cc423/baby_igor/?action=view&current=tlhfl.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1211.photobucket.com/albums/cc423/baby_igor/tlhfl.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
My car is a 2004 with Navi, but in 2006 I had an HFL service under warranty. Is that why this modules looks different. More importantly, I do not see the offending capacitor.
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 111
Likes: 1
From: Sacramento, CA
This procedure is wayyyy to advance for me, so i'm going to see if I can head into the "STEALERSHIP" and have them replace my blue tooth HFL system as a GOOD FAITH replacement repair. I have 93K at the moment, keep you Aziners updated!! Wish me luck!
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 90
Likes: 45
From: Minnesota
After hearing all the stories I spoke with Acura and they suggested I have the dealer diagnose the problem and and see if they do a goodwill for me. If the dealer can not do anything for me. I am to contact Acura they would at that point see what they could do for me. I did bring up the point that I had an 04 TL lost in accident my current 07 type -S HFL not working and my wife's 04 MDX. I will be bringing it to the dealer next week I will keep you guys posted on what happens.
3rd Gear
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Replaced it
I replaced the capacitor as he recommended but alas no joy .
I used a 220 35 volt 85c ..That was as close as Radio shack had ..I have ordered the correct one ..and will try that ..
Could it be the other capacitor on the board ...And , what is those specs because the numbers are different ..Thanks to Mac for this info ..I am keen to get my Blutooth going again (but not for $800)
I used a 220 35 volt 85c ..That was as close as Radio shack had ..I have ordered the correct one ..and will try that ..
Could it be the other capacitor on the board ...And , what is those specs because the numbers are different ..Thanks to Mac for this info ..I am keen to get my Blutooth going again (but not for $800)
Anyone wants to make a few extra bit of chedda? Mine kicked the bucket a week ago (nothing happens when I hit the talk or end button). Contact me Via PM and let me know if you want to take a look and/or fix this piece of jap crap for a price. Thank you.
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 78,247
Likes: 20,201
This is great information, I swear...this site really saves my butt on a regular basis. I too have recently had my bluetooth stop connecting to my phone...tried a friends phone...still nothing. Unpaired, re-paired...pulled fuses to reset...nothing. I started thinking I'd just have to lose this feature and get used to talking on my handset again. DANG...
One of my favorite features of this car is bluetooth. Anyway, this morning decided to tap on the overhead assembly when trying to pair and what do you know...the phone all of a sudden saw the HFL again...it paired and worked. So at least I know now it may be the capacitor OR it may be a bad connection. At least it's not fried.
Thanks for taking the time to share btw. Very helpful.
One of my favorite features of this car is bluetooth. Anyway, this morning decided to tap on the overhead assembly when trying to pair and what do you know...the phone all of a sudden saw the HFL again...it paired and worked. So at least I know now it may be the capacitor OR it may be a bad connection. At least it's not fried.
Thanks for taking the time to share btw. Very helpful.
1st Gear
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 1
Likes: 1
Hi. I'm new to this forum. Here's what I have learned about the HFL. When it fails it CAN and may drain the battery in less than 2 hours, especially if you accidentally hit the button on the steering wheel. This is a common problem and why it does need to be replaced. Botht the dealer and an independent Acura mechanic told me this is a common problem with the HFL. The independent mechanic also told me that he has had to replace so many of the units that it should be a recall item but that Honda will not do anything about it. Apparently the supplier had 3 in stock, and given that the item is so expensive, that tells you he expects them to sell very quickly. I have not contacted Honda because I believe it will be a waste of time given what I've read on this and the Edmunds forum. I am going to try and find a consumer class action attorney to handle this as I don't have the time and I'm sure neither do any of you. I'll keep you posted.
