So, I passed my 08 TL down to my son. The HFL was dead and I replaced it (myself...$$$ but piece of cake). The problem is my son really wants to play music via BlueTooth. My HFL was down for a while before I transferred the car to him and I forgot that it didn't have BT music. So, now that I have already replaced the HFL, anyone have any good ideas for how he can play music from his phone over the system?

 

https://www.usaspec.com/Acura-TLwith...008-parts.aspx

 

I had it and returned it. It's hardly an easy install and it would also replace the existing BT functionality. I am actually looking to just improve upon the existing situation.

 

Incorrect, you can do the easy installation which leaves the existing Bluetooth functionality in tact and simply adds streaming from your phone.

 

Get any Bluetooth gateway that plug into the aux port if you want a cheaper option. There's lots out there. The con is no steering wheel controls for previous/next track etc. I mounted mine right above the volume knob. It works well for track changing and stuff.

 

That's the nice thing about using the USASpec HON device, the steering wheel controls work for changing tracks on your phone.

 

I agree completely. However, I didn't want to spend $150 plus on that and then run a mic. Also, I don't have XM and mine is a non-nav so I wouldn't get the additional benefits aside from the steering controls that people with nav and XM would get. I was just offering the OP a cheaper alternative.

 

Ummm, I don't understand a few things in your post:

• There is no need to run the mic if your HFL is working properly.
• All 3G TLs have XM regardless of whether they have NAV or not, and the steering wheel controls on non-NAV models work perfectly well.

 

My first issue with the install was this....I peeled back the trunk carpet and I could see the XM radio. However, it was behind a steel plate. I saw no easy way to get to it. I also found no videos on YouTube or anywhere else showing how to get to it.

But additionally, are you saying that now with the HFL working, I would not need to run the wire from the trunk to the front of the car? That was my other major hesitation.

 

Correct.

 

 

2004 TL base models in Canada don't have HFL. HFL became standard in 2005 in Canada. Secondly, from what I understand, all 2004-2006 TL in Canada don't have XM. It wasn't introduced until the 2007 mid-generation refresh. So if we were to install the USA spec we would need to install it behind the radio.

So for the 2004 base, we would have to run a mic to use the USA Spec stuff for Bluetooth calling, which would be ideal as there's no built in Bluetooth. But I agree, if you're only using it for Bluetooth music streaming then you don't need the mic. I just figured the odds are the HFL will die eventually so might as well switch it all over to the USA spec if you're going to install it.

But yes, in OP's situation, the USA spec would be an easy install and well worth the extra money versus a Bluetooth gateway type device.

 

Ahhh, sorry, I didn't catch the fact you had an early Canadian car; sorry, my bad.

 

Not a problem. I never stated it in this thread lol. Furthermore, I just wanted to get the information out there as I don't believe it is very well known or clearly stated the differences in the Canadian vehicles.

Back on topic, I believe OP has already figured this out, but you won't regret getting the USA Spec as it keeps it very stock looking and function, with all the additional features your son would be looking for.

 

OP get the Harmon Kardon Bluetooth adapter. It's 80 CAD and it makes a huge improvement over your stock stereo sound (as long as your speakers aren't trashed). I would link it here but it's too much work over mobile lol. But I've reviewed it as has another member and it's incredible!

 

Does the HK adapter allow the steering wheel controls to interface with the phone?

 

Negative. Only volume buttons but no skipping tracks

 

$60 HK adapter vs $145 USA spec for full control using the steering wheel, song/ artist/album etc... info display on your screen and add another HFL (if your original is died) this is why I skip out of the HK aux adapter.

Horseshoesz that HK BTA adapter won't work for you since you need an Aux port. I am pretty sure the 04-06 TL didn't have Aux port.

 

This is correct that the HK adapter needs a aux input. Beside the price difference between the HK adapter and the USAspec, the ease of installation is a huge point. The HK adapter is such a breeze, literally plug and play, not so much the case for the USAspec

 

Due to lack of steering wheel control, I wouldn't even consider the HK unit.

 

While the HK unit is "such a breeze", the USA Spec unit is pretty darn easy to install as well (assuming you're only going to use it for streaming and not talking). Given my HFL works perfectly (and if it fails I'll replace it), putting the HON3 in will also be a breeze.