I spent about an hour going through threads about HFL problems and nobody mentioned my problem. Once last summer and once last week the HFL simply did not come on, although the paired phone was in the car and powered up. Pushing either or both of the wheel buttons did nothing. In each case I continued driving, reached a destination, left the car and took the keys. Both times on restart the HFL came up normally and functioned perfectly. The self test says "Good." Anybody else had this problem?

 

Yes. During an HFL lock-up like you described, a "booting up" message would show for several of us when we checked the HFL status on the MID.
I had this happen three or four times, but the condition cleared on restarting the car and has not recurred in the past two years. Several other other posters had it occur occasionally with no further reported recurrences; a couple had the HFL units replaced as a result.

My car has not had that happen for a couple of years now-- the HFL worked really well otherwise, and works well now. The HFL lock-up may just be one of those mysterious electronic gremlins that occurs rarely and then disappears.

 

i have the booting up screen.. where would the HFL unit be located?

 

It's supposedly with the HFL mic in the overhead panel with the Homelink and sunroof switches. There may be dis-assembly instructions and photos in links in the 3G Garage, if your TL is out of warranty.

 

My HFL has done what the OP described randomly over the past 5 years... all in all is fairly consistent and reliable (knock on wood)

 

What year is your car? There was a TSB a while back about the HFL locking up or not recognizing verbal commands. Had mine replace free about 2 years ago. Even if you are out of warranty they may repair it for you.

Good luck.

 

Replaced mine about 3 months after I got the car, more than 2 years ago. The first one couldn't understand English. This one just takes some time off, now and then.

 

Guys, i am experiencing the same issue. i had just replaced the radio on my 2005 TL - the CDS were jammed .... however, now, when i press the HFL button on the sterring, it displays "Main Menu" on the display but it no loges switched to "Hands Free Link" and does not say "Say a Command" how do i go about resetting this?

 

my tech tried replacing that unit up there and no changes. is there something im missing? is there a harness or adapter located anywhere else that could be the issue? i know its a longshot but it never hurts to check.