Buda

iTrader: (1)

This could be unrelated and I haven't had time to remove the iSimple to see if that makes a difference.

About 3 months ago I installed the iSimple and a few weeks ago I tried to pair a phone to my HFL and it would't respond at all when I pressed the button on the steering wheel to activate the HFL. Over the next several days I tried pressing the HFL button each time I drove the car and no luck. I even tried restarting the car multiple times as well as having the Radio head unit turned to different modes (FM/XM/CD) and having it turned off all without working. After about a week I finally got it to work but the next time I started the car it would not work. Same thing happened this week except it also worked on the next car start but not after that.

Wanted to know if anyone else has experienced HFL problems after installing the iSimple?

pohljm

nope

Buda

iTrader: (1)

Hmm, what about getting a high pitched feedback when changing either to AUX1 or AUX2 on the isimple when you don't have the audio jack plugged into anything yet? The jack is not touching anything.

MonkeyTrucker

Likely just a 3-month later "coincidence"...I'd say your lucky the HFL lasted well into 2012.

04desertmist

If you had it installed 'professionally' you need to check if they wired it correctly. They blew my HFL, amp and my entire dash out by wrapping the wire around a fuse and sticking it back in. Instead of running it to a free port and putting a fuse in it.

My HLF lasted well into '12 until that happened!

Nikev

My HFL does the same thing. Sometimes the button will activate the HFL and i can try to sync a phone (it nevers finds my phone though) and sometimes i hit the button everyday for a few days and it wont do anything no matter what I try. Its not the iSimple i'm sure.

Buda

iTrader: (1)

Thanks for the feedback! I did the iSimple install myself so I know i didn't do anything like wrap it around a fuse. Looks like I'll have to have the dealership fix it. Not looking forward to that bill.

cdavis1

My gut tells me you have an issue with the HFL, not the iSimple. Have you touched the HFL to see if it's warm to the touch? My went out this year (2012). Are you noticing any battery issues (i.e., car not starting)?

Buda

iTrader: (1)

No battery issues. I'll have to see where the HFL unit is. Also some time in the last year had to send the navigation head unit into Alpine to be fixed. Does the HFL depend on that head unit at all?

cdavis1

The HFL is up by the rear view mirror. I'm including this thread purely for the pictures...it may help you:

https://acurazine.com/forums/3g-tl-audio-bluetooth-electronics-navigation-94/hfl-module-replacement-06-tl-843512/

After you have it parked for a while (maybe an hour or more), go out and feel the plastic piece by the rear view mirror. If it is warm to the touch (you will be able to tell), you probably have a bad HFL. When it starts to go, it typically goes into a "loop" mode, where it runs on its own, even when the car is turned off. Mine starting going and eventually drained the battery (documented by many on AZine). My steering controls also did not work at all (like you).

If the HFL worked after you sent off and got back your head unit, you could probably eliminate the head unit. 'Trying to help where I can...eliminate and move on to something else. I hope you get it figured out soon.

Buda

iTrader: (1)

Thanks, I went ahead an ordered a new HFL unit. I just found that thread you referenced as well. Pretty sure mine is bad. I should have known it was up there. I 3M dinoc'ed the overhead console so I've been in that area before.

I'm pretty sure it's just a bad HFL unit just like everyone else's. Will post up when I get the new one installed. Also took the opportunity to order the part to do the shaved door handle mod.

cdavis1

One more thing worth mentioning, after I replaced my HFL, I also had to replace the computer portion of the steering wheel controls. So, I say that to say if you replace the HFL, and the steering controls don't work, you may have to purchase an additional part or two (hopefully you won't have to). Start with just the HFL. Good luck, buddy.

Buda

iTrader: (1)

^-- Thanks for the info!

Buda

iTrader: (1)

The new HFL unit is here. I should have it in this evening.

cdavis1

Buda

iTrader: (1)

The HFL works again!!!

My car hasn't moved in 24 hours and when I pulled out the old HFL unit it was warm.

cdavis1

Bingo! Your symptoms were virtually identical to mine (and many others on AZine). 'So glad you got it working again. Here is one more thing. Did you notice your car hesitating when starting? If you did, the HFL may have starting draining your battery. If you didn't notice this and still have no issues at all during initial start-up of the car, you are good (you probably caught the issue before I did). If you do have any issues, you may want to take your battery to get tested (free at most places and takes all of 1-2 minutes). My HFL caused me to "drop a cell" in my battery...thus killed my battery. If you are good to go, no worries...enjoy HFLF (Hands Free Link Freedom) once again. Good job, buddy!

Turbocoop

iTrader: (3)

I think Im having the same problem, my HFL stopped working about a week ago but I havent had time to diagnose it yet... 2 days ago, after my car had sat for about 3 days, I went out to start it and it was dead, only 9.2V at the battery... I didnt even think about the HFL being the culprit. If I just take out the roof console and remove the HFL unit thatll prevent the battery draining I assume?

cdavis1

Removing the HFL, if it is bad (sounds like it), should remove the source of the battery drain. I would remove it until you can replace it. Your battery "may" be good (just needs a recharge)...depends on if a cell is dead (get it tested). If a cell is dead, battery is no longer good.

Buda

iTrader: (1)

I'll have to get the battery tested when I go in for an oil change. It was replaced under warranty a couple years ago so if it is bad it'll still be under warranty.