quanTL

i'm getting mine replaced!
woooohoooo

topprospect

Thanks for the heads up on this! I had mine replaced on Monday. It hasn't misunderstood me yet. With the old unit I could never speak a whole 10 digits at once. I had to break it up into 3-3-4 digits and back up at least once to repeat a section.

Anyway, thanks!

Modeler

Glad I could help. I know that this replacement greatly improved by enjoyment of the car. It's amazing how tolerant the updated system is to noise and variations in pronounciation compared to the old system.

dan.....k

iTrader: (1)

I just wish I had done it sooner.

jzacuto

I have an '06 and my HFL has degraded since I bought it two months ago to the point that I don't even like using it. It rarely understands my voice tags and trying to get it to recognize a simple 7-digit number is an exercise in futility. I don't even attempt to get it to dial while connected. (i.e. send digits to an auto attendant like a bank computer or something like that) It won't even get what I'm saying partially right.

I know it's trying, but it ain't tryin' hard enough!!!

Anyone else with an `06 with the same problems? Could it be a software issue? Reflash? New unit?

Help!

naybag

I have on 04 TL with all the issues described above. I just made an appointment, and will print the Service Bulletin in case they give me any flack!

wildchild_8635

What if your the inital warranty is already up on your car? You know, the 4yr 40k warranty? Would it still be covered?

Modeler

If your VIN is part of the service buletin covered VINs, you should be fine regardless of warranty coverage. Personally, I never mentioned the buletin; I just told them that it did not work properly and that I thought there was an updated part available.

Sclass88

Could this possible affect early build '05's as well? My Dad's HFL in his TL is horrendous. He got his 05 in Nov. of 2004 and has a vin of 10,000. Thanks fellas.

wildchild_8635

Where would I find the service bulletin? Thanks for your help by the way. Its awesome information.

DMZ

https://acurazine.com/forums/showpos...4&postcount=35

naybag

I haven't gotten my car back yet. But, on the way to the dealer, I tested my HFL. I asked it to dial five different phone numbers, and it did it perfectly every time! I have never once in 2 years had that type of success.

Sometimes, I swear computers take on personalities. I asked the dealer to replace it anyway. Can't wait to get car back and test.

ChrisMc73

My vin falls in the range! Sweet, cause I'm over my 40k warranty now.

I have the BlackBerry Pearl and I put it in discovery mode and I can't get the car to find it when I use the pair command...so I hope this will fix it?

ndabunka

LOL - Chris, This car comes with a 4 year/50K warranty. Not 40K

ChrisMc73

Oh, even so Im in with my VIN! Calling first thing in the AM to see if I can get it replaced. Is it supposed to fix Blue Tooth and Voice command issues?

MiaQbn23

I tried doing that at the dealer and they said that the HFL was working fine. Alot of times the car says "088, 008, #8, *8" instead of the number I say to dial. Since it happends randomly I could never show the dealer whats going on. I've also had the HFL lock up and not let me use the radio. I didn't have to turn off the car. I just kept pressing the end button.

OK_TL04

Anyone taken in their '04 to Don Carlton in Tulsa, OK to get this fixed? Sounds like mine needs to go in as I'm in the Vin range and I always thought it was just the car. The new HFL sounds like just what it needs. Maybe after the new year when things calm down. Great Post!

JLondon

It's a good thing that our new '06 TL is MY WIFE'S...the HFL sucks, NAVI sucks, Bluetooth sucks...I think you get the point. The electronics in this car is awful. The HFL and Bluetooth can't recognize commands for crap. I'm amazed that Acura's ratings are as good as they are. The car drives great...but yank all the electronics out. I'll stick with my 2000 BMW and portable TomTom GO along with my Motorola Bluetooth HF that clips on my visor!!

I can't even find the closest "Home Depot" with the POS NAVI in this car. We'll assume I don't know what the "category" is...I just want to input "Home Depot" and "closest distance to travel"....Uh, can't do that. Same for "Sports Authority", I'm sitting in the Sports Authority (been here for 10 years) parking lot, can't find it on the NAVI.

Now, to bring this rant back to the thread topic....the HFL in my wife's '06 is useless.

TLspeed

I took our TL there over a month ago - under the pretense they needed to fix my 'sticky' passenger rear-view. I also told them I had lousy results with the HFL unit.

They've ordered the parts to replace the entire mirror, but they told me the HFL worked fine. A couple of weeks ago I dropped in to see if my parts were in (they weren't), and asked the mgr to get in the car and try the HFL. It didn't work his first two tries, then he gets lucky. Told me that you really have to make sure to speak clearly, etc.. WTF?

I told him to check into the TSB. I said that if the numbers match the range in the TSB (they do), to replace the unit. He said he'd check into it. I have a feeling I'll still have to fight with them when my parts finally arrive - which I don't understand. Why should I have to point out TSBs to a service manager? If the problem is covered under warranty, why are they so resistant? Is it typical for a customer to know more about various TSBs than a service manager?

I have a feeling this will be a struggle - just like the window tint scratching, and the 'radial pull' - mystery alignment issues they can never fix.

DMZ

https://acurazine.com/forums/showpos...4&postcount=35

Printout multiple copies of the TSB and shove it in the BOTH the Service and General Manager's faces.

jjoven1225

hehe.... but

whats HFL?

JoganJani

^^^ HFL is HandsFree Link of Acura.

Lore

Considering my car was manufactured in December of 2003 (bought it in Jan 2004) I would imagine that my HFL unit is definitely before the 8-18-04 date. I should take it in sometime prior to the warranty period coming up and have them replace it. Damn - I wish I had read this thread sooner, I just picked it up from the dealer today for a transmission problem that they were unable to duplicate.

Lore

Update guys: New version of the TSB, dated May 27 2006. This one is revised to include a different repair procedure for those of us with navigation units.

TSB 05-20

naybag

So, Chevy Chase Acura upgraded my HFL without complaint. I was initially very excited about the upgrade, as the first 5 names and numbers I put in went in perfectly. However, after that, it seemed the more programmed numbers I added, the worst the HFL performed.

Has anyone else noticed decreased performance with increased use?

lembowski

iTrader: (1)

Just took mine in last week for some rattles and mentioned this TSB, they ordered the unit for me. Gonna install it sometime this week. They told me the rattles in the rear deck can not be fixed, but the guy told me if I brought in some dynamat he would lay it all down for me. So off to get the dynamat tonight.

jcondon

I had mine replaced I think in October. Ofcoarse they knew of no TSB. Seemed a bit resistant to replace it but, did. It works tons better but, still messes up on occasion. For the first 18 months so I had the car I refused to even try to dial numbers. Now it works around 90% of the time.

Why are some dealerships so lame. They are getting paid by Acura to make these repairs. Not like they aren't making money.

OK_TL04

Has the performance for people being able to say "Call XYZ" gotten better with this replacement/upgrade. I usually have to break up "Call" and then wait for it to ask name and number. Mine seems to be okay on my 2004, but seems like maybe worth discussing with the dealer. I always thought it was a little flakey, but discounted its issue on "new technology".

luckydog700

My 2004 TL HFL total crapped out. I think it may have also been responsible for needing a battery earlier than expected (200ma drain in TSB).
Thanks for the TSB, I'll make sure I get a new unit and avoid letting them pull the fuse for just a reset.
Also, thanks for the links to the excessive tire wear TSB. I'm on my second set of tires and was not able to get the back tires completely aligned correctly. I wish I knew about this 30K ago. Has anyone had any luck getting Acura to apply the 05-050 rear bump stops and re-align even after the original tires are long gone? The TSB say to make sure car has original tires.

finoa

I have an 05 TL that I bought in Dec of 04. Initially, I was excited because my VIN number ends in 018305 which is in the range of TSB 05-020. When I looked closer however, the TSB specifies the range of 4A000001 thru 4A069734. Mine is 5A018305 (which I assume means a 2005 model)

I have NEVER in the two years that I've owned the car been successful in using the HFL to dial a number. It typically would take at least 6-8 attempts to get the number right even with all the windows closed, AC off, radio off, you name it. It just seems that the number recognition for the HFL is TERRIBLE. I do have it paired up with my Blackberry 7130e but I dial from the phone and then transfer the call to HFL. Once it transfers, it works fine.

I'm going to try to get this fixed thru the dealer under warrantee because it simply doesn't work as it should. Considering we've owned Hondas and Acuras since 1979, they'd better listen up.

HUGEhead

Just got my HFL upgraded in Houston at the Sterling McCall Acura. Had to wait 1.5 weeks for them to order the new part, but it was well worth it. HFL moves so much faster and is more accurate.

Shyguy_1982

What does HFL stand for?

dan.....k

iTrader: (1)

Hands Free Link

quanTL

Since I got mine replaced when I started thsis thread.
I would say 90% problem free.

Before I would ahve to scream into the damn thing...now its a lot better.

Get it done if you are eligible.

jhowson

Thanks to all of you. This is a great forum. I have a 2004TL that was bought in December '03. I am having the same problems with the HFL unit, but I just put up with it. Along with that, I have just discovered a new issue - after getting my O2 sensor replaced a couple of months ago, I noticed that all my phonebook entries were gone. Figuring the tech just disconnected the battery I tried to enter them in again and found that I can't enter in any new entries, the system says the phonebook is full, yet when I list the entries, it tells me that the phone book is empty. Furthermore, when I try to "Clear" the system, it just hangs and I can't pair any new phones or delete any previously paired phones. Do any of you know if this will also be fixed by the replacement of the HFL unit? I assume so, since it'll be an entirely new system. Would this also be covered under the TSBs mentioned here? Looks like my VIN falls in the right sequence - it starts with 19UUA6... so I assume so.... hopefully the "goodwill consideration" comes into play - I'm out of warranty.

quanTL

If you VIN is within the sequence, then get it done.
Don't think this is a warranty issue.
More of an upgrade.

fish008

I am pumped! Getting mine fixed Friday, I am pumped! I hope my will now be as good as everyone is saying theirs is after the fix.

GUMP

I'm taking my car back to get the damage done by the dealer while fixing my bump stops! My bluetooth works like shit..poor sound on the other end and it doesn't recognize anything.. the tsb says nothing about the 888, nonrecongition, etc...will I be covered? I'm in a fight right now with my dealer over my tires being worn out ..I don't need another fight on my hands. I'm afraid if I bring in the tsb, I'll get the run around. I might play dumb and see what they say...but it's a pain in the ass always going back to the dealer...any thoughts...

quanTL

Try to go to another dealer for the HFL.

GUMP

Brought it in today for some other service and complained about the problem. I never told them about the TSB..they called me back and said they are ordering the part and will have it finished Monday. I have a loner TSX for the weekend..thanks guys.