RDXErin

Did you have to re-pair the device for the feature to work? The dealer supposing did the upgrade this AM but holding the talk button does not prompt Siri to start.

yargok

Yes.

GarrettinSF

Siri Eyes Free is still eluding me. Went to the dealer for a B1 service and the update. They had never heard of it. I pointed them to it, and show on my previous visits that I had requested a head unit update. (I've had bluetooth connectivity issues since we got the car.) Ends up, the bluetooth receiver is faulty and the part will need to be ordered. Once the new part arrives, THEN they'll apply the update. I'll believe it when I see it.

So far, very disappointed in Acura. (And I continue to believe the head unit (and Nav is the worst thing about the car.

mikejmack

Has anyone from Canada performed the DIY update yet? I only see the HDS for USA models on the subscribe options. I don't see anything for Canadian models.

eldonhenley

I just spoke with my local Acura dealer in SW Missouri about Eyes Free. They said it will be available for install after the first of the year and it will cost $55 for the software upgrade.

Can't wait!

onski

Finally got this working last night, i just bought a bluetooth dongle for my 2013 mac air since running windows 7 on vmware the bluetooth connection keeps dropping while the update is in progress. I've already downloaded the needed software a few weeks ago so it just took about less than 20mins starting from setting the unit to diagnostic mode till the whole update finished. Thanks for the diy that helped a lot. I'd say if you love to diy this is pretty easy rather than waiting for the dealership to have it available

KenHuffman

I have Siri Eyes Free on my new RDX. It works except Siri will generate this response to many of my commands:

"The iPhone must be unlocked to perform that operation."

Unfortunately my iPhone 5s is set to auto-lock after 1 minute. So I have to take my phone out of my pocket and unlock it before I can use it to check an incoming email, etc. Blech.

You'd think Settings > General > Touch ID & Passcode > Allow access when locked > Siri > On would fix the problem, but sadly no.

BlackDogRDX

That sounds so dumb. If it's in my/your pocket why would we leave it unlocked? Then again I feel like I'm able to use Siri on my 5 without unlocking first... maybe?

onski

I thought mine was working perfectly till i tried checking email.. It said the same thing and also on some commands it will reply that its not allowed when your driving, even when he gear is in park.. Anyway i mostly use it for playing music and it works just fine for that purpose..

Mike_TX

If you're talking about a lock code, I'm not sure I understand the need to use that, especially since it now requires your fingerprint to access it.

That's kinda like belt and suspenders and safety pins, isn't it?

I have a 5, and I don't use a lock code. If someone steals my phone or I lose it, I can find it if I want or wipe it remotely, so what's the point? I don't have anything sensitive on the phone, and my pictures and so on are backed up.

KenHuffman

The 5s requires a lock code (as a backup) if you enable the fingerprint to unlock it. It is not hard to unlock with my finger, but to have to dig it out of my pocket when I get an email while driving sucks. That's what bluetooth is for.

I have my email and contacts on the phone and I would rather not strangers access them before I can get to a computer to remotely wipe it.

KenHuffman

Tech RDXs like mine already have Song by Voice.

Is there a list of useful Siri commands that can be used with the iPhone is locked and you are driving?

onski

I have the awd tech package too. Using handsfree to play music from my phone is so limited, and i think music search only works when your connected through usb but not on bluetooth.. Its a lot better with siri since i can just say "play" a certain playlist from my phone or whatever song that i have and i dont even need to take it out from my pocket.. Searching for a place like restaurant or gas stations is also easier than using our crappy nav system. Calling from phonebook or navigating to your contacts addresses or points on interest works way better with siri and it would show the map on your phone screen even when the phone is locked...very useful since we cant input address on our navi while driving and going through all those voice commands is so annoying. Its a great update since the usual voice command/hansfree still wokrs as usual.. Im using a 5s by the way.

sv_ted

OK...I am confused.

I have an iPhone 5 and I use a lock code. Does this mean that the available Siri commands will be limited? If I have to unlock my phone before using Siri I would be much less interested.

Is there a list of available commands and the necessary conditions to use them?

Thanks

onski

From what i have tried it wont let you check email when locked. Also it only answer questions answerable by wikipedia., it wont search the web for details unless you unlock it. Searching for points if interest is not a problem though, it will give you the distance and an option to navigate to or call if a phone number is available. Everything else seems to work as it should..

radreck

Thanks for sharing the info. It took all of 5 minutes.

I just bought a 2014 RDX AWD, and neither the sales guy nor the service guys (manager was out to lunch) knew anything about a Siri update.

After I emailed them the links and they researched some things, they told me they couldn't do the update as it was a "very long and complex update", so they would have to charge me. I'd have to leave my car AND my phone with them for 2 hours.

I had the RDX in to get rails and crossbars installed, and was hoping while it was there they could do the update. After spending over $40k total for car + accessories, they couldn't even give me a software update. I'm not happy with them.

Long story short, paid the $10 to subscribe to the HDS site, spent 10-15 minutes downloading and installing the software onto my Windows 7 64-bit system, transferred the instructions to my iPAD while I waited, then went to the car and followed the instructions in the .PDF.

Since it was a new car, there were no updates needed, so I just clicked on Options to add the Siri update. The update completed in less than three minutes.

Sure it's just a simple button integration, but it's nice not having to reach for the phone to tell Siri to read the new text message to me.

You guys rock.

radreck

Actually it took more like 30 minutes total, but the getting in my car and pairing bluetooth plus update only took 5 minutes.

Strangely, I did not need to re-pair my iPhone 5s.

Almost makes me want to tote this laptop around so I can give people updates in random parking lots. Except then they'd probably sue me if their brakes stopped working two months later.

Type X

Went back to the dealer for a THIRD TIME.... only to again... not be able to complete it
But i never flip out & am always nice. So the service manager and i are now buddies lol
He felt bad this time told me to leave the car for the weekend & they'd have a specialist do it monday (today) and gave my pregnant wife and I an RLX for the weekend which was cool.

Also inquired about the shocks in the rear he said everyone comes in with it and they'll replace only to happen again.... and if you want MULTIPLE fixes the company will deter them for the costs.

So i'm hoping after 4 months, i'm done today.... but you know i wont be

RDXChic

iTrader: (1)

Anyone else still having issues getting Siri Eyes Free installed in their RDX? I just called my local dealership to get my state emissions and inspection done and stated I wanted to have the Siri Eyes Free mode installed in my car. The service manager had no idea what I was talking about and now I'm waiting for the parts manager to call me back. I even explained what Siri Eyes Free was and he asked me if I was sure it existed.

I might be off to calling other dealerships to get the update done.

nyse_19

I had a similar problem of the dealer not knowing anything about Siri Eyes Free. They had not even heard of it either...frustrating to say the least.
What I've found best, both by reading this site and through experience, is taking the service bulletins with me and telling them this is what I want/need done.
I've attached the two bulletins relating to Siri/HFL to this message. Take those to the dealer and have them perform the update.
If you've never had an HFL update in the vehicle and have an iOS device, then you've probably had the issue listed in one of the bulletins. (I believe there are other bulletins addressing issues with other phones as well, just don't have those). I had problems of the phone constantly disconnecting/reconnecting via Bluetooth, which is an issue addressed in the bulletin. You may be having that and others. My dealer told me the latest HFL update that addresses that issue includes Siri Hands Free and thus the update was done at no cost.
Again, take bulletins in and tell them that's what you need done. Report back if you have any issues.

I'm sure it's the same with any dealer of any brand. However it's frustrating when we know more than the service managers. You would think that every note or bulletin that is released by Acura, would be required reading the next day by every guy in the service shop. Wouldn't you want the team being the most knowledgeable about everything? It's not like Acura releases 20 of these a day...maybe a handful a month. Maybe wishful thinking on my part, but something I still think should happen.

Good Luck.

markAZ

I don't know anything about the Siri thing but do you have to have new cars emissions tested in PA? Here in AZ it's not required until the car is five years old. Back in the 60's when we lived in Pittsburgh we had to have cars 'safety' inspected every six months. I thought that was a huge fraud-ridden ripoff. Emissions testing new cars is just about as bad.

saxman48

Had it installed in our 2013 on April 1 in Fremont, CA. I got the impression they hadn't done many before, but they had a price and they got it done.


It works, but I found that Siri's voice is at too low of a volume to hear while traveling on the highway. It's my wife's car, so I haven't spent time yet to figure out if there's a way to increase the sound level. Anyone with any ideas how to deal with this?

RDXChic

iTrader: (1)

My car appointment is for emissions and state inspection that is due this month, and that is why I had asked about the Siri Eyes Free update. I just called another dealership that is an hour away about getting this done, and the service department told me they do it, and that I needed to speak to a sales man for additional information. I am more than frustrated right now.

I never did get a phone call back from the local Parts Manager, and I did a post on Acura's Facebook page. Acura wants me to speak to them in a private PM or call the Client Relations # to get this taken care of.

My last resort is calling my local dealership again today to see if I can speak to the Parts or Service manager and provide them the information in the bulletins nyse_19 posted. I waited to get the service done to ensure the dealership had the proper training on doing the update.

dprichter

Just picked my 2014 RDX after the Dealer installed my Siri Eyes Free. I love having that connection now through the steering wheel control.

FYI: There was NC for the update.

RDXChic

iTrader: (1)

I received a phone call back from my local dealership and was told the Service Manager was out all week and will call me by 5/14. I was able to find a dealership over an hour away that knew about Siri Eyes and stated it would cost an hour of labor to install. When I had questioned the cost, I was told it was an additional accessory and was not covered under warranty. The dealership also told me they have only installed Siri Eyes on one other RDX and it was a sales guys car.

I'm waiting for the Service Manager to call me back before I go to another dealership to have this installed. I just wished Acura would tell the dealers that the install is included in the posted bulletins.

mikejmack

The Siri Eyes Free is a chargeable accessory item. If you are experiencing the handsfreelink problems in the TSB and they need to update the firmware, then the Siri update is really no extra work for them and you may be able to convince them to do the Siri update for you at no cost. I am not aware of any situations where the Siri update is included as part of the warranty.

Hopefully you can convince them to do it for you. I think it should be a free update.

I would love to have the update, but in Canada we cannot even get the update (or the pandora integration for that matter)

Al Dente

I received an email from the dealer about a month ago saying it was available for $40 so decided what the heck I'll get it. I waited until a few days ago, so that I would not be the first one. Still, I was only the 2nd or 3rd person to come in for it. haven't used it much yet but I was able to reply to some texts using Siri, which was nice to be able to do.

faverod

I just got my install done and everything works as anticipated. However, when using Apple Maps navigation and with the radio set to Bluetooth streaming, the voice commands begin and then get abruptly cut off. Anyone else experiencing this as well?

RDXChic

iTrader: (1)

I'm still waiting to get my Siri Eyes done. After speaking to the Service Manager, and explaining what Siri Eyes Free was, he pulled the bulletin and ordered the part. I should be getting a phone call this week to find out if they are going to charge me for the update and when I can get it done. I don't want to be the first car they do the update on, but I won't have much of a choice if I want the service done 5 minutes from my house. The other alternative is driving an hour away to the next Acura dealership for the update.

sv_ted

I am also having this problem (iPhone5 IOS7). Really annoying. Is this happening to all iPhone users? Does anyone have a solution?

yuxmyyg

Thanks for everybody suggestions for DIY. Before I decided to DIY, I called 2 Acura dealers, one asked for $65, another one $120. So I deviced to upgrade by myself. I bought my RDX in May 2013 with HFL S/W 1.50.000. I have Windows 8 laptop with built-in Bluetooth 4.0. I'd like share my upgrade experience here with you.

1. I bought $10 ServiceExpress for one day yesterday evening.
2. Downloaded setup.exe and tried to be installed on Win8 ( not Win8.1).
3. setup.exe installed Download manager on Win8.
4. Download manager did not install HDS automatically, I did right click to install HDS, but failed in the middle about 1 hour on Win8. Tried twice. It looks like HDS could not installed on Win8.
5. Installed VmWare and installed Windows 7, installed .NET framework 4.0 manually.
6. I installed setup.exe, download manager, HDS successfuly. Only download manager asked once for username/password, not Authentication Code from Order form.
7. I went to sleep, too late for last evening.
8. Today morning, I got up early and found HDS and HFL update installed successfully on my virtual Win7.
9. Configured WiFi with internet accessible, enable Bluetooth and tried to pair one speaker and make sure Bluetooth working on VM Win7.
10. Unpaired speaker and reboot my laptop.
11. Followed PDF file BII50045, only one stop was missing from PDF file, During pairing, input PIN code to HFL update and at the same, Windows 7 asked how to do with Bluetooth pop-up, at this time, click this purple pop-up and input PIN code for Windows 7.
12. Maybe I was using WiFi for internet or my S/W version was 1.50.000 old. It took about 30 minutes to upgrade 12 packages including Siri Eyes Free package. I was worried at this time because I was not sure Bluetooth connection was stable or not.
13. After Laptop displayed upgrade completed, turn ignition off 10 seconds.
14. Press button again to enter Accessory Mode, and then go to HFL Diag Mode and found HFL S/W version is 2.0.0.0.
15. The manual from BII50045 says HFL Application Version should be 2.1.0.0, I am not sure it is for my Acura RDX 2013 or not.
16. I do not have time to run upgrade again to see any chance to upgrade to version 2.1.0.0. I am not sure HFL S/W version on Acura RDX means HFL Application Version or not.
17. Any knows about that, please share you insights.

yuxmyyg

About Siri's voice is at too low of a volume to hear while traveling on the highway. There's a way to increase the sound level. When speaking, just adjust the volume, it shows HFL volume. I have found different volume levels for Bluetooth voice, CD, DTS, DVD-Audio, Bluetooth Audio, iPod, Aux, HDD. You can adjust the volume separately.

yuxmyyg

I found Apple Maps navigation voice for turn by turn over Bluetooth audio streaming. You can hear both, but Apple Maps navigation voice is louder.

saxman48

Thanks very much for your reply! Are you saying to use the volume control - knob or steering wheel rocker switch - to adjust volume while speaking to Siri? I'll try it this weekend.

RDXChic

iTrader: (1)

I finally got my Siri Eyes Free installed in my car. I was able to test out Siri using my husbands iPhone and I have had no issues with the volume or any commands to Siri. Now I have to decide if I want to get an iPhone 6 when it is released later this year.

yuxmyyg

It is a must to get iphone 6 128GB later this year and load Apple Lossless ALAC and make full use of Acura Siri Eyes free. You cannot imagine how convenient this feature can give you. Just long press button and say " Play song Xcape ", the best voice command ever !

revolutn

Nothing personal, but I always bristle a little when I read sentiments like: I have nothing personal on my phone, why do YOU need a lock code.

Surprised it's coming from a Texan to boot! lol
Privacy, independence, rights n all that

Well aside from personal reasons that people might legitimately have, here is a real world reason that supersedes even personal preference:

If you happen to use your iPhone for you company's business e-mail system - they probably have a MDM enforced security policy that *requires* you to use a lock code.

In my own case I had owned a personal iPhone 3G and then a 4 without ever using a lock code at all.

Then when I got my 5 I still was not using a lock code, but then I connected it to my company e-mail , it was a requirement.

Now, it's true I could leave company mail off my personal phone, but it's so much more convenient to only have to carry 1 device on weekends.

Then my daughter got iDevice aware, and this way with the lock code at least she can't get onto my phone and move things around, install or uninstall any of my apps. lol

I know this is an older thread but I was looking for some info on the HFS and read through this whole thread, was kind of surprised no one commented why you would use a lock code, even if personally inclined to not have one.

Rev

Greg2012

Just got word from my local dealer, they want $120 for the install. Which is ridiculous.

brownerd

I just bought a 2015 RDX w/Tech package and they STILL do not enable the Siri feature by default. I called the dealer (Niello in Roseville, CA) and they said Siri is not an option on anything except the new 2015 TSX. I follow the directions in this post and now I have Siri working. Thanks for the great directions!

wildeklave

I hope Acura is not supporting just Apple's phones. More Anroid phones are sold then IPhones. A smart car company will have a system that can interface with either mobile phone operating system leader.

yes, I am an anti-apple products person. When buying a vehicle an apple only interface can sway me to another vehicle moreso than an engine with 20 less horse power.