How to Troubleshoot the HandsFreeLink System
Introduction
The HFL system works only with Honda approved Bluetooth-enabled cell phones with a hands-free profile. If you are not sure if your cell phone is compatible with the HFL system or if it configured correctly, Honda has a dedicated HFL customer service at 888-528-7876 and web site handsfreelink.honda.com, to answer your questions.

The HFL system allows you to make and receive hands-free calls. It cannot control the cell phone's performance (call quality and signal strength). For more information about performance and performance problems, refer to Dropped Calls.

Always call the HFL customer service first, not Tech Line because the HFL customer service has the latest information about cell phone software versions, settings and other issues.

Most HFL complaints are due to pairing, configuration, or compatibility issues. Contact the HFL customer service before replacing the HandsFreeLink control unit.

The customer service is open Monday thru Friday from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. CST; Saturday from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. CST; and Sunday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. CST.
Checking Cell Phone Compatibility
The most important step in troubleshooting HFL issues is to identify the customer's cell phone model, the software version, and the cellular carrier that experiences the HFL problem. Not all cell phones with the Bluetooth feature and a hands-free profile are compatible with the Honda HFL system.

The second most important step is to duplicate the customer's concern with their phone. If you do not duplicate the concern, you could replace good components and have the customer come back with the same complaint.

Go to handsfreelink.honda.com or call Honda's dedicated call center at 888-528-7876, and check if the customer's phone is approved to work with the Honda HFL system.

NOTE:
These approved, archived, and currently testing cell phone model lists are constantly changing, so make sure you view them frequently.
Phones are added as they are approved, and can be dropped if their specification changes.
Cell phones can be removed from the approved list if a software bug is discovered that makes the cell phone incompatible. These cell phones can be added back to the approved list if the phone manufacturer corrects the bug.
If the software bug is corrected, a new software version is created and may be listed in the Supported Features section of the cell phone. If you have trouble finding the cell phone's software version, you can call the customer service at 888-528-7876.
The Honda web site handsfreelink.honda.com now includes the software versions that are tested and approved. When software versions are listed, you need to know which version is loaded on the cell phone to help you troubleshoot the customer's complaint. If you cannot access the Honda web site, call the HFL customer service at 888-528-7876 for further assistance.
Voice Control Tips
HFL voice control and voice recognition is not supported in this model. The HFL system stores a simple voice tag for the Speed Dial. But HFL is controlled by using the navigation voice recognition system. If you want a complete description of this system, please refer to the Owner's Manual.
Pairing a Cell Phone
You must pair an approved Bluetooth-compatible cell phone to the HFL system before you can make and receive calls. For a current list of approved cell phones and specific cell phone pairing instructions for each cell phone, see Checking Cell Phone Compatibility, go to handsfreelink.honda.com, or call the customer service at 888-528-7876.

The following procedure works for most Honda approved cell phones. If you cannot pair your cell phone to the HFL system with this procedure, refer to your cell phone's operating manual, vehicle's Owner's Manual, visit handsfreelink.honda.com, or call the customer service at 888- 528-7876.

NOTE:
You cannot pair a cell phone while the vehicle is moving.
The phone must be in discovery or search mode when it is pairing. Refer to the phone's owner's manual.
The phone battery may drain faster when it is paired to the HFL.
The default pairing code is 0000 unless the setting was changed.
If the phone is not ready for pairing, or not found by the system within 3 minutes, the HFL system times out and returns to idle.
A maximum of six approved Bluetooth-compatible cell phones can be paired to the system.

Pairing a Cell Phone when There are no Other Cell Phones Paired (with navigation)
1.
Press the engine start/stop button to select the ACC mode, and make sure the cell phone you are pairing is on and in its discovery mode.

2.
Select OK on the navigation Confirmation screen.

3.
Press the SETTINGS button on the navigation switch panel, then select the Settings from Function change menu.
4.
Select the Phone Settings from the Settings menu.
5.
A cell phone Confirmation screen appears on the display. Select Yes to add a new phone.
6.
Confirm the cell phone is in its discovery mode, then select OK.
7.
Once the cell phone is discovered by the HFL, select the phone on the screen.

NOTE: If the HFL does not find the cell phone, select Find Another cell phone, then, when prompted, enter the PIN into the phone.
8.
When the 4-digit pairing code appears on the multi-information display unit, enter this code into the cell phone.

9.
Once the cell phone is successfully paired, the screen displays (phone name) PHONE has been added.
10.
A Phone settings screen appears on the display. Select ON to import a Phonebook and call history information.
11.
The Phonebook and call history information is automatically imported from your phone.

Pairing a Cell Phone when There are no Other Cell Phones Paired (without navigation)
1.
Turn the ignition switch to ACCESSORY (I), or press the engine start/stop button to select the ACC mode, and make sure the cell phone you are pairing is on and in its discovery mode.

2.
Wait until the time appears on the screen.

3.
Press the DISP (SETTINGS)*1 or SETTINGS*2 button on the audio switch panel, then select the Settings from Function change menu.

*1:
With touch screen
*2:
Without touch screen
4.
Select the Phone Settings from the Settings menu.
5.
A cell phone Confirmation screen appears on the display. Select Yes to add a new phone.
6.
Confirm the cell phone is in its discovery mode, then select OK.
7.
Once the cell phone is discovered by the HFL, select the phone on the screen.

NOTE: If the HFL does not find the cell phone, select Find Another cell phone, then, when prompted, enter the PIN into the phone.
8.
When the 4-digit pairing code appears on the multi-information display unit, enter this code into the cell phone.

9.
Once the cell phone is successfully paired, the screen displays (phone name) PHONE has been added.
10.
A Phone settings screen appears on the display. Select ON to import a Phonebook and call history information.
11.
The Phonebook and call history information is automatically imported from your phone.

Pairing Additional Cell Phones (with navigation)
1.
Press the engine start/stop button to select the ACC mode, and make sure the cell phone you are pairing is on and in its discovery mode.

2.
Select OK on the navigation Confirmation screen.

3.
Press the SETTINGS button on the navigation switch panel, then select the Settings from Function change menu.
4.
Select the Phone Settings from the Settings menu.
5.
Select the Bluetooth Device List from the Select the Phone Settings menu.
6.
Select the Add Bluetooth Device from the Bluetooth Device List.
7.
Confirm the cell phone is in its discovery mode, then select OK.
8.
Make sure the cell phone is in its discovery mode, and once the cell phone is discovered by the HFL, select the phone from the displayed list.
9.
Once the cell phone is discovered by the HFL, select the phone on the screen.

NOTE: If the HFL does not find the cell phone, select Find Another cell phone, then, when prompted, enter the PIN into the phone.
10.
When the 4-digit pairing code appears on the multi-information display unit, enter this code into the cell phone.

11.
Once the cell phone is successfully paired, the screen displays (phone name) PHONE has been added.
12.
A Phone settings screen appears on the display. Select ON to import a Phonebook and call history information.
13.
The Phonebook and call history information is automatically imported from your phone.

Pairing Additional Cell Phones (without navigation)
1.
Turn the ignition switch to ACCESSORY (I), or press the engine start/stop button to select the ACC mode, and make sure the cell phone you are pairing is on and in its discovery mode.

2.
Wait until the time appears on the screen.

3.
Press the DISP (SETTINGS)*1 or SETTINGS*2 button on the audio switch panel, then select the Settings from Function change menu.

*1:
With touch screen
*2:
Without touch screen
4.
Select the Phone Settings from the Settings menu.
5.
Select the Bluetooth Device List from the Select the Phone Settings menu.
6.
Select the Add Bluetooth Device from the Bluetooth Device List.
7.
Confirm the cell phone is in its discovery mode, then select OK.
8.
Make sure the cell phone is in its discovery mode, and once the cell phone is discovered by the HFL, select the phone from the displayed list.
9.
Once the cell phone is discovered by the HFL, select the phone on the screen.

NOTE: If the HFL does not find the cell phone, select Find Another cell phone, then, when prompted, enter the PIN into the phone.
10.
When the 4-digit pairing code appears on the multi-information display unit, enter this code into the cell phone.

11.
Once the cell phone is successfully paired, the screen displays (phone name) PHONE has been added.
12.
A Phone settings screen appears on the display. Select ON to import a Phonebook and call history information.
13.
The Phonebook and call history information is automatically imported from your phone.

Pairing Troubleshooting
Many pairing issues are resolved by altering the customer's phone settings.

If you cannot get an approved HFL cell phone to pair, contact Honda's dedicated customer service at 888-528-7876, or go to handsfreelink.honda.com.
Dropped Calls
Customers may perceive dropped calls as being an HFL system fault, but most dropped calls are because of cell phone and cell phone carrier issues. The HFL system does not directly handle the cell phone signal. It allows the cell phones to transmit the cell phone audio over the vehicle's audio system.

Many dropped calls issues can be resolved by changing the customer's phone settings. For help on approved HFL settings, contact Honda's dedicated customer service at 888-528-7876, or go to handsfreelink.honda.com.

Always confirm with the customer if the number of dropped calls is higher while using the HFL system as opposed to using the cell phone only. Customers often confuse problems with their cell phone or carrier as a problem with the HFL system. The HFL system cannot control or determine:
Cellular connection quality
Signal strength
Cellular coverage
Ambient weather conditions that affect cellular signals

When a customer complains about dropped calls, ask questions about when or where the calls are dropped, such as:
Do you drive the same route on a regular basis?
Does the call drop in the same location?
Where do you keep your cell phone (in a purse or backpack)?
Have you compared the number of dropped calls using the HFL versus making calls from the handset?
Are they comparing their HFL performance to a system from a different manufacturer?

There are many reasons for a dropped call that are not related to the HFL system. Here are some causes for dropped calls:
If the quantity of dropped calls is about the same when the customer uses the HFL system versus the handset, the issue is likely due to the cellular phone or carrier.
If the cell phone is equipped with a retractable antenna, it needs to be extended to maximize signal strength.
If a customer also notices that the calls tend to drop in the same areas, the HFL system may be operating normally, but something about the area diminishes cellular coverage to a point where the call drops.
Hills or mountains can block or interfere with cellular signals.
High-rise buildings, bridges, or other large structures may block or interfere with cellular signals.
Electrical storms, heavy rain, or overcast conditions interfere with signal strength.
Placing the cell phone in a purse, in a metal briefcase, under the seat, in the glove box, or in the trunk can all affect signal reception.
There are coverage gaps in the cellular service. When driving, a call is typically passed from one tower to another. If the customer drives through an area where there is a coverage gap between towers, the call drops.
The cell phone battery's state of change can affect signal reception. A low battery may reduce the cell phone's ability to boost the antenna's power and function properly, especially in low signal strength areas. Some cell phone manufacturers trade off signal transmission and reception strength for battery life. As the battery weakens, the signal strength may also weaken. Some cell phones may operate more effectively than others in low signal strength areas especially with a partially charged battery.
Phone will not Automatically Connect to the HFL
NOTE: If the customer is on the phone when they enter the vehicle, refer to the Automatic Transferring section in the Owner's Manual for more information.

If a customer complains that their cell phone is not automatically connecting to the HFL system when they enter the vehicle, do the following:

1.
Make sure the Bluetooth feature is turned on in the cell phone.

2.
Make sure the cell phone is properly paired to the HFL system.

3.
Do a soft reset to the cell phone.

4.
Check if the cell phone has an Authorized Connection or Trusted option.

5.
Check the battery and signal strength on the cell phone. Pairing a cell phone requires optimal signal strength and a nearly full battery.
How to Check the HFL DTC’s without the HDS (with navigation)
1.
Press the engine start/ stop button to select the ON mode.

2.
Press and hold the NAV, the MENU, and the BACK buttons for 3 seconds. The display screen goes directly to the Self-Diagnosis Items menu.
3.
When the Select Diagnosis Items menu is displayed, select the Detail Information & Setting.
4.
Select the Unit Check from the Detail Information & Setting.
5.
Select the HFL from the Unit Check menu.
6.
Check the GA-NET status in the HFL diagnosis.

7.
Check the HFL status:


8.
Return to the Detail Information & Setting menu, and select the Functional Setup.
9.
Select the Mic/STRG SW from the Functional Setup menu.
10.
Check the Mic and the STRG SW status:
If OK, there was an intermittent failure, the system is OK at this time.
If any DTC(s) are displayed, troubleshoot the indicated DTC(s).
11.
To end the system diagnostic mode, select the Return, or press the engine start/stop button to select the OFF mode.

How to Check the HFL DTC’s without the HDS (without navigation, with touch screen)
1.
Turn the ignition switch to ON (II), or press the engine start/stop button to select the ON mode.

2.
Press and hold the DISP button, the BACK button, and the VOLUME/POWER knob for about 3 seconds. The display screen goes directly to the Select Diagnosis Items menu shown.
3.
When the Select Diagnosis Items menu is displayed, select the Detail Information & Setting.
4.
Select the Unit Check from the Detail Information & Setting.
5.
Select the HFL from the Unit Check menu.
6.
Check the GA-NET status in the HFL diagnosis.

7.
Check the HFL status:


8.
Return to the Detail Information & Setting menu, and select the Unit Check.
9.
Select the Mic/STRG from the Unit Check menu.
10.
Check the Mic and the STRG SW status:
If OK, there was an intermittent failure, the system is OK at this time.
If any DTC(s) are displayed, troubleshoot the indicated DTC(s).
11.
To end the system diagnostic mode, select the Return, or turn the ignition switch to LOCK (0), or press the engine start/stop button to select the OFF mode.