The HFL messages and voice prompts cannot be heard or are weak (without navigation)

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2013 Acura MDX, 2012 Acura MDX, 2011 Acura MDX, and 2010 Acura MDX. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: Before doing this troubleshooting, refer to GENERAL TROUBLESHOOTING INFORMATION to make sure the phone is compatible and configured correctly. You can also check online at www.acura.com/handsfreelink, or call the HFL support desk at 888-528-7876.

Turn the ignition switch to ON (II).
Check that the audio system is operating normally from different audio sources (AM, FM, XM, CD, etc.). Also make sure the front speakers operate normally.
Does the audio system work normally and is the audio output from the speaker normal when playing various audio sources?

YES -Go to step 3.

NO -Do the audio system troubleshooting.
Check for DTCs with the HDS.
Are any DTCs indicated?

YES -Do the indicated DTCs troubleshooting.

NO -Go to step 4.
Press the HFL TALK button.
Does the audio system mute when HFL messages are being played?

YES -Go to step 5.

NO -Go to step 10.
Turn the ignition switch to LOCK (0).
Disconnect audio unit connector C (24P) and the HandsFreeLink control unit 28P connector (see step 2 under HANDSFREELINK CONTROL UNIT REMOVAL/INSTALLATION ).
Check for continuity between HandsFreeLink control unit 28P connector terminals No. 11 and No. 25 and audio unit connector C (24P) terminals No. 17 and No. 5 respectively.

Fig 1: Checking Continuity Between Handsfreelink Control Unit 28P Connector And Audio Unit Connector C (24P)
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

Is there continuity?

YES -Go to step 8.

NO -There is an open in the wire(s) between the HandsFreeLink control unit and the audio unit. Replace the affected shielded harness.
Check for continuity between body ground and audio unit connector C (24P) terminals No. 5 and No. 17 individually.

Fig 2: Checking Continuity Between Body Ground And Audio Unit Connector C (24P)
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

Is there continuity?

YES -There is a short to body ground in the wire(s) between the HandsFreeLink control unit and the audio unit. Replace the affected shielded harness.

NO -Go to step 9.

Check for continuity between the terminals of audio unit connector C (24P) according to the table.

From terminal	To terminals
C5 (PUR)	C6 (BRN), C17 (LT BLU)
C6 (BRN)	C17 (LT BLU)

Fig 3: Identifying Audio Unit Connector C (24P)

Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

Is there continuity between any of the terminals?

YES -There is a short in the wire(s) between the HandsFreeLink control unit and the audio unit. Replace the affected harness.

NO -Substitute a known-good HandsFreeLink control unit (see HANDSFREELINK CONTROL UNIT REMOVAL/INSTALLATION ), and recheck. If the symptom/indication goes away, replace the original HandsFreeLink control unit (see HANDSFREELINK CONTROL UNIT REMOVAL/INSTALLATION ). If the symptom is still present, replace the audio unit (see AUDIO UNIT REMOVAL/INSTALLATION ).

Press the HFL TALK button.
Does the front climate control unit display unit show the HFL menu and the HandsFreeLink when pressing the HFL TALK button?

YES -Substitute a known-good HandsFreeLink control unit (see HANDSFREELINK CONTROL UNIT REMOVAL/INSTALLATION ), and recheck. If the symptom/indication goes away, replace the original the HandsFreeLink control unit (see HANDSFREELINK CONTROL UNIT REMOVAL/INSTALLATION ). If the symptom is still present, replace the audio unit (see AUDIO UNIT REMOVAL/INSTALLATION ).

NO -Go to step 11.
Turn the ignition switch to LOCK (0).
Disconnect the HandsFreeLink control unit 28P connector (see step 2 under HANDSFREELINK CONTROL UNIT REMOVAL/INSTALLATION ), and the dashboard wire harness 20P connector from the cable reel.
Check for continuity between HandsFreeLink control unit 28P connector terminal No. 2 and dashboard wire harness 20P connector terminal No. 5.

Fig 4: Checking Continuity Between Handsfreelink Control Unit 28P Connector And Dashboard Wire Harness 20P Connector
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

Is there continuity?

YES -Do the HFL switch test (see HFL SWITCH TEST ). If the HFL switch test is OK, substitute a known-good cable reel (see CABLE REEL REPLACEMENT ), and recheck. If the symptom/indication goes away, replace the original cable reel (see CABLE REEL REPLACEMENT ).

NO -Repair an open in the wire between the HandsFreeLink control unit and the cable reel.