HFL Module Replacement - '06 TL
 

I just wanted to add some information you can find when searching for related threads.

About 3 weeks ago my HFL started working when it felt like it, usually every other start for about half the trip. When it was working the Diagnostic Mode showed no errors. When it wasn't working it would display the notorious "booting up."

I tried disconnecting my battery, clearing all phones from the module and repairing and the same happened when pairing another phone.

With all the HFL rants around here that I've read I just decided it was a safe move to replace the module.

I ran across a good, used one and installed it yesterday....now that it's functioning perfectly again if it should go out in the future I will just buy a brand new one.

There was a few differences between what came out and what went in which I'll show in the pictures.

Honestly, this is probably one of the easiest repairs.

Here's the tools you need, more specifically an 8 and 10mm socket, butter knife, 1/4 in. drive ratchet or similar.

Attachment 51536

Getting the overhead console out is extremely simple.

- Take your butter knife and gently pry on the rearward facing area of the sunroof switch and it will pop right out. Undo the connector.

- Where you had the knife to pry is where you need to pull straight down, one simple clip.

Attachment 51537

- From there remove 4, 8mm bolts, undo the connector and there you are.

Here's what you're left with....

Attachment 51538

I replaced the module only so in my case I had to remove the black cover and replace the circuitry. That is held in with 3 very small torx screws.

The replacement used module was pretty different but it works so I guess we'll leave it be. :thumbsup:

Old one is on the left dated 2006, new one is dated 2004. :what:

Note that the old one has some type of marker indication on the green connector....almost like it was marked bad or something before?

Attachment 51539

Attachment 51540

Last step is to spray her down....

Attachment 51541

All done. :D :thumbsup:

Just replaced mine also, decided to get a new one for 180. A used one was 80 bucks and figure an extra hundred will be worth it and I would save money in the long run. These things don't last more than 5-6 years unless you're lucky with continuous use

My old one was dated in 2006 and my new one is 11/30/2011.

That's cool, it really is a handy feature to have. I was asking for an invoice for a new one and then was offered a good used unit and that just fit the bill at the time.....should it go again I will def. go brand new.

Does the new module offer any additional functionality or benefits?

If the one I put in not long ago (used) dies on me, I'm also going to bite the bullet and buy a new unit. I've heard that the new units last longer.

Vector, the new unit does not have any new options that your "old" unit does not.

I don't know if there's a setting on hfl I can change but now my car speakers ring when I get a call.

When I had my Old unit it said "you got an incoming call".

Strange

:nod: Yes, it's an option you can set. I prefer the ring, though.

Yep, go in and adjust your settings. :D

Agreed.

I never knew that. Mine rings, and I prefer that as well, but I didn't know there were any different options.

Does the 07-08 ones fit in the 04-06 or is it different? Reason I ask is because I think it actually allows you to dial the call through the phone and patches the call to the HFL automatically... without having to transfer it over to the HFL.

where are you guys buying used units from? mine went out on my 07 tl-s...

That is annoying, I hear ya. I think all of them are like that but cannot be certain.

PM Ack, he's super easy to deal with. :D

New they are $180, used about $80....you just have to pick your poison and see which fits the bill better at the time.

ack has used units? i thought cuz he works at the dealer that they only have new ones...i will pm him

^ let us know how it goes.

i pmed him and he said he does have a used one but isnt sure about selling it yet....

Sorry about the misinformation....I recall him saying I have several used units from part outs but wasn't sure just how many that meant were laying around.

Honestly, you'd be safe buying new....it's almost def. your issue. Either way good luck and when it comes time let us know if you have any questions.

I got mine new from dealerdirectparts.com for $147 including shipping and no tax. 05 TL gray plastic cover PN 3770-SEP-A02ZA. Installed it tonight and works like a charm. She talks to me again! :)

gabe2006: how did you search for that part# on that site? nothing came up when I put that part. # in the search box.

[QUOTE=gabe2006;13527393]I got mine new from dealerdirectparts.com for $147 including shipping and no tax. 05 TL gray plastic cover PN 3770-SEP-A02ZA. Installed it tonight and works like a charm. She talks to me again![/I]


hey, I've got my 07/08 unit with the cover for 205 from
oemacurapart to ready conversion on the next few days.

He probably means this:
05-06
http://www.acurapartswarehouse.com/o...SEP-A02ZA.html


04
http://www.acurapartswarehouse.com/o...SEP-A01ZA.html

[quote=kenny416;13530313]
How'd it go? Did it work? I also have an '05 and the HFL went out and was considering putting a unit from the newer years in it, I think they sync your contacts to your phone-book over bluetooth on the units put in the 4th gen TLs.

Wasn't sure if it'd fit, suppose it would unless they changed the connector on it or anything else significant.

Was also considering something aftermarket that maybe I could fit up there and make some sort of adapter to convert it over to use the factory loom if I could get the pin-out of that connector I'm sure I could make something work.

Long time reader, first time poster here. I had the same issue as others, Bluetooth fail. Ordered the parts and followed these instructions... Had the new Bluetooth module installed in less than 15 minutes. Im fairly good with electronics but know nothing about cars and had no issues whatsoever. You guys are absolutely great!! Thank you all for the great instructions and insight! Big fan of this board and big fan of the individual's that post here. Searching these posts has saved me hundreds of dollars, and I've learned a few things about my car as well ;). Thanks all!!:toocool:

It took you 15 minutes (a novice by your own recognition) and 2 dealers in Dallas (professionals) whom have the tools at thier finger tips and done this sort of thing many times, wanted to charge me about 250 in labor to install it and 250 for the part. If they could do it in 15 minutes like you, then that is 1,000 dollars an hour. This is why I say these dealerships really hate you. David mcdavid in Plano tx is one of the dealers that wanted that much. The last time I called them for a seatbelt light that came on, they said they would not warranty the seat belt because they had not seen my car for anything in 3 years, such as oil changes and stuff like that. So in other words, if you don't pay them rediculo. us prices for the little maintenance items that you do yourself or go to a oil changing place, then they wont warranty anything. So again I say dealerships really must not like their customers. Who makes $1,000 per hour?

Btw, I have only put on 3600 miles on my car this past year and I do my own oil changes and I had the timing belt done for 600 rather than the 1,000 that David mcdavid wanted. I will always try to find the best price for service. I don't owe the dealer anything. So they can't hold it over my head that they have not seen me in 3 yrs. But that is exactly what they did. I think they must love me in order to be so kind.

[quote=kenny416;13530313]Hey kenny,

I'm a new user. I've been reading through the threads and your the first Canadian thats discussing the topic im looking into currently.

My HFL/bluetooth module recently burned out on me. I need to replace it and have been shopping around.

I called the place you got your HFL from, oemacuraparts, and the guy there informed me that the US HFL module's wont work on Canadian cars...something about them not being compatible in French and the wiring. Said I would have to buy the part from a Canadian dealer which is $650 +taxes. I have an 07 TL w/Nav and wanted to know what your P/N was when you ordered the HFL module? The Canadian P/N is 39770SEP - C11ZA, the C denoting Canada.

Can you or anyone else knwoledged on this issue give me some more info? It would be much appreciated. Thanks.

thank you for this. made it a lot easier. this was my second bluetooth adapter replacement. my first one was under warranty.

i ordered mine from acurapartswarehouseDOTcom for $178.00
item: 39770-SEP-A02ZA if you need it in moonlight gray. i have black interior (gray roof) and this is what i needed.

shipping was $20, but i also ordered the motors for both side view mirrors, the rear vents (back of center console) and rear seat clips.

also, instead of a knife, i put two gift cards together, i figure plastic wouldnt damage anything if slipped or applied too much pressure.

information: 2006 acura TL with nav black on black in case your wondering. i am pretty sure the part i ordered is good for 04-06 models. 07-08 have a different part number.

I see from the posts that your HFL died. Mine acts strange only when trying to pair a phone...when I got my iPhone a few months ago it took about 10 attempts before it "took"....usually it tried to pair and then just dropped, and I had to start over. Is this a sign of the HFL starting to crap the bed? Past pairing of phones went fine, but when I tried to pair my wifes phones (non-smartphone) it would not pair no matter how many times I tried....I would get to a certain point and then it would just drop.

mine had issues for about a day, then crapped out. it would drop connection randomly. then i went in and deleted my phone, and after that i could never repair it. it would say 'no phones have been found", and my phone would not pick up the bluetooth. basiclly its just stop broadcasting. personally, i think your unit is going out, but i could be wrong.

pictures really helped

I'm new to the board and would appreciate any help. I had my HFL replace in my 06 TL/NAV a couple of years ago (wish I had found this board sooner). Now I have a related but a bit different problem. Neither the bluetooth phone connection or the hands free link can hear me. I'm guessing it's a microphone problem but I don't know where to start. Any suggestions?

Thanks,

Gordon

The mic is in the HFL unit, and the NAV uses the same mic for voice commands. Try a voice command like "display gas stations" on your NAV, or "climate control 70 degrees"-- does your voice control work?
If yes, the mic is fine and you should check the Bluetooth next.

When you press the HFL "connect" button on the steering wheel, is there any response from the HFL?
If no, the HFL might be bad.
When your phone is on, select and view the HFL status in the MID-- does it show "booting up"?
If yes, the HFL is likely bad and will need to be replaced.

Welcome to AZ.

Thanks
 

Thanks for the response. Based on what I read here, I decided to run the diagnostic test and see what happened. It said everything was fine so I tried again and now it's picking up my voice! I hope it keeps working.

Gordon

Thanks ohsixMTee!! I was having the exact same issue, and didn't want to pay dealership to do this, since it was so easy to follow your directions. Acura of Bloomington(MN) want $240 for the part and $125 for the labor. I ordered online for $185 and installed myself over the weekend. Took 15 minutes from start to finish, including having to repair my phone. Love it when I can fix things on my car myself, rather than pay the dealership to do it!

I wanted to find out if anybody is having a similar problem to mine. My HFL unit had also died about a year ago and I bought a new HFL unit from Hondapartsunlimited in May 2012. The new HFL unit works fine as far as pairing, dialing, storing #s...etc, but I think its draining my battery when the car is off.

When I get in the morning, the spot where the HFL unit is located is warm to the touch. I assume this means that it had been working and draining my battery non-stop over night. Since I drive everyday it hasn't been a problem, but lately since it got cold in NY I had to jump start my car 3 times in the last week. After I disconnected the HFL unit, the battery got charged up and has not been giving me any problems. I like having the HFL and use it pretty frequently...so i don't want to give up easily and keep it disconnected.

Do you guys think the HFL unit is defective? Could it be something else in the car that is not turning off and feeding power to the unit when it really shouldn't be?

I would expect this to be a problem found with the old HFL unit, but this one is new. BTW I have an '06 TL and the battery is 3 years old. I had it tested and the results came back that its fine.

[QUOTE=TLAli;13835931]Hi Kenny416 or TLAIi,

I too am wondering if the HFL Module from the US Acura Dealer will work on our Canadian Acura. Note that this is not for a TL, but an 07 RDX Tech, but its the same HFL module.

The part number here in Canada is 39770-STK-C01.
The part number in the US is 39770-STK-A01.

I don't have a TL, but a 2007 RDX Tech, although I believe the units are basically the same. Since I only use English and not French, will the US part work on our Canadian Acuras?

I don't really want to purchase it here for $750.00. Thanks anyone....

I disconnected mine as it drained and killed my battery. Had to replace my battery thanks to that damn chip.

Does anyone else's still say "booting up" after disconnecting it?

Yes, unit should be replaced
 

had this issue twice, first time it was replaced by warranty. 2nd time it happened, no warranty... so i unplugged the entire unit. Don't really talk on the phone when i drive with music on :)

My HFL module was always warm/hot on my '07 RDX (even with the key out) and after 2 weeks at the dealer, they did eventually find out that it was the HFL module that was draining the battery. I just replaced mine with a new one and so far its been good. I also purchased the US HFL module and it works fine on my Canadian RDX, much cheaper too. We need to have this as talking on the phone to your ear is illegal in BC, but legal if using a Hands Free Bluetooth connection.

I have not fixed mine either. Money is not the problem.. Just why spend it if I really dont use it that much. At least lately I have no phone calls.. Kinda sad, but true. Plus if it breaks twice, I better just find an alternative.

mine jus stopped working too on a 07 tl-s. Will prob buy and replace the HFL unit . my battery just died a week ago too and i replaced that. dam mayb it was jus bc of this unit. it was acting up a little before jus working when it felt like it kind of .