Service Bulletin
Applies To:

08-057
March 30, 2016

2005–08 TL – ALL
2008 MDX – ALL

HandsFreeLink (HFL) Doesn’t Work, or Battery Is Too Low to Start the
Engine
(Supersedes 08-057, dated July 14, 2012, to revise the information marked by the black bars)
REVISION SUMMARY
Under CORRECTIVE ACTION, the paragraph was
changed.

WARRANTY CLAIM INFORMATION
The normal warranty applies.
OP#

SYMPTOM
The HandsFreeLink (HFL) system doesn’t work, and/or
the battery sometimes won’t start the vehicle.
PROBABLE CAUSE
The HFL control unit has an internal problem, which
creates a parasitic current draw of 250 mA.
CORRECTIVE ACTION
Do the REPAIR PROCEDURE, which includes a
diagnosis, and if necessary, replace the HFL control
unit.
PARTS INFORMATION
HFL Control Unit:
2008 MDX:
P/N 39770-STX-A01
2005–06 TL:
Light Tan, YR167L
P/N 39770-SEP-A02ZB

Description

FRT

0521B3

MDX: Replace the HFL control unit.

0.4

0521B3

TL: Replace the HFL control unit.

0.3

Failed Part:

P/N 39770-SEP-A12ZA

Defect Code:

03217

Symptom Code:

09001

Skill Level:

Repair Technician

REPAIR PROCEDURE
1. Start the engine, and wait for the HFL and
AcuraLink (HIP) control units to boot up (30
seconds).
2. Press the HFL TALK button on the left side of the
steering wheel while listening for a beep.
Does the HFL beep?
Yes – This bulletin does not apply. Continue with
normal troubleshooting.
No – Go to step 3.

Light Cream Ivory, YR240L
P/N 39770-SEP-A02ZC
Moon Lake Gray, NH528L
P/N 39770-SEP-A02ZA
2007–08 TL:
Moon Lake Gray, NH528L
P/N 39770-SEP-A12ZA
Gray, YR167L
P/N 39770-SEP-A12ZB
Light Cream Ivory, YR240L
P/N 39770-SEP-A12ZC
Graphite Black, NH167L
P/N 39770-SEP-A62ZA
Gray, NH556L
P/N 39770-SEP-A62ZB
 2016 American Honda Motor Co., Inc. – All Rights Reserved

HFL TALK BUTTON

3. Turn the ignition switch OFF.

BTB 40583-03592 (1603)

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CLIENT INFORMATION: The information in this bulletin is intended for use only by skilled technicians who have the proper tools, equipment, and
training to correctly and safely maintain your vehicle. These procedures should not be attempted by “do-it-yourselfers,” and you should not assume this
bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle has the condition described. To determine whether this information applies, contact an authorized
Acura automobile dealer.

4. MDX: Check the No. 5 (10 A) fuse in the underdash fuse/relay box.
TL: Check the No. 6 (7.5 A) fuse in the under-dash
fuse/relay box.
Is the fuse OK?
Yes – Go to step 5.
No – Replace the fuse, then repeat steps 1 and 2.
5. MDX: Remove the center console rear trim:
• Refer to page 20-110 of the 07–09 MDX Service
Manual, or
• Online, enter keywords CENTER CONSOLE,
and select Center Console Rear Trim
Removal/Installation from the list.
TL: Remove the roof console:

MOONROOF
SWITCH

6. 05–06 TL: Disconnect the HFL control unit 22P
connector, and measure the resistance between
terminals No. 2 and No. 13 with an ohmmeter.
07–08 TL: Disconnect the HFL control unit 28P
connector, and measure the resistance between
terminals No. 1 and No. 2 with an ohmmeter.
MDX : Disconnect the HFL control unit 28P
connector, and measure the resistance between
terminals No. 1 and No. 2 with an ohmmeter.
Does the resistance change while pressing the HFL
TALK/BACK buttons?
Yes – Connect the HFL control unit connector, and
go to step 7.
No – This service bulletin does not apply. Continue
with normal troubleshooting.
TL:
2005-06 TL:
HFL CONTROL UNIT

7P CONNECTOR

20P CONNECTOR

Wire side of female terminals

CLIP

2007-08 TL:

HFL CONTROL UNIT

ROOF
CONSOLE

Wire side of female terminals
ROOF CONSOLE BEZEL

BOLTS
5 N.m (4 lb-ft)

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08-057

MDX:

11. Replace the HFL control unit:

MDX:

Wire side of female terminals

CENTER
CONSOLE

• MDX: Refer to page 23-296 of the MDX service
manual, or
• 05–06 TL: Refer to page 22-469 of the TL service
manual, or
• 07–08 TL: Refer to page 23-284 of the TL service
manual, or
• Online, enter keywords HFL INPUT, and select
HandsFreeLink Control Unit Input Test/
Replacement.
12. Reconnect the hood switch connector, and close
the hood.
13. Check the vehicle’s battery, and charge or replace
it if needed.

HFL
CONTROL
UNIT

7. Open the hood, and disconnect the hood switch
connector.
8. Close and lock all doors.
NOTE: The exterior lights should flash and the
alarm should beep to indicate that the alarm is set.
9. Attach the LH41 AC/DC low current clamp meter to
the battery ground cable. Follow the LH41
instructions to measure parasitic draw (parasitic
draw is about 250 mA until the HFL control unit
goes into sleep mode). Wait at least 10 minutes to
allow the HFL unit to go into sleep mode.
Does the parasitic draw drop from about 250 mA
down to about 50 mA?
Yes – Go to step 11.
No – Go to step 10.
10. Disconnect the HFL control unit 28P connector,
then recheck the parasitic draw.
Is the parasitic draw about 50 mA or less?
Yes – Go to step 11.
No – This service bulletin does not apply. Continue
with normal troubleshooting to determine the cause
of the parasitic draw.

08-057

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