Voice Control Tips

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2009 Acura MDX, 2008 Acura MDX, and 2007 Acura MDX. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

To give any voice commands to the HFL system, press and release the HFL Talk button. Always wait for the beep, then give your command in a clear, natural voice. The HFL microphone is on the ceiling, by the map lights.

If the HFL system doesn't recognize your voice command, you'll hear "Pardon." If your command isn't recognized a second time, you'll hear "Please repeat." If your command isn't recognized a third time, the HFL system sends you to its Help menu.

To hear a list of available options at any time, press the HFL TALK button and say "Hands free help."

The HFL system may have problems with some voices. To improve voice recognition:

Close the windows and moonroof.
Set the fan speed to low (1 or 2).
Adjust the air flow from the air conditioning vents so that they do not blow against the microphone on the ceiling.
Speak in a clear and natural voice. If the system cannot recognize your command, try speaking louder, in a deeper tone.
If the background noise is too loud, you may need to speak louder.
If you speak with something in your mouth, or your voice is too high, the system may not interpret your command correctly.
Find out if the problem is with one person or with everyone who uses the system. If the system has a problem with only one person's voice, this is a system limitation.

Many issues result from the client not using the system properly. Make sure the client is using the HFL buttons and not the navigation buttons. When the HFL TALK button is pressed, the client hears one audible tone. When the HFL BACK button is pressed, the client hears two audible tones. Make sure to press the HFL BACK button to exit out of the HFL main menu after completing a call and before giving any navigation commands.

The HFL system may experience a number recognition issue, such as when a client rattles off a set of numbers in a group unrecognized by the system. The HFL system understands phone numbers in specific blocks of 1, 3, 4, 7, and 10 numbers. For example, the system understands:

1234567890
123-456-7890
1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-0

The system may become confused if numbers are stated in other blocks like these:

1234-567-890
12-34-56-78-90
12345-67890
123-4567-890