iPhone and 2009 Honda Accord Bluetooth issues

To my surprise I have also discovered the exact same issue with the integration of the iPhone and the factory installed Honda Bluetooth hands-free system. It appears that the Honda software does not recognize an iPhone initiated hands-free session. It is my understanding that the manufacturer of the Honda entertainment system is Alpine. Honda also has a toll-free number to call regarding the hands-free operation. You can consult the owner's manual. You would think that Apple would take pains to ensure that the Honda factory installed system works with the iPhone particularly since there are large numbers of Honda owners that are also Macintosh fans.

I have also noticed that voicemail audio playback cannot be fed through the Honda system from the iPhone.

The whole idea of a good hands-free system is to provide reliability and a measure of safety when operating a cell phone while driving. Unfortunately the combination of the iPhone and the Honda factory installed hands-free Bluetooth system make for an unsafe and potentially accident prone situation. Apple and Honda work closely on integrating iPod cables with Honda's factory installed entertainment system. For safety's sake they should endeavor to do the same for the Bluetooth iPhone integration.

I just spoke to the Honda Handsfree Support center and they infom me that Johnson Controls makes the HFL for this car. They are very helpful. They said a privacy feature automatically blocks iPhone initiated calls requring you to press the HFL call button and say "transfer" to switch to the HFL. I'm going to try it! Call 888-528-7876 for support.

Getting ready to buy a new car and spent the past week checking out the Navigation system in the Honda line via test driving different models. The best Honda NAV system is NOT on their top of the line Accord, I was stunned that it is found on its mid-level Honda Civic w/ Navigation. That system carries a fantastic, fully functional touch screen. Connectivity is through a USB direct connection to the iPhone. It gives full access the the iPod album, artist and song list on the Nav screen, and immediate interface between the 3G and the car. It is amazing! Great clarity. People tell me it sounds like I was speaking on a phone and not in a car! I was so impressed I thought about buying the car just for its unbelievable connectivity. But Honda has discontinued the Civic Hybrid for the new Honda Insight Hybrid being released in July. One would hope that Honda would put the Civic Hybrid Nav system in the new insight and also into the new 2010 Accord due out in July. It is unfortunate that the top of the line $29K 2009 Accords have an older gen nav than the mid-level Civic. When I bluetoothed into the Accord its clunky and ineffective connection was apparent when compared to the USB direct connection of the Civic Nav. If anyone at Honda reads this post then be sure to allow all these Accord buyers an upgrade to the Civic Nav system with USB interconnect. You folks are gonna love it.

Did they tell you how to transfer the iPhone's phonebook to the Accord's HFL?