Telematics System Description: Notes

Basic Configuration 

HondaLink ® Plus delivers remote services to the vehicle using an embedded cellular module in the telematics control unit and the customer's smartphone. The telematics control unit provides access to emergency services, remote vehicle functions, enhanced navigation services, remote vehicle diagnosis, and customer relation services. The customer's smartphone provides access to the vehicle finder, and tracking services.

General Operation 

The telematics system consists of the telematics control unit, telematics switch module that has built in LINK/ASSIST buttons and the indicator light, roof antenna (TEL/GPS), TEL antenna, front HFL-ANC/active sound control microphone, and the infotainment control unit. The HondaLink ® Plus features are dependent on the telematics control unit communicating with the Honda server or the telematics service provider (TSP) via the cellular connection. If there is any interruption in the cellular signal, like poor cellular reception, HondaLink ® Plus features may not function properly.

Telematics Subscription 

Some telematics features are subscription-based and won't function without a current subscription.

NOTE:  The available function depends on Honda approved smartphone application.

The telematics system needs latest provisioning file. The infotainment control unit checks that the latest provisioning file is available via the telematics control unit each time the vehicle is turned to the ACCESSORY mode. If the customer made a subscription for the telematics service, the TSP sends provisioning file to the telematics control unit using SMS.

Telematics Control Unit 

The telematics control unit built into the TEL/GPS module. This module consists of a NAD (Network Access Device) and a GPS receiver, and receives cellular signal and GPS signal. The telematics control unit has two antenna systems (TEL ANT1 line and TEL ANT2 line) for improving the communication quality.

The infotainment control unit communicates with the telematics control unit using the USB (USB3 lines). The data communication between the telematics control unit and other units (gauge control module, body control module, and SRS unit) use the B-CAN.

The telematics control unit picks up the driver's voice using the front HFL-ANC/active sound control microphone to communicate with the operator as needed. The telematics control unit sends the operator's voice to the stereo amplifier *1 or the tuner-amplifier unit *2 using the TELEM SIG lines, then these unit outputs the operator's voice from the vehicle's speaker. If the telematics control unit is in the calling mode, all of the audio system speakers are muted forcibly by outputting the mute signal using the TEL MUTE line.

*1: With 11 speakers

*2: With 7 speakers

Diagnostic Function 

The telematics unit has diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) that can be read or clear by the HDS. There is also a self-diagnostic function available that does not need the HDS. The infotainment control unit can check the telematics control unit status by performing the System Diagnostic Mode.

OTA (Over the Air) Update 

The telematics control unit is able to download the update software for the infotainment control unit, RES control unit, and the telematics control unit using the own cellular network. Refer to the Audio and Visual System description.

o: Processed automatically

x: User interaction

Infotainment Control Unit 

The infotainment control unit displays an information screen about the telematics system to the center display unit. The infotainment control control unit has the telematics application for displaying an embedded browser as an user-interface. Also the infotainment control unit can communicate with appropriate server for the telematics system using smartphone connection.

Microphone 

The front HFL-ANC active sound control microphone receives customer's voice, and transmits them to the telematics control unit. Refer to the Audio and Visual System description.

Roof Antenna/TEL Antenna 

A TEL (cellular) antenna (connected to the TEL ANT2 line) and a GPS antenna are integrated into the roof antenna. This antenna is the same part as a GPS antenna for navigation. The TEL antenna (connected to the TEL ANT1 line) is located in the dashboard.

Telematics Switch Module 

LINK/ASSIST buttons and a system status indicator are integrated into the telematics switch module. These signals are processed directly by the telematics control unit via hard wires.

• The telematics control unit turns on the system status indicator. The system status indicator notifies the user of status in the system by using different lighting/blinking patterns .
• When you press the LINK button or the ASSIST button, the telematics control unit sends the call request to the TSP via the embedded cellular module in the telematics control unit. The call can be terminated by pressing the LINK button or the ASSIST button, or by touching the End Call option on the center display unit.
• The system status indicator dims to night mode by the illumination ON signal form the B-CAN.

Telematics System Functions 

All functions may not describe in this section. The function may change depending on equipment or specification.

Airbag Deployment Call 

If the SRS airbag is deployed, the SRS unit sends a crash detection signal to the telematics control unit via the hard wire (CDS) or the B-CAN.Then the telematics control unit sends a SMS message to the TSP automatically that includes the vehicle location so that the TSP operator can send emergency assistance to the vehicle. The TSP will place a call to the vehicle to try and communicate with the customer to assess the situation, and to area authorities to send emergency services.

Remote Operation 

This function can operate the customer's vehicle by remote control through the TSP using the customer's phone. The remote door LOCK/UNLOCK, security alarm, vehicle finder, and the remote engine start becomes available with this function.

Stolen Vehicle Tracking 

The vehicle tracking feature allows a stolen vehicle to be tracked using the embedded GPS receiver in the telematics control unit. Stolen vehicle requests are made from the customer's phone. The customer must first file a police report and use that as a reference when speaking to the TSP operator. With that information, the TSP will request GPS data from the vehicle and provide that information to the area law enforcement agency.

Remote Destination 

The remote destination feature allows a destination to be sent to the vehicle remotely by a TSP operator. The infotainment control unit can connect to internet server via HTTPS connection using the telematics control unit. The routes and points of interest are possible to find from a web site.

A remote destination can also be sent to the vehicle by the TSP while driving. If the customer requests the routing to the TSP operator by using the LINK button, the operator sends the requested location route data to the telematics control unit. After the route has been received by the telematics control unit, the customer can select that destination from the routing menu.

Virtual Dashboard 

This function allows the customer to see the vehicle status (door OPEN/CLOSE, trip computer, tire pressure, and others) by a web site or a smartphone. The telematics control unit stores latest vehicle status information from the B-CAN or the infotainment control unit. When there was a request from the customer, the telematics control unit sends the virtual dashboard data to the TSP, and transmits them to the customer.

Speed Alert 

If the vehicle exceeds the specified speed, the TSP notifies to the customer. This function is set by the web site or the smartphone. When the vehicle turned to the ON mode, the telematics control unit monitors the vehicle speed using the B-CAN data (VSPNE).

Geo Fencing 

If the vehicle goes out from the specified area in which is decided beforehand, the TSP sends the message to the customer's smartphone. This function is set by the web site or the smartphone. When the vehicle turned to the ON mode, the telematics control unit monitors the vehicle location by GPS during the vehicle in the ON mode.

Wipe Personal Data 

This function allows the customer to clear (factory reset) the personal data in the infotainment control unit by a web site or a smartphone. The telematics control unit can receive the Wipe Personal Data request from the TSP regardless of the ignition mode in the vehicle. The telematics control unit sends the Wipe Personal Data command to the infotainment control unit after the vehicle is turned to the ACCESSORY mode or the ON mode.