Should I have HFT/Navi buttons on my Steering Wheel

[bubblebuzz]

Ok now this will either confirm I'm an idiot or there is standard equipment missing from my new Insight!

To start with its a completely standard 2010 model ES-T (UK model that comes with Navi as standard) and the features list describes the Navigation System as including an Integrated Bluetooth Hands Free Telephone system.

The problem I can't seem to get around is that there appears to be the two HFT buttons and the two Navi buttons missing from the steering wheel. The information system buttons are there on the right hand side of the wheel but only a blanking plate exists on the left hand side where Insight brochures and instruction books show the HFT & Navi buttons.

I went back to the dealer and the salesman just told me that I had the latest model (2011 not 2010) and that they didnt fit those buttons any more! I figured that was a standard fob off and persevered pointing out to him all of the pages and pages of instructions in the manual that were basically useless unless these buttons existed. I couldnt for instance establish a call with the voice commands nor could I answer a call without fumbling with the screen on the Navi. Once he started faltering in his answers he referred me to the Service dept. who would give me a "lesson" on how to use the Navi correctly.

I guess what would really help me is if any UK owners out there with ES-T's or US owners with EX's, if they are the equivalent US model, could lend me their experience of whether or not these buttons should be fitted as standard to Insights that have the Navi hands free phone and sat nav system.

[bubblebuzz]

The way I see it there are the following possibilities to explain the omission of the HFT/Navi buttons on the steering wheel:

1) The salesman speaks the truth and indeed Honda have invented the first no-hands-free hands free telephone system (unlikely)
2) I'm a complete idiot and can't figure out how to use a simple HFT (hopefuly not likely)
3) This car was actually built as an ES and had a Navi fitted in the dealership to make it seem like an ES-T. However they forgot to add the buttons to the steering wheel. (I'm beginning to wonder??)
4) Honda QA overlooked the omission of the HFT/Navi buttons at the factory (very very unlikely)

I'd say Option 3 is looking the favourite at the minute. I've gone separately to Honda to ask their opinion of what is the standard fit equipment but I would really appreciate any other ES-T owners posting their standard steering wheel config here just in case I am an idiot (i.e. option 2)
:0)

[bubblebuzz]

I went to the Honda dealer about the "missing" hands free talk buttons on the steering wheel. Ended up after much back & forth debate with the salesman referring me to Honda Customer Service.

However phoned Honda Customer Service later onand their 1st response was that the navigation must be an after market install! When I told them it was the standard Navi fitted to an ES-T they said they were going to to escalate and that they would get back to me.

as so it goes on...

[mank]

Do you think the dealer ripped you off and really didn't sell you the EX model with navigation (USA designation)?

[bubblebuzz]

Originally Posted by mank

Do you think the dealer ripped you off and really didn't sell you the EX model with navigation (USA designation)?

The thought had crossed my mind but that would be a fairly serious (for the dealer) breach of consumer law in the UK not to say ethics so I'm prepared to let the Honda Customer support team deal with it for now.

The support team works out of Germany & if I havent heard from them by Wednesday I'll be chasing them for an update.

[bubblebuzz]

I contacted the "hondahandsfree.com" support team again to get an update from them on my query. Basically nothing done. Their response was that they don't support any honda handsfree systems that doesn't have a "Hands Free Talk" button on the steering wheel. Grrrrrrrr.

I went next to the general Honda Customer Service desk and guess what - they suggested I contact the hondahandsfree.com desk.

DOH!

I can't even seem to get a simple answer to my question of "Should I have a Bluetooth Hands Free Talk button on my steering wheel?"

Still doing the customer support desk shuffle....
Any UK forum members with a UK spec ES-T? I'd really like to know whether these buttons are fitted to your model or not.

Any suggestions on who within Honda Global I could escalate this with since I've now had the Dealer, Honda Hands Free and Honda Customer support basically telling me its someone elses job to support that.

[Jayemtee]

Just curious, is there any way to track down and get a copy of the original window sticker?

[bubblebuzz]

Originally Posted by Jayemtee

Just curious, is there any way to track down and get a copy of the original window sticker?

depends what you mean by window sticker?

[CobaltDragon]

Why not go to a few other Honda dealerships and ask look at some ES-T models...then you'll see if it's the norm or not.

Originally Posted by bubblebuzz

I contacted the "hondahandsfree.com" support team again to get an update from them on my query. Basically nothing done. Their response was that they don't support any honda handsfree systems that doesn't have a "Hands Free Talk" button on the steering wheel. Grrrrrrrr.

I went next to the general Honda Customer Service desk and guess what - they suggested I contact the hondahandsfree.com desk.

DOH!

I can't even seem to get a simple answer to my question of "Should I have a Bluetooth Hands Free Talk button on my steering wheel?"

Still doing the customer support desk shuffle....
Any UK forum members with a UK spec ES-T? I'd really like to know whether these buttons are fitted to your model or not.

Any suggestions on who within Honda Global I could escalate this with since I've now had the Dealer, Honda Hands Free and Honda Customer support basically telling me its someone elses job to support that.

[bubblebuzz]

Good idea but so far only seen Insight SE models in show rooms