Seeking advice on this problem. My 2014 MDX developed a problem with the Bluetooth feature. Although the BT feature works, it drains the battery after the car is turned off. This is a new problem; it's been working since I bought the car new in 2013. My Acura dealer disconnected the Hands-free module that supplies this function for now. I'm having trouble finding the part to replace this module; it's out of stock across the country. I ordered the part from HondaAcuraonline.com, website run by a helpful dealer in Indiana.
My order was rejected because according to this dealer, the part number I ordered is the wrong one for my vehicle. Yet that is the part installed in my car; I have a picture to prove it. It has never been changed since delivery. The dealer is saying I need a part with a different part number, the Telematics unit, which is considerably more expensive. The parts diagram on this website shows both parts. Yet he's telling me I shouldn't have the part I have. In phone conversation, he's looked up my VIN and says that part in my car is for the base MDX without tech package. My VIN is for tech package, which I have. Yet the part this is failing. Now to my questions.
1) How can I determine for myself which parts are appropriate for my VIN: 5FRYD3H43EB002073? The P/N for Hands-free installed in my car is 39770-TZ5-A510-M1. The P/N recommended by the website owner is 39770-TZ5-A52, the Telematics unit. I believe I have both installed.
2) Assuming that I can't find the part to fix my vehicle, would it be safe to install a manual shut-off switch on the unit? Can I identify the wire in the harness that supplies power to this unit and install a manual switch to break the connection after I turn off the car? So far no dealer or repair shop endorses this idea, claiming it could cause other problems. Yet I could just unplug the thing after I shut off the car and live with a huge inconvenience. The unit is mounted under the dash in the center console near the driver's knee.
I'm open to suggestions.