Ford Tech Lane

Some Ford Sync users reported issues today with their Bluetooth connectivity after upgrading to Apple's new iOS version 5.1.1

By Vince Hennigan, Ford Sync Specialist

We’ve been busy today at our dealership. Apple started alerting iPhone users to the new iOS 5.1.1 update… and it seems for some Ford Sync users that downloading and upgrading has caused some things get out of “Sync” with their Ford Microsoft Sync systems.

For many, the MyFord Touch screen went to “black” and froze on whatever task it was working on and refused to “turn off.” I recommend doing a “hard reboot” on vehicles that are “frozen.” To do this, turn off your vehicle, open the hood, use a wrench to loosen the nut on the black battery cable clamp. Remove the clamp from the battery for about a minute, then replace it and tighten the bolt back up. Close the hood and restart the vehicle. The MyFord Touch system will do a “reboot”  and the system will start up again from factory specs.Things should be working normally again from this point. Sometimes I think these Apple software updates cause the Bluetooth protocol to change with the Sync system, leaving things out of kilter. A reboot seems to start things up from a common point and will work better.

Apple released the software update on May 8, 2012 and stated it would address some security issues and,

- Improve reliability of using HDR option for photos taken using the Lock Screen shortcut.

- Address bugs that could prevent the new iPad from switching between 2G and 3G networks.

- Fix bugs that affected AirPlay video playback in some circumstances.

- Improve reliability for syncing Safari bookmarks and Reading List.

- Fix an issue where ‘Unable to purchase’ alert could be displayed after successful purchase.

Users can install iOS 5.1.1 using the over-the-air Software Update from your device Settings, or by plugging into iTunes and downloading it from there. As always, recommends devices are plugged into a power source while installing.

As always, if you’ve got Sync issues, contact us here and we’ll be able to take care of you. It’s amazing how resilient the Ford/Microsoft Sync software works across so many phones and so many carriers with so few issues! Since the MyFord Touch Performance Upgrade last month, almost everyone is reporting that their Sync systems are working very well. However, some people say they would prefer the “buggy” original version. I know the new upgrade works faster and understand “voice” commands so much easier.

Here's five ways to get more music from your Ford Sync system.

By Vincent Hennigan, Ford Sync Specialist

The focus of this Sync Workshop is simple – we’ll be looking at the five top ways to get the most out of your playing your music on the Microsoft Sync hands-free infotainment system found on most Fords – especially those built since 2010.

First, streamline the access to your music.

Yes, it’s true the iPhone has a port for recharging that has a USB plug on one end. You can plug it into a wall adapter to recharge the phone. You can plug the phone into a computer (by accessing iTunes) so you can back-up (sync) your files with the computer, install larger apps, move files (movies, photos) and/or charge the phone. You can push the “voice” button on the steering wheel and say Bluetooth. You can say, “Play,” “Shuffle,” or “Pause” but don’t ask the system to “Play Artist Rolling Stones.” You can plug your iPhone into the vehicle through the USB port, but don’t expect the system to find it by saying “Bluetooth Audio.”  Also, don’t go to your phone’s screen and expect to be able to scroll through your playlists. The screen will not show any details, but you can (after you let the Sync system “index” your files for a few minutes) say, “Play Artist Rolling Stones” and have it locate and play all of your Stone’s tracks. So the moral of the story: Get a 4GB, 8GB, 16GB or larger USB jump drive and transfer all of your music files to the jump drive. Then plug this USB into your vehicles USB port. Then you can access the music by pushing the voice button and saying “USB.” Then you can use voice commands to search by song title or artist name. When you’re at BestBuy or other electronic store, you can find a USB charger that fits into your 12-volt charge port on your vehicle dash. This will charge your phone batteries faster than a stand USB connection. Also, if you have iTunes on your computer, you can play your CDs and let iTunes records the material into Mp3 or Mp4a format. Most store-bought CDs will transfer over artist information, such as song title, length of track, and so on through Gracenote® technology. Once you have recorded your music though iTunes it will be “searchable” through a system such as Ford’s Sync. continue reading…

Tips on using streaming Bluetooth music with your iPhone 4S and the Ford Sync system

Thousands of people use the iPhone 4s every day and many of them drive Ford vehicles with Sync – but how do you get the most “music” out of your iPhone 4s on the Sync system?

This workshop will cover a few topics and hopefully make it a bit easier…

Most iPhone 4S users connect their phones to a computer occasionally to recharge their phone or to get iPhone OS updates. If you don’t, you should. What I mean is… if all you ever do is plug your phone into phone’s USB cord and plug it into a USB port to recharge, then you could be using an old out-of-date software version. Connecting through iTunes allows the user to backup files, to download App updates, to download iTunes music, download photos and videos and much more.

If you haven’t already, then pair your iPhone to your Ford sync system in your vehicle. Click on this video link to get that handled. The Sync system will recognize your phone as an iPhone, a Bluetooth music device and an USB device. Where a lot of users get things out of whack is when they starting mixing the uses with the Sync system. continue reading…

New Lane Keeping technology is now available on the 2013 Ford Explorer and Fusion and can help make drowsy drivers have a safer driving experience.

Ford is bringing sophisticated lane keeping technology, once only available in high-end vehicles, to be available for the everyday driver in the 2013 Explorer and the 2013 Fusion.

The new Lane Keeping System is an available option that can warn drivers if it detects they are getting too tired to drive. Vehicles with the new technology are already arriving at Ford dealerships around the country. The system has three unique features designed to help drivers stay in control behind the wheel, including a Driver Alert System that can notify drivers if it detects signs of drowsiness. In this case, a coffee cup light will appear on the dashboard instrument cluster to suggest the driver take a break.

The Explorer and the newly redesigned Fusion will be loaded with new innovations, including this new lane keeping technology that helps drivers stay in control of their vehicle if they drift out of their lane or show signs of drowsiness.

Click here for animation of Ford’s new Lane Keeping System.

The system uses a small forward-facing camera mounted on the windshield behind the rearview mirror, and is able to identify lane markings on both sides of the vehicle. When the vehicle is on the move, the camera looks at the road ahead and predicts where the vehicle should be positioned relative to the lane markings. continue reading…

We've compiled about 20 links to short videos to help drivers master the Ford Sync System.

Learning how to use the Ford Microsoft Sync infotainment system takes a little practice but in time a driver will learn to effectively use this hands-free system.

The whole idea of this system is to help drivers get more out of driving while staying focused on the task at hand – safe driving! Please focus on good driving whenever you are operating a vehicle on the road. Keep driver distractions to a minimum.

The best thing to do when exploring this system is to have your vehicle parked in your driveway. Once you have mastered some techniques, then you can try them while driving.

Have your cellphone(s) and media player(s) or USB devices with you and turn on your vehicle. To get the most out of your Sync Services system, make sure you have established your account at www.syncmyride.com. Often times, your salesperson will have set up this account for you even before you took delivery of the vehicle.

Your Sync system, which allows hands-free making and receiving of phone calls, accessing and playing Bluetooth, media player or USB music, along with apps such as Vehicle Health Report or 911 Assist, is standard equipment on most Ford vehicles built since mid-2010. If you are having trouble, please contact your Ford sales representative or one of the dealership Service Advisors.

There are a variety of topics listed here. Just click on any of the following video links to get a short look at some of the features you may need to know on your Sync system.

Getting to Know Sync

Sync Introduction

Making Calls continue reading…

The 2013 Ford Focus Electric shows that technology can mean more fuel efficiency.

Using technology is a new way to create a more fuel-efficient, safe, and functional vehicles… that have all the comforts of home.

Ford has been pushing the technology envelope by adding hands-free infotainment to its entire line of vehicles in the past few years. However, in 2013 it will have 10 vehicles that should be leading the pack for fuel efficiency, as well as for in-vehicle technology.

Ford just announced that its all-new Focus Electric is America’s most fuel-efficient five-passenger car with a certified 110 miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe) city rating and 99 MPGe on the highway. It has been certified by the EPA to offer 105 MPGe combined, beating Nissan Leaf by 6 MPGe while offering more motor power and more standard features. Focus Electric’s 99 MPGe highway certification bests the 92 MPGe rating for the Leaf. continue reading…

Users of the new MyFord Touch Performance Upgrade report that the new system delivers an easier to read and easier to use interface.

The new MyFord Touch Performance Upgrade should soon be in the hands of existing customers… and those that have used it report that the system delivers on its promise to be easier to use and understand.

Ford Motor Company started mailing out more than 300,000 MyFord Touch/MyLincoln Touch Performance Upgrade packages last week. Dealerships all over the country upgraded the existing new vehicles in stock, so that means some users are enjoying the new system without ever experiencing the way it used to be.

At our dealership, we’ve delivered at least four customers into new Focuses, Edges or Explorers with the new upgrade already installed. The customers are happy with the system and they think it works fine. Of course, there is another type of customer – the ones who have owned a 2011 or 2012 Edge or Explorer, or the 2012 Focus. These customers have the fresh memories of frozen screens, misinterpreted voice commands, poor touch screen response, or worse, the dreaded black screen (followed by the system reboot). continue reading…

Thousands of Ford and Lincoln owners with the MyFord Touch/MyLincoln Touch will be receiving within soon a special package with the new Performance Upgrade.

More than 300,000 current owners of 2011 and 2012 Ford Edges, Explorers and Focuses with the MyFord Touch system will soon be receiving some new software from their car company — the much-anticipated MyFord Touch and MyLincoln Touch system upgrade software.

Dave Martin, Field Service Engineer for Ford, said March 5 that Ford would begin mailing out a special packet to the thousands of 2011/2012 model year Edge, MKX, Explorer and 2012 Focus owners with MyFord Touch and MyLincoln Touch. The packet will include a USB flash drive with updated software, a notification letter, detailed instructions for the 60-minute download, and an update user guide. Navigation-equipped vehicle owners also will receive an updated SD card with all-new, updated map data.

Ford and Lincoln service departments are gearing up for this release because, if preferred, customers can elect to take their vehicle to a Ford or Lincoln dealer for installation of the upgrade.

The new software upgrade will be installed on the 2012 Ford Taurus and the Flex which are now going into the “build mode.” continue reading…

Check to see if the "Bluetooth" logo is displaying on your dashboard to verify that your phone is connected to the Ford Sync System.

As the Ford Sync system enters into its fifth year of existence, many people are asking about Sync or MyFord Touch upgrades and updates. This workshop focuses on “keeping things current.”

Ford Motor Company has been building automobiles for almost 110 years and now it’s in the computer and software business. In working with Microsoft, Ford has developed a software-driven in-dash telematics system. Since the 1970s onboard vehicle sensors have expanded everywhere in a vehicle. With the advent of electronic fuel injection years ago, computers started taking over the engine functions. Computers in the dashboard are now handling phone calls, Bluetooth streaming and USB-driven music and, with a few phones, text-to-voice messaging.

And, of course, sometimes there are problems or “things start acting up.” So let’s go over some of the things you need to be aware of.

If a Sync system is acting up, the first thing to do is to check to see if the vehicle identifies the Bluetooth connection. continue reading…

Sometimes it takes a little practice to learn how to get the Sync System to understand your voice commands.

For some Ford customers, the Microsoft Sync system has a hard time understanding commands that access their phone book. This workshop will go over some of the common problems with phonebooks and to fix the problems.

One of the most common problems is miscommunication with the Sync system. To begin a call, push the “voice” button on the steering wheel (it’s the one with the mouth and the sound waves coming out of it). The system will respond over the speakers with a statement, such as “Sync, state your command.” Reply by saying, “Phone.” The system will respond with “Phone, state your command.” Then say “Call + Name on (device.) “  For example, “Call John Smith on cell.” You won’t be able to say “Dial John Smith” or “Call 800-555-1234.” Refer to your Sync handbook on the work tracks that are effective. The “Phone” icon (looks like a small phone receiver) is for answering a phone (by giving it a quick definite push) or for hanging up or cancelling a call (by pushing the button and holding it down for about five seconds).

Sometimes the problem is your contact’s name. For example, let’s say you were calling “Mia Thompson.” If you pronounce the first name as “Mee-yah” the Sync system won’t find her because a computer would assume the first name is pronounced as “My-ah.” The reason: a computer assumes the letter “I” is pronounced as “eye.” So, if you “think” like a computer you can say the name the way the computer wants to hear it. continue reading…