Ford Tech Lane

No Emojis Please! Using emoticons on your smartphone can prevent Ford Sync from understanding voice commands.

By Vincent Hennigan
Ford Sync Specialist

Using emoticons on your smartphone is the quickest way to cause severe problems with the voice-to-text functions of the Ford Sync System. Here is my third article on this topic…

Since late 2012 there were numerous problems with the iPhone 5, the iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S and the Samsung Galaxy, the HTC Evo and other smartphones having connectivity issues with the Ford Sync system. User forums for the smartphones and for the Sync system have been filled with people which connectivity problems that affected the base model, the MyFord and the MyFord Touch Sync systems. The issue was something was seriously affecting the Sync users accessibility of their phone book contacts with Voice commands. If you pushed the “Voice” icon on your steering wheel and said “Phone” and then “Call + (your contact name)” then your Sync system might reply, “Calling Dot on Cell.”

Some of the issues were a result of smartphone users downloading and using any of the Emoji Apps. The word emoji is Japanese for ideograms, you know, those little emoticons such as smiley faces, frowny faces, etc.

The new Apple iOS even allows iPhone 5 users to go to their Settings folder, to the General settings, to the Keyboard tab, and then you go to the next menu and select “Keyboards.” You can then tap “Add New Keyboard” and add an emoji keyboard. However, this is the kiss of death for your Sync system.

The issue is that the cute emoticons seen on your smartphone screen as a smiley face are, in fact, long strings of programming language which cause Sync’s text-to-voice conversion to go haywire. When given a Voice command to call a contact the system will say “Calling Dot on Cell” and then dial the first contact listed in your phone book.

If this has happened, then review EVERY phone contact and remove any emoticon. Also remove any extraneous exclamation points, periods, commas, dashes and so on that you might have in your phone contact list. Be sure to even check the name of your device! Some overzealous users renamed their phones with smiley faces on the device name. Check to see that everything is cleared again. Then go to your Bluetooth settings and remove Sync from your phone.

If you have an iPhone, do a soft reset. This is done by holding your “Home” button, the large button at the lower center of your front screen, while also holding down the Power button at the top right. Hold these buttons down until the Apple icon appears. Then release the buttons. Let the phone go idle for a few minutes. You can further push the power button, then slide the on-screen button to power down the phone. Leave the phone off for a few minutes. Then push the power button and let the phone power back up.

Then go to your vehicle. Go to your phone settings and delete your phone from the list of Bluetooth devices. Then turn your vehicle off. Open the hood and find the car battery. Loosen and remove the black (negative) battery cable) for about five minutes. Then replace the cable and tighten the clamp. Close the hood and restart the vehicle. Let a few minutes pass before resetting the radio from AM and resetting the clock.  Then go to your phone settings and pair your phone back. See this video for instructions on pairing a phone.

Yes, this is a lot to do. This is why you need to really clean Emoji Apps and emoji keyboards from your phone files. Emoticons are cute but they defeat the whole purpose of having a Bluetooth-enabled hands-free communications system. Maybe it’s time to say bye, bye to ! So sorry !

Here are some tips to get more out of your iPhone and the Ford Sync system

Getting the most out of your Ford Sync system sometimes means learning more about your smartphone and here are some tips on using your iPhone with the Ford Sync system.

Are you having trouble accessing your iPhone music?

If you have upgraded to a newer Apple iOS, then one of the options is to “back up” and store your music on the Cloud. This uses a process referred to as iTunes Match. Essentially you see the song titles and information on your iPhone – but the music is actually “parked” in the Cloud. The problem is that the Ford Sync system no longer can access this music since it has become part of the Apple proprietary system. If you go to your iPhone’s Settings folder… scroll down to the iTunes & App Stores bar, then turn off the iTunes Match button.

This allows your Sync system to access music files. Turn the iTunes Match button back on to back up and store your music from time to time to keep your files current.

Has your streaming iPhone music stopped playing?

If you pushed the Voice button on the steering wheel to access music by saying “Bluetooth Audio” then you can stream music through your vehicle sound system. It streams music, but you don’t have enough bandwidth to give voice commands to “Play Artist Bruno Mars.”

If you plug your iPhone into the USB port, then you’ll have to push the Voice button and say “USB.” The Sync system will index the music on your iPhone (or USB jump drive) and after a few minutes, push the Voice button again and when the Sync system says “USB, state your command” then say “Play All.” The Sync system will begin playing your music. You can then push the Voice button and say “Play Artist Miranda Lambert” and it will find and play her music (if you have that in your collection).

So can I play music from Pandora?

If you have a Pandora account on your iPhone, then you can push the Voice button and say “Bluetooth Audio.” The system will reply “Bluetooth Audio” and then go to your iPhone and tap the Pandora icon (or other streaming music App) and then as that App starts to play, your music will mute and the streaming music will play.

Once again, if you plug your iPhone into USB, then you have to give your system a voice command of “USB” for the system to change the content it is accessing.

Can I get voice-to-text text messages read to me?

If you have an iPhone 4s or an iPhone 5, go to your phone and push the Home button (the large button on the lower center of your phone). Hold the Home button for a few seconds and you will hear a tome on your phone (and the Sync system). Say, “Read Text Messages.” Your iPhone’s Siri will look for messages and read them to you. If you want to send a message, push the Home button and say “Send Text Message.” Your Siri will ask who you want to send to and what you want to say. Just follow instructions.  In fact, you can push the Home button and ask Siri any question. When you are finished with Siri, just push and hold the phone icon on your steering wheel and “hang up” on the call.

So how can I get voice-activated GPS instructions through the Sync system?

Let’s say you want to use your iPhone 4s or iPhone 5 App, such as Google Maps, to get turn-by-turn instructions. Push the Voice button on the steering wheel and say “Bluetooth Audio.” Then go to your iPhone and activate your GPS App. It will “speak” the instructions over the Sync system. Push and hold the phone icon on the steering wheel to hang up the voice instructions.

On-going support for your iPhone and Sync …

Complete power down your iPhone at least once a week. Keep the iPhone off for at least a few minutes. Then power it back up.

Go to your phone’s main screen. Then push the Home button twice. The screen will slide up. You will see a group of App icons. Push and hold your finger on one of the Apps until a red circle with a white minus symbol appears. Then tap the red circle and the Apps will be turned off. Most people will find that every time they open an App that it stays on “in the background.” This uses more power and drains your battery more quickly. By turning off your iPhone Music App you won’t have the music starting to play automatically every time you start up your vehicle.

By the way, if you are playing Bluetooth or USB music then you can push one of the Audio buttons on your vehicle to change to AM/FM, CD, Aux or Sirius as a music source. Or, you can use the Media (or Source) buttons (if you have them on your vehicle) to access any of the Media available to your vehicle.

Here are some tips for pairing your phone and keeping your phone connection with the Ford Sync system.

Has your phone lost is connection to your Ford Sync system? There are many factors that could be affecting the connection, and here are some tips to help you stay connected.

Most times, the Bluetooth connection loss may be because your phone has had signal interference. When you can, turn off the vehicle. Let your vehicle “power down completely” by opening and closing the door. Power down your phone completely for at least a minute and then turn it back on. Then turn your vehicle back on. In most cases, the Bluetooth connection will be re-established. If it doesn’t then read on…

If you push the Voice button on the steering wheel, say “Phone.” The system will usually reply “Sync, state your command.” If it states, “No Bluetooth device found, I will try to connect one.” If it can reconnect, it will and then you just begin the process again, but pushing the Voice button and saying “phone.” In many cases, the user had Bluetooth turned off on their phone before they got in the car. When the car was started the Sync system tried to “find” the phone, but it could not, because the phone’s Bluetooth connection was set to off. If you have tried all of this and you still do not have a connection, then read on…

Go to the Phone Menu on your Ford vehicle, go to Bluetooth Devices, select Connect Bluetooth Device, and then scroll through the devices that are available. Find your phone (by name or by model number), then push the OK button. The system will try to connect to the device. If you are unsure on how to get to your Phone Menu, then consult your Owner’s Manual or call your salesperson or dealership.

When you have a connected Bluetooth device, you will often see the Bluetooth symbol appear on your console display (if you have the basic Sync system) or on a touchscreen Nav system it will appear on your list of devices. On a MyFord Touch (MFT) system, the name of your device will appear in the upper left corner. Also, be sure you have the latest version of firmware for your phone. Completely power down your phone and then reboot it before you get in and start your vehicle.

If you have an iPhone, then see this video on pairing your iPhone.

Here are tips on pairing the iPhone:

Before pairing your iPhone with SYNC, turn Bluetooth On.

During pairing, you’ll be prompted to download your phonebook. To improve SYNC voice recognition, limit the number of contacts that download from your phonebook when pairing.

To use Favorite contacts:

Go to Bluetooth > SYNC settings

Set Favorites to On and under Other check None

Note that if you do this, only contacts marked Favorite will be available to SYNC.

If you have an Android-based phone (Samsung Galaxy, Motorola RAZR, HTC Evo, etc.), then refer to this video on pairing the Android.

You may want to delete Sync from your connected Bluetooth devices and delete your phone from the Sync system and then re-Pair your phone. Here are some tips:

Before pairing your Android^TM phone with SYNC:

Go to your phone Settings and turn Bluetooth On 

Under Bluetooth settings, choose Discoverable and Scan for Devices

Go to your vehicle, go to Add Bluetooth Device, begin the pairing process.

Your Sync system will produce a PIN number and ask you to enter the PIN into your phone.

Once your Sync system recognizes your phone it will begin to ask questions such as “Turn on 911 Assist?” Push OK or Yes.

The Sync system will ask if you want to Download Phone Book, then push OK

During pairing, your Android phone may notify you that SYNC wants to access your messages and phonebook. Choose Always Allow.

Still having problems, then call Ford’s In-Vehicle Technology Team Hotline at 1-800-392-3673; pick 1 for English; 2 for Spanish. Then pick 3 for the In-Vehicle Technology Team and then 1 for SYNC/MFT/MLT support). They provide live technical assistance with SYNC/MFT/MLT issues.

Or visit this web page: www.support.ford.com/support.lincoln.com  This is the customer hub for all things SYNC/MFT/MyLincoln Touch.

Or, you can visit you’re your SyncMyRide website. If you haven’t registered yourself and your Sync system, then go to www.syncmyride.com. Once registered, then visit the SYNC My Ride Community Forum (located right hand side of the page under Owner to Owner. The link is: https://secure.syncmyride.com/Own/Modules/SupportContent/SupportHome.aspx

If you want to check to see if your phone is compatible with the Sync system, then go to the Phone Matrix at http://support.ford.com/SYNC-technology/phone compatibility-SYNC-MyFord-touch

Once at the link, select “Phone Compatibility Chart” and a .pdf document will appear listing all tested phones, mp3 devices and other features. This document includes features information on phone compatibility. Should not be considered comprehensive

When in doubt, check your Owner’s Manuals that came with the vehicle – especially the one referring to the Sync system or the MyFord/Lincoln Touch system.

Sometimes the Ford Sync system cannot make a phone call due to problems with your phone book contacts — here’s a workshop on overcoming this problem.

So you try to use the Ford Sync system to make a hands-free phone call and the Ford Sync system replies, “Calling Dot on Cell…” It’s frustrating, but it seems the issue isn’t caused by the Sync system, it’s caused by your phone.

Sometimes the Ford Sync system is compromised in its search for phone contact information and this workshop focuses more on managing your iPhone contacts folder.

With the growing number of smartphone users there seems to be a growing number of “issues” when it comes to using Bluetooth accessible system like the Ford Sync System.

Recently we have seen a growing number of iPhone users with a problem of not being able to access their phone book contacts. Even though the phone has been paired correctly and the phone book has been “downloaded” the system still cannot make the call.

For example, you push the Voice button on the steering wheel and say “Phone.” The system replies, “Phone, state your command.” Then you say, “Call John Smith on cell.” The Sync may reply with “Calling Dot on Cell.” Then it calls the first name listed in your phone book. What’s up?

One issue was covered in an earlier blog.  That issue is focused on improper data entry into the phone book. This new issue is related to software apps, such as Emoji 2. This free app lets you add emoticons (such as smiley faces and so on) to your iPhone contacts. The trouble is that even one emoticon (or for that matter, extraneous punctuation marks and symbols used in phone book data fields) will corrupt your phone book to the point that Sync cannot interpret any of your contact names.

Solution: Don’t use this App. If you do, then you cannot rely on any Bluetooth hands-free system to “find” the contact name. You would have to manually dial your contact on your phone while driving — and this defeats the entire purpose of hands-free Bluetooth systems. Or, you can delete the App from your phone and go back and edit out any emoticons, logos, artwork, symbols, punctuation marks and so on that you put into your phone book.

Once that is done, the you should do a “soft reset” on your smartphone. Here’s a quick video link on a soft reset for the iPhone.

If you have additional questions, be sure to visit the syncmyride.com website. Happy driving!

Learn how to pair an Android, an iPhone or a Blackberry to the Ford Sync system.

When it comes to flexibility, the Ford Sync® system, allows the user to do so much – and it seems that sometimes this appears to be a weakness of the system. Here’s a quick overview to show how to “pair” your phone and start using the hands-free features on Sync.

This hands-free infotainment system has been available in Fords since 2008. It’s based on a platform referred to as “Bring Your Own Device.” This means you can “pair” (connect) almost any smartphone, iPod, Mp3 player, or even older phones — as long as they are Bluetooth compatible. Sync has advanced from a basic system with an LED readout, to the MyFord and the MyFord Touch systems. Today’s topic focuses on pairing your phone model tot he Sync system.  For tips on making your phone compatible with SYNC, see the sections about the Android™, iPhone^®, and Blackberry^® phone platforms.

See this “Know your phone” video.

Some manufacturers focus their in-vehicle technology to just a certain type of phone but the Ford system works with just about every phone. SYNC uses Bluetooth^® to connect to your phone and that’s the only feature your phone is required to have.  To get the most out of the SYNC system, it’s a good idea to keep your phone updated with the latest firmware version. Also, completely power down your phone at least once a week and let it reboot before getting back into your vehicle.

Your phone has physical features, such as buttons and jacks, that allows you to control how it works. Every phone also has a type of software known as “firmware.” A change in the firmware version can significantly change the function of your phone. While all the supported phones offer basic SYNC functionality—such as making hands-free calls— to learn what firmware versions support more advanced features, see the phone compatibility chart. Consult your phone manufacturer’s guide for instructions on how to find your existing firmware version.  You can usually update your firmware via a free download from your phone manufacturer or service provider.

The following are step-by-step instructions for the major phone platforms. Be sure to look for other blogs on this website for using your phone as a “media source” or for using USB devices.

The Android platform

Before pairing your Android^TM phone with SYNC:

Turn Bluetooth On 

Under Bluetooth settings, choose Discoverable and Scan for Devices 

During the pairing process, you will be asked the question Download Phone Book. Respond by pushing the OK button and then your Android phone may notify you that SYNC wants to access your messages and phone book. Check the box Always Allow and respond by allowing the connection to Sync on your phone.

See this video on pairing to the Android platform

The iPhone platform

Before pairing your iPhone with SYNC, turn Bluetooth On.

During pairing, you’ll be prompted to download your phone book. To improve SYNC voice recognition, limit the number of contacts that download from your phone book when pairing. To use Favorite contacts:

Go to Bluetooth > SYNC settings

Set Favorites to On and under Other check None

Note that if you do this, only contacts marked Favorite will be available to SYNC.

iPod vs. iPhone

iPods^® work differently than iPhones when connecting with SYNC. Media players like the iPod are not paired like iPhones but are connected to the vehicle’s USB port. Use voice commands for the USB mode with iPods.

See this video Pairing the iPhone to Sync

The Blackberry platform

Before pairing your Blackberry^® phone with SYNC:

Turn Bluetooth On

Under Bluetooth Options, set Discoverable to Yes, set Connect on Power Up to Yes

If available, under General Options, set Default Call Volume to Previous 

During pairing, when asked, set Allow Outgoing Calls to Always.  You may need to first check “Don’t show me this message again.”

After pairing, under Bluetooth Device Properties, set Trusted to Yes.

In rare cases, you may have trouble pairing your Blackberry with SYNC, or no sound comes out, or your Blackberry is frozen in “thinking” mode when you try to use it with SYNC. To solve these issues, try rebooting the device: remove the phone’s battery, wait 30 seconds, then reinsert it.

See the video Pairing a Blackberry phone

This workshop helps you edit your phone book so Ford’s Sync system can easily call your contacts.

By Vincent Hennigan,
Sync Specialist

Sometimes Ford Sync users experience difficulties getting their iPhone to correctly “call” their contacts – and often, the solution is as simple as cleaning up your phone contact list.

iPhone users, and yes, even Samsung, HTC, Motorola, Microsoft and Blackberry smartphone owners, may not be aware that they have input their phone contacts incorrectly. If the Ford Sync, or MyFord Touch system, cannot properly identify your contact, then it won’t be able to complete the phone call effectively.

Take a moment to review your phone contact list. On the iPhone, push the icon for “Contacts.” Your display should show the contact’s first name in “regular” face font (lighter weight type). The last name will be in “bold face.” If you haven’t discovered it yet, go back to your App screen and touch the “Settings” icon. Then push the “Mail, Contacts, Calendars” icon. Scroll down to the “Contacts” heading. Underneath you will see “Sort Order.” Select “Last, First.” Then select “Display Order” and select “First, Last.” Using these settings will give you a list of phone contacts with all of your friends listed in alphabetical order by First name within the first letter of the last name.

Where we have seen people with Sync issues is when they put the contact’s first and last name on the first name line. For example, using the photo above, the Michael Alexander would be input in the “First name” line of a new contact file and saved. The trouble comes from the Ford Sync system wanting to be able to tell the difference between the first and the last name. Put the first name on the first name line and last name on the last name line, then the Sync system will “find” your contact when you cay, for example, “Call Michael Alexander.”

Do NOT put smiley faces, punctuation and other extraneous marks into the name.

For example, “Michael Alexander ”

The Sync system won’t be able to interpret the name and the emoticon. So don’t use emoticons.

Also, if the phone number is a “Home,” “Work,” “Mobile” or “Other”, place it on the appropriate line for saving phone numbers. Don’t clutter the First Name line with “Michael on Cell Phone.” Once again, this confuses the Sync system so it can’t appropriately index and acknowledge the name.

Here is a quick video on using the iPhone with the Ford Sync or MyFord Touch System.

And, if in the past you used SIM cards to store phone numbers and contact information, then don’t transfer those file on to your smartphone still in the “saved to SIM” format. A SIM card is a small portable storage chip that allows for transfer of a phone book, but it stores in in a secure level that Sync cannot access. You may see your phone contact list and see all of the names. However, if they are all “saved to SIM” then your Sync system won’t be able to “see” them. Edit your contact list on the names you call most frequently, and select “save to phone” and not “save to SIM.”

Finally, input your names in capital letters and lower case. Do not save names in all caps. Sync does not recognize all caps (usually) unless you spell it out letter by letter.

As a note, anytime you edit or update your phone book, then the next time you start up your vehicle, the Sync system will review your contacts and “see” any changes you have made.

Plus, please remember that the voice of Sync is “seeing” a potential name or word from the basis of syllables and phonetics. Ethnic words may not be understood. Even a name like Nita (pronounced Nee-ta) would be pronounced as “Ny-ta” by the Sync system. So, rather than misspell a name just for the Sync system, why not give your friend another moniker, such as “My Best Friend,” or “Crazy Lady.”

Apple uses a lot of proprietary programming, so even if you have photos of your friends in your iPhone contacts, they may not always transfer over the the Sync System.

So give your phone book a “once over.” If you are having problems calling a contact by name, it may be because of these factors.

Wishing everyone a Happy New Year!

New features on iTunes version 11 and iPhone 5 can cause a conflict on streaming Bluetooth music and Apps on the Ford Sync system.

By Vincent Hennigan,
Ford Sync Specialist

The innovations of the iTunes version 11 coupled with the new iPhone 5 are causing some “issues” with streaming music on a Ford Sync system. Here is a tip  to get your tunes rocking and rolling again.

Some Sync users just love pushing the “Voice” button on their steering wheel and calling out “Bluetooth Audio.” The Sync system will go to your paired iPhone and first seek and start playing the music stored in your “Music” App. In most Ford vehicles, if you go to your iPhone (or even your other brand of smart phone) you can tap your Pandora (or Stitcher, or iHeartRadio, or TuneIn Radio Apps) and the sounds from your Music App file will stop and the “live” streaming” music from your Apps will start playing.

However, some iPhone users are not able to get any music to play… here is one area you need to check. Some iPhone and iTunes users are really into music – so much so that they will use iTunes Match. This service stores your entire music library in iCloud, including music from CDs, and lets you enjoy it on your iOS devices. There is a subscription involved and it’s a great way to have portable music. However, it can cause issues with Sync. Once again, Apple has introduced some proprietary code into the works that hinders Sync’s access to the music files. When upgrading to the new iPhone 5, many Apple users want to “back up” their music files, and using iMatch is a good way to do it. continue reading…

The Samsung S3 is a popular smartphone this season and here are some tips on how to pair your phone with the Ford Sync system.

By Vincent Hennigan,
Ford Sync Specialist

One of the hottest phones this Christmas season is the Samsung Galaxy S3 and for many users, they will need a quick tip on how to “pair” a Samsung to a Ford Sync System.

First, go to your phone’s App menu.
Tap the Settings folder
If it isn’t already on, Tap the Bluetooth box to turn it on.
Start up your Ford vehicle, go to the Phone Menu.
On the basic Sync System, use the “Seek” arrows to go to the System Settings folder. Then go to Bluetooth Devices, press OK, then use the arrows to find Add a Device, then press OK.
Press the OK button to begin “pairing” and your Sync system will create a 6-digit PIN. If you can, use the Seek Arrows on the steering wheel to toggle the screen until it says “Special PIN.” Push OK and select/create a number such as 0000 or 1234. continue reading…

Ford announced new software revisions to its MyFord Touch system at this week’s Los Angeles Auto Show.

By Vincent Hennigan,
Ford Sync Specialist

Ford Motor announced at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November 2012 the most radical remake of its MyFord Touch system with a new upgrade, and it’s sure to draw attention from Ford owners as well as from its critics.

A smaller, better and easier-to-use MyFord Touch system is being introduced in the 2014 Ford Fiesta.

By Vincent Hennigan,
Ford Sync Specialist

Starting next year with the new 2014 Fiesta, Ford Motor Company will be introducing the newest and most refined version of the Ford Sync system with MyFord Touch^® and this could be a version that the public and tech critics will appreciate the most!

This newest version of MyFord Touch and Sync is going to be a whole lot easier to use… supposedly more intuitive with fewer voice commands needed and broader voice control. Obviously there has been public feedback ranging from “stop it with the technology already!” to “when will it be capable of transporting us across town?” It seems that Ford is following in the vision of founder Henry Ford – they  create vehicles that offer a lot of choice for fuel economy and technology that the majority of folks can afford and appreciate.

The trend in consumer electronics is refining the gadgets we love, with the goal of packing them with even more performance such as a razor-thin phone that doesn’t bulge in a pocket, smaller tablets that can be held with one hand, or music players that can be worn on the wrist. Ford is following suit, and beginning next year it will offer MyFord Touch^® with a new 6.5-inch LCD touch screen available on the 2014 Ford Fiesta. continue reading…