2011 Edge/MKX My Touch and Sync Problems

[akirby]

The hardware is not the problem when it comes to performance. I'm in a fortunate position that means I know a bit about both the hardware and software in MyFord Touch (plus I've done some other research too...).

The processor used is specifically designed for what its being used for - its perfect in fact. If anyone is interested in the specs please see this datasheet: http://cache.freescale.com/files/dsp/doc/data_sheet/IMX51AEC.pdf?pspll=1

I would like to quote this section:

"Powerful Graphics Acceleration—The i.MX51A processor has an integrated Graphics Processing

Unit which includes an OpenGl 2.0 GPU that provides 27Mtri/sec, 166Mpix/s, and 664Mpix/s

z-plane performance. Silicon version 2.0 of the i.MX51A device includes an independent OpenVG

GPU operating at166Mpix/s."

 

Now to most of you that won't mean much but lets keep it simple: MyFord Touch does not output "HD quality" images or video and therefore the demands on a graphics chipset is lower than this processors capabilities overall.

 

The biggest issue that Ford face is a user interface that has been bolted onto a previous generation of Microsoft Auto. Adobe Flash Lite was designed to be used for Windows CE, it just happens to sit on top of Auto too as that is also built on top of Windows CE. Its actually a subset of CE.

Fact: Adobe Flash on any embedded platform is not wonderful. Just check out the latest and greatest smartphones today (excluding the iPhone here becuase Apple just won't allow Flash on that device... read into that what you will). Not many of the latest devices even cope with Flash well and they are on the bleeding edge of technology. Ford can't use the bleeding edge of technology in the car. They need reliable (I know, there's a joke here somewhere), capable and proven technology before they put it into the car. They need something that withstands harsher temperatures than your phone and things like that. Adobe Flash (lite or not) will not cut it and it impacts the whole system today.

I hear rumors of the PST (Microsoft Partner Solution Team) working with BSquare and Ford to iron out some of these problems but I don't think that there will be big progress until we move from Auto 4 to Windows Embedded Automotive 7. Think of it like moving from Windows Vista to Windows 7. Microsoft used to have 2 "different" Auto platforms (Auto 4.1 and Automotive 5.5). 5.5 wasn't an upgrade of 4 - it was different. With 7 they combined parts from both of them and built it on top of their latest embedded platform.

 

I really hope that we see the fruits of the work going on right now soon. On Feb 6 2011 investment in the "Ford Telematics Competency Center" was doubled - this means we should see faster and better software from BSquare (the people that build MFT for Ford).

 

Here's hoping! :-)

 

The report I saw said Bsquare was out and Ford was rewriting the software in house with lots of help from Microsoft and the new version would be backwards compatible with current hardware. Not sure about the OS upgrade though.

[uglymugs]

am running1.8 on 2011 edge sport built in October.stop ship was put on this vehicle with the initial mft problems.

just got a letter from ford canada asking me to come in to upgrade to 2.8.they are giving customers a car detailing and if necessary a courtesy vehicle.

My system runs pretty well bug free,only pulled the fuse once after the upgrade screen.was told if its not that bad dont upgrade to 2.8

it'll only make it more buggy.the newer version to come out with the 2012 models in summer has proven to be very stable and much improved.

so if you can wait till later in summer then go for the fix.

[jackson5]

was told if its not that bad dont upgrade to 2.8

it'll only make it more buggy.the newer version to come out with the 2012 models in summer has proven to be very stable and much improved.

so if you can wait till later in summer then go for the fix.

 

THAT'S the kind of info i am looking for.. (I'm on 2.4)

Edited June 4, 2011 by jackson5

[choff1138]

am running1.8 on 2011 edge sport built in October.stop ship was put on this vehicle with the initial mft problems.

just got a letter from ford canada asking me to come in to upgrade to 2.8.they are giving customers a car detailing and if necessary a courtesy vehicle.

My system runs pretty well bug free,only pulled the fuse once after the upgrade screen.was told if its not that bad dont upgrade to 2.8

it'll only make it more buggy.the newer version to come out with the 2012 models in summer has proven to be very stable and much improved.

so if you can wait till later in summer then go for the fix.

 

I am still on 1.8 also. Got mine last September. My service center keeps telling me to wait if not having major problems. Mine only one is the screen staying on if you don't lock the doors. I can live with that one a while longer.

[willie88]

Had my 2011 Ford Edge for about a month. The Sync/MFT software version is V2.7. Have all sorts of troubles that include : Radio turns on if you use any Sync function, clock changes time intermittently , " where am I " reports a Longitude that is 75 miles to the east , sirus browse function takes minutes to load ( if ever ) and if you access it again , it resets itself and starts the " loading" process all over.

 

I'm told that TSB 110418 resolves most of these problems ( and a lot more ) , however when I went to Ford dealership , their computer system told them that this TSB has been " withdrawn" and is not available for the 2011 Ford Edge.... Well , calling Ford Tech. Support again.... they told me that they had major DataBase problems and that TSB 110418 ( which includes upgrade to V2.8) needed to be installed however they needed to fix the DB problems first... Called them today and the problem is sill not resolved ....... WOW , I really like my 2010 Fusion Nag and SYNC system , but this new software is really buggy !!!!

ANYONE HAVE INFO ON WHAT TSB 110418 AND V2.8 FIXES.. MOST DECENT COMPANYS PROVIDE REVISION SUMMARYS !!!!!

[netizenX]

Well , calling Ford Tech. Support again.... they told me that they had major DataBase problems and that TSB 110418 ( which includes upgrade to V2.8) needed to be installed however they needed to fix the DB problems first... Called them today and the problem is sill not resolved ....... WOW , I really like my 2010 Fusion Nag and SYNC system , but this new software is really buggy !!!!

Brought my 2011 Edge in for it's 5th update last week and the dealer service manager called me at the end of the day to come pick up my car. It wasn't going to get fixed. The response I got from yet another new service manager was that their Sync guy had problems. I pressed for details and he said the Ford internet was down. I knew then that I was being hosed. I told him to keep the car until it was fixed. He refused saying that the car runs and they can't find anything wrong and after some more haggling, he admitted that Ford had recalled the update and their Sync guy was only there two days a week. When I picked up the car, he told me to call every morning at 700AM to see if the Sync guy was there for the day and if Ford had another update. After this many trips to the dealer either without a loaner or a piece of crap when I'm paying dearly for their touted technology in a Limited Edge, it's time for a change. I'm going to drop off my car as soon as the problem redevelops, and leave it there until it is fixed. We should all do the same. Imagine thousands of Ford vehicle left at the dealers for a Sync fix that is will not come anytime soon. Then an attorney presents them with a class action suit for this debacle. I'll be happy to take back my money and go buy a replacement from a competitor. We've been sold a bag of goods. Sync Sucks.

[tpm419419]

Brought my 2011 Edge in for it's 5th update last week and the dealer service manager called me at the end of the day to come pick up my car. It wasn't going to get fixed. The response I got from yet another new service manager was that their Sync guy had problems. I pressed for details and he said the Ford internet was down. I knew then that I was being hosed. I told him to keep the car until it was fixed. He refused saying that the car runs and they can't find anything wrong and after some more haggling, he admitted that Ford had recalled the update and their Sync guy was only there two days a week. When I picked up the car, he told me to call every morning at 700AM to see if the Sync guy was there for the day and if Ford had another update. After this many trips to the dealer either without a loaner or a piece of crap when I'm paying dearly for their touted technology in a Limited Edge, it's time for a change. I'm going to drop off my car as soon as the problem redevelops, and leave it there until it is fixed. We should all do the same. Imagine thousands of Ford vehicle left at the dealers for a Sync fix that is will not come anytime soon. Then an attorney presents them with a class action suit for this debacle. I'll be happy to take back my money and go buy a replacement from a competitor. We've been sold a bag of goods. Sync Sucks.

FYI

My son has a brand new 2011 Ram truck with a sticker of 43,000.00. He spent 3 hours at Dodge trying to get his iPod to work. Finally after 3 hours he was told they had to contact Chrysler because they didn't have a fix for it. He tried his iPod on the truck in the showroom and it worked. Next step is to have the head unit replaced

IT'S NOT JUST FORD

WE JUST CAN'T KEEP UP WITH TECHNOLOGY

[NatG]

FYI

My son has a brand new 2011 Ram truck with a sticker of 43,000.00. He spent 3 hours at Dodge trying to get his iPod to work. Finally after 3 hours he was told they had to contact Chrysler because they didn't have a fix for it. He tried his iPod on the truck in the showroom and it worked. Next step is to have the head unit replaced

IT'S NOT JUST FORD

WE JUST CAN'T KEEP UP WITH TECHNOLOGY

 

I second this. When I was shopping, I had checked out the 2011 Dodge Journey. On the first model I test-drove, the U-Connect was having a fit.

[wilsons66604]

I second this. When I was shopping, I had checked out the 2011 Dodge Journey. On the first model I test-drove, the U-Connect was having a fit.

Well, the issues with My Ford Touch run much deeper than just the bluetooth connection to a phone. Touch is used to control many things ie HVAC, Nav, & audio

[NatG]

Well, the issues with My Ford Touch run much deeper than just the bluetooth connection to a phone. Touch is used to control many things ie HVAC, Nav, & audio

 

I don't doubt the MFT issues are more abundant, but to clarify, I wasn't referring Bluetooth connectivity (I wasn't going to pair with a car I was test driving). The audio controls were not working properly on it, and I couldn't get the NAV to load. The separate HVAC controls worked.

[l33]

The report I saw said Bsquare was out and Ford was rewriting the software in house with lots of help from Microsoft and the new version would be backwards compatible with current hardware. Not sure about the OS upgrade though.

Certainly not something I have heard - I believe BSquare would have to acknowledged this in their recent financial results as investors wouldn't be happy about that (its a large revenue source for them). Also, they only signed a further deal with Ford back in Feb that runs to Dec 30th 2011. There are approximately 55 employees working there vs 35 last year (so 20 engineers were added) for 2011.

 

Funny, the day after I posted my breakdown this comment by a user "Derodeo" shows up on another forum that is getting some views.... strange, its almost like a copy of what I wrote a day earlier! Copying my assessment? It almost uses the same language! : http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/03/mulally-facing-pressure-to-fix-ford-fix-tech-and-quality-glitche/#aolc=A1DNoA Too funny.

[akirby]

Certainly not something I have heard - I believe BSquare would have to acknowledged this in their recent financial results as investors wouldn't be happy about that (its a large revenue source for them). Also, they only signed a further deal with Ford back in Feb that runs to Dec 30th 2011. There are approximately 55 employees working there vs 35 last year (so 20 engineers were added) for 2011.

 

http://www.fordedgeforum.com/index.php?/topic/7332-inside-info-on-mft-development/page__view__findpost__p__58713

 

You can trust Waldo on this one. BTW - this doesn't mean that Ford isn't still paying Bsquare under the contract terms even if they decided to redo the software in house. Happens all the time.

[l33]

http://www.fordedgeforum.com/index.php?/topic/7332-inside-info-on-mft-development/page__view__findpost__p__58713

 

You can trust Waldo on this one. BTW - this doesn't mean that Ford isn't still paying Bsquare under the contract terms even if they decided to redo the software in house. Happens all the time.

 

I can only say it would surprise me that Microsoft would do this. This is an area I have good knowledge of and unless someone can tell us some proper facts about whats going on its still just hearsay. Microsoft doing something for Ford inhouse would be extremely rare indeed. They would not want the support burden etc that would come with it which is why Microsoft Embedded is a channel business. They have partners that they want to take on this type of work. BSquare are a partner but not only that... they happen to run some of Microsofts licensing programmes for them too (they also happen to license Flash Lite for Adobe ;-)).

 

This "rewrite" could easily be something I've suggested which is an upgrade from Auto 4 to Automotive 7. Remember that with 4, there was a very basic interface and this is why Ford/Bsquare chose to use Adobe Flash as their front end. With 7 that goes away as Microsoft implemented a Silverlight interface which is easily customizable... it should perform a lot better. The whole underlying platform changed between Auto 4 and Automotive 7. Its a significant improvement and could be described by non technical people as a "rewrite".

My feeling is whats probably happening is development is still taking place with BSquare heavily involved, supported by a team of Microsoft folks from the Partner Solutions Team. Also note that development is now taking place at the "Ford Telematics Competency Center" not "BSquare". This is a dedicated team/office but is run by Bsquare using Fords money. Its basically means "Ford employees" but without them being on Ford payroll - many reasons for that.

 

We have to wait and see I guess. I could be wrong but I don't think I am.... If I am I will happily admit it - I'm trying to give everyone some perspective here with background knowledge of things I can't talk about ;-). I am an unhappy MFT equipped Edge owner too so I'm with you all!

Edited June 10, 2011 by l33

[edamon]

I have a 2011 Edge Limited.

 

Overall, not a bad car. Did get a great lease on it -- Loaded Edge Limited - $372/mo, with drive off fees.

 

Had a 2011 Mustang GT/Brembo (it got totaled and a 2012 replacement on order.

 

Sync in the mustangs - not as robust - had zero problems, however, I can't say the same for the Edge Limited. The problems are big, mostly Microsoft software upgrades. For me personally, I like things a big simpler (i.e knobs but the bluetooth phone and ipod control is nice. Navigation isn't bad either.

 

-d

Edited June 29, 2011 by edamon

[kaoz]

I have a 2011 Edge Limited.

 

Overall, not a bad car. Did get a great lease on it -- Loaded Edge Limited - $372/mo, with drive off fees.

 

Had a 2011 Mustang GT/Brembo (it got totaled and a 2012 replacement on order.

 

Sync in the mustangs - not as robust - had zero problems, however, I can't say the same for the Edge Limited. The problems are big, mostly Microsoft software upgrades. For me personally, I like things a big simpler (i.e knobs but the bluetooth phone and ipod control is nice. Navigation isn't bad either.

 

-d

 

 

What were the details of your deal?

[rogersmj]

Hi everyone.

 

Haven't been around here in awhile, but we were an early 2011 Edge buyer (purchased an SEL in October 2010) and have been having problems with MFT from the beginning.

 

We're now at SYNC Version Gen2 - V2.7 and still having some issues, and I'm trying to decide if I should "risk" getting the latest update because they always seem to introduce new bugs. Here's what we are still having since the last update (this list is a 10th the size of what it used to be):

 

• Voice recognition is TERRIBLE. I have to practically yell into the mic, and it doesn't recognize "yes" unless I hiss like a snake: "yesssssssssssss"
  
• System went completely blank one time; vehicle restarts did not fix the issue. Pulled a fuse and it started back up.
  
• The whole MFT system locked up and crashed when a door was opened while the vehicle was in reverse (and the backup camera was in operation). Had to put the vehicle in park and restart it before MyFord Touch came back to life.
  
• Clock occasionally is wrong -- it shows some random time, or will be just 1 hour off. Manually resetting it or waiting until the next time the vehicle is started usually fixes this.
  
• Won’t connect to home WiFi network -- sees the network, asks for password, but then fails to connect. All other devices (PCs, Macs, phones, etc) can connect to home network without a problem. WPA2 security; other 2011 Edge owners I’ve spoken with haven’t had any issues connecting to WPA2 networks.
  
• USB audio (from iPhones) has little random “hiccups” that are EXTREMELY annoying. Very short, but very frequent most of the time. Almost like a skipping CD.
  
• Sometimes radio preset buttons become blank, then spontaneously reappear
  

 

EDIT: I should add that I just bought a 2011 Kia Optima SX Turbo (the Edge is my wife's car), and it can do everything that MyFord Touch/Sync can do except voice command of artists/songs (I can't say "Play Bob Dylan"). The UI isn't quite as elegant looking, but overall it puts the Ford system to shame. It is super snappy -- you touch a button on the touchscreen and it responds *instantly*. Its voice recognition is 100% better than Ford's, and I have experienced zero bugs. It always connects to my phone, it streams via bluetooth or USB flawlessly, it never crashes, it never does something I don't expect.

Edited July 7, 2011 by rogersmj

[katandcharlie]

Brought my 2011 Edge in for it's 5th update last week and the dealer service manager called me at the end of the day to come pick up my car. It wasn't going to get fixed. The response I got from yet another new service manager was that their Sync guy had problems. I pressed for details and he said the Ford internet was down. I knew then that I was being hosed. I told him to keep the car until it was fixed. He refused saying that the car runs and they can't find anything wrong and after some more haggling, he admitted that Ford had recalled the update and their Sync guy was only there two days a week. When I picked up the car, he told me to call every morning at 700AM to see if the Sync guy was there for the day and if Ford had another update. After this many trips to the dealer either without a loaner or a piece of crap when I'm paying dearly for their touted technology in a Limited Edge, it's time for a change. I'm going to drop off my car as soon as the problem redevelops, and leave it there until it is fixed. We should all do the same. Imagine thousands of Ford vehicle left at the dealers for a Sync fix that is will not come anytime soon. Then an attorney presents them with a class action suit for this debacle. I'll be happy to take back my money and go buy a replacement from a competitor. We've been sold a bag of goods. Sync Sucks.

 

 

Glad I'm not the only one who is at their wits end with the Sync system and the feeling of being hosed by the service dept. At least they put me in a nice loaner for the last week (I put my "big girl panties" on and got in their face...l didn't pay all kinds of money for the MKX to be forced into a beater while my car is in the shop because of manufacturing shortfalls!). When the Sync locked up on me this morning I pulled to the side of the road and took some cell phone pics of it and now I get to go play "nice" with the service dept yet again. I think my next vehicle is going to be a Yugo with a sundial and a widget stick for GPS!

[yjzl72]

Just bought a 2011 Edge Limited in China. The problem here in China is that Ford dealers have no idea when they can get Gen2 - V2.8 from Ford. The current software version we are running is V2.4. I am just wondering if I can get any help from you guys since there are no any updates avaliable on Syncmyride.com.

 

Does anyone have a download link for SYNC Gen2 - V2.8?

[wilsons66604]

Just bought a 2011 Edge Limited in China. The problem here in China is that Ford dealers have no idea when they can get Gen2 - V2.8 from Ford. The current software version we are running is V2.4. I am just wondering if I can get any help from you guys since there are no any updates avaliable on Syncmyride.com.

 

Does anyone have a download link for SYNC Gen2 - V2.8?

The updates for the Edge have all required a visit to the dealership. There is no way of doing it yourself.

[smoothballer]

Kind of disappointed. I just bought my Ford Edge last weekend and specifically asked them to make sure the Sync version was the latest and greatest only to find out when they finally put my info on syncmyride that it was Gen 2 V2.4. I am wondering whether it would be worth it to just wait til the next version to come out or go back and get V2.8?

[wilsons66604]

Kind of disappointed. I just bought my Ford Edge last weekend and specifically asked them to make sure the Sync version was the latest and greatest only to find out when they finally put my info on syncmyride that it was Gen 2 V2.4. I am wondering whether it would be worth it to just wait til the next version to come out or go back and get V2.8?

Word on the street is that 2.11will be out before Aug. 11

UPDATE:

It looks like 2.11 is out now!

This post has a list of the fixes

 

Implemented corrective action to recover automatically from remaining known “black screen” root causes using a module reset timer.

Reduced occurrences of the MyFord Touch display staying active for thirty (30) seconds when IGN OFF, door open.

Improved system stability during the following scenarios/situations:

While replying to a text message.

Large amounts of Sirius Travel Link data/downloads.

Heavy Navigation usage.

Removing a USB or SD card device.

Downloading phonebooks from devices with duplicate contacts.

Digit dialing via voice.

 

Entertainment

Updates to missing Sirius Channel Art files and improved update algorithm.

Corrective action to ensure the radio is not turned on after a voice session or phone call.

Corrective action to ensure radio frequency is shown after a direct tune event.

Corrective actions to ensure the correct presets are shown after a VR session.

Corrective action to ensure the correct source is resumed after a VR session.

Corrective actions to ensure the correct Sirius Channel names are available using voice recognition.

 

Phone

Improved phone pairing and connection times.

Implemented phonebook download improvements for iPhone 4 customers.

Corrective action to remove the e911 pop-up upon each phone connection for customers in Mexico and South America.

 

Navigation

Improved overall stability of the South American Navigation application.

 

Voice

Updated static list items in the “What Can I Say?” screen to match the language selected.

Corrective action to ensure a VR session while in the radio source sets the correct station number

Edited July 21, 2011 by wilsons66604

[tpm419419]

Word on the street is that 2.11will be out before Aug. 11

UPDATE:

It looks like 2.11 is out now!

This post has a list of the fixes

Thanks for posting. Sounds promising

[richy]

Sounds like I will be in need of this update. Yesterday I got the black screen for the first time. The radio stayed on and none of the steering wheel controls worked except for the volume. Then the radio stayed on even after I shut off the ignition. I was at work and the dealer sent a guy to disconnect the battery terminal which reset everything and solved (temporarily) the radio issue.

[Edge4Me]

I got the black screen 3 weeks ago, the dealer replaced the APIM but cannot get the NAV working. Any helps or suggestions ??

[Dingo]

I hope the new update makes better friends with a Samsung Epic than the current one.