Did Ford totally quit Sync 2 support?

[Redshift]

I have a 2015 C-Max. My sync software was updated in October 2015. I haven't seen an update since. There is nothing on Ford's site about Sync 2, just Sync 3. Are the millions of Sync 2 owners now screwed out of updates? I want Google Auto to work in my car. Ford, have you completely abandoned all of us Sync 2 owners? It sure looks like it.

[plus 3 golfer]

I have a 2015 C-Max. My sync software was updated in October 2015. I haven't seen an update since. There is nothing on Ford's site about Sync 2, just Sync 3. Are the millions of Sync 2 owners now screwed out of updates? I want Google Auto to work in my car. Ford, have you completely abandoned all of us Sync 2 owners? It sure looks like it.

LOL, I also think the Ford reps on the site left a long time ago.  I agree with you, I believe we are on your own on Sync 2.  Many of us had to install Sync 2 V 3.10 (which I believe is the last update) as we could not get the version directly from the Ford site.  What version do you have?

 

I don't recall ever seeing that Ford has "officially" abandoned Sync 2.  But there is a Class Action Suit that was given status by the court with respect to MFT, Sync 2 although I haven't seen anything lately on the status (within the last year or so) on what is going on.  Who knows maybe someday we'll get a check from Ford. :)

 

The class-action lawsuit goes to trial in California in April 2017. In a statement, lead plaintiff’s attorney Steve Berman claimed, “At best, what consumers paid for amounted to a pricey inconvenience, failing to live up to even the most basic of Ford’s gilded promises. But in the worst scenarios, the failed MyFord Touch system’s defects can be a hazardous distraction to drivers.”

[cr08]

To be fair, depending on what version you're currently running, 3.8 and 3.10 really button it up and make it reliable. No new features obviously, but the system behaves well. You aren't going to get anything new going forward unfortunately. Don't even expect Google Auto. I think the reason Ford hasn't posted these updates online is to get people into dealers to do the updates to ensure things go smoothly. The techs can do additional massaging at the lower level that we do not have access to via simple USB updates. This coincides with the 12M02 warranty extension in case the system goes tits up they can fix it at no cost to you.

 

Based on the existing information out there, at best the direct blame can be placed on BSquared for building what is the entirety of MyFordTouch to begin with, bugs, lack of promised features, and all. Then Microsoft for partnering with them and suggesting Ford to work with them on the project. Essentially the underlying Windows Automotive OS is fine but the software BSquared built which is the entirety of the MyFordTouch you see and interact with, is what has been the cause of all the headaches. Eventually it got to the point that Ford had to bring in some Microsoft engineers to fix and start rewriting things to get where it is now in a stable state.

 

With that said, from a PR perspective they pretty much had to EOL Sync 2 and start fresh with Sync 3. It nearly murdered Ford's Consumer Reports ratings on some models. There have been rumors based on an ex-engineer's LinkedIn profile that the Sync v2 hardware is able to be partially upgraded to Sync v3 but not getting hopes up on that one. That was brought up around ~2 years ago and clearly nothing has come of it. Sync v2 is purely on life support now.

[obob]

I have blocked out many memories of SYNC 2.  If I didn't I would have been grossed out and missed out of the excitement of getting a new car.  (Same thing with my 4 dead battery episodes that may be SYNC 2 related.)  I had to by another phone to get the bluetooth to work.  And there is other frustration.  Now, when I play music I use the 3.5mm jack and that seems to work and the bluetooth speakerphone works so I am "content."

 

That is why there is a SYNC 3.  I suspect Ford was convinced to throw money into 2 and finally realized that was hopeless.  It is based on Microsoft Windows CE which in my understanding doesn't have a good reputation.

[homestead]

Went on Ford Sync chat and asked about future updates, got this for a response...

  As far we know, there will be future updates, however at this time there are none available.

 

:sad:

[cr08]

I have blocked out many memories of SYNC 2.  If I didn't I would have been grossed out and missed out of the excitement of getting a new car.  (Same thing with my 4 dead battery episodes that may be SYNC 2 related.)  I had to by another phone to get the bluetooth to work.  And there is other frustration.  Now, when I play music I use the 3.5mm jack and that seems to work and the bluetooth speakerphone works so I am "content."

 

That is why there is a SYNC 3.  I suspect Ford was convinced to throw money into 2 and finally realized that was hopeless.  It is based on Microsoft Windows CE which in my understanding doesn't have a good reputation.

To be fair it is not Windows CE that is the issue but the 'Sync' software on top of it. Windows CE on its own is fine. It's whatever software people throw on that has a chance to wreck it. It's just like the desktop version of Windows. By itself with nothing else it is fine. Throw on buggy POS software and the whole system as a package deal goes to crap. And people often blame it all on Windows as a result. I've kinda covered that in my wall of text above. Though as a whole package deal, yes. It -was- a hot mess. 3.8 and 3.10 quite solidly sort it out. Mine's been pretty damn reliable and smooth on 3.10. I am upset they didn't add some promised features ESPECIALLY Applink but it is what it is. These days I almost exclusively play music off a USB flash drive or listen to Sirius and take advantage of nav and Travellink. I've even picked up a compatible USB modem and used the hotspot feature.

Edited October 16, 2017 by cr08

[obob]

To be fair it is not Windows CE that is the issue but the 'Sync' software on top of it. Windows CE on its own is fine. It's whatever software people throw on that has a chance to wreck it. It's just like the desktop version of Windows. By itself with nothing else it is fine. Throw on buggy POS software and the whole system as a package deal goes to crap. And people often blame it all on Windows as a result. I've kinda covered that in my wall of text above. Though as a whole package deal, yes. It -was- a hot mess. 3.8 and 3.10 quite solidly sort it out. Mine's been pretty damn reliable and smooth on 3.10. I am upset they didn't add some promised features ESPECIALLY Applink but it is what it is. These days I almost exclusively play music off a USB flash drive or listen to Sirius and take advantage of nav and Travellink. I've even picked up a compatible USB modem and used the hotspot feature.

 

https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=8736056

 

Your post got me thinking.  The link above illuminated more of what is going on.  I am not to the point of thinking CE isn't a problem but there is more to it that I was aware of.

[jestevens]

The embedded computer is probably underpowered, and it's Microsoft software - if you've ever used Microsoft software then you know exactly why Sync 2 behaves the way it does.  Having said that I've never had a problem to the degree that I felt the need to sue anybody.  I just curse a little whenever the screen lag gets slow.  If you think Sync 2 is bad I really dislike the first generation of Toyota and GM's touchscreen interface - Sync 2 interface was laid out a lot more intuitively.

 

You should see the way my friend's Mercedes infotainment system operates - it's horrible - if you want to use the backup camera the radio must be on.  He has sonar sensors in the back but you have to be about to hit something before it gives any indication at all and the warning he gets is not like the sonar overlay on the C-MAX.  Whenever Sirius does a channel update the "radio" locks up due to memory overflow issues..on a $65K car!  Apparently the push button engine start doesn't always work reliably either.

 

I can easily see how they'd want to move on from Sync 2 to Sync 3.  Car manufacturers regularly change model features, It takes a lot of effort to make completely new software backward compatible with old hardware and they may not have the expertise in house..  Plus, my Ford dealer can't wait to sell me a new C-MAX with Sync 3 - too bad this one is so reliable already.

[raadsel]

Yes, if you have ever had to wait for the Nav screen to load, when you first start it, or any of the other delays, you can easily see the Sync 2 system is underpowered. Just like cell phones and other electronics, this is an area that is advancing rapidly -- and this is doubly true for car displays, particularly with the lead time to test that it will not cause issues with the car and that it will still work after a couple of years being left out in Arizona heat and Minnesota cold -- things that will frequently kill electronics, or at least keep them from working.

 

I think they've done most of what they can to optimize the Sync 2 software, at least without completely rewriting the code. I also think that Android Auto/Apple CarPlay aren't able to be added because the hardware just isn't compatible; that the hardware just isn't robust enough to be able to handle it. I do wish, though, that Ford/Google would have a capability for Google Assistant similar to that for Siri, where you long press the right side paddle to bring it up. My other complaint, I wish car manufacturers would provide an "upgrade path", where you could add a Sync 3 system in our cars that came with Sync 2 -- though if they did it would likely still be a $1000 or more upgrade cost.

[jdbob]

The touchscreen on the MyFord Touch system lacks some features required for Apply Play and Android Auto if I recall correctly.

 

I saw this link for a Sync 2 to Sync 3 upgrade quite a while ago. At lot more than $1000 at this point.

 

https://www.infotainment.com/collections/all/products/myford-touch-sync-2-to-sync-3-upgrade

[Redshift]

LOL, I also think the Ford reps on the site left a long time ago.  I agree with you, I believe we are on your own on Sync 2.  Many of us had to install Sync 2 V 3.10 (which I believe is the last update) as we could not get the version directly from the Ford site.  What version do you have?

 

I don't recall ever seeing that Ford has "officially" abandoned Sync 2.  But there is a Class Action Suit that was given status by the court with respect to MFT, Sync 2 although I haven't seen anything lately on the status (within the last year or so) on what is going on.  Who knows maybe someday we'll get a check from Ford. :)

 

The class-action lawsuit goes to trial in California in April 2017. In a statement, lead plaintiff’s attorney Steve Berman claimed, “At best, what consumers paid for amounted to a pricey inconvenience, failing to live up to even the most basic of Ford’s gilded promises. But in the worst scenarios, the failed MyFord Touch system’s defects can be a hazardous distraction to drivers.”

I have version 3.8. I didn't know there were any more updates because Ford doesn't talk about Sync 2 any more. Where can I get 3.10? I'll Google it while waiting for your reply. Thanks.

[homestead]

Found it here https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=71250920&postcount=834

Was able to download it.  Gen2v310build16180updatepackageNA.zip  593.6 MB

Note: this build is missing Vehicle Health Report

 

Is anyone running Sync V2 3.10 successfully on a c-max?  Looks like it came out last year but was

only available from dealers (for some cars).

 

Ford site still shows 3.8 as up to date for my 2013 but then the ford site didn't work right for the last update either.

Edited October 22, 2017 by homestead

[Redshift]

Found it here https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=71250920&postcount=834

Was able to download it.  Gen2v310build16180updatepackageNA.zip  593.6 MB

 

Is anyone running Sync V2 3.10 successfully on a c-max?  Looks like it came out last year but was

only available from dealers (for some cars).

 

Ford site still shows 3.8 as up to date for my 2013 but then the ford site didn't work right for the last update either.

I found a copy of the file also. I installed it in my 2015 C-Max. 3.10 seems to work fine except I no longer have vehicle health report. Weird.

[homestead]

I successfully installed 3.10 this morning.  Install takes quite a while and appears to restart the install a few times but eventually finishes.

Redshift: Looks like Ford decided to remove the vehicle health report from the menu.  I guess I'm ok with that.  If that is a bug then they will probably fix

it with the next update for new phones.

 

I did chat again with Ford sync and they told me the 3.10 update works for all vehicles.  They did want me to go to a dealer to install however.

[cr08]

The files you guys grabbed must be missing the VHR app. I know earlier on in my ownership I self updated to 3.8 (which also was not on the Ford site and had to find someone else's upload) and it was missing VHR and 911 assist. After an APIM replacement and the dealer updating it to 3.10 I have both VHR and 911 Assist back. May want to verify the contents of your downloads.

[homestead]

The 3.8 version I had definitely had VHR since I just ran it a couple weeks ago,  everything else seems to running ok so I'll

just wait until the next release. 

Ford really dropped the ball on making sync updates available from their website.  I tried to

upload the file from the usb drive after loading and that doesn't work anymore unless you download the update from the ford site

which broke after 3.6.

[cr08]

Just a wild guess similar to an earlier post I made, I think the reason why 3.8 and 3.10 aren't on the website are to get you in to the dealer to do the update. 3.8 was the start of significant rewrites to stabilize Sync and they likely want to make sure everything goes smoothly.

[homestead]

Called my dealer today, asked abut sync updates.  He sighed.  Said people come in all the time and

ask for that but they check them and they are up to date.  They charge $130 for an update.

Told him about the problems with the database/downloads, he was not aware of any problems there.

[plus 3 golfer]

Called my dealer today, asked abut sync updates.  He sighed.  Said people come in all the time and

ask for that but they check them and they are up to date.  They charge $130 for an update.

Told him about the problems with the database/downloads, he was not aware of any problems there.

This is the exact issue that I harped on I believe about two year ago when V3.8 came out. Remember that the Ford rep said essentially that even if the Ford site says you are up to date with older version, you can go to the dealer and they will install the latest because of the 5 year warranty on Sync for free.  My response was essentially, I doubt it since Ford says I'm up to date.  Who wants to argue with the dealer. 

 

Ford could have easily sent out a CSP to owners on  new updates but they didn't.  Why, likely because Ford wants the 5 year warranty to expire. Also, remember the Ford rep said essentially that Ford was fixing the issue of new releases not showing up on the Ford website.  This is about the time the Ford reps apparently have "abandoned" this site. ;)

[homestead]

This is the exact issue that I harped on I believe about two year ago when V3.8 came out. Remember that the Ford rep said essentially that even if the Ford site says you are up to date with older version, you can go to the dealer and they will install the latest because of the 5 year warranty on Sync for free.  My response was essentially, I doubt it since Ford says I'm up to date.  Who wants to argue with the dealer. 

 

Ford could have easily sent out a CSP to owners on  new updates but they didn't.  Why, likely because Ford wants the 5 year warranty to expire. Also, remember the Ford rep said essentially that Ford was fixing the issue of new releases not showing up on the Ford website.  This is about the time the Ford reps apparently have "abandoned" this site. ;)

 

Chatted with Ford Sync and they said if the dealer tries to charge you for a sync update to mention the 12M02 - SYNC WITH MYFORD MYLINCOLN TOUCH WARRANTY EXTENSION.

[plus 3 golfer]

Chatted with Ford Sync and they said if the dealer tries to charge you for a sync update to mention the 12M02 - SYNC WITH MYFORD MYLINCOLN TOUCH WARRANTY EXTENSION.

Exactly what the Ford rep said.  But the point is we should not have to "convince" the dealer that they can't charge us for the update per 12M02.  Also, this begs the question as to how are owners to a) know there are updates available and b) know they are free.  This is the reason Ford needs to at minimum show all updates for Sync on the Ford site and for dealers to "know" to do such updates for owners if they take their car to the dealer for any reason. 

[rjam]

Had my entertainment system quit. Took out and reinserted the fuses. Worked for me but I decided while under warranty to get 3.10 installed. First trip in they could not get the update to complete after two attemps. Made another appointment. They said they would have to take it out yo repair it. Took it back and after 3 hours they got it to work. I am sure they didnt remove anything. Glad for this forum. How would you ever know there was an update so thanks.

[bob61571]

Did online chat today on owner.ford.com.  I have SYNC2 v 3.6 , since 2013.  Per SYNC update page, nothing for me to do.  Today, Chat assistant told me to ask dealership to update it to v 3.10.  Said that I would have to discuss the cost w/the dealer.  Anyone else had this?

[homestead]

I downloaded 3.8 and then 3.10 off the internet and installed it on my 2013 hybrid.

3.10 works fine for me for several months now.

The version I downloaded was missing the self diagnostics test.

[Redshift]

I downloaded 3.8 and then 3.10 off the internet and installed it on my 2013 hybrid.

3.10 works fine for me for several months now.

The version I downloaded was missing the self diagnostics test.

I found a version online that has the self diagnostic test using voice control. You can activate it manually which is what I have to do because I installed the version without first, then I found the full version. It won't let me update it.