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My truck has been dropped off for service 4 times in 3 weeks for a total of 16 business (working) days, it's in worse shape than when I dropped it off, and they don't know how long it will take to get an Engineer from Ford to come to the dealership to program it.
I took it back first thing this AM for service visit #5.
This all started with the infamous "greyed out" OTA "Automatic updates" slider and a half dozen or so different driver assistant error messages were popping up at oddball times (e.g., traveling 70MPH down the road and "Rear Brake Assist not available" might pop-up). Also asked to see if BlueCruise updates could be done from FDRS.
Across the first 3 visits (each 2 or 3 days each): Technician cleaned some sensors, performed various alignments, etc. Could NOT "unstick" the Automatic updates sliders, so they had to order and install a new APIM module. Claimed they installed and programmed it. Got the truck back with the "stuck" slider unstuck and the sensors seemingly working OK. The could not do the BlueCruise update, as it was not YET available in FDRS. HOWEVER ... they managed to BREAK my lane centering. Before the first two visits, lane centering was spot on - it would literally drive itself in the center lane and all I had to do was tap the wheel to get rid of the hand nanny every ~15 seconds or so. NOW ... it was completely borked and did not work at all. Further, the APIM they replaced and supposedly programmed with the latest update was NOT up to date -- there was still an APIM SW update showing in FDRS.
Took it back for visit #4 to have them fix what they had broken (lane centering), perform ALL module SW updates (after I got a list of all outstanding SW updates from @Livnitup to prove they had not 'updated everything'), get the BlueCruise installed (by this time, not only had I shared the Ford program with them, but they confirmed it was in FDRS), *and* a new recall came out (trailer module reprogramming), so I asked them to perform THAT, too.
Visit #4 lasted 10 business (working) days. They first replaced the IPMA module, but were getting "weird codes that we never saw before" and could not program it. So they had to reach out to Ford Engineering, who advised them to get another IPMA module. So they did, and claimed that programming was going again without issue. They spent several DAYS attempting to perform SW updates on about 8 different modules. When I pointed out that they had only RESET the new APIM instead of updating the software (again, thanks to @Livnitup for the repair history from FDRS), they said they would update that. They spent a day trying to update it, then told me they had ask Ford Engineering again what to do (yet another "weird code we never saw before"). Ford Engineering then advised them to replace the APIM a second time. Two days later, the new APIM shows up and they install it. The next day, they spent the entire day trying to update the APIM software. They called me late in the afternoon to tell me they could not program it, and the only option was to request that an Engineer from Ford come to the dealership and get it programmed to get all this sorted out. They had NO idea how long that would take, so they said I could get my truck back and they would let me know when to bring it back.
So ... I picked up the truck from visit #4 last night, assuming the only things wrong would be the inoperable lane centering and the lack of BlueCruise.
Boy, was I wrong.
Due to not being able to program the APIM, about 1/3 of the tech functionality of my $70K truck was GONE. No GPS, so no navigation nor any other function that required GPS. My SiriusXM radio was not available. None of my 360 degree camera system was working (not even the backup camera). Park assist was gone. All of the driver assistance features were gone. There was no way to add my truck to my WiFi at home. Basically, a bunch of the system configuration "squares" on the Sync4 screen were flat out gone.
Had I known all the tech functionality was gone, I never would have picked it up. So I was sitting at the dealership first thing this AM, left my truck and took the same loaner I've had off-and-on for the last 3+ weeks and told them, "I don't care if it takes 2 days, 2 weeks or 2 months -- I don't want it back until it's 100% fully functional".
What an absolute clusterf*ck.
Remember, boys and girls, all if this started with (basically) a "stuck" and greyed out OTA Automatic updates slider. So anyone taking their truck in for a "quick fix" based on 21G01 better be ready for this kind of mess.
It's not even noon and I need a drink.
Thank you so very much for taking the time to share that detailed account--which is a genuine public service, such an eye-opener! Ten days ago I had the first atrocious service experience in 10 years at my dealer--notably before reading the latest on this thread--when I primarily took my truck in to address the recent onset of the Deep Sleep issue, plus the "Check for Automatic Updates" resultant blank screen-with-slider, & the inability to set an OTA schedule. Long story short, the dealer had the truck for 7+ hours yet didn't get sh*t done, not even one bit diagnostically, + the service advisor's willingness to listen & update me during the day were both non-existent. Well, I thought that saga was a fiasco (which it was), but ... (wait for it!) ... after reading your helpful post, I'm stark-raving GLAD that the joker didn't get sh*t done! Now, isn't that cray?!
Gosh damn & holy crap, at this point I'm thinking, get the Deep Sleep "known issue" resolved (please, God)--then back the f#@k away from dealers for a good 2-3 months 'til (we can only hope) the dust settles on a minimum of 90% of this disaster. Quite clearly the sequencing of the numerous software/hardware fixes will be key, yet the correct sequencing isn't for sure currently--& that's "just" the sequencing, to say nothing of the "quality" of the individual "fixes".
At least I'm happy to hear that buyback is plausibly on the radar. And I have been loving this truck! Hopefully the love doesn't leave & stay gone.
Please continue to update us so well, my man!
Last edited by TomCinMI; Apr 9, 2022 at 11:43 AM.
Reason: formatting
It was on 2.3, had it in for the insulation recall and the trailer brake recall. I told them of it entering deep sleep and they said a module needed reset, which they did. No sooner did I get it back, than it started entering deep sleep again. It had never done that before the 2.3 update. I have no confidence in my dealer's service department.
And, @roadPilot, I hope you can tell that I meant to add how completely empathetic I am for all that you've been enduring. I hope the "waters part" very soon for you on all that. Hang tough.
I'm taking my truck in Tuesday but I'm getting cold feet. It's stuck on 1.7.1 and I think the dealer can straighten that out but after following this thread I'm afraid the BlueCruise is going to be beyond them and they'll screw something up. Has anyone had it installed without problems? Should I just wait for the OTA update? Thanks
I'm taking my truck in Tuesday but I'm getting cold feet. It's stuck on 1.7.1 and I think the dealer can straighten that out but after following this thread I'm afraid the BlueCruise is going to be beyond them and they'll screw something up. Has anyone had it installed without problems? Should I just wait for the OTA update? Thanks
my 2021 job 1 truck was stuck on 1.7.1 since November. When the recent fix came out I took it in, as well as getting the two recalls done. Dealer did the 22-2117 TSB and got it unstuck, and then updated the modules to activate bluecruise. They said it didn’t go through completely on the first time, but then on the next try it completed. Bluecruise now works. The dealer said all the updates took them more than 12 hours, so waiting for the OTA’s at home might take a long time. I purposely waited to try and fix the stuck 1.7.1 problem until the recent TSB came out; I was afraid they would start replacing modules like the APIM as I’ve heard other people getting done who tried it earlier, with decidedly mixed results.
Thanks Dan, that gives me encouragement. I'm leaving on my 6,000 mile trip next week and would really like to have BlueCruise working. I still have to chew on my decision but if your dealer could do it then mine should too. I can handle a few days in the shop but after Friday I'll be in meltdown.
Sorry for your continued issues. Mine is at the dealership now getting updated under 21G01. Hopefully back later today or tomorrow. I’ll update with the outcome once I get it back.
Well, I took it in on Thursday for the 2 recalls, oil change and the 21G01 update. On the later, they had all kinds of issues updating the gateway module. After MANY attempts, they finally got it completed and then went on to 2 or 3 additional on the gateway that went through 1st time. The additional updates are progressing on other modules, but it is gonna be there till Monday to complete the process (fingers crossed). Service guys have kept me informed all along the way. I can’t really fault them as they just use the update tool as provided by Ford…. So 2 days turning into 4…. Hopefully all is squared away Monday, but only time will tell…
Posted on 3/31 that I got 2.4.4 asking Livnitup to check my VIN which showed downloads progressing. Got 2.4.5 on April 3, 2.5.1 on April 7, and 2.5.2 today. I noticed when I looked at FordPass to clear my notifications for Secure Alert. Also had the BlueCruise notification stating it was activated. Even though it was 9:30 pm EST I had to go for a test drive, and it works quite well.
It showed an activation message on the dash when I turned onto the entrance ramp of the highway, "BlueCruise on. Watch the road. Be prepared to resume control." It also turned off when the right lane turned into an exit lane.
It does know if you are looking at the dash/sync area or left out the window, down by your crotch where you might have a phone, or right towards the passenger seat. It gave me a warning to watch the road if I looked those directions longer than 5 second. However, it didn't warn anything if you hold the phone on the airbag.
Sync is still Version: 220028 Rev: 358. I have read that 2.5.3 updates Sync with BlueCruise selections.
Note: engine light is a malfunctioning exhaust sensor that is on order to be replaced when dealer completes my transmission insulation recall.
Sync is still Version: 220028 Rev: 358. I have read that 2.5.3 updates Sync with BlueCruise selections
2.5.3 will be next, it'll update your sync to 22034 rev 364. It will give you bed and hitch cameras while driving. Mine didn't give me the BlueCruise selection switch in the sync menu.
My truck has been at the dealer since last Tuesday for the 1.7.1 problem. Multiple attempts have failed to turn updates on. They have contacted Ford tech and hopefully They get it fixed soon. I don't have blue cruise so the update problem is all it needs.
Now, isn't that cray?!
