I'm trying to understand Software Updates. I read the Software Updates thread but it is mainly for 2021 F150's.
I saw the latest version we should have is 3.5.2. But where do I see that? On my screen there is no number like that, see below.

I've learned the reason my Hands Free isn't working is that my Gateway Module needs to be updated and only the dealer can do that. I have an appointment next week.

Can someone knowledgeable do an overview of software updates. Maybe post it as a Sticky
1. Explain what to look for.
2. How we tell what version we should have?
3. Can we do this with what Ford gives us?
4. Maybe change the title of the Software Update thread to Software Update for 2021's.

Basically, what do we need to know and how do we fix it.

 

@LennyFL Unfortunately I am not sure that it is quite that easy. I have a '21 and have been thick in the "Software Updates" thread since late 2021.

There is no way to tell from the onboard screens what OTA version you are at. There is also no way that I have seen in the various posts for people using FDRS or the other Ford system to report what OTA you are at. I believe they can only report on module updates and maybe OTAs delivered VIA THE OTA PROCESS (not updates applied manually by the dealership) within the last 60 days. This is regardless of year model. The reason the other thread is more focused on '21 model year is that many of us Job 1 truck owners (trucks produced in the first half of '21) were sold trucks that didn't have some of the window sticker features (Blue Cruise specifically for me) operational. Many of the early updates were targeted at these specific trucks in Ford's attempt to get these features enabled and the fiascos that ensued when the Ford update processes failed. There seemed to be MANY failed modules that also came into the mix (I had 2).

All I can definitively say is that I am at Sync V22192 Rev 498, and the last OTA I received was on October 8, 2022 taking me up to 3.5.2. Since that time, the knowledgeable guys on the other thread have stated that Ford abruptly stopped or at least severely curtailed sending out OTA updates. My truck has not received an OTA attempt at all since Oct 8th 2022.

This link can give you some background of what each OTA is supposed to do, but there is no way I have seen to cross reference this to your truck. The only way I know I have the 3.5.2 OTA is because I received a message on my FordPass app on October 8 telling me I got 3.5.2.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford...ersion_History

Right now I have BC enabled (I think from the 2.7.x + 2.8.2 OTA which were/are an absolute PITA to accomplish successfully) updates which later built trucks had from the factory, 2.8.x OTAs brought additional things like cameras in motion (again, later-built trucks already had this feature enabled, mine was enabled at the dealership when I was in update hell and I got no notification since they were manually applied and not received via the OTA process) and now the 3.5.x OTA updates bringing full-screen CarPlay/Android Auto which even the newer trucks I don't think had. I believe the truck needs to be at 3.5.3 to get the full-screen stuff (I am at 3.5.2 and don't have full-screen CarPlay) and 3.5.4 enables 2 phone blue tooth support. One of these days I hope they start up a wider OTA update process to get the new features.

I know this is not the definitive answer you were looking for, but Ford's process is a mess. I have never seen anything like it before where a user can't determine versions. The best thing to do is cross-reference the feature list for the F150s in the Wikipedia link to try to determine where you are most likely in the OTA process.

Good Luck!

 

Thank you, sir, it’s a couple of days ago I was on the highway and all of a sudden “hands-free“ popped up. I had never seen it before and then I noticed there was an icon different on my display. When I clicked on the icon, it said that I had an update installed. I then checked the FordPass app and saw that I had a message that I had been updated to 3.5.2. I picked my truck up in November. I figured that I would have all the updates as of them. You stated you got 3.5.2 in October. So I guess this means I am up-to-date correct?

 

No, I think you may still have 3.5.3 & 3.5.4 to come. See if you have full-screen CarPlay or Android Auto enabled now. If you do you are at 3.5.3. Note that if you use Android, the other thread said something about full-screen not yet being available on Android as there is some phone SW update pending to fully enable it. You should then only need 3.5.4 which brings the ability to connect 2 Bluetooth phones simultaneously. At least that seems to be what the Wikipedia page says with regard to features which is updated by people a lot more in the know on this stuff than me. I just report the news... ;-)

 

Not necessarily. You can get 3.5.2 and still be missing older updates that come before that. With your VIN, I can check the past 60 days of OTA history, However, if your last OTA was past 60 days, I would not be able to tell what your last OTA was. Anyone with an FDRS license can check your VIN to see what modules have pending updates on your truck, but they would not be able to tell what your latest power-up update was by looking at that, either.

By the way, many owners have reported getting 3.5.3 and 3.5.4 lately, so it seems Ford started pushing out that update again. I am still waiting for mine.

 

@rugedraw Thank you sir. I've sent you my VIN as a PM.

 

@LennyFL See, I can say @rugedraw is one of those knowledgeable gurus I spoke about earlier!!

Good to know others are getting some updates. Maybe some Ford OTA love will flow over here to TX..!!

 

Had my truck at my dealer for the 5th time to get the Snyc4 working so I can get updates. Well, this time my dealer stated that Ford told them that my truck was not designed to get updates. REALLY! It is a 2021 F-150 Lariat and it is not to get updates? So why in hell does the screen show where to setup and schedule updates? Lets face it Ford: You don't know how to fix what you manufacture. I am just about at the point where I am done with Ford.

 

While Ford definitely has their own issues, your problem is the dealership. I'd suggest using another nearby dealer if you have one. Otherwise, you could either get the tools to DIY or find someone local willing to help. Unfortunately, there are far more incompetent dealerships/service advisors/technicians than ones that know what they're doing. All the information is available from Ford, but dealerships don't read or understand it, or don't give their techs time to get trained on things properly.

 

I wouldn't say I am a guru, but thanks. Everything I have learned I learned from dealing with my own issues, following these threads, and having access to PTS has given me a bit more insight that the regular guy. I can often tell you if something is wrong, but I can rarely help you fix it. lol

What updates are you trying to get them to do? Ford has asked all dealers to stop performing certain updates. Directly from Ford's PTS:

"Jan 4 2023 Field Service Action 21G01, BlueCruise Installation

HOLD Alert - Field Service Action 21G01 to install the BlueCruise feature should not be performed on 2021 Mustang Mach-E or F-150 vehicles at this time. Monitor PTS for updates."

With that said, that they would tell you that your truck is not designed to get updates is moronic.