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Old 01-30-2015, 12:33 PM
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Issue: Cannot default the My Ford Sync system (without Navigation) to Bluetooth audio

Some users are having an issue with when they turn the ignition on their My Ford Sync system reverts to Line-In even though they were using Bluetooth audio when they turn their vehicle off. They would like to have the system revert back to Bluetooth audio instead of having to go through the menus to be able to get to Bluetooth audio or use the voice commands. A Ford customer service representative FordIVTteam actually joined in the conversation and gave the reason why Ford made this change (as it would previously revert to Bluetooth) and the best method to get back to the source they wanted.

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Can Sync default to Bluetooth Audio?

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Old 10-01-2013, 05:27 PM
  #11  
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I wish that there was a fix for this. I have been messing with it since I got my truck last week...
Old 10-02-2013, 12:00 AM
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It works just fine for me with S4.

Your phone may not play BT audio and calls by default. I tested with an iPhone 5, S3 and Note 2 - the S3 and i5 didn't work, the other two were perfect.

Its probably your phone.
Old 10-02-2013, 12:12 AM
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Originally Posted by StuckZipper
It works just fine for me with S4.

Your phone may not play BT audio and calls by default. I tested with an iPhone 5, S3 and Note 2 - the S3 and i5 didn't work, the other two were perfect.

Its probably your phone.
Damnit! I was hoping that wasn't the case. The crappy thing is that it does do it sometimes, when I didn't do anything different to setting. I have an iPhone4S, and am due for an upgrade. Hearing this and also wanting the Torque App as well, the S4 is looking like a nice option. :-) Further research is needed.
Old 10-02-2013, 12:23 AM
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Default S3 works for me

I am running the latest version of sync, and it works perfectly for me.

As soon as I start the truck it automatically connects back up, and as another mentioned it picks up the pandora song from where it left off.
Old 10-02-2013, 12:28 AM
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Originally Posted by Brycicles
It's always great having friends in the truck with you when you have to command "Bluetooth Audio!"
Yup. I love having to try to yell "BLUETOOTH AUDIO" as they scream "CANCEL!!" I have to get in and keep the doors locked until I get it to bluetooth before I let them in.

Also, I read that the new SYNC update has to be applied at the dealership. Is there no way to do this at home on my own? I mean, I am fairly technologically savvy and could easily do it myself.
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Old 10-02-2013, 04:06 AM
  #16  
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Can someone from the SYNC team confirm a buetooth audio reconnect fix?
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Old 10-02-2013, 06:26 AM
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Originally Posted by larryo108
Yup. I love having to try to yell "BLUETOOTH AUDIO" as they scream "CANCEL!!" I have to get in and keep the doors locked until I get it to bluetooth before I let them in. Also, I read that the new SYNC update has to be applied at the dealership. Is there no way to do this at home on my own? I mean, I am fairly technologically savvy and could easily do it myself.
Check out SyncMyRide.com for info.....It's easy.
Old 10-02-2013, 07:54 AM
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There is a lot of bad information in this thread and the Ford guy is a little bit off the mark with his explanation about battery consumption.....and I think he is incorrect about reconnecting BT audio. It works in my truck.

First of all, It isn't your phone. If your phone has a Bluetooth radio, it's a candidate for connecting to the truck.

The Ford guy is correct in saying it is all about the software.

I have a 2013 FX4 w/ MFT/Sync/Nav/Sony and an iPhone5. Both are updated to the latest software. I use my phone connected to BT audio all the time and it works fine. I can get in and out of the truck multiple times and the phone will automatically reconnect and start playing right where it left off. I've tested this over multiple days and in all kinds of conditions. There are a couple of issues though......

I have noticed that Ford is very "helpful" when the truck is in reverse and the backup camera is on. Being in reverse stops MFT from doing lots of stuff. If I jump in the truck, crank it up and pull *forward*, everything is fine.....the phone connects and starts to play. If I'm quick getting in, started and in reverse before the phone is connected, sometimes the phone won't auto-play. It is probably working the way Ford intended, but it seems like a software bug to me (in MFT). I also have the factory remote start and sometimes when I use it, the phone connects but doesn't auto-play after I get in and put the key in...

I think these differences are Ford not thinking through and testing the paths through the software to ensure a consistent User Experience with Sync and MFT.

If I unlock the truck and start it like normal and pull forward.....everything works like a charm. If I know I am going to back up right away, I give the phone a second to start playing before I put the truck in reverse.....if I forget, I just click play on the phone when the truck is going forward.

It isn't a perfect system but it is way, way better after the latest Sync update.
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Old 10-02-2013, 08:42 AM
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Originally Posted by FordIVTteam
Hi Crank Bait,

I'm happy to clear this up for you. When comparing different make and model year vehicles, it's important to note that they may be running different versions of SYNC software. The software installed depends on the current or prior vehicle owners and how frequently vehicle was updated. If you're in two completely different model year vehicles, their features may operate totally different.

For example, there was a time when the vehicle would default to the last channel used - even if it was Bluetooth audio. This created a concern for many customers as using Bluetooth does require an additional power load from the phone. Customers became anxious over not being able to control this behavior, as it may lead to overall battery consumption earlier than usual. So, per vehicle owner feedback, the latest version of software does not default to the Bluetooth audio channel. The best means of selecting this source is through the appropriate voice command BLUETOOTH AUDIO. Let me know if there are any questions.

Antonio
While I appreciate the response, it seems the best "fix" would have been making this behavior configurable in the menu somewhere? Something like "Remember my last source input" or something like that which could be set to on or off, or allowing users to pick a "Default source input". That said, being able to say "Bluetooth Audio" is simple enough, when SYNC actually recognizes what I'm saying. As it stands currently, people like myself and the OP get a crappy user experience from our entertainment systems.

Overall SYNC is a bit disappointing to me. It's obviously very fractured - certain vehicles get different versions for no apparent reason, it doesn't seem very forward compatible at all (my 2012 doesn't get updates that people with 2013's do, etc). Those are bad symptoms for and software-based system to display. I wish Ford would make an effort to fix these issues.
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Old 10-02-2013, 10:17 AM
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Originally Posted by Bdukes55
Is there any way to download old software then? Cause the old way is the exact way I want mine. It's very irritating having to change it every single time you get in the truck especially when I'm running around town doing short drives and constantly having to correct it every time I get in the truck.
Hi Bdukes55,

Unfortunately, there aren't any resources available via the website that would allow you to install a prior version of software. Your dealership would be in the best position to advise if this is an available option.

Originally Posted by jgohlke
There is a lot of bad information in this thread and the Ford guy is a little bit off the mark with his explanation about battery consumption.....and I think he is incorrect about reconnecting BT audio. It works in my truck.

First of all, It isn't your phone. If your phone has a Bluetooth radio, it's a candidate for connecting to the truck.

The Ford guy is correct in saying it is all about the software.

I have a 2013 FX4 w/ MFT/Sync/Nav/Sony and an iPhone5. Both are updated to the latest software. I use my phone connected to BT audio all the time and it works fine. I can get in and out of the truck multiple times and the phone will automatically reconnect and start playing right where it left off. ...
Hi jgohlke,

Thanks for your input. The battery consumption concern is an explanation directly from engineering. Many of our products are designed and modified per customer feedback. As I mentioned previously, the Bluetooth behavior will vary based on the version of SYNC installed. Allow me to specify what I mean: the basic SYNC system and MyFord Touch are two completely different generations of in-vehicle technology, therefore you will notice a clear distinction in behavior when using some of the features that exist on both.

On top of this, the type of phone and software on that phone will absolutely have an influence on how it interacts with some of SYNC's features. This is why we try to stay on top of each phone's compatibility as best we can: http://support.ford.com/sync-technol...c-myford-touch Our testing reveals how each phone consistently interacts with SYNC's primary features, but even then we do receive some scattered reports from time to time on small variations in behaviors between devices. Though, this is not the case with Gen1 (basic SYNC) systems; the Bluetooth audio channel cannot be set as the default.

MyFord Touch functions a little differently, but it is also a much newer product. We are aware that the system is able to pick up where the phone left off when listening to music via Bluetooth, though not all phones behave this way. I agree that if the device is Bluetooth-enabled, it is a candidate in that there is a possibility it will offer 100% functionality when connected to SYNC. But it's important to recognize that there are many forms of Bluetooth protocols that have been used by manufacturers which, in turn, may manifest in different ways when interfacing with other devices. This where troubleshooting becomes our primary tool in identifying the best means to help you get the most out of SYNC.

Antonio
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