AT&T sunset and MyFordMobile app

[MarkTurner]

I see the TCU has a UART port. Anyone sniffed this for anything interesting?

 

[Anti_Climax]

I don't understand - it's supposedly just a change in cellular networks. Why WOULDN'T a 4G modem work just as well as a 3G modem in my 2012 and 2013? I suspect my tech may have to "color outside the lines" a bit if I hope to keep my connectivity. Any coaching anyone can give me to pass along to him would be helpful.

It's not just a change in cell network. Ford gets to choose which vehicles can connect to which apps. It's entirely possible that your car could see the modem, make the connection and have the app go "That VIN? Never heard of it". But really it seems that there is something in the config of the existing modem that needs to get transferred over.

I believe it's an automated process that Ford set up BUT only enabled for supported model years. I was told they would not enable it without testing/validation and they would not commit resources to testing more model years.

My SYNC upgrade guy noted it should still be possible to do the copy manually, but that assumes the tech knows how to do that and is willing. I'll let you know if I get anything else.

 

[Anti_Climax]

I heard back from the dealer and, apparently, the system substituted the 3G TCU on the order, because mine isn't on the official list. They didn't realize until they got it. I forwarded what I got from the customer support manager verbatim, because they are having trouble too. Hit them with this if you need to:

******* Ford (or whatever dealer you want to work with) should be able to order the kit for you through the process that is provided in the 21B09 Customer Satisfaction Program Dealer Bulletin. I know you mentioned earlier they said they would need to call to get authorization, which is true for many of our programs like this, but for this one they can place an order without making a call. You can let them know that you spoke with the customer assistance center and they confirmed it should be possible to place the order through the 1878 system even if your vehicle is an earlier model year than listed in the program. If they say they run in to an issue while trying to complete the order let me know who you are working with at the dealer and I can have one of our teams engage directly with them to work through obtaining the kit for you.

Looks like the dealer may need the engineering part number from your current modem as part of the process to place the order, and they would need to return that original modem after your kit arrives, or would be charged a core charge in addition to the cost of the kit. I assume the dealer would not have an issue with you keeping the original modem if you are willing to also pay the core charge (I am not sure what that amount is, so the dealer would need to let you know).

 

[alecvill]

I don't understand - it's supposedly just a change in cellular networks. Why WOULDN'T a 4G modem work just as well as a 3G modem in my 2012 and 2013? I suspect my tech may have to "color outside the lines" a bit if I hope to keep my connectivity. Any coaching anyone can give me to pass along to him would be helpful.

It's not just a change in cell network. Ford gets to choose which vehicles can connect to which apps. It's entirely possible that your car could see the modem, make the connection and have the app go "That VIN? Never heard of it". But really it seems that there is something in the config of the existing modem that needs to get transferred over.

I believe it's an automated process that Ford set up BUT only enabled for supported model years. I was told they would not enable it without testing/validation and they would not commit resources to testing more model years.

My SYNC upgrade guy noted it should still be possible to do the copy manually, but that assumes the tech knows how to do that and is willing. I'll let you know if I get anything else.

Any luck on figuring out why this is? I ordered the modem at my dealer (Galpin), who installed it today after I paid for parts and labor. Just got the car back and everything seems fine, but of course now it doesn't connect to MFM or FordPass at all. It was the end of the day so the service rep said she would check with the technician next week. Unfortunately I only checked the forum after the fact and didn't ask them to save the old module. I worry they'll just toss it and nothing will be transferred over, leaving me with a useless upgrade.

As an aside, I plan to upgrade my 2013 FFE from Sync 2 to Sync 3 sometime this weekend. Already have the programmed APIM/screen/adapters, so I'll report back if that remedies anything.

 

[acopiano]

I don't understand - it's supposedly just a change in cellular networks. Why WOULDN'T a 4G modem work just as well as a 3G modem in my 2012 and 2013? I suspect my tech may have to "color outside the lines" a bit if I hope to keep my connectivity. Any coaching anyone can give me to pass along to him would be helpful.

It's not just a change in cell network. Ford gets to choose which vehicles can connect to which apps. It's entirely possible that your car could see the modem, make the connection and have the app go "That VIN? Never heard of it". But really it seems that there is something in the config of the existing modem that needs to get transferred over.

I believe it's an automated process that Ford set up BUT only enabled for supported model years. I was told they would not enable it without testing/validation and they would not commit resources to testing more model years.

My SYNC upgrade guy noted it should still be possible to do the copy manually, but that assumes the tech knows how to do that and is willing. I'll let you know if I get anything else.

Any luck on figuring out why this is? I ordered the modem at my dealer (Galpin), who installed it today after I paid for parts and labor. Just got the car back and everything seems fine, but of course now it doesn't connect to MFM or FordPass at all. It was the end of the day so the service rep said she would check with the technician next week. Unfortunately I only checked the forum after the fact and didn't ask them to save the old module. I worry they'll just toss it and nothing will be transferred over, leaving me with a useless upgrade.

As an aside, I plan to upgrade my 2013 FFE from Sync 2 to Sync 3 sometime this weekend. Already have the programmed APIM/screen/adapters, so I'll report back if that remedies anything.

Do you happen to have Forscam so we can check your modem provision status ?

Also, do you mind if I ask you to share the part number and costs ?

Thanks.

 

[space or -+_[] char]

I see the TCU has a UART port. Anyone sniffed this for anything interesting?

Heima's Post on the prior page of this forum at Sun Feb 06, 2022 6:24 pm has a link to the user manual, User-Manual-2224183.pdf, for the replacement TCU. On page 10 it shows connecting the unit to a pc and using a windows app called "TCU Control Tool" that lets you configure and test the unit. :roll:

 

[MarkTurner]

char" post_id=33603 time=1645263073 user_id=6579]

I see the TCU has a UART port. Anyone sniffed this for anything interesting?

Heima's Post on the prior page of this forum at Sun Feb 06, 2022 6:24 pm has a link to the user manual, User-Manual-2224183.pdf, for the replacement TCU. On page 10 it shows connecting the unit to a pc and using a windows app called "TCU Control Tool" that lets you configure and test the unit. :roll:

Yes, thanks. I looked it over and note that it interfaces with the rest of the car via CAN bus. If this is the case, we should be able to replace it with something else that speaks CAN bus, like the Open Garages software. Still it might be fun to plug in a TTL reader and learn more about the TCU.

 

[MarkTurner]

It's not just a change in cell network. Ford gets to choose which vehicles can connect to which apps. It's entirely possible that your car could see the modem, make the connection and have the app go "That VIN? Never heard of it". But really it seems that there is something in the config of the existing modem that needs to get transferred over.

My tech has opened a case with Corporate to get them to answer why older Fords are not supported. Perhaps if enough of us raise a stink Ford will reconsider? I mean, there goes any resale value of my Ford, right?

 

[acopiano]

It's not just a change in cell network. Ford gets to choose which vehicles can connect to which apps. It's entirely possible that your car could see the modem, make the connection and have the app go "That VIN? Never heard of it". But really it seems that there is something in the config of the existing modem that needs to get transferred over.

My tech has opened a case with Corporate to get them to answer why older Fords are not supported. Perhaps if enough of us raise a stink Ford will reconsider? I mean, there goes any resale value of my Ford, right?

I’ve done that couple months ago. Never get an answer. When I call, they simply say case was closed with no resolution. If Henry was alive, he would be very disappointed!

 

[space or -+_[] char]

Hi All,

My car is a 2014 Focus EV with the SYNC 2 system. I’m trying to decide what would be the benefit of upgrading to 4g vs. upgrading the system to SYNC 3. I’m unclear about what features disappear when 3g turns off. Mostly when I’m out and about I like the idea that if I lock my key fob in the car that I could unlock it with my phone and not be stuck. I might like to schedule charging in the future but right now my area doesn’t have time of use rates for electricity, and I've heard that isn't in the new FordPass app yet.

I use the myFordMobile app to know when my battery is charged and to remote start the car in the driveway from my house. I can use the fob to remote start from within the hose, and the car is on my home wifi so maybe I can check the charge that way although I know they are retiring the myFordMobile app. I did download the FordPass app for android and I don’t see a way to remote start or check battery level or anything else related to the electric system.

I think upgrading the system to SYNC 3 might be more beneficial because then I would be using Apple Carplay or Android Auto which would use the phone’s cellular for navigation and whatever else those apps do. It seems like both upgrades would cost about the same, but I could do the SYNC 3 upgrade myself. Somewhere I read that the TCU is a battery suck so I could just disconnect it if I’m not going to 3g. Also, I don’t know if I will have to pay monthly for a plan for 4g or if that is free if I don’t plan on using the hotspot feature. Any comments would be helpful.

Thanks!

 

[Anti_Climax]

Losing 3G won't impact your onboard navigation under SYNC 2 that I'm aware of, someone correct me if I'm missing something. Without a modem you lose all the functions in MyFordMobile - current status, alerts, charge notifications, vehicle location, remote start/stop/lock, trip and charge tracking, remote set up of go times and value charge.

Getting Sync 3 gets you better nav and interface but won't get you back anything you lose from 3G sunset.

 

[space or -+_[] char]

Losing 3G won't impact your onboard navigation under SYNC 2 that I'm aware of, someone correct me if I'm missing something. Without a modem you lose all the functions in MyFordMobile - current status, alerts, charge notifications, vehicle location, remote start/stop/lock, trip and charge tracking, remote set up of go times and value charge.

Getting Sync 3 gets you better nav and interface but won't get you back anything you lose from 3G sunset.

Thanks for the info. I may do nothing and just pull the fuse for the TCU so it doesn't suck the battery.

 

[MarkTurner]

My tech has opened a case with Corporate to get them to answer why older Fords are not supported. Perhaps if enough of us raise a stink Ford will reconsider? I mean, there goes any resale value of my Ford, right?

Here's Ford's official answer. TL;DR I'm SOL.

"Unfortunately, this vehicle is not compatible with any 4G TCU upgrade kit as you have suspected. SSM 50258 addresses this concern. It is suspected this vehicle incorrectly received the message to upgrade the kit as the 2014 and up Focus electric are compatible with the 4G TCU upgrade per the information in FSA 21B09. For any further questions regarding which vehicles are compatible, it would be recommended to refer to this FSA and select the model in question as the year ranges will vary per model. We apologize for the inconvenience to you and the customer regarding the incompatibility of this vehicle despite the message populating."

On a related note, does anyone have links to the documents that are referenced here? TIA.

UPDATE I answered my own question. SSM 50258 (Note the "programming concerns" excuse. Argh!): https://ford.oemdtc.com/7480/myford-mobile-and-mylincoln-mobile-app-functionality-concerns-3g-cellular-network-decommission-2012-2015-ford

FSA 21B09 (seems to suggest the upgrade COULD be done, only SSM 50258 says it won't. Argh!): https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2021/MC-10204043-0001.pdf

 

[Anti_Climax]

Looks like the official part is on back order until the end of March - so it doesn't seem like I'll be able to validate for myself before the CSB expires.

I've asked the dealer rep to share anything he can on who to call or what to say to get this moving, for those that want it. I'll let you know if I get anything substantive.

 

[triangles]

char" post_id=33607 time=1645288815 user_id=6579]
Hi All,

My car is a 2014 Focus EV with the SYNC 2 system. I’m trying to decide what would be the benefit of upgrading to 4g vs. upgrading the system to SYNC 3. I’m unclear about what features disappear when 3g turns off. Mostly when I’m out and about I like the idea that if I lock my key fob in the car that I could unlock it with my phone and not be stuck. I might like to schedule charging in the future but right now my area doesn’t have time of use rates for electricity, and I've heard that isn't in the new FordPass app yet.

I use the myFordMobile app to know when my battery is charged and to remote start the car in the driveway from my house. I can use the fob to remote start from within the hose, and the car is on my home wifi so maybe I can check the charge that way although I know they are retiring the myFordMobile app. I did download the FordPass app for android and I don’t see a way to remote start or check battery level or anything else related to the electric system.

I think upgrading the system to SYNC 3 might be more beneficial because then I would be using Apple Carplay or Android Auto which would use the phone’s cellular for navigation and whatever else those apps do. It seems like both upgrades would cost about the same, but I could do the SYNC 3 upgrade myself. Somewhere I read that the TCU is a battery suck so I could just disconnect it if I’m not going to 3g. Also, I don’t know if I will have to pay monthly for a plan for 4g or if that is free if I don’t plan on using the hotspot feature. Any comments would be helpful.

Thanks!

Why would you have to choose between sync2 and the 4G upgrade? Why not do both?

 

[scottt]

Anyone know what the actual dealer cost of the part is? Curious how much markup there is. Thx!

 

[Anti_Climax]

Finished LTE modems that interface with USB are something like $150 from MultiTech. Being a bit more specialized and lower volume, I would guess they aren't doing much mark up at all.

 

[wind_driven]

Hi-
We have a 2017 Electric Ford Focus. Up until recently, it's been trouble-free.

However...
We've been trying unsuccessfully since November 2021 to get the elusive 4G Upgrade kit & install (through Ford's Customer Satisfaction Program 21B09). I'm to the point where I have Ford "customer experience specialist" trying to assist, but so far she has not been able to get this done for us. It doesn't help that we are in Texas, very few electric Focuses here!

Like some others, we lost 3G service for our Focus on February 23, 2022. At that point, we obviously couldn't use MFM, but the Focus worked fine otherwise.
This morning, March 7, we find that our Focus is dead in the water. At first it wouldn't start up for us, but now everything (all dash features) are dark. I am thinking that maybe it is the 12V battery? So we may try jumpstarting it--it is the original battery, and we have never had any issues with it.

My questions:
1) I've looked at the manual, it appears that jumpstarting the 12V is the same process as with an ICE car....right? (we're talking about the 12V, not the battery packs!!)
2) Maybe it's just a coincidence, but could it be that the -old- 3G modem (is that the same thing as the TCU I see mentioned here?) is still drawing power, maybe a lot of power, since it can't "find" any signal anymore?
3) If jumpstarting works, then I'm wondering if there is any straightforward way to disable the old 3G modem, so it doesn't draw any power?
4) If we do need to replace the 12V battery, since this is an electric Focus, can we simply replace it like we would in an ICE car? Or do we have to take it to the dealer for any special treatment?

I hope someone can help shed some light on this!
Thanks

 

[Anti_Climax]

The modem shouldn't be drawing much more than normal. I know that 3G has kept going but Texas was one of the new places where it has noticeably dropped (guessing the old Southwest Bell Texas baby bell footprint) around the 28th.

It's even easier to jump than the ICE as you don't have to worry about it having enough oomph to turn a starter. Just enough for the on-board systems to be able to go through startup and close the battery contactors. After that the vehicle is getting power from the DC/DC converter and starts topping up the 12V.

You can pull a fuse to kill the TCM. Pretty sure that is one of the more significant draws while it is off, so it's not a bad idea if the car going to sit a while. You also want to keep it plugged into a charger when it's sitting.

If the battery is actually hosed and needs to be replaced, there's nothing special about it aside from being an AGM lead acid. If you use a different type like wet cell, the float voltage it settles to at full charge will be different and may trigger erroneous low battery warnings. Shouldn't harm anything but can screw with other stuff. Like if you do get the new TCU, those warnings can abort a remote start.

I was told that 4G TCU is on back order until the end of the month, so you're not alone.

 

[wind_driven]

Thank you!
We were able to jumpstart our 2017 Focus (...whew...) so I am thinking that it's time to just go ahead and replace that old battery, to be on the safe side.
And we will keep it plugged in when it's sitting in our garage (we have a charger).

Now about that fuse--it also sounds like a good idea to pull it, until we can get our hands on the 4G modem.

The 2017 Ford Electric Focus manual has the fuses listed in several tables (pages 154 - 165)

None of them seem to be listed as TCU or TCM, but there is a "Cellphone passport module", fuse F1, rating 5A, located in the Luggage Compartment Fuse Box, which sounds suspiciously like it might be the one? Could anyone verify whether it sounds like I've got the correct fuse to pull?

Thank you again!