1,100 Miles and MyFord Touch Already Dead

[K-Rod]

I got my new Explorer on Jan. 8. Less than one month later at 1,100 miles, the MyFord Touch module went totally black. Since it was Friday evening, I went online to see what I could find out about this and read a lot of postings about problems with it on the Edge. I had no idea there were so many issues with the MFT. It's actually very sad. I can't believe there hasn't been a news article about it yet.

I was out of town this weekend so stopped by a dealer a couple of hours away and asked them to check to see if it might be the fuse, but it wasn't. I'm taking it to my dealer here tomorrow. I called the service manager today to give him a heads up since I'm assuming it's not going to be a quick fix (and I want a loaner).

I'm going to assume it needs a new APIM (Accessory Protocol Interface Module). I hope it's that easy of a fix.

I had noticed a few little glitches with it before this happened, but really nothing big. (A couple of times some kind of CD message popped up, but I wasn't using a CD or pressing anything for a CD, and the other was my Howard Stern preset disappeared). I have no idea what version of the software was on it.

Will update as I find out more.

[Joe Dirt]

Keep this updated, K-Rod...

[nolefan]

I just started another thread right behind you. I am having the same exact problem with my 2011 Limited MFT/Sync. Just went black on day 4 of owning the vehicle. I pulled fuse 29 and it was fine. When I put it back in, I heard a hard drive spinning but still no screen. Going to the dealer tomorrow. I will keep updating.

[1995E]

Oh snaps... Yep... Now I really want to return my Explorer...

[RKelly2233]

I really like the new X, but after seeing a few posting here and there, it just seems like the quality is already under par... again... Ford was doing so well- I dont think I need mytouch really. But i do like the 2009 Navigation touch screen. Old fashioned I guess. Either way- anyone else have a bad pit in their stomach for the new model?? Was ready to order one but im seriously hesitant now. Another recall today btw... one that was kinda bull, but still...

[JDraper]

I'm wondering if it's an early build issue. So far, my Explorer is fine and it has most of the bells and whistles.

As far as I know, there is only one recall, and that's for a second row seat issue, and it doesn't appear to be on all Explorers.

[edge929]

I work as a software developer and have built hundreds of computers so here's my 2 cents on MFT. It's just a smaller/slower version of your modern day PC, the equivalent of an iphone/Android handset with a bigger screen. Computers have 2 sides, hardware and software. A hardware issue is the worse of the 2 (ie usually more expensive to fix) and needs to physically be replaced. Software issues are much more common and are easily fixed with updates. Since I don't have my Explorer yet, I can't comment on how fast Ford is pushing out updates, however I do already have a sync account and have read many of the problems/forums on the syncmyride website. Keep in mind all of these issues are a combination of coding for X number of phones, user error and legit issues. Ford has to code for nearly each handset. Sure, Bluetooth is Bluetooth but it's just a communication interface, not a language. Each phone has it's own mini-operating-system that needs to talk to MFT (it's like web development for IE, Firefox, Chrome, Safari, etc). Based on how well that communication is, you may have all features available or none. As with all computer-based systems, it should have a hard-reset switch somewhere. Pulling the fuse is the equivalent of doing this, so on next start-up it should cycle through it's diagnostic checks (like a BIOS screen for example). If they coded it right, it should "fix itself" but it sounds like this is not the issue. A blank screen sounds like a hardware fault or possibly a fail-safe where the software detects a non-recoverable fatal error on start-up and goes into stasis until a dealer can look at it. The only other option I can think of is to unhook the battery for 15 minutes, hook it back up and see if MFT comes up.

I would make sure you have the latest updates from syncmyride.com. If you can get your MFT limping along again, try updating it with a USB stick as the website details.

[JDraper]

As soon as I got my X, I pulled the latest update off Ford's site and downloaded it to my MFT. I'm sure quite a few more will come out with a system that does as much as it does.

[uniquename]

Originally Posted by JDraper

As far as I know, there is only one recall, and that's for a second row seat issue, and it doesn't appear to be on all Explorers.

That was on pre December 15th builds also, wasn't it?

[JDraper]

NHTSA says

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has issued a notice on its website that Ford is recalling 1,658 new Explorers equipped with manual recline second row seats. The potential defect, which covers some Explorers built between July 15, 2010 and December 13, 2010, is the manual recliner mechanism on the 60 side of the 60/40 split second row bench seat. NHTSA says that the components are "out of dimensional specification," and that in the event of a crash the seat back may not provide the required strength to protect second row occupants.

[usranger80]

21716 2011 explorer/edge/mkx high level cluster blanks out
some 2011 edge, mkx, and explorer vehicles may experience the lcd screens on the base and high series cluster intermittently blanking out, and then coming back on after an ignition key cycle. Replacing the instrument cluster will not correct the concern. Do not attempt instrument cluster service for this condition as replacement parts will function in the same fashion. Advise the customer that cycling the ignition while stopped and in 'park' will clear this condition and restore the display. If the issue is different than what is described above, continue with normal diagnostics. Engineering is aware of the issue and updated clusters should be available in the second quarter of 2011 to address this concern. Continue to monitor oasis for updates.
Effective date: 02/02/2011

[hondagal]

My screen also went black last night. I pulled the fuse #29 and even pulled the hot wire from the battery for 10-15 mins hoping that would help too, but no luck. The screen only lit up but was still black.

I've had my Ex Limited less than 5 days and I'm at 230 miles.

No nav, sync, phone, radio, or backup camera. USB ports not working either. The radio sometimes makes noise but then it shuts off.

Not sure what the ignition cycling is supposed to do or explicitely how to do it. I had my vehicle running and in Park, shut it off, started it up again, shut it off ...... did this probably close to a dozen times or more. Nothing changed.

2nd quarter f or a possible fix...that's 4 months away and an unacceptable time frame to wait for such a integral part replacement.

[JDraper]

Hmmm..All 3 people with problems in this thread have Limited models. Wonder if it's something unique to that model?

[uniquename]

Originally Posted by JDraper

Hmmm..All 3 people with problems in this thread have Limited models. Wonder if it's something unique to that model?

Uniqiue? No, I got an XLT

What about NAV? Limited comes with it. I didn't get it. I would like to find the common thread. I'm guessing the mkx comes stock with it, and a lot of people got it. Hondagal has NAV for sure.

[JDraper]

I have Nav in my XLT

[K-Rod]

Hi all,

Dropped the Explorer off at the dealer today. I don't know when I'll hear what's wrong with it, but will let you know when I do. I did suggest the APIM, but of course they have to do their diagnostics.

Service Manager did tell me that in the Explorer, the APIM is located behind the radio. I am not too happy about them potentially taking all of that apart, but it is what it is.

He also said "things break." I did not respond to that, but you can only imagine what I was thinking.

[Mishtar]

One thing that is getting me worried is how many of the people on here are having issues. I mean if there are 3 or 4 with issues on this site alone how many people out there in total are having thes eissues...... Though I notice at least 2 of the people have 2 posts or less, so maybe people are finding this site while searching for answers.

[Stic-o]

At least it's all the same issue

[nolefan]

Just got word from the dealer that it is a faulty Sync module. They were able to determine power was going into the module but was not going any further. New one ordered today. They said they had this same issue on an MKZ recently as well and the new module solved the issue there. Wanna bet on a bad batch of sync modules in Chicago? Just wonder how many there are. It should be in either tomorrow or the next day. Ill keep this updated on if it works.

[K-Rod]

Interesting... My dealer still doesn't know what my issue is. They just started trouble shooting today and said they were, of course, talking to Ford about it.