2011 Explorer Bluetooth Noise

[Tongo]

Wait a sec... your wife is only 3?

I was tired when I typed that. My wife is...well, my age. My daughter is three.

Sheesh

 

[Wilkinda65]

Took the Explorer in for an oil change (7413 miles) and while in their my dealer documented my MFT version and WITHOUT ASKING if I was having a bluetooth issue they wanted to know if they could verify if I was having an issue with the bluetooth. I said go for it. When we picked it up they stated they were checking all the new Explorer models and documenting. He then stated that i would be happy to know that there was good news and bad.... the bad was my Explorer has the "wind tunnel" noise issue (which I already knew) and the good news was an update was coming in mid-September to fix it.

So it would seem that Ford is aware this is a big issue. It just is aggravating they took so long to address it.

 

[Sgt1411]

Here is a Bluetooth fix that may actually work....LOL

http://gmauthority.com/blog/2012/08/gm-offers-owners-bluetooth-update-via-onstar/?utm_source=GM+Authority+Newsletter&utm_campaign=2ad2086365-Mail+Chimp+Daily+Digest+RSS+Newsletter&utm_medium=email

 

[Pyrate]

Try This...

If you are having trouble with wind noise or other background noise during hands-free phone calls on MFT, you can adjust the volume of incoming and outgoing conversation by using the radio volume control, DURING THE PHONE CALL---adjust your settings while driving at freeway speeds for best results.

Whenever we made calls, the other party complained about wind noise, wind tunnel sounds, tire noise, etc. that made conversation impossible. We are former owners of a Mercedes and their COMAND system instructions include this information to modulate not only the phone calls but the vocal interface with the computer.

It worked for me. All calls are now clear and there is no noticeable noise that is exceptional to normal hands free calls from other cars/people. I believe this to be a situation where the computer/MFT units do not have the volumes preset at the factory, and some cars are okay and others have the volume set too low as they emerge from the production line. The wind tunnel noise seems to span all models from Ford and this makes sense as the solution.

Return and report, please...

ETA: What's with these so-called 'info-links'?

 

[flaguy]

So, you think that when we make a call, we have to start adjusting the volume up/down and ask the person you are calling: "Is that better, is that worse." I don't think that is the kind of fix a lot of us have been hoping to get.

 

[Pyrate]

So, you think that when we make a call, we have to start adjusting the volume up/down and ask the person you are calling: "Is that better, is that worse." I don't think that is the kind of fix a lot of us have been hoping to get.

Sorry about that...FOR ME, once I found the ideal volume I haven't had to change it...so, it seems that will be the default setting and you shouldn't have to fiddle with it once you find the 'sweet spot"...

ETA: For the best 'default' setting, you should make your volume adjustments when you are on the freeway...

 

[12WIExplorerXLT]

Just found this thread (and glad I did) as we too have been struggling with this exact issue for better than a year since taking delivery. We have: the sunroof, not yet accomplished the rain noise TSB (though awaiting parts from our dealership to accomplish) nor the A Pillar TSB (no issues with the A Pillars yet).
As it's been a couple of weeks since the last post, has there been a Sync update released or a suggested "fix" issued by Ford in the meantime to correct this issue that I've missed?

 

[flaguy]

If you missed it, I guess the rest of us have too. We are still waiting, waiting, waiting...

 

[flaguy]

I have good news and bad news. There is an update to Sync. SyncMyRide tells me I am eligible and can download the update. When I click on download the screen freezes and there is no download. I tried twice and SyncMyRide tells me that I have successfully download the update 2 times. What a bummer!

 

[Wilkinda65]

Had the update done to our Explorer. No change with blue-tooth noise issue. According to my dealer a mic replacement is coming to fix this issue

 

[flaguy]

What is a "lic replacement"?

 

[Wilkinda65]

What is a "lic replacement"?

mic replacement.

 

[12WIExplorerXLT]

Accomplished the latest Sync update 1 week ago and also noticed NO improvement with the background noise issue afterward. The very next day, we had the Rain Noise TSB accomplished by our dealership. Although we haven't encountered any rain since that TSB was completed, based upon the description/scope of that TSB from our service rep, I was doubtful that this TSB would end up helping the mic issue and in our case it didn't. Since we do have a sunroof, I was able to look directly at the mic placement between the headliner and the roof. The large cavity between the top of the headliner and the bottom of the metal ceiling/roof of the vehicle seemed excessive to me and possibly a contributing factor in propagating any outside noise or road noise to the mic. Based upon the relative ease of access (due to the sunroof's opening in our headliner), I was able to install a section of scrap foam right over the mic itself effectively "smothering" the mic and isolating it from the surrounding open cavity. The foam piece I cut and installed is: 1" thick and 4" wide by 6" long and isolates the mic perfectly. Subsequent calls made using the Bluetooth mic after accomplishing this have proven pretty successful. I would estimate that the foam piece has decreased the background noise by 80%-90% in calls made from our Explorer while driving highway speeds. Whether the background noise is caused by inferior quality of the mic OR poor noise cancelling software within the Sync system, waiting for Ford to acknowledge AND fix this aggravation may take quite some time. I'm VERY pleased in the results this shadetree bandage has made in our situation while we all wait for Ford to address this issue.

 

[dmatmor]

stranger and stranger...

Have had repeated electronic issues since purchase of the 2012 Explorer Limited-many MyFordTouch issues; once it accerated to 95 mph, terrifed my wife and was near disaster... have had updates, checks and the propaganda from those who drank the Ford kool aid...

On Dec 18, went out to vehicle, lights were flashing, side key pad not illuminating... went to work in my truck...my wife took Explorer to dealer. dealer staff experienced these issues, locks contuously locking/unlocking, stereo/nav system coming on and off.. After 10 days in the shop, consults with Ford engineers, etc.
1. they put a body control module (aka smart junction box) in it that is purported to clear up the alarm locking issue
2. reprogrammed the remote controls
3. replaced/reprogrammed the SD card (said to fix "many of the
myFordtouch issues")
4. performed recall with navigation

Just had it back for 1/2 day; it remains to be seen if there is any improvment in the bluetooth noise issues.

Had more than enough with this vehicle and am pursuing buy back/replacement through Better Business Bureau

http://www.bbb.org/us/auto-line-lemon-law/[/url]

 

[flaguy]

Finally, after the latest MFT upgrade the bluetooth seems to be working fine. Hooray!

 

[Wilkinda65]

Have had repeated electronic issues since purchase of the 2012 Explorer Limited-many MyFordTouch issues; once it accerated to 95 mph, terrifed my wife and was near disaster... have had updates, checks and the propaganda from those who drank the Ford kool aid...

On Dec 18, went out to vehicle, lights were flashing, side key pad not illuminating... went to work in my truck...my wife took Explorer to dealer. dealer staff experienced these issues, locks contuously locking/unlocking, stereo/nav system coming on and off.. After 10 days in the shop, consults with Ford engineers, etc.
1. they put a body control module (aka smart junction box) in it that is purported to clear up the alarm locking issue
2. reprogrammed the remote controls
3. replaced/reprogrammed the SD card (said to fix "many of the
myFordtouch issues")
4. performed recall with navigation

Just had it back for 1/2 day; it remains to be seen if there is any improvment in the bluetooth noise issues.

Had more than enough with this vehicle and am pursuing buy back/replacement through Better Business Bureau

http://www.bbb.org/us/auto-line-lemon-law/[/url]

Sorry for your issues. other than the blue-tooth noise issue we have not had any other issues with ours. not sure who you are accusing of "drinking the Ford kool-aid"....

 

[dmatmor]

thanks.. the kool aid reference was not for anyone here... I have dealt with these issues through the executive offices and get the same company line...

Glad to see there is relief on the microphone issue!

 

[mcdonas]

bluetooth

Finally, after the latest MFT upgrade the bluetooth seems to be working fine. Hooray!

Me too! I went in for a recall repair and they said they had an update for the MFT. Wish I had known about it sooner. Now the voice recognition understands me and the bluetooth seems to work now. I will not miss that wind tunnel effect!

 

[philster01]

Just read this thread. Our 2013 explorer limited has the wind noise on bluetooth calls. I just went in for oil change yesterday, dealer mentioned nothing about the MFT update! i checked syncmyride.com, sure enough, my car is eligible for an update. Don't the dealers check for updates when the car is brought in for service?? Now I have to schedule time to go back.

 

[tpchristian]

You can do the update yourself. Just go to syncmyride.com. You will need to order the SD Nav card if you have nav, but they ship it very quickly. Mine came next day.

I am very pleased to see that this version helped the noise. A lot to complain about, but this is one on the plus side.