Please welcome - The Ford IVT Team

[Sgt1411]

We should all write to the award organizer and let him know how great this system really is. his e-mail attached. What a joke!

rfoulkes@telematicsupdate.com

Email sent

 

[calb]

I'm in SoCal ... and have used the system extensively in NorCal as well... It's by far the best navigation system I've used. The automatic traffic rerouting and knowledge of closed roads and exits has been awesome. I am to the point where wherever I'm going I use the navi, regardless of the fact that it's somewhere I go everyday, it knows traffic and gets me there faster.

I obviously can't speak for people in other states, but with primary use in southern california, I have not been able to find anything that gets close to the MFT navi. I wish they'd fix the other software problems, but as far as maps and traffic/incident integration go, I'm 100% satisfied.

I'm glad to hear some think highly of the system. I'm sure everyone's mileage may vary, but nice to hear there are some good stories too!

 

[SteveAZ]

I'm in SoCal ... and have used the system extensively in NorCal as well... It's by far the best navigation system I've used. The automatic traffic rerouting and knowledge of closed roads and exits has been awesome. I am to the point where wherever I'm going I use the navi, regardless of the fact that it's somewhere I go everyday, it knows traffic and gets me there faster.

I obviously can't speak for people in other states, but with primary use in southern california, I have not been able to find anything that gets close to the MFT navi. I wish they'd fix the other software problems, but as far as maps and traffic/incident integration go, I'm 100% satisfied.

I was driving a 2010 Lincoln MKX before buying the 2011 Explorer. In Phoenix there is a belt route, 202, that has been in place for at least four years. The 2010 maps, the latest according to NavTec, did not include the northeast quadrant. I had a Lowrance GPS also loaded with NavTec and it did include that section of freeway. The map on the Lowrance was dated 2007! I was really disgusted with the system and Thought the 2011 Explorer with TeleAtlas database would be much better. So who is a fault? Ford is buying the nav package from TeleNav. I don't know who the bought the NavTec package from but neither one is perfect. However, you would expect the map data to be current regardless of the software.

I think the issue has more to do with the software that manipulates the database than the maps themselves. Does Ford write the software than drives the database or is it totally TeleNav? The POI scheme, address searches and the like are just awful in the current MFT. When you combine the complicated search routines with the very insensitive touch screen it can be enough to generate a string of expletives. We were in Salt Lake City last week and tried to find a Walmart. No matter what we tried we didn't find a single store. When we located a store, not using MFT, the system couldn't find it and we were in the Walmart parking lot.

We've nicknamed our MFT Poke and Stab! With Rebecca's help we've finally got the system working again but unless the software engineers rewrite the whole GPS package it will never be very useful.

It could be such a great system with the 8" screen and all of the other fine features associated with MFT. Bottom line...The GPS, regardless of where the data comes from, it too complex and really doesn't provide the kind of visual cues for a great system. the screen is cluttered with all sorts of info, so much so that you can't see the map. Any attempt to scroll the screen by stabbing in the direction you want to look ends up being a foolish exercise because the system is so slow that when it finally processes the stab(s) you end up two counties away.

I think Ford knows it has a big problem based on the surveys they are doing. The only way they'll fix the system is to speed up the processor, replace the screen, and simplify the GPS system software.

Still love the Explorer. In my seventy-six years this is the finest automobile I've ever owned. I just wish they'd fix the Nav system before folks finally give up and buy a Kia.

Sharin

 

[FordIVTteam]

Sorry for the tone of my post. Just frustrated with the navigation system. Obviously it only works in some areas but not others. Maybe we can set up a post where everyone report whether their navigation works or not and where they are located. This may haelp Ford to find out where the problem areas are.

I think that's a fantastic idea, wheeling!

Rebecca

 

[ncgirl_2009]

HELP! I just took delivery of my 2012 Limited last Friday. My car still 'thinks' it's in Chicago, where it was built! I've set my "home" as a point in navigation but that doesn't help. If I press the "Where am I" button it shows my car out in the water somewhere to the East of Chicago. On top of that, the time is wrong and everytime I set it it reverts back to Chicago time.

 

[FordIVTteam]

HELP! I just took delivery of my 2012 Limited last Friday. My car still 'thinks' it's in Chicago, where it was built! I've set my "home" as a point in navigation but that doesn't help. If I press the "Where am I" button it shows my car out in the water somewhere to the East of Chicago. On top of that, the time is wrong and everytime I set it it reverts back to Chicago time.

Hi Ncgirl!

Please private message me with your VIN and I will look into this for you. Also, for your clock, touch the following on your MyFord Touch screen:

MENU > CLOCK > ON next to GPS TIME SYNCHRONIZATION

Let me know if it's already set to on. Thanks!

Rebecca

 

[FordIVTteam]

Thanks Rebecca for posting that!

The only problem I can foresee is that when we need the POI directions most likely we will be out of town. If it does not bring us to the right place I know in my case I will not be a happy camper so please don't take it personal! I certainly know you are trying to help. Is there anything proactive Ford is doing about the Navigation problems? Would be nice to get some feedback from them as well so we know they are trying to come up with a solution. There is a whole thread here about problems with it.

Thanks again!!!

Hi, gdecamp!

I responded to your other post here:

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?p=2800207&posted=1#post2800207

Rebecca

 

[powcha]

How can I return my navigation system?

It really does not work. Too many problems to write up. Can I get my money back for it? Maybe an upgrade will help??

 

[FordIVTteam]

It really does not work. Too many problems to write up. Can I get my money back for it? Maybe an upgrade will help??

Hi, Powcha!

Without knowing what type of issues you're having with your navigation system, I suggest going to your dealership to have them run diagnostics. You would also have to speak to the dealer that you bought your vehicle from for any refund information.

Also, we don't have any updates for the navigation system, but if you don't have software version 2.11 installed on your Explorer, it may not hurt to install it. You can do this by logging into your SYNCMyRide.com account and going to UPDATE & CUSTOMIZE. Please see more information about the update here:

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=328974

Let me know if you have any other questions!

Rebecca

 

[ah64aviator]

Hope this is the appropriate spot for this, but here goes....my mft story.

Couple of weeks ago I did the self update of MFT on my 11 Ex going from 2.8 to 2.11. Everything went as advertised, I thought. After completing the install, the next time I drove the car I noticed that the driver's side BLIS wasn't working. I tried disabling and re-enabling the system but that didn't work, so I took it into my dealer for a look. I told them I suspected this to be related to the MFT upgrade since BLIS worked the night before perfectly. They suspected it was related to a TSB however (don't have the # in front of me) and performed the procedures for it. They gave me the Ex back saying it was fixed, but I didn't get a mile down the road from the dealership and saw that in fact it did not work. The driver's side BLIS still didn't indicate the presence of a car. I turned around and took it right back to them. They spent a couple of hours "reprogramming" BLIS but that didn't work either and I was then told I had a faulty driver's side sensor and they put it on order. Yesterday they installed that sensor but that didn't fix the problem either. I was asked to bring it in yet again (4th time) and was told by the service manager that they were going to do a full system reset and complete reprogramming of the car, a 3-4 hour process I'm told.

I guess my point for all of this is to ask someone (Rebecca or someone on the MFT team) if a faulty installation of MFT where there was perhaps a corrupted file or something of the like, would cause the issue I'm having. I love my car so far but I joked with the service manager yesterday that with only 1200 miles on my Ex, he has driven it more than I have. If this isn't a plausible explanation, I'd love some advice on what is. Thank you in advance.

 

[FordIVTteam]

I guess my point for all of this is to ask someone (Rebecca or someone on the MFT team) if a faulty installation of MFT where there was perhaps a corrupted file or something of the like, would cause the issue I'm having. I love my car so far but I joked with the service manager yesterday that with only 1200 miles on my Ex, he has driven it more than I have. If this isn't a plausible explanation, I'd love some advice on what is. Thank you in advance.

Hey, ah64aviator!

I responded to your private message, but I will post here as well in case anyone else is wondering. I checked into this and found there is no software on MFT for BLIS. It's not integrated with MFT in any way.

Please keep me posted on what the dealership says!

Rebecca

 

[ah64aviator]

Hey, ah64aviator!

I responded to your private message, but I will post here as well in case anyone else is wondering. I checked into this and found there is no software on MFT for BLIS. It's not integrated with MFT in any way.

Please keep me posted on what the dealership says!

Rebecca

I'll do just that. This is a very odd coincidence then I suppose. Now I wonder why they can't fix this seemingly simple problem with this system on my car.

 

[peterk9]

Hope this is the appropriate spot for this, but here goes....my mft story.

Couple of weeks ago I did the self update of MFT on my 11 Ex going from 2.8 to 2.11. Everything went as advertised, I thought. After completing the install, the next time I drove the car I noticed that the driver's side BLIS wasn't working. I tried disabling and re-enabling the system but that didn't work, so I took it into my dealer for a look. I told them I suspected this to be related to the MFT upgrade since BLIS worked the night before perfectly. They suspected it was related to a TSB however (don't have the # in front of me) and performed the procedures for it. They gave me the Ex back saying it was fixed, but I didn't get a mile down the road from the dealership and saw that in fact it did not work. The driver's side BLIS still didn't indicate the presence of a car. I turned around and took it right back to them. They spent a couple of hours "reprogramming" BLIS but that didn't work either and I was then told I had a faulty driver's side sensor and they put it on order. Yesterday they installed that sensor but that didn't fix the problem either. I was asked to bring it in yet again (4th time) and was told by the service manager that they were going to do a full system reset and complete reprogramming of the car, a 3-4 hour process I'm told.

I guess my point for all of this is to ask someone (Rebecca or someone on the MFT team) if a faulty installation of MFT where there was perhaps a corrupted file or something of the like, would cause the issue I'm having. I love my car so far but I joked with the service manager yesterday that with only 1200 miles on my Ex, he has driven it more than I have. If this isn't a plausible explanation, I'd love some advice on what is. Thank you in advance.

Do you have the Park Assist on your Limited? If so, see if it works. I had a problem a while back where I tried Park Assist for the first time and it came up with an error message. The BLIS lights also were not operating. Turns out the front right sensor had to be replaced.

 

[ah64aviator]

Do you have the Park Assist on your Limited? If so, see if it works. I had a problem a while back where I tried Park Assist for the first time and it came up with an error message. The BLIS lights also were not operating. Turns out the front right sensor had to be replaced.

Peter we think alike. The other day I did test park assist for that reason and because I hadn't yet tried it and REALLY wanted to. It worked, but it was on a parking spot on the right side. Did not try the left side and as I recall reading you can have the car search for a space on either side. I almost gave up on it though because it seemed like I pulled well beyond the open space before it told me to stop. Anyway, thanks for the input.

 

[ah64aviator]

Hey, ah64aviator!

Please keep me posted on what the dealership says!

Rebecca

Dealer just called to say re-program didn't work and he consulted with engineers from Ford. They inform him that I have a bad side optical module on the left side. One is being sent from Detroit and I will be called when it arrives, maybe tomorrow or Monday. Is it normally this hard to detect this side optical module as being defective? Replacing it will make my 5th trip for this problem, quite an inconvenience lately.

 

[peterk9]

Peter we think alike. The other day I did test park assist for that reason and because I hadn't yet tried it and REALLY wanted to. It worked, but it was on a parking spot on the right side. Did not try the left side and as I recall reading you can have the car search for a space on either side. I almost gave up on it though because it seemed like I pulled well beyond the open space before it told me to stop. Anyway, thanks for the input.

I was looking to park on the Left side and it was the Right sensor that was bad.
I hope they get yours fixed this time.

 

[ah64aviator]

I was looking to park on the Left side and it was the Right sensor that was bad.
I hope they get it fixed this time.

I'll have to test the left side and I will when I get this new module put in, but if I had to guess I bet park assist wouldn't function right now on the left side. If I get the opportunity before module arrival, I'll test it and see. Glad you got yours fixed. Rebecca with IVT seems optimistic this will be the ticket for me so...

 

[ah64aviator]

Hey, ah64aviator!

Please keep me posted on what the dealership says!

Rebecca

New module in today and so far so good. 5 visits but I got my orange light back!

 

[FordIVTteam]

New module in today and so far so good. 5 visits but I got my orange light back!

The orange light!!!!!

Rebecca

 

[tpchristian]

Rebecca,

I have been through all Ford support channels that I am aware of; chat & phone support. They were of no help with my questions. Can you tell me of any other support avenues to answer the questions/problems that I have. See the "Motorola Electrify" thread in this forum.