[Tyrsmkr]

Ford has had its share of quality issues with its fledgling MyFord Touch technology, and watchdogs like Consumer Reports and J.D. Power have taken notice. Bloomberg reports that Ford CEO Alan Mulally is all too aware of the automaker's latest technology glitches, saying, "We've had just a few issues with some technologies associated with Sync and MyFord Touch."

The "just a few issues" Mulally is referring to include reports of touchscreens blacking out, general complaints about a steep learning curve and a recent crossover ranking by Consumer Reports that placed the 2011 Explorer 17th out of 19 vehicles tested due in large part to the tech. CR also dropped the coveted "Recommended" nod for the 2011 Edge because of MyFord Touch.

Mulally's recent statements come just before the release of J.D. Power's June 23 new car quality report. J.D. Power's VP Dave Sargent claims the automaker's own data shows that quality has taken a hit, adding that Ford is "making an early warning to the market that this may be a problem." There is no telling how car buyers would react to Ford slipping a bit in the rankings, but the company's stellar performance in the study over the past few years has likely been a major reason why the Blue Oval managed to re-pass Toyota on the sales charts.

Ford isn't taking the potential quality issues lightly, recently spending $100 million to deploy laser-guided robots in 17 factories to help reduce wind noise in its automobiles. The robots will enable Ford to install doors to within one tenth of one millimeter of specification. The automaker is also working hard to stay on top of quality even as it continues the torrid pace of new vehicle launches.

[The 'Burg]

Ford tried waaaay too hard with MFT and partnering with Microsoft wasn't exactly the best idea. Now we have to reflash all the cars on our lot and this is creating a logjam in the service dept. Not to mention that the poor technician who has to do this shit isn't making the money he'd normally make doing real repairs.

Plus, ask any of us if we'd own a car with MFT and the answer is an overwhelming "NO!" The base head unit in an Explorer or Edge is so easy to use - but you cannot get SYNC in a base or low-level XLT / SEL. Big mistake - especially because the head units are already equipped with telephone dialing pads.

Ford's doing some great stuff and I'm damned proud to represent them, but I don't drink the Kool-Aid. If there's a problem, I'll step up and admit it, and demand that Ford make it right.

[lengnert]

I do not wish to downplay these reports in any way, however I own a car with the first gen Sync and it has been outstanding.

My boss owns an F150 with (I guess) is the second gen Sync (w/ integrated nav and updated VR) and it is better than the Bluetooth system that one of my compatriots has in her '11 Acura MDX.

Rouge's comments on the MyFordTouch in his new Edge directly contradicts the reports about instability and more importantly the ease of use/learning curve. It is this learning curve issue that I most take exception with. I truly think it is BS. I have to think the 1st gen system has/had a higher learning curve and I had no real difficulties. I figured it out without the benefit of having an operations manual. The MFT (from all things I've heard) with the interactive screen makes learning the system an a 'fait accompli'.

My conclusion is that the problems may indeed by out there. However, Ford will undoubtedly make the necessary corrections.

I liken it to the negative remarks I've read about the DCT trans in the Focus and Fiesta. While not necessarily being without some (very little, in my opinion) merit, they are minor at best. It ends up giving the press something bad to say about any otherwise outstanding product.

[ncguy]

Did wings have his hand in this Ford technology like he did with the Ford Hybrid in the late 90's? :ohmy:



I kid.... I kid We know someone couldn't have this much impact from the Janitors closet :2thumbsup:

All jokes aside - Ford will get this worked out, it's a new technology and we all know they have their fair share of bugs in the beginning.

[jspookss]

I personally DO NOT blame Ford. Its definitely that Microsoft CRAP!

However, that being said, Ford needs to fix that shit. OR install android based sync systems

[The Voice of Doom]

jspookss;90233 Wrote:I personally DO NOT blame Ford. Its definitely that Microsoft CRAP!

However, that being said, Ford needs to fix that shit. OR install android based sync systems

What he said. Whatever I may think about some of Ford's products I'll give it props for infotainment stuff. The real issue here is probably with the Microsoft end of things, and maybe the touch-screen interface.

[The 'Burg]

The Voice of Doom;90240 Wrote:

jspookss;90233 Wrote:I personally DO NOT blame Ford. Its definitely that Microsoft CRAP!

However, that being said, Ford needs to fix that shit. OR install android based sync systems

What he said. Whatever I may think about some of Ford's products I'll give it props for infotainment stuff. The real issue here is probably with the Microsoft end of things, and maybe the touch-screen interface.

What's really frustrating is when, at time of delivery - we are trying to set up an account on "SyncMyRide.com" for the customer - and the frigging system doesn't recognize the VIN of the car we just sold because the software hasn't been updated. This is even more maddening when it happens to a car fresh off the delivery truck.

[jspookss]

Damn. That would suck alot of ass.

[lengnert]

neburg964;90266 Wrote:

The Voice of Doom;90240 Wrote:

jspookss;90233 Wrote:I personally DO NOT blame Ford. Its definitely that Microsoft CRAP!

However, that being said, Ford needs to fix that shit. OR install android based sync systems

What he said. Whatever I may think about some of Ford's products I'll give it props for infotainment stuff. The real issue here is probably with the Microsoft end of things, and maybe the touch-screen interface.

What's really frustrating is when, at time of delivery - we are trying to set up an account on "SyncMyRide.com" for the customer - and the frigging system doesn't recognize the VIN of the car we just sold because the software hasn't been updated. This is even more maddening when it happens to a car fresh off the delivery truck.

How long does it normally take for the system to update?

I ask because I would like in the near future to be getting a car with the MFT.

Is it hard to do for the consumer themselves?

[Gixser995]

I can agree with the MFT being a bit difficult to learn. I tried it on a Ford Edge before and it was prettt confusing at first, but I'm pretty good with tech so I got it down in a minute or so. Still, I don't buy what CR said about it because they are stuck in the 60s when it comes to car tech. But at the same time, I wouldn't want to see my father attempt trying it.

[AF]

drop Microsoft and partner up with Apple.

[RougeRiver]

I have yet to have the screen freeze up. About the only irritation is a message stating that the system does not support unauthorized downloads to the flash drives connected to the USB port. Well, that is true with respect to my wife's African music - they are free downloads from friends.
Mine are legitimate payed for (I work in IP and respect of property rights is expected) downloads. Hey, can anyone tell their wife what to do::

I really do not control much from the screen, while driving. Automatic climate control is activated quickly and indicate via a ping and light up of the icon that is below the screen. That can be reached by moving my hand about six inches off of the wheel. Temp and fan speed can be set via the dash command screen without hand leaving the wheel. Playlists buried in the flashdrive can be accessed by Sync voice commands.

I like the fact that MTF cleans up the entire dash. This makes dust elimination very easy. No more chasing the dust that gets in buttons and knobs with a Q-tip.

To each their own. I will not buy another new product with buttons and knobs. Now if the competition does a MFT equivalent better, that's OK.

[Chevroletguy]

This is the problem with new tech and partnering with a huge company like Microsoft. After the Vista debacle, Microsoft has had to do a lot of fixing.

[AlwaysSmooth]

AppleFan;90313 Wrote:drop Microsoft and partner up with Apple.

+2100 on that!!! And I've had experience with the new Ford tech stuff in my uncles 2011 Explorer Limited. Very nice stuff to have, but it's a lot to learn and some of it is rather confusing. Buttons work better than touch screens sometimes. Anyways, they will get it figured our sooner rather than later.