Electromagnetic Interference Disrupts Mach-E Cell Phone and Apple Car Play

[bbachrac]

A specific location (1300 S El Camino Real San Mateo CA 94402 ) knocks out my Cell Calls and Apple Car Play whether the iPhone 15 is connected by USB or Bluetooth and has done so on 2021, 2022, and 2023 Mach-E models driving in either direction. I have not had this issue in any other car including a Ford C-Max at this location. There are no obvious cell towers or power lines in the area or on the building. I sometimes have the cell and Apple Car Play knocked out in other locations while driving and sometimes it seems to be power lines. This is the only Location where I have opportunity for repetitive observation.

The problem must be poor Ford Mach-E engineering of the Sync electronics that makes it susceptible to electromagnetic interference. I have not had this problem in other cars.

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[HuntingPudel]

I have driven by that address numerous times without losing my cell service. I will pay more attention when I next drive by there, but I haven't noticed an issue. ?‍?

 

[bshaw]

Wireless CarPlay works over WiFi after negotiating a handshake via Bluetooth.

My GPS can get delayed, but wireless car play stays connected even when cell signal is low or lost. 2021 job 1.

Maybe get some equipment to measure EM interference at the location, seems quick to jump to any conclusions.

 

[bbachrac]

Wireless CarPlay works over WiFi after negotiating a handshake via Bluetooth.

My GPS can get delayed, but wireless car play stays connected even when cell signal is low or lost. 2021 job 1.

Maybe get some equipment to measure EM interference at the location, seems quick to jump to any conclusions.

Thanks for your note. I don't plan to explore deeper by getting equipment, but I was curious what has been the experience of other owners. As I mentioned, for me this has happened in three different vehicles, but presumably the electronics in those model years has remained the same.

 

[Sikkun]

There is a section on my drive to work where I lose cellphone, Bluetooth, wifi.

But it’s by a secure government facility and I’m pretty sure they are jamming all signals.

 

[kodiakng]

if that location is causing cell signal disruption i'd definitely report the issue to both your carrier and the FCC - https://www.fcc.gov/enforcement/areas/interference-resolution

also report for wireless carplay/android auto but, since it is in unlicensed radio frequency space, the interference could be just interaction of other services using the frequency(ies). if it is truly causing issues when connected by USB it would seem to be a bigger issue than just "interference."

wireless carplay/android auto dropouts due to strong interference is a known issue but it seems you've found one that is more egregious - i'd definitely report it. FCC takes responsible reporting pretty seriously, especially in licensed bands like cell signals.

 

[Mantastic]

This happens every time for three specific places I drive. I can't fault Ford for it because if the signal is being interfered with, I don't believe it's either the car or my phone that's the problem.

 

[bbachrac]

This happens every time for three specific places I drive. I can't fault Ford for it because if the signal is being interfered with, I don't believe it's either the car or my phone that's the problem.

I have both a Ford C-MAX 2013 and KIA Niro EV 2019 where CarPlay are not disrupted when I go by the location I cited.
At the very least I fault Ford for the inconvenience in the Mach-E.

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