Android Auto - audio volume no longer persists

[phil]

I use Google Maps in Android Auto (wireless). There are separate volume levels for car audio (e.g., radio) and Maps navigation directions. To adjust the Maps volume, it was necessary to use the car's volume control while Maps audio was active, e.g., during a turn instruction. This worked fine for years, and the Maps volume level persisted until manually changed again.

Recently, that has changed. What happens now is that I still can adjust Maps audio via the car's volume control wheel (or button), and the Maps audio volume will adjust accordingly for the duration of the current instruction. But the next time a Maps instruction comes on, it reverts to the previous volume level - always Level 7 - no matter how many times I adjust to a different volume level.

I don't think the Mustang is responsible for this change in behavior, because I do not accept auto software updates and have been on the same old version of the infotainment software for years. I'm thinking the change must have been caused by Maps or more likely Android Auto updates/changes. There is a setting for "Guidance Audio" available on the Mustang's big screen while displaying Maps, and it has an option for "Play Test Sound" and "Adjust Voice Guidance Volume", which announces that guidance volume is adjusted via the car's volume control. One would think this addresses the issue, but as I say, any such adjustments made via the car's volume control fail to persist - which is different from how the car worked for me for the past ~3 years.

Have you experienced this issue, or solved it?

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[bshaw]

I do not accept auto software updates

This is a terrible strategy for you to follow. The car was intended to have its software updated.

 

[Ford Motor Company]

I use Google Maps in Android Auto (wireless). There are separate volume levels for car audio (e.g., radio) and Maps navigation directions. To adjust the Maps volume, it was necessary to use the car's volume control while Maps audio was active, e.g., during a turn instruction. This worked fine for years, and the Maps volume level persisted until manually changed again.

Recently, that has changed. What happens now is that I still can adjust Maps audio via the car's volume control wheel (or button), and the Maps audio volume will adjust accordingly for the duration of the current instruction. But the next time a Maps instruction comes on, it reverts to the previous volume level - always Level 7 - no matter how many times I adjust to a different volume level.

I don't think the Mustang is responsible for this change in behavior, because I do not accept auto software updates and have been on the same old version of the infotainment software for years. I'm thinking the change must have been caused by Maps or more likely Android Auto updates/changes. There is a setting for "Guidance Audio" available on the Mustang's big screen while displaying Maps, and it has an option for "Play Test Sound" and "Adjust Voice Guidance Volume", which announces that guidance volume is adjusted via the car's volume control. One would think this addresses the issue, but as I say, any such adjustments made via the car's volume control fail to persist - which is different from how the car worked for me for the past ~3 years.

Have you experienced this issue, or solved it?

Hi Phil! I can look into your Mach-E's concern on my end. To get started, could you please send a private message over with the name/location of your local Ford dealer and your Mach-E's VIN?

 

[likescookies]

I've experienced the same issue, though for me the change happened at least a year ago. During the first half of my car's life, when I reduced the volume while Google Maps was giving directions, it stayed down for subsequent instructions. Nowadays and for a long time, it pops back up to 6 or 7 or whatever the default is each time.

It got to the point where I just turned off voice instructions. (Although, that worked a little better back some months ago before a Power Up changed it so that the next turn is no longer persistent on the speedometer screen; it only appears shortly before the turn.)

Running a Pixel 6a FWIW.

 

[flapjake314]

never had this issue, always persists for me... i accept all the OTAs ford wants to give me

 

[phil]

I've experienced the same issue, though for me the change happened at least a year ago. During the first half of my car's life, when I reduced the volume while Google Maps was giving directions, it stayed down for subsequent instructions. Nowadays and for a long time, it pops back up to 6 or 7 or whatever the default is each time.

It got to the point where I just turned off voice instructions. (Although, that worked a little better back some months ago before a Power Up changed it so that the next turn is no longer persistent on the speedometer screen; it only appears shortly before the turn.)

Running a Pixel 6a FWIW.

I did find a setting that helps: Google Maps > Settings > Navigation Settings > Guidance Volume. It offers only three volume levels, but "Softer" is adequate for me. It seems clumsy and inferior to the previously available adjustments, but acceptable.

 

[likescookies]

Cool; thank you!

I did find a setting that helps: Google Maps > Settings > Navigation Settings > Guidance Volume. It offers only three volume levels, but "Softer" is adequate for me. It seems clumsy and inferior to the previously available adjustments, but acceptable.

 

[Space_Pony]

I always adjust google maps while playing test sound in google maps navigation settings. Select the letter in top right-settings-scroll down to Navigation Settings then select Play test sound. You should then be able to diagnose your problem. Adjust the car's volume while test sound is playing.

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