Ford Policy for Software Updates for Mach-E

[Kamuelaflyer]

You don't have to show them that you have the problem. But you do have to tell them that you have the problem. That's how SSMs and TSBs work (as opposed to recalls).

When my car was in the shop for something else, I told them that there were SSMs for PaaK reliability and the 12V battery dying when charging the HVB. They had no problem applying those updates for me even though my 12V battery has never actually died.

My dealer applied every SSM applicable to my car before delivery. PAAK works perfectly (among other things).

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[Mirak]

While it is fun to show how much smarter we all are than the obviously incompetent buffoons at Ford, it is entirely possible that a lot more is going on than it seems. Ford might have actually hired competent logisticians, CM people, software engineers, etc.

Ford clearly has a lot of highly competent people, including involved with the MME. I generally love this car and I would generally say it is awesome. Generally. But some of these bugs, and the absence of a fix after several months, does point to some incompetence.

I’m not a programmer, but I’m also not getting paid to be a programmer, and Ford isn’t relying upon me to develop cleanly working software for the MME. I don’t have to be a director to criticize a crappy movie or a professional football player to criticize dropping an open pass. I’m trying to be gracious, and everyone makes mistakes, but there also needs to be accountability when people screw up at their jobs.

And FordPass…. at this point nobody is making excuses for FordPass, right?

 

[Mirak]

My dealer applied every SSM applicable to my car before delivery. PAAK works perfectly (among other things).

Same. And the last visit to the service center I received every update available (at least eight). Took about an hour and a half. It doesn’t seem that Ford was picking and choosing certain updates based upon my concern (certain doors not unlocking).

 

[krafty81]

Ford clearly has a lot of highly competent people, including involved with the MME. I generally love this car and I would generally say it is awesome. Generally. But some of these bugs, and the absence of a fix after several months, does point to some incompetence.

I’m not a programmer, but I’m also not getting paid to be a programmer, and Ford isn’t relying upon me to develop cleanly working software for the MME. I don’t have to be a director to criticize a crappy movie or a professional football player to criticize dropping an open pass. I’m trying to be gracious, and everyone makes mistakes, but there also needs to be accountability when people screw up at their jobs.

And FordPass…. at this point nobody is making excuses for FordPass, right?

Ford Pass is working great for me now. I do not use PaaK.

 

[Mirak]

Ford Pass is working great for me now. I do not use PaaK.

iOS or Android?

 

[EELinneman]

Most likely it's only getting worse.... Just like the PAINT Colors.. They may have to start removing options! ;^)

Henry Ford, is that you??? LOL

 

[JoeDimwit]

Henry Ford, is that you??? LOL

My friends call me Hank. You can continue calling me Henry.
???

 

[EELinneman]

My friends call me Hank. You can continue calling me Henry.
???

How about Bocephus?

Take a look here to see the reference
http://oplaunch.com/blog/2015/04/30/the-truth-about-any-color-so-long-as-it-is-black/

 

[krafty81]

iOS or Android?

Android

 

[Luke]

What a nightmare to manage. Ford will have hundreds of different configurations on the cars very quickly. I think this is beyond the capability of most techs to manage. Now, service means that someone or some process will need to evaluate each and every version of each and every module to figure out what the toxic combinations are that are causing problems.

They have OTA updates for a reason. While I can understand not updating software in an ad-hoc manner, they should have standard configurations with known versions in a release package. I've done complex software for a long time and this is a recipe for trouble. Combined with this being a flagship vehicle with a lot of press, Ford has created a train wreck. The question is when.

I agree. Ford is following the same problem Android creased for themselves. The so called fragmentation. They should do cumulative updates and that would help with Q&A.
Monday I will bother my dealer to apply whatever is available and I will bother then until every update is done.

 

[BMT1071]

You don't have to show them that you have the problem. But you do have to tell them that you have the problem. That's how SSMs and TSBs work (as opposed to recalls).

When my car was in the shop for something else, I told them that there were SSMs for PaaK reliability and the 12V battery dying when charging the HVB. They had no problem applying those updates for me even though my 12V battery has never actually died.

This is going to be dealer dependent. Typically the requirement is that the tech verify the concern prior to performing any repair (update). So if you can't duplicate the issue the dealership is simply following policy by not attempting a repair.
That said, many dealers will perform updates if you ask nicely.

 

[Mirak]

Android

I’m on iOS and all my charging notifications disappeared one or two releases ago. I don’t get any notification when I’m plugged in. I don’t get any charging curves or other real-time charging updates. I can’t push any changes to the charging schedule from my app to my car.

FordPass is basically useless for me except to check the SOC from whenever my car last went to sleep. I can also use it to lock, unlock, open the lift gate as long as my car is awake to receive the commands. PAAK sorta works but nearly as reliably as the fob.

 

[JCHLi]

Ford only updates modules as needed by specific problems and satisfying a list of conditions. (outside of what limited updates are addressed by OTA)

To Ford, most of these module updates seem to be a "repair". Maybe that makes sense by Ford's model, because the module update procedure, at least for now appears to be very time consuming.

This policy (software update as a repair (SUAAR, acronym pronounced as "sour")) seems like an odd approach, especially when compared to other industries, which just update everyone and everything to the latest versions. (either by auto-update, or by user request)

Are you SURE this is their policy, doesn't sound quite right.

 

[BMT1071]

Are you SURE this is their policy, doesn't sound quite right.

I've been out of the dealership game for about 6 years so I can't say for sure, but I doubt they have changed their policy significantly.

 

[EELinneman]

I've been out of the dealership game for about 6 years so I can't say for sure, but I doubt they have changed their policy significantly.

Is this due to the technician cost not being refunded by Ford for fixes not specifically required or just a general don't do what you absolutely don't need to do model? You can provide all of us with some insight and possibly help everybody understand the hows and whys of the dealer servicing model.

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