SYNC-26.2.8.3 (the big SYNC update)

[Kamuelaflyer]

My biggest complaint is I can't open the frunk/trunk with the car off. Second is not having a dedicated button more accessible.

You can do both. You have either chosen not to or have chosen to ignore the liftgate button.

A smart solution would be giving user customizable controls on the top of the screen

Easier said than done. There are at least 45 modules on the mme. Each one requires separate updating by the module manufacturer. Such a request is close to unrealistic.

There's definitely a solution here to make everyone happ

No, not really. Sadly.

Ford hasn't done that and I think that's a fair statement.

Again, not really. Ford made a conscious human-machine interface tradeoff, and some people think they got the balance mostly right. You obviously disagree.

The Mach-E isn’t a Tesla, and it isn’t a 1995 Crown Victoria. That’s one of the reasons I bought it.

If your annoyance with the UI rises to the level of finding the car unpleasant or disagreeable, then its time to start looking at a car with a more traditional switch balance. Just be aware that car manufacturers swing back and forth between Tesla-esque to a 747-200 cockpit in their approaches and response to ui criticism. There are very few, if any, happy mediums.

If you’re handy though, i’d give serious consideration to the mod posted above.

Sponsored

 

[SonicBlue]

I don't have the update yet, but I have the same two-phone scenario and I think this will probably (?) be an improvement. Some are confident enough to proclaim "Nobody was asking for this," but I mean... I was. Like, specifically, I've said to people it would be nice if there was a button to toggle phones quickly in the top of the screen.

I disagree with you on this... being able to easily switch phones is a nice new feature. I did not ask for it, but I can tell you I use this similar feature in my Rivian on roadtrips often. The number of times I need to open the trunk from the drivers seat is comparatively much less common. Usually, I just walk to the back of the car and hit the physical button on the trunk.

Can either of you (or anyone else) point to a post or thread where anyone asked for this, ever? I haven’t found it. I frequent this board and never once saw it.

Until I see otherwise, this just wasn’t something the owner base was clamoring for - vocal minority or not. A one-tap trunk button has been for years. And now there is even less real estate on the top ribbon… so people can toggle between two different phones.

 

[NY_Cade69]

I don't carry the fob. I use the PAAK that sometimes works.

And seriously? I should pull out my phone to open the trunk? Dude.

That's not an evolution. That's a regression.

Why not just say:

"OK, Ford: Open the liftgate"

 

[sLAsh]

My 23 doesn't behave this way. If I turn off the car and don't open the door it asks me if I want to disable the alarm and I can still access the screen to open the frunk or trunk.
My problem is my wife opens the door at soon as I turn off the car so I can't access the screen. I found it easier to train myself not to turn it off until the trunk is open than it was to explain to her every time why she needed to wait before opening her door.

My massive complaint is that I typically get to my parked position and turn off the car. Once this is done the trunk and frunk button is stupidly disabled.

The thing is, cars have been designed for decades where a trunk button exists physically that is easily accessible no matter the state of the car. We hoomans have developed muscle memory and habits for when we press this button. When that changes, and or becomes impossible (turn car off > open trunk) it becomes pretty frustrating to change that habit.

Also, why do I have to press a button, wait 2 seconds for the screen to load and press another button that doesn't work half the time because I didn't press it long enough jsut to open the trunk BEFORE I turn off the car? That's really ok with you?

 

[robi]

As I see it, the Mach E already has three ways to open the rear door - go through the touch screen before turning it off, use the key FOB or use the button on the rear door. I would say 99% of the time we use the rear door button and it works fine. That also is a reminder to me to stop the full travel when opening it where there is a low ceiling like my Mom’s garage. I’m also reminded how complex such a basic function has become on this and most modern cars. On my first car, a 1975 VW Rabbit, there was only one way to open the rear hatch. Get out of the car and press the plunger button on the hatch. Lift slightly and then the gas struts took over to lift it fully open. Closing was even easier, just grab the open hatch and push it down to shut just like any of the doors.

 

[MacherAWD]

Folks for those of us with kids, we pull up are in the car, open trunk so kid grabs something then close and drive off. I find it a pain. I use paak, I have to click 3 very slow clicks to access.

Similar complaint with my Chevy bolt, it's 3 clicks to turn on 360 cameras when using AA/CP vs just a single click with button on the ribbon. MME gets this one right

 

[pixelpusher15]

Easier said than done. There are at least 45 modules on the mme. Each one requires separate updating by the module manufacturer. Such a request is close to unrealistic.

huh? I don't see why the modules matter when designing a car. This isn't something I'm requesting they add now, it likely won't happen, it's acknowledging the design error because it is not a user-focused design decision.

Also, more than likely, changing the UI around is not a 45 module update process. The "backend" is already there and functioning, it's just how the UI hooks into it. The real bottleneck would be that Sync is more than likely shared across many models so there's likely special casing for models and making sure it doesn't create UI bugs.

Again, not really. Ford made a conscious human-machine interface tradeoff, and some people think they got the balance mostly right. You obviously disagree.

There's an assumption here that you think even Ford is happy with the results. I bet you there's a designer at Ford complaining about things just like we are. The lack of physical controls is most certainly a cost savings one. A customizable UI most likely was floated but shot down due to production costs. I work in software. We are nearly never happy with the finished product and the concessions made to ship.

 

[RickMachE]

This is a bit of an oversimplification. The problem isn’t switching from a physical button to a touchscreen button - a touchscreen button on the Home Screen would be fine! The problem is that you first have to remember to first tap one little button to open Settings, and then hunt for the even tinier trunk button tucked away in the top right corner of the drive modes. That’s truly stupid design. There is no excusing this. None.

I go around to the trunk, and kick my foot...

The anguish and whining about having to remember to open the trunk before shutting off the car is pretty funny. Life is so challenging...

My 23 doesn't behave this way. If I turn off the car and don't open the door it asks me if I want to disable the alarm and I can still access the screen to open the frunk or trunk.
My problem is my wife opens the door at soon as I turn off the car so I can't access the screen. I found it easier to train myself not to turn it off until the trunk is open than it was to explain to her every time why she needed to wait before opening her door.

We have the same wife.

 

[NY_Cade69]

huh? I don't see why the modules matter when designing a car. This isn't something I'm requesting they add now, it likely won't happen, it's acknowledging the design error because it is not a user-focused design decision.

Also, more than likely, changing the UI around is not a 45 module update process. The "backend" is already there and functioning, it's just how the UI hooks into it. The real bottleneck would be that Sync is more than likely shared across many models so there's likely special casing for models and making sure it doesn't create UI bugs.

There's an assumption here that you think even Ford is happy with the results. I bet you there's a designer at Ford complaining about things just like we are. The lack of physical controls is most certainly a cost savings one. A customizable UI most likely was floated but shot down due to production costs. I work in software. We are nearly never happy with the finished product and the concessions made to ship.

But possibly being saved for the new Ford Digital Experience???

 

[NY_Cade69]

My 23 doesn't behave this way. If I turn off the car and don't open the door it asks me if I want to disable the alarm and I can still access the screen to open the frunk or trunk.
My problem is my wife opens the door at soon as I turn off the car so I can't access the screen. I found it easier to train myself not to turn it off until the trunk is open than it was to explain to her every time why she needed to wait before opening her door.

You need the Liftgate button mod, it is available only if the doors are opened/unlocked!

 

[markboris]

You need the Liftgate button mod, it is available only if the doors are opened/unlocked!

There is a reason my "Adding a Physical Liftgate Interior Power Switch" thread has had 131,412 views. I think people especially if they have had a Ford before, are used to a physical switch for the liftgate/trunk. If I had to guess, I've probably installed this switch in at least 25 Mach-E's.

 

[SonicBlue]

There is a reason my "Adding a Physical Liftgate Interior Power Switch" thread has had 131,412 views. I think people especially if they have had a Ford before, are used to a physical switch for the liftgate/trunk. If I had to guess, I've probably installed this switch in at least 25 Mach-E's.

Not just Ford. Aside from Tesla, I don’t know that I’ve ever driven a car without it. I may break down eventually and do it. Gah it just seems like such a pain.

 

[SonicBlue]

By the way, guess who’s notably absent from this thread…

@Ford Motor Company

 

[NY_Cade69]

There is a reason my "Adding a Physical Liftgate Interior Power Switch" thread has had 131,412 views. I think people especially if they have had a Ford before, are used to a physical switch for the liftgate/trunk. If I had to guess, I've probably installed this switch in at least 25 Mach-E's.

AITA, I forgot to link to your Thread!
https://www.macheforum.com/site/threads/adding-a-physical-interior-liftgate-power-switch.6560/

 

[txhippiefish]

What would be preventing me from receiving this update? I’ve checked manually while on WiFi and it says no update available?

Sponsored