Weird Apple CarPlay issue - help needed.

[AuriR]

You don't happen to be pulling out of your driveway or passing by places you've connected with Wi-Fi before when this happens...? If so, it could be the phone changing Wi-Fi networks.

Correct - Bluetooth - at least v5.3 - is not fast enough to support wireless CarPlay or Android Auto. Also, beware your battery life draining very quickly due to all the wireless screen sharing and Wi-Fi chip usage. I know Android Auto is terrible for this, so I just stay wired now.

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[OrchidMania]

Wired or wireless I loose CarPlay when I go over certain bridges.
it reconnects

 

[Art]

I am noticing that when the car is connected wirelessly to CarPlay, it disconnects at exactly the same locations every single time I pass through there. Often, it’ll reconnect and fix itself but sometimes it just won’t, leading to a blank screen or just a complete disconnection requiring a reboot of the infotainment system.

Does anyone know why this happens? And more importantly, is there a way around it? Both car and phone are running the latest non-beta software. And this is location specific, so I don’t think it has to do anything with either device’s software / firmware.

Wired CarPlay works perfectly. No issues there.

When it is wired, you get the benefit of charging and stability. Why rely on bluetooth?

 

[Namdrof]

I am noticing that when the car is connected wirelessly to CarPlay, it disconnects at exactly the same locations every single time I pass through there. Often, it’ll reconnect and fix itself but sometimes it just won’t, leading to a blank screen or just a complete disconnection requiring a reboot of the infotainment system.

Does anyone know why this happens? And more importantly, is there a way around it? Both car and phone are running the latest non-beta software. And this is location specific, so I don’t think it has to do anything with either device’s software / firmware.

Wired CarPlay works perfectly. No issues there.

I have the exact same experience in a location with my 2 Mach-Es and my Expedition. Every time I drive by the spot, which is at least 1-2 times a week. The wireless connection for carplay disconnects and then reconnects. Not sure what is causing it but something is interfering with the Wi-Fi signal.

 

[stealthytolkien]

When it is wired, you get the benefit of charging and stability. Why rely on bluetooth?

CarPlay doesn’t need Bluetooth. You mean WiFi.

and I see what you mean but my phone is wirelessly charging on the mat. Why bring cables into picture? Yes it’ll be stable for sure. But it’s 2024. I don’t want to use wires when avoidable. The car just doesn’t look clean.

 

[stealthytolkien]

You don't happen to be pulling out of your driveway or passing by places you've connected with Wi-Fi before when this happens...? If so, it could be the phone changing Wi-Fi networks.

Correct - Bluetooth - at least v5.3 - is not fast enough to support wireless CarPlay or Android Auto. Also, beware your battery life draining very quickly due to all the wireless screen sharing and Wi-Fi chip usage. I know Android Auto is terrible for this, so I just stay wired now.

That’s a great suggestion and I did some evaluation and unfortunately that’s not the cause.

I now genuinely think that it has to do with RF interference due to either crowded section of the highways or some 5.8Ghz equipment there that’s causing the issue.

As much as I love wireless CarPlay (it just makes it more convenient for us since we use Apple Music and Apple Maps and podcasts all the time) I really wish and hope that they sort this out in their next generation.

 

[A-A-Ron]

You don't happen to be pulling out of your driveway or passing by places you've connected with Wi-Fi before when this happens...? If so, it could be the phone changing Wi-Fi networks.

Correct - Bluetooth - at least v5.3 - is not fast enough to support wireless CarPlay or Android Auto. Also, beware your battery life draining very quickly due to all the wireless screen sharing and Wi-Fi chip usage. I know Android Auto is terrible for this, so I just stay wired now.

Once Apple connects to CarPlay it won't connect to another network until CarPlay is turned off. If you try to manually connect to a network, it gives you a big warning about how it'll disconnect CarPlay before you can continue.

 

[devmach-e]

A point of clarification about CarPlay and Bluetooth. CarPlay absolutely uses Bluetooth. However it is just to setup the WiFi connection between the car and the phone, and not for data transfer. Try disabling Bluetooth before you get in the car and see how well wireless CarPlay works...

 

[bbachrac]

I am noticing that when the car is connected wirelessly to CarPlay, it disconnects at exactly the same locations every single time I pass through there. Often, it’ll reconnect and fix itself but sometimes it just won’t, leading to a blank screen or just a complete disconnection requiring a reboot of the infotainment system.

Does anyone know why this happens? And more importantly, is there a way around it? Both car and phone are running the latest non-beta software. And this is location specific, so I don’t think it has to do anything with either device’s software / firmware.

Wired CarPlay works perfectly. No issues there.

The problem is poor Ford Mach-E engineering of the Sync electronics that makes it susceptible to electromagnetic interference. I found this thread before I was about to start my own. A specific location (1300 S El Camino Real San Mateo CA 94402 ) knocks out my Cell Calls and Apple Car Play whether 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 one where I have opportunity for repetitive observation.

 

[markboris]

The problem is poor Ford Mach-E engineering of the Sync electronics that makes it susceptible to electromagnetic interference. I found this thread before I was about to start my own. A specific location (1300 S El Camino Real San Mateo CA 94402 ) knocks out my Cell Calls and Apple Car Play whether 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 one where I have opportunity for repetitive observation.

That is very interesting. I've had CarPlay completely go out like that before on a highway (don't remember where) but not on El Camino in San Mateo. My parents live in San Carlos and my uncle lives in Burlingame. I've gone back and forth and passed 1300 several times with no issues but it has not been for at least 6 months. I'll be down there again on the 23rd and will try this out. I only use wireless CarPlay.

 

[Snakebitten]

So only the lowly engineered Mach-E is affected by such interference?

I'm not sure I can buy that.

I do believe that some vehicles will be affected less/more for all kinds of reasons. And not necessarily ones that are related to poor engineering even.

Now if it were common for all Mach-E owners to lose Wi-Fi connectivity between their phone and the car, that would at least anecdotally point to a engineering/design flaw of some kind.

 

[ArthurDOB]

This reminds me a little of the old joke:

Patient (moving arm in an awkward position): "Doc, every time I move my arm like this, it hurts. Can you help?"
Doctor: "Don't move it like that!"

stealthytolkien: "I am noticing that when the car is connected wirelessly to CarPlay, it disconnects at exactly the same locations every single time I pass through there."

Me: "Don't pass through there." ?

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