JLB3

Q: iPhone 7 Bluetooth connectivity with Ford SYNC malfunctions

I'm using my iPhone 7 with my 2016 Ford Fusion with SYNC. The Bluetooth connection worked flawlessly with my iPhone 6S. Today, the iPhone 7 experienced significant connectivity issues, including regular dropouts, dropping the connection entirely, and music just stopping playing. Not a cellular data issue as the songs were on the iPhone. Resetting network settings, turning bluetooth on/off, and dropping/re-connecting to the car did not fix the issue. No equipment or other things have changed except the switch to the new iPhone.

 

I fully don't expect there to be a "solution" other than a software update or returning this phone, but has it happened to anyone else?

Posted on Sep 17, 2016 1:19 PM

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Q: iPhone 7 Bluetooth connectivity with Ford SYNC malfunctions

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  • by davidsignal,

    davidsignal davidsignal Sep 27, 2016 4:15 AM in response to JLB3
    Level 3 (549 points)
    iPhone
    Sep 27, 2016 4:15 AM in response to JLB3

    I have the same issue with a 2014 Fiesta ST, using an iphone 7+.  I tried returning the phone.  The replacement has exactly the same issues.  I would love for a software update to fix this.

  • by Cessna_172,

    Cessna_172 Cessna_172 Sep 27, 2016 4:53 AM in response to JLB3
    Level 1 (14 points)
    iPhone
    Sep 27, 2016 4:53 AM in response to JLB3

    Exact same problem in my 2013 Ford Taurus with Sync 2. Would love to know of a fix!

  • by davidsignal,

    davidsignal davidsignal Sep 27, 2016 6:31 AM in response to JLB3
    Level 3 (549 points)
    iPhone
    Sep 27, 2016 6:31 AM in response to JLB3

    I don't have a solution, but I do notice that although the problem exists with the phone in any state, it seems to be exacerbated by running any app that uses the phone's GPS antennas.

     

    For now, I have been going through the extra step of plugging my iPhone 7+ into USB every time I get in the car.  The BT phone connection might still drop eventually, but at least I can use navigation and listen to streaming music stations without the random skipping, stuttering, and dropping of connection.  BT has now become dangerous and is going to get someone killed in a car accident.

     

    I can't wait for an iOS update that will fix this.

  • by Gerald Edgar,

    Gerald Edgar Gerald Edgar Sep 27, 2016 6:59 AM in response to davidsignal
    Level 3 (693 points)
    Mac OS X
    Sep 27, 2016 6:59 AM in response to davidsignal

    I can't wait for an iOS update that will fix this. 

     

    Maybe it is a SYNC update that is needed.

  • by JLB3,

    JLB3 JLB3 Sep 27, 2016 7:05 AM in response to JLB3
    Level 1 (15 points)
    iPhone
    Sep 27, 2016 7:05 AM in response to JLB3

    For what it's worth, Apple called me directly about the error and offered to run a diagnostic while I was in the car. I got in the car and tried to reproduce the error and could not -- this was after the most recent iOS update had been installed. If you haven't done that, I would try it. That said, I also don't drive much, so I only have had one long trip on which this happened. If you're having problems as well, I would contact AppleCare and see if they will set something up.


    I kind of LOLed at the suggestion that Ford's product needs an update. Ford's product works perfectly fine with every product out there EXCEPT iPhone 7. The problem is obviously something with the iPhone 7, which hopefully the latest software update fixed. But again, if you're still having problems, they seemed very interested in helping me out and I assume will be the same for everybody.

  • by davidsignal,

    davidsignal davidsignal Sep 27, 2016 8:22 AM in response to Gerald Edgar
    Level 3 (549 points)
    iPhone
    Sep 27, 2016 8:22 AM in response to Gerald Edgar

    I don't care who does the update, as long as I can regain the bluetooth functionality that previous iPhones offer.  Apple did design the new iPhone 7, which has broken a useful feature.  So the onus is on Apple.  But if Ford is willing to fix Apple's bug, I will take that too.  I hope that somebody will make it just work.

  • by Cessna_172,Helpful

    Cessna_172 Cessna_172 Sep 28, 2016 6:50 AM in response to JLB3
    Level 1 (14 points)
    iPhone
    Sep 28, 2016 6:50 AM in response to JLB3

    The issue is most definitely with the iPhone, as my 6+, 6S+, and my significant other's Note 5 work flawlessly. FWIW, I am having this issue on iOS 10.0.1 and 10.0.2.

  • by T-Rix,

    T-Rix T-Rix Sep 27, 2016 8:28 PM in response to JLB3
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Sep 27, 2016 8:28 PM in response to JLB3

    I am having the problem, too.  I have a 2015 Escape and got my new iPhone 7 just over a week ago.  I paired the new phone the weekend I got it and it worked great for a week and now - nothing.  It won't connect, it won't play, I repeatedly get a message saying "Bluetooth Media Disconnected."  Several full resets later and I still have the same problem.  i can't even get my music or podcasts to play using a USB cord.  My iPhone 5 sometimes had connection problems but I'd just shut the phone off, turn it back on, and that always fixed it.  I have to believe it is a Sync software problem and I'm hoping an update will fix it.  In the meantime I have an appointment to take it to Ford for them to look at it, but I'm disappointed it has come to this. 

  • by Cessna_172,

    Cessna_172 Cessna_172 Sep 28, 2016 5:43 AM in response to Cessna_172
    Level 1 (14 points)
    iPhone
    Sep 28, 2016 5:43 AM in response to Cessna_172

    Now, after further testing, I may actually have to agree that it is a Ford issue. I went home and tested my iPhone on a pair of Bluetooth headphones and a Bluetooth receiver for my stereo system and both worked without a hitch.

  • by JLB3,

    JLB3 JLB3 Sep 28, 2016 6:49 AM in response to Cessna_172
    Level 1 (15 points)
    iPhone
    Sep 28, 2016 6:49 AM in response to Cessna_172

    Interesting. I've now found just the opposite. After thinking my issue was resolved, for the last couple days I have been using my bluetooth headphones (which I used to only use for running) on the way to and from work. They also have major malfunctioning issues, with regular dropouts that seem to be caused by any time there's any significant load on the cellular antenna and/or the GPS. I say that because, noticeably, the issues stop once I'm underground in the New York subway. You may have not had the issue because of testing at home -- because mine also works just fine if I'm not moving around too much.

     

    Luckily Apple said they would keep my case open until Friday, so I've asked them to come and install a diagnostic on my phone.

     

    Meanwhile, next time I'm in the car, I guess I'll use USB.

  • by davidsignal,

    davidsignal davidsignal Sep 28, 2016 10:01 AM in response to JLB3
    Level 3 (549 points)
    iPhone
    Sep 28, 2016 10:01 AM in response to JLB3

    I have found the same thing too.  I had my phone locked in a box last night in a place where there was no cellular reception.  When I went to retrieve it, the cellular status said "no service".  I often give the cellular option a slide at this point to restore connection, but this time I just left it at "no service" and tried driving home.  And I was able to get through the whole trip (about 15-20 minutes) with perfect audio. No skips, stutters, drops... nothing.  It just worked.  Obviously, this is not an acceptable scenario, as cellular service is needed to take/place calls and to stream from the internet without wifi.   But it is notable that the lack of cellular activity fixed the bluetooth issue completely.  I wonder if it is some kind of interference.   I notice that Cessna is in NYC.   I am in the DC-metro area.  Also, I am using ATT, which I believe uses GSM frequencies.

  • by Cessna_172,

    Cessna_172 Cessna_172 Sep 28, 2016 10:33 AM in response to davidsignal
    Level 1 (14 points)
    iPhone
    Sep 28, 2016 10:33 AM in response to davidsignal

    I will test your theory today. I'll put my iPhone into airplane mode and see how it works without cell signal. I am also on AT&T. I'd be interested to know if Verizon/CDMA users have this issue as well.

  • by SpudLime,

    SpudLime SpudLime Sep 28, 2016 10:54 AM in response to Cessna_172
    Level 1 (21 points)
    iPhone
    Sep 28, 2016 10:54 AM in response to Cessna_172

    This issue is not specific to ford as i have read on readdit and experienced issues as well.

     

    My brothers 2013 kia optima has same issue.

    His 7+ as well as my 7+ both experience cut outs and turning off in his car.

    Tried hard reset, reset all network settings, unpair/repair, forget device and delete from car.

    Still have issue.

     

    In my 2015 Subaru STi, i dont have the audio issues.  However, i have to manually connect every time i start the car.  Not a unpair/repair, but i have to go into the car stereo, list the phone and hit connect.  Very frustrating.
    Iphone 6, 6+, and 5s do not have any of these issues in either vehicle.

     

    I have the older Sync in my 2011 F150.  There has not been a sync update for years and the stupid radio forces you to hit the button every time you start the truck to switch from line in to BT.   7+, 6+ have never had an issue in my F150. 

  • by davidsignal,Helpful

    davidsignal davidsignal Sep 28, 2016 12:27 PM in response to Cessna_172
    Level 3 (549 points)
    iPhone
    Sep 28, 2016 12:27 PM in response to Cessna_172

    Cessna, thanks for the airplane mode suggestion.  I have just confirmed the earlier theory.

     

    Airplane mode + BT + wifi (ie: no GSM cellular) = perfect BT audio

    Turn cellular back on = BT skips, stutters, and drops connection

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