Urgent Software Update (Thursday, 11/16/23) - Fail

[KillerPenz]

Yes, this is a post to gripe to @Ford Motor Company and I don't really expect a response from them.

Anyways, got home yesterday and a message pops up on my screen "Urgent Update - Fix issues with back up camera and prepares for exciting new features"

So let's break it down, update went through without a hitch (as far as software downloads go anyways). But...
1. Back up camera still cuts in and out when in reverse (didn't do this 2 updates ago).
2. Songs (through AA) now skip constantly for the first 30-40 seconds of driving (also didn't do 2 updates ago).
3. Screen (8") becomes unresponsive (probably every other trip), (which once again didn't do 2 updates ago).

At this point I almost can't wait for the next update. @Ford Motor Company, STOP with these updates that break more crap than they fix! Or here's a thought, TEST your updates before you release them to the masses. All I know is, the electronics on my 2021 Bronco worked just fine UNTIL you released the previous update back in October! Enough already

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[indio22]

Why are you guys accepting all these updates? If the vehicle is working fine, don't do more updates. None of my other vehicles even get updates and they run fine.

 

[Rydfree]

Why are you guys accepting all these updates? If the vehicle is working fine, don't do more updates. None of my other vehicles even get updates and they run fine.

^^ This.
I'm leery of any update unless they tell me exactly what they are doing. Ford is very vague in what they tell you they are doing.

I learned with DJI drone updates to not do it if things are already working acceptable.
Don't get me started on PlayStation updates .

 

[brkdncr]

I work in tech and have a counter-point.

modern technology is too complex to manage anymore.

In the last 10 years, most software has moved from a model that tests significantly and then releases a product that is basically locked from changes, to a model that is constantly in a state of change.

the benefit of this dynamic model is that you can make small changes, test them out, release them to everyone fast. This results in cost savings. For instance the backup camera issue would probably be a very expensive and time consuming recall 10 years ago. I’ve also noticed my stereo sound was suddenly a lot better then when I bought it. I suspect an update tuned things.

the downside is that it doesn’t go through rigorous QC.

“if it’s working fine, don’t update”

My vehicle can be unlocked remotely. It has cameras. It can be started in my garage. It’s a high compression turbo. There’s no way I would not want my updates to be coming through.

if you don’t like the idea of OTA updates, it’s probably best to shop for a vehicle that doesn’t have any.

my garage has a 1969 f250 and 1961 Lincoln parked next to the bronco. My previous vehicle a Toyota 86 had a modern engine but was otherwise low tech. love and hate modern tech, but I’m not about to buy a new car with lots of tech in it and then complain about updates.

I wish ford would let us decide what update ring we could be in. You don’t want to be in the first wave. I also wish they would let us “undo” an update.

 

[Bronc6g22]

Unfortunately most of us are in a waiting game after the October updates "bricked" several features. I'm all for incremental software improvements. Bugs happen, just hope they can solve them timely. In the meantime, my Bronco still drives great!

 

[RHeinz]

There are thousands and thousands of users (Bronco owners, including probably nearly every manufacturer these days) that are not having problems with the OTA updates. One or two in 100,000 or even 50,000 is not a significant issue even though it is a major PITA for you. As a retired engineer (ME) who has done industrial automation projects (pretty cool robotic things), and having to deal with my “office software” IT department (back when I was working) and vendor software troubleshooting, I think it’s a good thing even though there is major negativity here on this forum. Ford is not trying to fuck you even though you are Implying that. It is however your option to turn off future updates, to me that’s kind of a forever thing, since any future updates have to take into account all of you who may have turned off and then changed your mind and then turned them back on. Apple does do a pretty good job with this scenario.

If you don’t want to deal with the tech, buy a short wheelbase 1965 CJ5. Even without lockers it will do you very well.

 

[Scott R Nelson]

There are thousands and thousands of users (Bronco owners, including probably nearly every manufacturer these days) that are not having problems with the OTA updates.

I'm one of those.

You know why? Because I turned off updates and all remote access. Mine has never received an update since the day it was built in late December of 2021. I just had it serviced a couple of days ago and the Ford dealer did not try to install any updates or even mention anything about it.

My motto: If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

 

[RHeinz]

I'm one of those.

You know why? Because I turned off updates and all remote access. Mine has never received an update since the day it was built in late December of 2021. I just had it serviced a couple of days ago and the Ford dealer did not try to install any updates or even mention anything about it.

My motto: If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

As I noted, that totally your option. No issues here, but eventually, it might lead to software issues when you need IT service And you are 400 OTA behind.

I own a 1950 Willys CJ3A along with my 22 Badlands SAS. You can take a hose to the CJ and it only has about 5 major DC circuits. It’s just totally impractical to fulfill my current needs however….

 

[KillerPenz]

Why are you guys accepting all these updates? If the vehicle is working fine, don't do more updates. None of my other vehicles even get updates and they run fine.

What had me leaving auto updates on was reading that Ford would be able to upload a fix for the rear camera bug, the recall which would've meant I wouldn't have to waste 4 hours at a dealership to have them manually update it.

And with the previous update screwing things up left and right, I was then stuck remaining with auto updates hoping they'd fix them. Sadly, they produce yet another update 2 weeks later that makes it worse.

So yes, I'm now stuck in this loop of bad updates hoping that Ford will eventually figure it out.

And for those saying buy an old vehicle and we won't have these problems,yeah I get it, I never wanted all these fancy electronics. Hence went with a BaseSquatch to have to deal with minimal junk. I'd gladly go back to a '90s Bronco, would have a V8 then. But would also have the typical Ford rotted out fenders, doors and tailgate.

 

[Nickhick]

I work in tech and have a counter-point.

modern technology is too complex to manage anymore.

In the last 10 years, most software has moved from a model that tests significantly and then releases a product that is basically locked from changes, to a model that is constantly in a state of change.

the benefit of this dynamic model is that you can make small changes, test them out, release them to everyone fast. This results in cost savings. For instance the backup camera issue would probably be a very expensive and time consuming recall 10 years ago. I’ve also noticed my stereo sound was suddenly a lot better then when I bought it. I suspect an update tuned things.

the downside is that it doesn’t go through rigorous QC.

“if it’s working fine, don’t update”

My vehicle can be unlocked remotely. It has cameras. It can be started in my garage. It’s a high compression turbo. There’s no way I would not want my updates to be coming through.

if you don’t like the idea of OTA updates, it’s probably best to shop for a vehicle that doesn’t have any.

my garage has a 1969 f250 and 1961 Lincoln parked next to the bronco. My previous vehicle a Toyota 86 had a modern engine but was otherwise low tech. love and hate modern tech, but I’m not about to buy a new car with lots of tech in it and then complain about updates.

I wish ford would let us decide what update ring we could be in. You don’t want to be in the first wave. I also wish they would let us “undo” an update.

Damn so maybe I'm not crazy! I thought I was nuts thinking all of a sudden the stereo sounded fuller. Did an update send full signal to the rear? There's no way right?

 

[RHeinz]

I do not want to beat a dead horse here but, this thread has been bothering me….

Please, you IT guys correct me here. THE SCENARIO: Ford revises/upgrades their software for a specific model/options. A “trigger” is sent to your Bronco to download and install the new software revision (patch). Every one with that specific model/options is accessing the same exact software update/patch from the same Ford server.

Why then, would the update fail in one out of hundreds of downloads/installations? Does no one consider that the download/update faúlt/problem is an issue with their vehicle, internet provider or wifi link?

Ford (or any of the other vehicle manufacturers) is not APPLE, who seems to be able to update zillions of phones with apparently no issues. I’ve never had a problem, anyway.

Perhaps Ford is not double checking the downloaded code to be sure it has been received properly, prior to being installed? I would think that these days, that was a routine download step. It only takes one missed 0 or 1, to mess things up.

 

[Nickhick]

Damn so maybe I'm not crazy! I thought I was nuts thinking all of a sudden the stereo sounded fuller. Did an update send full signal to the rear? There's no way right?

Yep I'm nuts. Something sounds different but it's not the rear speakers. They still sound like cheap headphones.....

 

[KillerPenz]

Have an update for ya @Ford Motor Company, remote start stopped working 2 days ago. You guys suck!

 

[Taltyman]

Unfortunately most of us are in a waiting game after the October updates "bricked" several features. I'm all for incremental software improvements. Bugs happen, just hope they can solve them timely. In the meantime, my Bronco still drives great!

Love the dog in your avatar. Reminds me of ours we had.

 

[Ford Motor Company]

Yes, this is a post to gripe to @Ford Motor Company and I don't really expect a response from them.

Anyways, got home yesterday and a message pops up on my screen "Urgent Update - Fix issues with back up camera and prepares for exciting new features"

So let's break it down, update went through without a hitch (as far as software downloads go anyways). But...
1. Back up camera still cuts in and out when in reverse (didn't do this 2 updates ago).
2. Songs (through AA) now skip constantly for the first 30-40 seconds of driving (also didn't do 2 updates ago).
3. Screen (8") becomes unresponsive (probably every other trip), (which once again didn't do 2 updates ago).

At this point I almost can't wait for the next update. @Ford Motor Company, STOP with these updates that break more crap than they fix! Or here's a thought, TEST your updates before you release them to the masses. All I know is, the electronics on my 2021 Bronco worked just fine UNTIL you released the previous update back in October! Enough already

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