Android Auto Functionality - 6 Months In, and I can't Take a Call!

[Cameron]

I've been having the same issue since last October, and I still haven't gotten any relief. Anyone here have any new information or updates???
2022 BD, using an Android phone (Kyocera Brigadier) since I drove off the lot. Zero issues using hands free/bluetooth to make and take calls for just about 2 years. I work out of my truck, so reliable comms are mission-critical day to day.

+/- 6 months ago, anytime I tried to answer a phone call, all I got was an earful of static through my in-dash comms. Contacted my dealer, dropped it my ride off for diagnosis, had no luck. "Software bug. Ford's working on it". was what I got. It's been over 6 months since I have been able to use my phone in transit without pulling over, shutting off the engine and opening the door unless I want to use the texting feature. NOT an Android bug, but a FoMoCo issue!

Fast forward to 1/21/25 with a different dealer, different state. They referred to SSM 53088, and checked for the most recent APIM software and all was up to date. They then used TSB 23-2437 procedures to check for update status (ok) and updated the GWM and refreshed the network, but showed no further updates for GWM, APIM, or TCU. "All software up to date at this time" was the upshot.
The dealer then referred me to SSM 53088 advising me that an OTA update (originally scheduled for Q4 of 2024) would be coming Q1 2025.

4/23/25 now, and I still can't get reliable comms in my ride, even after 2 years of reliable connectivity. Am I the only one experiencing this issue, or has anyone else here dealt (successfully) with this problem? Thanks in advance for any helpful input! C

Sponsored

 

[AK SNO RIDER]

You're using a phone that came out over a decade ago and blaming Ford? I bet if you upgrade to proper phone rather than something that isn't even sold anymore all your problems would go away.

What version of android does that thing run? Does android auto even support support something of that vintage?

 

[Cameron]

Hey AK,
I'm using the newest version of the Brigadier (less than 2 years old), running the software version 5.230VZ (fully updated). Like I said in my post, I had zero issues until just before last Halloween. Took my phone and truck to 2 different dealers and both told me it was a Ford software issue, not due to my (Android) phone.
Have you got any useful info regarding this issue (SSM 53088)?
Thanks! C

 

[Cameron]

You're using a phone that came out over a decade ago and blaming Ford? I bet if you upgrade to proper phone rather than something that isn't even sold anymore all your problems would go away.

What version of android does that thing run? Does android auto even support support something of that vintage?

 

[Cameron]

PS: I like your Pickup. Used to have a '77 F250 I still regret selling...

 

[AK SNO RIDER]

Hey AK,
I'm using the newest version of the Brigadier (less than 2 years old), running the software version 5.230VZ (fully updated). Like I said in my post, I had zero issues until just before last Halloween. Took my phone and truck to 2 different dealers and both told me it was a Ford software issue, not due to my (Android) phone.
Have you got any useful info regarding this issue (SSM 53088)?
Thanks! C

Dealers aren't exactly tech savvy. According to the play store, android auto only supports 8.0 and up. If you're on 5.2, that could explain it. Though I would expect standard, non AA Bluetooth to still work. But we're still talking about an extremely outdated phone so who knows. We're up to Android 15 now. It's entirely possible the latest Ford software simply doesn't support the version you are running. I'm not familiar with the SSM you're referencing, I've never had an issue like your describing.

I'm not trying to be a dick, but the last time I saw a Kyocera I was in middle school and it was a flip phone. I'm the kind of person who watches videos on every new phone to get released and I still had to Google your phone. I would try a phone running newer software before placing blame on Ford or Android. It's unfortunate in some ways, but we live in a world where tech is constantly changing and old versions lose support.

 

[C6ZZGT]

Hey AK,
I'm using the newest version of the Brigadier (less than 2 years old), running the software version 5.230VZ (fully updated). Like I said in my post, I had zero issues until just before last Halloween. Took my phone and truck to 2 different dealers and both told me it was a Ford software issue, not due to my (Android) phone.
Have you got any useful info regarding this issue (SSM 53088)?
Thanks! C

Did you or the dealer pair a different phone at all ? Did the problem stay or go away ?

 

[Cameron]

Thanks man,
I'll swing by the Verizon store tomorrow and see if there's any new software updates available. My phone's only a year and a half old, 5G, mil-spec and bulletproof. Like I said, I didn't have any issues until last Halloween or so.

I'm in construction and the last 2 times I needed a new phone, I just went in and asked for the toughest phone they carried. The first time I looked at Kyocera, the sales guy pulled one off the shelf and threw it like a frisbee across the room, then pulled out his key ring and beat on the screen like he was pounding a nail. No issues at all. No case needed, no screen protector, waterproof, shockproof, me proof (so far)!

I was in Phoenix last summer when it was 118+ and my phone got so hot sitting in the sun, I threw it in the pool to cool off. Again, no issues.
I'm not a big Bear Grylls fanboy, but he's been repping the Brigadier line for a few years now. I'm super happy with what I've gotten from them so far, and aside from my Bronco connectivity issue, I wouldn't trade mine in for any Iphone or any other hardware I've come across yet.

Thanks for your help/comments. I'll be sure to update this thread once I've had a chance to check w/Verizon regarding any new software updates. C

 

[Cameron]

Did you or the dealer pair a different phone at all ? Did the problem stay or go away ?

 

[Cameron]

Yup, they paired up with a new Iphone with the same result ...

 

[Cameron]

Sorry! Another tech's Android unit, NOT an Iphone! Samsung maybe? I'm not sure...

 

[AK SNO RIDER]

Yup, they paired up with a new Iphone with the same result ...

Well shoot, if it doesn't work with a new phone I'm at a loss. Gotta be an issue with the vehicles Bluetooth module. If you're still under warranty I'd probably ask the dealer about getting a a new APIM.

 

[Cameron]

Copy that. Thanks, and I'll update this thread ASAP. C

 

[Jazer]

Is it just wireless issues? Have you tried direct connection via usb?

My wireless AA is glitchy with my current phone (phone issue as it worked perfect with my last). Wired works fine tho.

 

[BroncoChallenger]

I'm gonna be the smart@$$ one...It's because it's an Android.

LOL, no, it's likely that, if it has the issue with both old and new phones, that it's a bluetooth issue on the vehicle side even if all the software is up to date - could be a hardware issue.

It's a good suggestion to try plugging it in and using USB - will tell you if the Bluetooth is functioning properly.

FWIW, sporadically my iPhone will connect wirelessly properly but no sound will come out of the speakers. Have to try to switch to a different phone, then back, and it works fine again. Might go weeks without doing it, then will do it several times in a row.

Good luck!

Sponsored