4g Upgrade kit - program 21B09

[Locutus]

32 minutes ago, Multitask said:

It is amazing how big of a deal this has become... I see this on a lot of other forums

 

If the modem was defective, and your vehicle was under a warranty that covered that, then it would be replaced.  BUT , it is NOT defective, but rather no longer has a 3G signal to use as ATT has shut that down.  So not the fault of Ford/Lincoln

 

I have seen many say they got a new phone when the upgrade happens, I say GREAT .... but Ford/Lincoln decided not to do that.  They did say for some vehicles they would cover the cost of labor (which tends to cost more)

 

I'm surprised that no one has attempted getting a 4G modem from a wreck.... I'm assuming there is more to it than just a swap.

I'm surprised you still don't see the problem.  Ford knew of the 3G issue as far back as 2017.  Thats why Ford and other companies discontinued the use of 3G modems in 2017.  The only Ford vehicles that were still getting the 3G modems were the plug-ins.  Ford continued to use the 3G modems in the plug-ins because they decided not to update FordPass Connect to support the plug-ins until very recently.  So, Ford sold plug-ins for four model years when they knew required vehicle functions had a limited shelf life.  That shelf life in some cases was barely a year.  Once MyFord Mobile was retired, (which actually happened before any 3G disruption occurred from AT&T), plug-in users could no longer manage the charging of their vehicles.

Edited April 20, 2022 by Locutus

[skipfrary]

Ford also shutdown the my Ford mobile application way to soon AT&T cellphones and towers are still working in many areas. A coworker is still using his AT&T 3G iPhone 

[Locutus]

13 minutes ago, skipfrary said:

Ford also shutdown the my Ford mobile application way to soon AT&T cellphones and towers are still working in many areas. A coworker is still using his AT&T 3G iPhone 

Exactly my point.  There is more going on here than just AT&T.  In addition, most of Ford customers weren't even notified until about three weeks before the application was turned off.

[Multitask]

and you don't get analog signals anymore? Wow

and 3 whole weeks!!!!

Edited April 21, 2022 by Multitask

[Multitask]

What will you talk about once 3G is dead, and 4G is dead.... ??

[skipfrary]

So, what do you own that you are so defensive of Ford ?
Obviously not a state of the art Fusion with a less than state of the art modem.

Why did Ford stop putting 3G modems the lower level Fusions and provide them with 4G modems? 
 

 

[Multitask]

I'm not defending them.

 

I own a 2020 Lincoln MKZ hybrid... before that it was a 2018 FFH, and before that was a 2013 FFH, I've owned KIAs before, also a BMW.... glad I don't have them anymore, they are all out dated....

 

You would have to ask Ford on your last question... doesn't seem right to me either, but it is what they did.... you should have known 3G was going to die eventually, 2G was already gone, and 1G (though it was not called that) as well... so it was something that the carriers were going to do... 4G will go too... 5G will take over... etc....etc...etc...

[akirby]

And Multitask wasn’t defending Ford he’s just explaining the reality of the situation.
 

Everyone is correct here.  Ford knew 3G was going away but chose to continue installing 3g modems.   My guess is the Energi software wasn’t ready for 4G so they kept the 3g modem.

 

Does it suck for Energi owners?  Sure.  But that also applies to all the other 3g equipped vehicles like my 2016 MKX.   
 

Is Ford required to replace the modems for free?  Absolutely not.  
 

Would it be great customer service if they replaced them for free?  Absolutely.  Especially on 2019 models.  But they chose not to do that.

 

The upgrade is available if you want it.  Ford isn’t paying for it.  Griping won’t change that.

[skipfrary]

And so the executives at Ford made a decision….those of us who chose and paid a premium for the powerplant of the future, an EV, got the modem of the past. Those

who chose the soon to be outdated internal combustion powerplant got the modem of the future. 
We can’t even use our plug in vehicle up to its abilities to charge during off peak hours, helping everyone, because the 3G app has been decommissioned way before the 3G network itself.
Purchasers who paid a premium for an EV, are now forced to pay again for the poor choice made by the Ford executives who decided to equip their latest technology with the soon to be outdated modem.

Now Ford tells me that due to the fact that my Ford dealer bought the car to take advantage of the federal EV incentives and then sold it to me used with less than 9,000 miles on it, I can not even take part in the program. They won’t even sell me a modem. I am eligible for 5 years of service but they won’t even sell me a modem to use the service.

Secretary Buttigieg says that everyone should buy an EV and they are affordable. He claims to have owned a C-Max EV. 
Maybe we need to make more noise and elevate this to his DOT for help for the everyday people who tried to do the right thing. If Ford wants to be the EV maker of the future, they can’t forget those who signed on early to support their efforts.

I encourage all affected to keep blogging every time you go to use your obsolete modem. The squeaky wheel gets the grease. There are two possible outcomes here. Either Ford ignores us and we go away, or we refuse to go away and keep making noise and Ford replaced the modems solving the problem. Let’s work together and keep up the noise so Ford chooses to solve the problem.

[Locutus]

Agreed, anyone who spent $1000+ to have a 240v charger installed in their house in order to use the off-peak charing benefits of their local utility company should be especially angry.  

[akirby]

9 hours ago, skipfrary said:

And so the executives at Ford made a decision….those of us who chose and paid a premium for the powerplant of the future, an EV, got the modem of the past. Those

who chose the soon to be outdated internal combustion powerplant got the modem of the future. 
We can’t even use our plug in vehicle up to its abilities to charge during off peak hours, helping everyone, because the 3G app has been decommissioned way before the 3G network itself.
Purchasers who paid a premium for an EV, are now forced to pay again for the poor choice made by the Ford executives who decided to equip their latest technology with the soon to be outdated modem.

Now Ford tells me that due to the fact that my Ford dealer bought the car to take advantage of the federal EV incentives and then sold it to me used with less than 9,000 miles on it, I can not even take part in the program. They won’t even sell me a modem. I am eligible for 5 years of service but they won’t even sell me a modem to use the service.

Secretary Buttigieg says that everyone should buy an EV and they are affordable. He claims to have owned a C-Max EV. 
Maybe we need to make more noise and elevate this to his DOT for help for the everyday people who tried to do the right thing. If Ford wants to be the EV maker of the future, they can’t forget those who signed on early to support their efforts.

I encourage all affected to keep blogging every time you go to use your obsolete modem. The squeaky wheel gets the grease. There are two possible outcomes here. Either Ford ignores us and we go away, or we refuse to go away and keep making noise and Ford replaced the modems solving the problem. Let’s work together and keep up the noise so Ford chooses to solve the problem.

What do you mean you can’t buy a modem?

[Waldo]

19 hours ago, skipfrary said:

Either Ford ignores us and we go away, or we refuse to go away and keep making noise and Ford replaced the modems solving the problem. Let’s work together and keep up the noise so Ford chooses to solve the problem.

 

Well there is a third option - you just pay to buy the modem and have it installed and carry on with the new version of Ford's App.  Not sure what story you're getting that says you can't buy it.  The part number is listed here and you can just order it online.  But Ford has offered a solution to the problem, the only thing that people aren't happy about (and for good reason) is that they have to fork out money for this solution.

 

Let's also remember that while you did pay a premium for your "EV", the real premium cost of that "EV" was shared by taxpayers and other Ford ICE customers.  Ford has to sell PHEVs to offset the CAFE impact of the more profitable trucks and SUVs, so in essence they can sell PHEVs at a loss which is subsidized by the folks paying premiums for the Platinum F150s.

[skipfrary]

Ford built the later model Energis to improve their total line up mpg stats to comply with the CAFE requirements. It was most likely necessary for them to extend building the Energi into 2019 and 2020 just so Ford could build the F-150 Platinums. 
Granted you may have had to pay a premium for them due to the demand for them, but Ford also needed higher mpg vehicles on the other end of the scale to offset the lower mpg of the Platinum F-150 just do they could build and sell the lower mpg F-150s. That’s because the politicians got involved and mandated mpg improvements. Glad we could help you out, just sorry you have to pay $4+ a gallon to fill up.

[akirby]

3 hours ago, skipfrary said:

Ford built the later model Energis to improve their total line up mpg stats to comply with the CAFE requirements. It was most likely necessary for them to extend building the Energi into 2019 and 2020 just so Ford could build the F-150 Platinums. 
Granted you may have had to pay a premium for them due to the demand for them, but Ford also needed higher mpg vehicles on the other end of the scale to offset the lower mpg of the Platinum F-150 just do they could build and sell the lower mpg F-150s. That’s because the politicians got involved and mandated mpg improvements. Glad we could help you out, just sorry you have to pay $4+ a gallon to fill up.

At this point why doesn’t matter.  Ford offers the upgrade at a cost - take it or leave it.

[Multitask]

and don't you feel odd that just as SUV's and Trucks are the only thing being offered that the price of Gas goes up.... didn't that happen a few years ago?

don't forget to blame Ford/Lincoln for the gas prices!!!

 

yes, it is a shame that those of you bought something that you later could not use....  

Those that bought a Yugo back in the mid 80's were stuck when they went out of business.... 

same with Smart cars... and the like... 

Edited April 25, 2022 by Multitask

[Lukeduke]

Is anyone with me on starting a class action lawsuit against FORD MOTOR COMPANY for this upgrade kit. If you think about it we lost all of our features when 3g shut down now ford saying we got to pay with for them again witch in my book we shouldnt have to. 

[akirby]

There is no legal requirement for Ford outside the 3/36 factory warranty.  It’s no different than if the modem failed.   A class action suit would only benefit the lawyers.

 

You have no issue with upgrading your phone every few years.  Really no difference.

[Multitask]

Make ya wonder if the people who drive leaded gas vehicles are pissed, that they can't buy leaded gas anymore

 

Can you tell I have no sympathy for any of our that are complaining.... you purchased a vehicle that would someday loose some abilities, but you still bought it....

There are people who bought Toyotas that now have to pay for some features...

Those that bought a hydrogen car, are getting ripped off, but they still buy them.... 

 

[Multitask]

Just now, Multitask said:

Make ya wonder if the people who drive leaded gas vehicles are pissed, that they can't buy leaded gas anymore

 

Can you tell I have no sympathy for any of you that are complaining.... you purchased a vehicle that would someday loose some abilities, but you still bought it....

There are people who bought Toyotas that now have to pay for some features...

Those that bought a hydrogen car, are getting ripped off, but they still buy them.... 

 

 

[Locutus]

23 minutes ago, Multitask said:

Make ya wonder if the people who drive leaded gas vehicles are pissed, that they can't buy leaded gas anymore

 

Can you tell I have no sympathy for any of our that are complaining.... you purchased a vehicle that would someday loose some abilities, but you still bought it....

There are people who bought Toyotas that now have to pay for some features...

Those that bought a hydrogen car, are getting ripped off, but they still buy them.... 

 

LOL.  Not even in the realm of an apples to apples comparison.  Leaded gas was phased out over 20 years.  It was still available for years after the last car was built that could use it.  In the case of MyFord Mobile, that feature, was removed for some people while the car was still under warranty, barely a year after the car was purchased.   I'm glad you used that analogy though.  It only strengthens the case for those of us complaining.  It also shows how Ford should have handled it.

Edited May 5, 2022 by Locutus

[Multitask]

I'd say go for it... usually class actions suits take decades to get though, and of the ones I have participated in , (3 of them) you tend to get barely anything ... i my cases it was something free that I did not need or want.... the ones that make the most of them are the lawyers... the manufacturer makes nothing and you get something that is less than what you were hoping for.

 

[skipfrary]

It’s been months since Ford ceased to support the 3G modems that they installed in the 2019 Ford Fusion Energis out there along with other models. 
What continues to bother me is that Ford pulled the plug on their end and has put solving this problem on the back burner. I say put the plug back in and give me my service back. I have friends who continue to use their 3G phones because the network is still up and working. Yes, it will someday cease to work, but since Ford doesn’t have a fix yet, Ford should continue to support the 3G modems and if the system stops working because of no coverage, fine. The network is still working, Ford had no right to pull the plug without having a fix. With the 3G network still operating, Ford should be held accountable for their unilateral shutdown of the system we bought and paid for. Any lawyers out there who want to take this angle on in a class action lawsuit?

Ford, please restore your support for this system since the network is still up and operating and you do not have a satisfactory fix available at this time. According to a local dealer, replacement modems are still on hold as all the bugs have still not been worked out. Dealers don’t want to take on this sketchy program right now as it might cause more harm than good.

[drolds1]

16 hours ago, skipfrary said:

It’s been months since Ford ceased to support the 3G modems that they installed in the 2019 Ford Fusion Energis out there along with other models. 
What continues to bother me is that Ford pulled the plug on their end and has put solving this problem on the back burner. I say put the plug back in and give me my service back. I have friends who continue to use their 3G phones because the network is still up and working. Yes, it will someday cease to work, but since Ford doesn’t have a fix yet, Ford should continue to support the 3G modems and if the system stops working because of no coverage, fine. The network is still working, Ford had no right to pull the plug without having a fix. With the 3G network still operating, Ford should be held accountable for their unilateral shutdown of the system we bought and paid for. Any lawyers out there who want to take this angle on in a class action lawsuit?

Ford, please restore your support for this system since the network is still up and operating and you do not have a satisfactory fix available at this time. According to a local dealer, replacement modems are still on hold as all the bugs have still not been worked out. Dealers don’t want to take on this sketchy program right now as it might cause more harm than good.

Looks like you got your wish:

https://fordauthority.com/2022/11/ford-3g-class-action-lawsuit-filed-over-obsolete-modems/

[bbf2530]

Hi gang. Well, at least until the first day of the trail, when the Ford Lawyers present the Owners Warranty Guide, which we all get a copy of when we purchase new, sign an agreement to abide by (a legally binding contract) etc. etc. And which specifically states in the "What is not covered" section (I highlighted the applicable sections):

 

SYNC Hands-Free Communications and Entertainment System
If your vehicle is equipped with SYNC, the New Vehicle Limited Warranty
does not cover repairs under certain conditions, such as failure to
provide proper installation environment. The New Vehicle Limited
Warranty does not cover repairs for certain damage or loss, such as:
• Loss of personal recording media, software or data
• Loss, change, or discontinuation of functionality because of:
• system updates to Ford Motor Company software or lack of
compatibility with non-Ford Motor Company electronic devices
• non-Ford Motor Company software, or
• obsolescence of vehicle software or hardware
• lack of network coverage or availability
• Damage caused by:
• abnormal use such as insertion of foreign objects, fluid spillage
• unauthorized modification to alter functionality or capability
• computer or internet viruses, bugs, or malware, such as worms,
Trojan Horses, cancelbots
• installation of unauthorized software, peripherals and attachments
• unauthorized, unapproved and/or incompatible repairs, upgrades and
modification
• the defective function or obsolescence of your cellular phone or digital
media device (for example, inadequate signal reception by the
external antenna, viruses or other software problems).

 

Then the judge says, "Okay, this modem question is all clearly addressed. Owners have signed an agreement attesting to the fact that it is not covered, as per the agreed to Warranty contract. Case closed". ??

Filing a lawsuit (class action or otherwise) and winning one are two very different things, especially when the party being sued has signed, legally binding agreements.

 

I understand how owners feel. Someday soon my 4G modem will become obsolete. And while I will certainly wish Lincoln would cover a replacement, I will also understand why they will not. Just as virtually every other automaker is not.

 

Art, my reply is not aimed at you. I realize you already know this and were kinda sorta playing and posting the link in a tongue in cheek manner. However, I thought I would post this information so others, who do not get the joke, do not get their hopes up too high.

 

Good luck everyone.

[skipfrary]

You are missing the point. The 3G modems are not working because Ford stopped supporting their end . They used the planned end of 3G to justify it. The only problem is that 3G didn’t go away because of the problems with 5G and the radar altimeters used by many commercial airliners. The 3G network is still up and working. Ford’s excuse to shut down it’s 3G operations because 3G is gone does not hold water. Meanwhile, our service has been taken away from us while 3G is still operational. The only reason my service doesn’t work is because FORD stopped supporting it,  not the cellular networks. 
3G is alive and well in America through at least mid 2023 (covers this winter) and the airlines are already seeking another extension (next winter).

Maybe Ford will have a real fix by 2024, until then turn the support back on.