It's not just Ford's software...

[B177y]

Bugs, bugs, everywhere....

I admit, I'll be the first to complain about Ford's often buggy software, but lately I'm realizing that even the big names in tech also release lots of bugs.

The recent Google Maps bug while using Android Auto in Ford EVs broke the ability to pre-condition the HVB and shows a "0.0" miles to destination in the instrument cluster. Bug reports have been submitted through Google channels for GM and AA. Multiple updates of both GM and AA have been received by me since noticing and reporting this about a month ago but no fix yet. The integration of Google Maps/AA having the ability to navigate to DCFC and pre-condition the battery like the stock navigation does was introduced with much fanfare from Ford. The promise of super accurate navigation with constantly updated DCFC locations and pre-conditioning ability is huge. It broke just in time for a long duration cold snap in the middle of winter across much of N. America, the time when the ability to pre-condition is most needed. Another "big oil psy-op" as a different thread recently asked? Maybe?

I've been using the paid version of ABRP more in place of GM since the GM bug was introduced. Unfortunately a new bug appeared on ABRP "ver 7.0.2 (5767)" a day or two ago for Android where you can't enter a departure date to make a custom plan. I sent a bug report and there's already at least one other report and ABRP has responded on their bug reporting forum, so hopefully a fix soon.

Highlighting these two examples as a backhanded way to show the Ford software team some love. Even one of the largest tech companies in the world (Google) can introduce bugs into some of their most popular and widely used software through updates. Even the smaller tech company Itinero (ABRP) has bugs sneak into updates. My assumption that Ford has "less expensive" software engineers is starting to fade.

Please send my apologies to the software team Brian @Ford Motor Company for previously making fun of their best efforts. I don't even know how to code so I should really not trash talk so much.

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[TaxmanHog]

Having had several years experience working with DEV teams at IRS before I retired, I understand what is happening, bug issues requiring urgent attention that have an easy solution are expedited, but more complex fixes may take a bit longer, while other issues of less urgency are wait listed, and new features are thrown at the tail end of the work request stack.

 

[daczone]

I can't even keep my bluetooth phone connected to the truck while making a phone call, yet my Ford Ranger worked flawlessly. I will admit it's better with carplay ON, but with carplay OFF it drops bluetooth constantly.

 

[davehu]

Having had several years experience working with DEV teams at IRS before I retired, I understand what is happening, bug issues requiring urgent attention that have an easy solution are expedited, but more complex fixes may take a bit longer, while other issues of less urgency are wait listed, and new features are thrown at the tail end of the work request stack.

and people don't understand my refusal to use blue cruise and fear that many others do!

 

[OCSTEVE39]

And the recirc setting still won't stay set from drive to drive. It's all I ask as I yell at clouds.

 

[Altivec]

I've had experience in software for decades. My complaint about Ford's software is not bugs. As you said, everyone has bugs. What turns me off, justified or not, is the appearance that they have no idea what they are doing. The random deployment of software updates as opposed to making updates available to all and let them decided when to update is something I've never seen before, and hope I never see any other software company follow. The complete lack of care of fixing the simplest of things that owners have pointed out for years (eg. FULL VIEW NOT AVAILABLE text obscuring camera views). The number one complaint I've seen over and over when people first got their lightning is, Why can't I keep it in sports mode. Then there are rants about how dumb this is, then defenders come out saying they were obligated to it. But in the end, there is no update to fix it nor is there any communication from Ford giving reasons why. You can say the same about a ton of feature requests. Users have no clue if Ford is even listening. Is there a list they are working on or are they just sitting there saying yeah right. We only add features in the next truck you buy. So far, its been the latter.

So in my opinion, the problem with Ford software is not the software itself. It's the approach, implementation, not listening to simple user requests, and biggest problem of all, their lack of communication. This all leads to the PERCEPTION, that Ford is very bad at software. They have a long way to go to prove me wrong with my lightning to shed this view. If they don't, I won't even consider another Ford.

 

[GarageMahal]

As a software professional I lament that the current state of software development is at an all time low. Its getting hard to trust any software these days and find that I even need to even monitor my bank.

 

[Heliian]

My software has worked fine for the last 3 years. I think some people don't understand how to customize it or use it to its full potential.

 

[Albern]

And the recirc setting still won't stay set from drive to drive. It's all I ask as I yell at clouds.

I'm particular with how the re-circulation function works and I don't think it's a software bug; rather, it's a change in the FMVSS requirement to reduce CO2 build up in the cabin.

I notice in older vehicles that re-circulation will stay on over the duration of a drive vs. in contemporary vehicles (including Lightnings) where it'll stay closed for a few minutes.

My use case is to avoid diesel fumes getting into the cab which infuriates me every time.

 

[KennyB123]

And the recirc setting still won't stay set from drive to drive. It's all I ask as I yell at clouds.

From drive to drive? Mine disables in between 2 and 10 minutes after enabling. So frustrating.

 

[Altivec]

I'm particular with how the re-circulation function works and I don't think it's a software bug; rather, it's a change in the FMVSS requirement to reduce CO2 build up in the cabin.

I notice in older vehicles that re-circulation will stay on over the duration of a drive vs. in contemporary vehicles (including Lightnings) where it'll stay closed for a few minutes.

My use case is to avoid diesel fumes getting into the cab which infuriates me every time.

I have severe allergies to pollens during certain times of the year. I require the re-circulation to be on and stay JUST LIKE I WANT IT after pressing the button that I DECIDED TO TURN ON. I managed to be smart enough to survive all these years in regards to C02 build up. I don't want Ford telling me, no you don't really want that on, and shut it off for me. This is an exact example of what is wrong with Ford software. If C02 is an issue, there are better ways of dealing with it, other than over riding the users choices. They can add a simple cheap C02 censor and flash an alert on the screen with a suggestion to turn off re-circ.

This also goes for drive modes. Overriding the users choice when I am in Tow/haul and sport is outright dangerous. I am expecting certain characteristics of my vehicle (ie, regen drag) and get jolted when all of a sudden I'm coasting. All because I missed a prompt where the Truck decided to change the drive mode that I SELECTED. Again, good software design leaves things how the user left them because the user believes they already chose those things. If they want or need to add a prompt, the default should be the opposite. (ie. Your vehicle is currently in SPORT mode, Press OK to revert back to Normal).

Imagine if you had to go through all your settings every time you start your truck because Ford decided you don't want auto lights, you need to re select your radio station, You need to re pick your climate settings, etc.... The two examples I listed above are no different. There may be valid reasons for why they did it but THEIR solutions are lazy and against normal UI conventions of leaving stuff as the user left them. This leads to frustration and again people saying I hate the software.

Ford implemented User profiles, some things stick, others don't. In other words...They don't know what they are doing. When my wife drives my truck and changes everything while in her profile, I expect every single setting including radio station, volume level, drive mode, instrument cluster, temps, etc... to return exactly how I left them when I return to my profile. Ford has a long way to go on software before they even get these absolute basics done right.

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