Should I update? Fear of losing features

[Al_V]

Hi. My single most important feature is that the truck steers itself via a weight attached to the steering wheel without being nagged. This is the main reason why I bought this truck, seriously. (I would never use Bluecruise and be tracked, or pay for it). My software is from 2022. I have many little problems and glitches and I would love to update everything to the current software, assuming Ford fixed alot of issues. My fear is that Ford recognised that people defeat the "put your hands on the wheel" nagging and updated the software to make this impossible. Is this a real concern and should I update or not? Thank you

My truck is up to date and the weight still works to avoid the nag.
That said, just don't be stupid, as all liability is on you.

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[optokilo]

"A vehicle at 60 MPH travels 88 feet in one second. In the time it takes for a person to figure out what to do with the hamburger in their hand, and get their hands on the steering wheel, it may mean that the piece of pipe hanging off the back of the truck stopped in front of them winds up sticking 87-1/2 feet out the back side of them."

That's a good point, but I have automatic emergency braking enabled which is probably faster stopping than my foot. I also have the distance to vehicle in front at the longest. Lastly, I always eat with 1 hand (joke).
Comma.ai does unfortunately not offer any more features than what I have already. And even with comma.ai a person could still use both their hands to eat. I don't go over 75 and the lane centering (steering) of the truck is just good enough at that speed. Thanks

 

[tls]

That's a good point, but I have automatic emergency braking enabled which is probably faster stopping than my foot. I also have the distance to vehicle in front at the longest. Lastly, I always eat with 1 hand (joke).
Comma.ai does unfortunately not offer any more features than what I have already. And even with comma.ai a person could still use both their hands to eat. I don't go over 75 and the lane centering (steering) of the truck is just good enough at that speed. Thanks

You know AEB will not reliably detect a stopped vehicle or other stationary obstacle if you are travelling at more than a very moderate rate of speed, yes?

Just so you at least understand the decision you're making and the risks it entails.

 

[JRDM2]

Hi. My single most important feature is that the truck steers itself via a weight attached to the steering wheel without being nagged.

I'm blown away that a weight is enough to do it. I won't do that but I get very annoyed with the nag when my hands are securely on the steering wheel. It did seem like it's detecting turning force on the wheel and not whether hands are on the wheel.

 

[TaxmanHog]

It did seem like it's detecting turning force on the wheel and not whether hands are on the wheel.

It's the turning force just a subtle force at that, touching or squeezing the wheel does nothing.

 

[optokilo]

Yes, a subtle weight will do. I used lead panels from an old motorcycle battery and sowed them into a pouch and velcroed them on.
And to those who think it's risky I want to say that Bluecruise and comma.ai are no safer as they watch if people's eyes are on the road. That's all they do. My eyes are on the road - so same safety level. Thanks

 

[bc1]

So how much weight does it take in ounces/pounds?

I somehow thought the comma was a comma shaped weight with a hook to hang over the wheel until I looked at the videos. I basically have to drive with my right hand pulling down on the wheel which also keeps me away from the centerline of a two lane road which is what I want. It's just the constant muscle tension in the arm holding it down that gets old. Even with blue cruise I need to hold and rest my hands somewhere on the wheel but I don't have to maintain any muscle tension.

On the interstate with bluecruise on, I usually drive in the left lane but I have my left hand holding down some so I hug the left line instead of getting close to the centerline especially when passing cars and trucks. So I would need something transferrable to either side of the wheel. I also go around enough curves that I wouldn't want too much weight to counteract.

 

[optokilo]

I doubt that would work. The steering would just "correct itself" and go back to the same position. Mine does not go overly close to the center line but sometimes, when I pass a truck of have a truck oncoming I will pull the wheel over to gain more distance, then I let go and it steers again. I did not weigh the weight but it's easy to figure out. Just tie some weight with a string and keep adding more until the nag goes away. Then weigh it and makes something out of metal with the same weight and tape or tie it to the wheel

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