Blue Cruise Not allowing hands free

[LTDJeff]

I took delivery of my F150 last week after it was built in January. Everything seems to be in line with what’s been discussed in this thread but I can’t get hands-free BlueCruise to engage on any major highways in metro Detroit. I’ve attached two pictures: one showing my Sync4 version and a notation at the bottom that says “Hands-Free Driving Mode available through 14-03-2022”. This would seem to imply that hands-free BlueCruise was no longer available on my vehicle after March 14th (while it was sitting in a lot waiting for chips). I’ve also attached a screen shot from my FordPass app showing that my BlueCruise trial expires on 5/2/25, so it presumably should currently be active.
Does anyone have any input on how I can get the hands-free mode active again?

Sponsored

 

[speedracercjr]

There's an APIM update that should fix that expired date issue. I don't suppose you have, or have access to someone with the mongoose adapter and an active FDRS license?

 

[imnuts]

There is a map update that you need to get. Can you try to check for an OTA update? I don't remember if it's the APIM or GWM, but that should fix it for you.

 

[LTDJeff]

There's an APIM update that should fix that expired date issue. I don't suppose you have, or have access to someone with the mongoose adapter and an active FDRS license?

Thanks for the quick reply. No I don’t have access to any of that. I assume the dealer can handle this?

 

[LTDJeff]

There is a map update that you need to get. Can you try to check for an OTA update? I don't remember if it's the APIM or GWM, but that should fix it for you.

I checked for OTA updates in the “Connectivity” screen on the display and it said it was up-to-date. But perhaps that’s just with regard to my general Sync version?

 

[speedracercjr]

Thanks for the quick reply. No I don’t have access to any of that. I assume the dealer can handle this?

Sigh, yes in theory they should be able to do that but the real world result is VERY lacking.

 

[LTDJeff]

My maps were updated via OTA, so my hands-free is working now. The date changed to 10-09-2022 even though my subscription good through 5-2-2025. Or is this just when they plan to update the maps again? Does everyone else’s date align with their subscription expiration, or is it some other date like mine? Here is a screen shot of mine:

 

[speedracercjr]

My maps were updated via OTA, so my hands-free is working now. The date changed to 10-09-2022 even though my subscription good through 5-2-2025. Or is this just when they plan to update the maps again? Does everyone else’s date align with their subscription expiration, or is it some other date like mine? Here is a screen shot of mine:

Yep you are good, we all have that date

 

[ronaldfreemanjr]

Is there anyone in the Charlotte, NC area with working bluecruise that can confirm which roads it’s active on? All my settings appear correct but I tried I-85, I-77 and I-485 without any luck.

 

[roadPilot]

Is there anyone in the Charlotte, NC area with working bluecruise that can confirm which roads it’s active on? All my settings appear correct but I tried I-85, I-77 and I-485 without any luck.

Product Improvment Program 20G501 (covers BlueCruise module programming) included an addendum that provides the Ford service technicians to the nearest entrance ramp(s) to Blue Zone roadways. They are required to drive the vehicle and ensure BC is active as part of the repairs.

It's not a list of the roads BC is active on, per se, but it might help.

I have a copy of it dated 31 MAR 2022.

A quick search of the doc revealed 12 or 13 entrances ramps listed for Charlotte, NC. Basically, it's going to most every interstate highway as well as larger/busy state highways in most areas.

I've also attached a copy of the PIP as well.

 

[ronaldfreemanjr]

Product Improvment Program 20G501 (covers BlueCruise module programming) included an addendum that provides the Ford service technicians to the nearest entrance ramp(s) to Blue Zone roadways. They are required to drive the vehicle and ensure BC is active as part of the repairs.

It's not a list of the roads BC is active on, per se, but it might help.

I have a copy of it dated 31 MAR 2022.

A quick search of the doc revealed 12 or 13 entrances ramps listed for Charlotte, NC. Basically, it's going to most every interstate highway as well as larger/busy state highways in most areas.

I've also attached a copy of the PIP as well.

Thank you. That helps. I have all the latest updates. FordPass looks good. All the applicable settings correct but when I get on the highway with lane centering- hands free turned on and engage adaptive cruise control I receive a message on the dash that blue cruise isn’t available. Running version 22095 revision 421.

 

[roadPilot]

Thank you. That helps. I have all the latest updates. FordPass looks good. All the applicable settings correct but when I get on the highway with lane centering- hands free turned on and engage adaptive cruise control I receive a message on the dash that blue cruise isn’t available. Running version 22095 revision 421.

That doesn't sound at all like your problem is you're not on a Blue Zone roadway. Something else is amiss.

What is the EXACT message you are receiving?

When only SOME of the six Power-Up SW updates had been applied to my truck, I would attempt to engage adaptive cruise control and would *immediately* receive a message that said, "Active Driver Assist Not Available". Active Driver Assist was the OLD name for BlueCruise (before they changed it). That message told me/us (the dealer) that I was partially updated, but not fully updated.

The odd part is, you say you're at 22095 REV 241. That's 2.8.3, which would seem to indicate your BlueCruise SHOULD be enabled (all 6 Power-Up updates applied). BUT ... perhaps something got missed or didn't install correctly? Don't know who on here can do it, but on the "other" F150 forums, there are several users who can provide you with a list of all outstanding SW module updates for your truck. That could help provide some clarity.

When BlueCruise is enabled and fully working, engaging your adaptive cruise control (ACC) does NOT result in any "BlueCruise not available" message simply because you are on a non-Blue Zone roadway. ACC/LC just run in normal mode.

When you engage ACC on any roadway, you'll see the steering wheel with the hands on it. Your ACC and lane centering will be operational, but you'll get the "hand nanny" nag about every 10-12 seconds telling you to put your hands on the wheel.

If you engage ACC on a Blue Zone roadway, after a few seconds the "hands free" display will overlay the steering wheel with hands on it, informing you that hands-free is enabled. You will not be nagged to put your hands on the wheel (see below). Again, no crazy "BlueCruise is not available" messages JUST because you're not on a Blue Zone roadway.

That said, as you tool along with BlueCruise enabled and driving for youu, the "hands-free" option will occasionally go away (and subsequently return) based on conditions of the roadway and other information. When THAT happens, you'll see a message that instructs you to "resume control", not "BlueCruise is not available" message. When hands-free is re-established, you'll see the familiar "hands-free" overlay and you can, once again, take your hands off the wheel.

 

[ronaldfreemanjr]

That doesn't sound at all like your problem is you're not on a Blue Zone roadway. Something else is amiss.

What is the EXACT message you are receiving?

When only SOME of the six Power-Up SW updates had been applied to my truck, I would attempt to engage adaptive cruise control and would *immediately* receive a message that said, "Active Driver Assist Not Available". Active Driver Assist was the OLD name for BlueCruise (before they changed it). That message told me/us (the dealer) that I was partially updated, but not fully updated.

The odd part is, you say you're at 22095 REV 241. That's 2.8.3, which would seem to indicate your BlueCruise SHOULD be enabled (all 6 Power-Up updates applied). BUT ... perhaps something got missed or didn't install correctly? Don't know who on here can do it, but on the "other" F150 forums, there are several users who can provide you with a list of all outstanding SW module updates for your truck. That could help provide some clarity.

When BlueCruise is enabled and fully working, engaging your adaptive cruise control (ACC) does NOT result in any "BlueCruise not available" message simply because you are on a non-Blue Zone roadway. ACC/LC just run in normal mode.

When you engage ACC on any roadway, you'll see the steering wheel with the hands on it. Your ACC and lane centering will be operational, but you'll get the "hand nanny" nag about every 10-12 seconds telling you to put your hands on the wheel.

If you engage ACC on a Blue Zone roadway, after a few seconds the "hands free" display will overlay the steering wheel with hands on it, informing you that hands-free is enabled. You will not be nagged to put your hands on the wheel (see below). Again, no crazy "BlueCruise is not available" messages JUST because you're not on a Blue Zone roadway.

That said, as you tool along with BlueCruise enabled and driving for youu, the "hands-free" option will occasionally go away (and subsequently return) based on conditions of the roadway and other information. When THAT happens, you'll see a message that instructs you to "resume control", not "BlueCruise is not available" message. When hands-free is re-established, you'll see the familiar "hands-free" overlay and you can, once again, take your hands off the wheel.

Thanks. It gives me the message that says “Blue Cruise is Unavailable.” I have an active FDRS license and no additional modules to update.

 

[roadPilot]

Thanks. It gives me the message that says “Blue Cruise is Unavailable.” I have an active FDRS license and no additional modules to update.

I use BlueCruise every day (100+ miles), both on and off Blue Zone roadways. I have NEVER seen a message that says "Blue Cruise is Unavailable".

You have an ACTIVE BlueCruise subscription? Reported by your FordPass app and/or Ford Owner web site?

Are you Blue Zone MAPS up to date and not expired? When I was going through the 2+ months of issues getting updated, I remember reading something that indicated you need both a BC subscription AND the Blue Zone MAPS needed to be up to date/not expired. Sorry, no further info.

 

[ronaldfreemanjr]

I use BlueCruise every day (100+ miles), both on and off Blue Zone roadways. I have NEVER seen a message that says "Blue Cruise is Unavailable".

You have an ACTIVE BlueCruise subscription? Reported by your FordPass app and/or Ford Owner web site?

Are you Blue Zone MAPS up to date and not expired? When I was going through the 2+ months of issues getting updated, I remember reading something that indicated you need both a BC subscription AND the Blue Zone MAPS needed to be up to date/not expired. Sorry, no further info.

Blue Cruise on the FordPass app is active. How do I check if my maps are up to date?

Sponsored