Cellular Connection, Wi-Fi, FordPass

[FirstFord]

I am going to put my ignorance on full display, so be patient with me, but there are a few things I don't understand....

A) I have my truck successfully connected to Wi-Fi, so no issues there. It is my understanding (correctly, or not) that if you have a weak or non-existent Wi-Fi connection, then "communication" data exchange (OTA's, etc) are conducted through cellular networks. This is also how you can use FordPass to remotely unlock your vehicle or remote-start it from great distances. Is that to say that the truck has its own cellular signal? Then it has its own number? The truck has an account with some cellular provider? Who's paying for that cellular service? I really don't understand how this works... or do I have a gross misunderstanding of the whole process?

B) FordPass: Is it really worth it?
Here is the rub: I am a big privacy advocate when it comes to tech (no, I purposely don't use Google). Yes, I know the tech companies already have loads of information on me, but that doesn't mean that I have to help them get even more. I have actually read Ford's Privacy Policy regarding data transmission and their app. In the beginning, there are a few paragraphs of Ford declaring how important it is for Ford to protect your personal information, how valuable it is, and they take the responsibility of guarding it VERY seriously, but then it goes on for pages telling you everyone that will give your information to - and it's a long list. I fully understand the dealership, and a few others needing information on the truck and being able to communicate with me, etc, and I have no issue with that - but it appears that any Tom, Dick, or Harry can have a look-see. So the question is... is FordPass a big enough deal to compromise my stance on privacy advocacy? Keeping in mind:
- I don't care about being able to remotely start my truck in Cincinnati when I'm in Miami.
- The app review (Android) is really not very good - lots of issues / complaints.
- Points? What points? My truck cost shy of $70K, and I never saw a single point show up in my account.
- Schedule service? I can call. Or is that just too primitive?
Okay, so sell me - why do I need FordPass?

Let my education begin!

Sponsored

 

[pavementends]

Is that to say that the truck has its own cellular signal? Then it has its own number? The truck has an account with some cellular provider? Who's paying for that cellular service? Yes, AT&T, included (for now) with the purchase of the vehicle, so Ford pays it.

Here is the rub: I am a big privacy advocate when it comes to tech (no, I purposely don't use Google). Uh huh, sure. You knew the truck receives OTAs and is packed full of tracking and telematics equipment. If internet privacy is really a priority you would have bought a 1990 F-150 and removed the AM/FM antennae.

Okay, so sell me - why do I need FordPass? If you don't want to take advantage of the app perks/functions, you don't need to install FordPass on the smart phone in your pocket, which is also packed full of tracking and telematics equipment.

This may come across a bit crass but sorry, Jeff, not installing/using FordPass will make little difference in your attempt to stay anonymous in your new spaceship truck.

 

[Tosh]

a) yes there is a modem, you don't have to pay for the service initially, but if memory serves me after 3 years you will either pay or stop getting OTA updates

b) The Ford Pass app is OK. As stated, your truck is already "phoning home". We have 2 new ford vehicles ere and using the app is very helpful to me.

 

[FirstFord]

Wow! I thought my questions were legitimate, but I apparently hit a nerve. I apologize if I frustrated you. I was trying to be forthright, but perhaps I should reconsider that in the future, or at least perhaps word things a little differently.

The answer to the cellular signal being from AT&T and paid for by Ford was educational - I did not know that, and I appreciate the information. As to the rest of the reply... the snide sarcasm was unnecessary and unwarranted.

 

[FirstFord]

a) yes there is a modem, you don't have to pay for the service initially, but if memory serves me after 3 years you will either pay or stop getting OTA updates

b) The Ford Pass app is OK. As stated, your truck is already "phoning home". We have 2 new ford vehicles ere and using the app is very helpful to me.

Thanks. I have navigation that is good for 3 years, so I assume that is part of the same arrangement?

If the modem is turned off in 3 years, will I still get OTA updates through Wi-Fi?

 

[AdamsCoyote]

Wow! I thought my questions were legitimate, but I apparently hit a nerve. I apologize if I frustrated you. I was trying to be forthright, but perhaps I should reconsider that in the future, or at least perhaps word things a little differently.

The answer to the cellular signal being from AT&T and paid for by Ford was educational - I did not know that, and I appreciate the information. As to the rest of the reply... the snide sarcasm was unnecessary and unwarranted.

Not the respondent, but the tone of your original question and calling yourself a “privacy advocate” seems a bit disingenuous—how could anyone tell you if it’s worth it for you? You know the features, you know your views on what constitutes privacy.

 

[Porpoise Hork]

If you have anything with smart in it's description then you can toss privacy out the window. This includes smartphones, TVs, watches, refrigerators, internet, computers, toilet.. You name it. Customer loyalty programs at the grocery store? Guess what, they track your purchases and target ads based on that. Even if you shut off all the tracking options someone somewhere is still gathering metadata from you and what you do. Can you minimize your footprint? Sure.. Is it easy? Kind-of depending on how much of one you have.

You can let the subscription lapse and should still receive OTA over WiFi but that's provided Ford can actually get it to work. So far that's been random hits with mostly misses...

 

[tbinmd]

I you worried about privacy then I assume you do not carry a cell phone. Or use toll roads, or fly, or have internet at home, or use a credit card, the list is long in todays world.

Don't ask to be sold on using Ford Pass, if you can't see the value in remote start/ lock/unlock/securi alert then it's not for you.

If you have nav in the truck or blue cruise it uses the cellular service in the truck. Ford really isn't using the wifi connection for anything right now. OTA's are being delivered via cellular service, if you don't have that maybe then it will force the truck to use wifi.

 

[FirstFord]

Oh, believe me - I know how hard it is to try to fly under the metadata radar. I should have said that I try to be a privacy advocate. Every day individuals are asked to trade a little bit of information about themselves (privacy) in trade for some convenience, and I am not exempt. I know many people (probably most???) don't worry about any of that and just open up everything to the tech world. I'm saddled with not being one of those - but it was my choice, so it is not a complaint. With every piece of technology most people (at least I do) make a risk vs. benefit analysis, and then decide to sign on, or pass. With regards to FordPass, that's all I was trying to do - find out all of the real benefits - sell me on it! Then, I will decide if I was "sold" on the benefits and sign up or not.

In retrospect, I regret that I used the term "privacy advocate", as it appears to be some kind of lightning rod, or hot-button, and the whole privacy issue / debate that exists in the tech world has overshadowed and derailed my original intent of this post.

@PorpoiseHork: Thanks for confirming that OTA will still be implemented through Wi-Fi. That makes sense and answers several questions.

 

[Porpoise Hork]

Since no one really said what the app does.

The FordPass app allows you to track your Points usage, start/stop the truck at will or schedule it to happen when you want. Say you get off work at 5 and want it nice and cool/warm when you get out to it. Schedule it with the app. You can also lock/unlock it, and activate the lights and horn form the app as well. Check your tire pressure levels, remaining oil life, and fuel level too. Trailer light checks, Zone lighting activation all can be done from the app. Got a PB with Propower onboard and want to see how much draw it's pulling? Yep, you can monitor that too.

Say you dropped it off at service or let someone use it? Locate the truck on the map and check the odometer to see how many miles they have put on it. You can also schedule service at the dealer. Call for Ford roadside assistance, receive recall info etc. View maintenance history, upload receipts for self performed items like oil changes etc. View vehicle health data as well as receive alerts from the truck itself such as low battery, tire warnings or Deep Sleep events.

All of that boils down to how many of those features/functions you would use. I use it mostly for the scheduled starts in summer time when it's 98-100+ outside. But also use it to track my maintenance and location when I leave it for service or let someone borrow it. It's also nice to be able to lock it if I am inside a store and suddenly think, did I remember to lock the truck?? Did it honk when I walked away? Open the app and lock it right there.

If you have an iPhone you can set location to only access when using the app and and disable background data for it. Then just force close the app when not in use if leaving it idle in the background bothers you.

 

[FirstFord]

Since no one really said what the app does.

The FordPass app allows you to track your Points usage, start/stop the truck at will or schedule it to happen when you want. Say you get off work at 5 and want it nice and cool/warm when you get out to it. Schedule it with the app. You can also lock/unlock it, and activate the lights and horn form the app as well. Check your tire pressure levels, remaining oil life, and fuel level too. Trailer light checks, Zone lighting activation all can be done from the app. Got a PB with Propower onboard and want to see how much draw it's pulling? Yep, you can monitor that too.

Say you dropped it off at service or let someone use it? Locate the truck on the map and check the odometer to see how many miles they have put on it. You can also schedule service at the dealer. Call for Ford roadside assistance, receive recall info etc. View maintenance history, upload receipts for self performed items like oil changes etc. View vehicle health data as well as receive alerts from the truck itself such as low battery, tire warnings or Deep Sleep events.

All of that boils down to how many of those features/functions you would use. I use it mostly for the scheduled starts in summer time when it's 98-100+ outside. But also use it to track my maintenance and location when I leave it for service or let someone borrow it. It's also nice to be able to lock it if I am inside a store and suddenly think, did I remember to lock the truck?? Did it honk when I walked away? Open the app and lock it right there.

If you have an iPhone you can set location to only access when using the app and and disable background data for it. Then just force close the app when not in use if leaving it idle in the background bothers you.

Thanks! Some of those features I already knew just from reading the info from Ford, but several of them you mentioned I was not aware of. Thanks for the phone tip - I agree with you on that technique and already employ similar strategies with other apps.

Regarding the uploading of receipts; is that to say that you are, in effect, preemptively providing Ford with "proof" that you have performed maintenance (either by yourself, or some non-Ford shop)?

You mentioned "view health data", can you elaborate on that? Thanks again.

 

[Porpoise Hork]

In the app if you go to Service History, then select Add Record you can add a receipt of oil changes performed at third party places or the parts receipts for oil and filter like uploading pictures for expense reports for example. The system will determine if it meets the criteria and add the points to your account as well as show proof of history that yes you did change the oil in the event that there's a warranty issue and the dealer questions it.

The vehicle health report would be if there were any powertrain faults, brake (ABS) or other related issues, restraints or other things like low fluids etc. Those alerts can be used to show the dealer at time of service. Say the truck has a fault and is reporting powertrain issue reduced power. You can show that report to the service writer so they can get the info to the tech to better identify the issue. It's limited on the data you get but it can help.

 

[FirstFord]

In the app if you go to Service History, then select Add Record you can add a receipt of oil changes performed at third party places or the parts receipts for oil and filter like uploading pictures for expense reports for example. The system will determine if it meets the criteria and add the points to your account as well as show proof of history that yes you did change the oil in the event that there's a warranty issue and the dealer questions it.

The vehicle health report would be if there were any powertrain faults, brake (ABS) or other related issues, restraints or other things like low fluids etc. Those alerts can be used to show the dealer at time of service. Say the truck has a fault and is reporting powertrain issue reduced power. You can show that report to the service writer so they can get the info to the tech to better identify the issue. It's limited on the data you get but it can help.

Interesting stuff! You may be winning me over...

Some of those features like tire pressure, fuel level, oil life, trailer light checks, etc., I see no use for in FordPass because I can get all of that on my instrument cluster. Making a service appointment? I have no problem using a phone for the task, so again, I don't see the value there. But the vehicle health, and being able to locate the vehicle if outside of my control, and a few other things are sounding interesting. I did not see the value in the long distance remote start, but you provided a good example where it could be useful. I'm going to have to give this some consideration.

Points: Ever since I bought my truck (took delivery in March '22), I have earned 0 points, including for the purchase itself. Are points only earned through dealer repair/maintenance?

 

[Porpoise Hork]

Correct, any money spent for service performed at the dealer or maintenance records uploaded will earn you points outside the initial sum awarded at time of purchase. Dealer service should automatically be added to your account after 1-2 weeks of the service date.

You can then use those points to pay for service like oil changes alignments etc or Ford accessories at the dealership.

 

[FirstFord]

Correct, any money spent for service performed at the dealer or maintenance records uploaded will earn you points outside the initial sum awarded at time of purchase. Dealer service should automatically be added to your account after 1-2 weeks of the service date.

You can then use those points to pay for service like oil changes alignments etc or Ford accessories at the dealership.

You just accidentally swerved into my point. "will earn you points outside the initial sum awarded at time of purchase". I never got any points, including for the purchase of the truck. Never. 0 points. Do I have to sign up/subscribe/activate (whatever) FordPass for the points to show up? I would have thought that if I had points, they would at least show up in the Ford account, but I got nothin.

Sponsored