Hi all

im wondering if anyone can help or shed some light on my issue

ford focus mk2 2011, bluetooth stereo, iPhone 7 ( now also an iPhone 8 )

for ages now I have been hearing little popping/crackling noises coming out of the stereo when I’ve been listening to music via bluetooth

i had an iPhone 7 but now an iPhone 8 and the same issue?

my partner has an iPhone 6s and we have no issues with hers with this popping noise

from a google it appears to be a common problem and I’m wondering if a firmware update of the stereo would fix the issue?

or any other suggestions would be amazing!

regards

Simon

 

you don't have a mk2, in 2007 the mk2.5 came out with a different electrical system, by 2011 some elements around the radio and BT were significantly different again

do you have media streaming and a USB connection?

if you do, via the USB you can add the last firmware update which came out in Nov 2012 and brings significant improvements, you'll be glad to know Ford don't want you to have this anymore, but a few sites still have copies to get

https://digiex.net/threads/ford-audio-bluetooth-usb-firmware-update-november-2012-release-how-to-update.14009/

Release: November 2012

The update to your Ford Bluetooth and multimedia module provides you with improvements in the following areas:

- Improved energy management in connection with USB and Bluetooth devices

Release: April 2012

The update to your Ford Bluetooth and multimedia module provides you with improvements in the following areas:

- Playback of music files via the USB stick
- Connection stability of iPod/iPhone devices
- Connection stability for Bluetooth, telephony and music streaming via Bluetooth
- Compatibility of mobile phones

 

Release: October 2011

The update to your Ford Bluetooth and multimedia module provides you with improvements in the following areas:

- Supports the original Apple USB cable
- Apple iOS 5 compatibility: display of the phones battery level and signal strength
- Apple iOS 5 compatibility: improved stability for music streaming via Bluetooth
- Playback of music files via the USB stick
- Connection stability of iPod/iPhone devices
- Connection stability for Bluetooth, telephony and music streaming via Bluetooth
- Compatibility of mobile phones
- Display of phone book and call lists

 

This update is applicable to the following vehicles:

Model    Built date

Fiesta:  July       2008 - December 2011
Focus:   February   2008 - January 2012
C-MAX:   February   2008 - January 2012
Kuga:    February   2008 - January 2012
Mondeo:  September  2008 - January 2012
S-MAX:   September  2008 - January 2012
Galaxy:  September  2008 - January 2012
Transit: from June  2009
Ranger:  from April 2009

 

HOW:

 1. Download the update from here: Download Ford Audio Bluetooth / USB firmware update - November 2012 release

 2. Format a USB memory stick, ensuring the file system is set to FAT32

3. Unzip the contents (all 21 items) of the zip file you just downloaded, and copy them to the root of the memory stick, i.e. without placing them in any folders. The contents of the memory stick should appear as below:

Now, head to your car, unlock it, get in, and follow the steps below carefully:

 1. Make sure your climate control is completely switched off to avoid the blower fan running which will cause the battery to drain faster. It's probably best to do this update after the vehicle has been driven for around 15 minutes or longer, to ensure the battery is freshly charged. If you receive low battery warnings during this procedure, it may cause the audio system to shut down and the update to fail.
 In reality you should be absolutely fine, and my battery is probably just past its best (yes, I received a 'low battery' message when I did the first update), but it's worth being cautious!

 2. Switch on the radio WITHOUT turning on the ignition

 3. Insert the memory stick into the USB socket

 4. If nothing appears on the screen, switch to the AUX/USB input. You will then receive a message stating that there are no media files on the device.

 5. Now switch the ignition on but do not turn the engine on. If you don't have keyless start, turn the key two clicks to turn the ignition on. If you do have keyless start, press the button WITHOUT depressing the clutch (manual) or brake (automatic).

 6. Now the radio should initialise and perform the update. It will display "Update running" (or words to that effect).

 7. DO NOT switch off the ignition, or switch on the engine during this time. The update will take up to 20 minutes to apply, and it feels a lot longer if you're sitting watching it! Now would be a good time to make a cup of tea.

 Once the update is finished, you will receive a confirmation message on the display briefly, and then it will switch back to radio playback. Power off the radio, then power it back up again and check the USB and Bluetooth functionality.

 At this point, you're all done!