Does the ability to receive Ford updates via Wi-Fi now work in the UK ?

When I purchased my car in December there were lots of reported issues regarding updating via Wi-Fi so I disabled that option.

Is it now recommended to enable the option to download software updates via Wi-Fi ?

Consensus seems to be it's now working although theres been no confirmation from Ford but they never admitted publicly it didn't work either.

However as you'll only know when an update is made available for you ,you could be waiting a long time to find out.

Yes it works however its painfully slow. Its faster to just download on PC/Laptop and using a USB Stick.

Because I'm just too lazy to look it up on the Ford site I'll ask here 🙂

I've turn auto-updates on, and it's connected to my home network. So do the updates come bit by bit each time I park up at home and over time the full update will be downloaded , or do I have to sit in the car with the ignition/engine on while I search and download an update.

14 hours ago, johnH said:

Yes it works however its painfully slow. Its faster to just download on PC/Laptop and using a USB Stick.

Thanks guys for the confirmation that Wi Fi updates work.👍

However, due to the speed issues I will continue to use the USB method as advised.

I like many others are still eagerly awaiting the F8/F9 map update and as that will be a very large download the USB option makes sense. 

Just to confirm when update starts installing can you still drive car while it's updating?

I will likely go for a spin rather than have car idling on driveway.

 

14 hours ago, Mark-UK said:

Because I'm just too lazy to look it up on the Ford site I'll ask here 🙂

I've turn auto-updates on, and it's connected to my home network. So do the updates come bit by bit each time I park up at home and over time the full update will be downloaded , or do I have to sit in the car with the ignition/engine on while I search and download an update.

It will only download when connected to your home wifi. So if you drive off it'll stop but continue when you get back...so bit by bit and eventually it will download but could take a good amount of time. As mentioned faster to just do it via usb.

9 hours ago, mitch84 said:

Just to confirm when update starts installing can you still drive car while it's updating?

I will likely go for a spin rather than have car idling on driveway.

 

Yes bit by bit it will download. But you need to remain connected to wifi. Soon as you drive off it will stop. But will continue as u park off and stop again when you turn off the car etc. Faster to just do it via usb.

8 hours ago, johnH said:

Yes bit by bit it will download. But you need to remain connected to wifi. Soon as you drive off it will stop. But will continue as u park off and stop again when you turn off the car etc. Faster to just do it via usb.

Sorry I mean to say, if I do it by USB method, once the install has started can I drive around while it installs to save the car idling for 30-40mins while installing.

Yes

Why would a 2019 focus need a software update already? 

Just been on the Ford.co.uk website, entered my vin number and it tells me there is a 2.9gb update. Full instructions on how to do it, looks dead easy.

1 hour ago, Alex.S said:

Why would a 2019 focus need a software update already? 

Why not? Like any software there will always be bugs to be fixed and improvements to be made.

21 minutes ago, alexp999 said:

Why not? Like any software there will always be bugs to be fixed and improvements to be made.

Apart from the WiFi hotspot is that the main reason for the onboard modem? 

 

When I bought the car I didn’t realise I’d be checking websites, downloading updates etc

i thought the automatic updates with the modem would manage the software itself. 

If my iPad can do it....

3 minutes ago, Alex.S said:

Apart from the WiFi hotspot is that the main reason for the onboard modem? 

 

No, it doesn't use the modem for software updates, only maybe updates to the actual modem and telemetry module.

If you setup the WiFi to connect to your home/work, then while the car is parked up and in range it will check for Sync updates, or you can do it manually through the website.

With Sync 4, Ford are adding the ability to update much more remotely.

What’s the point of the automatic updates button?

1 minute ago, Alex.S said:

What’s the point of the automatic updates button?

It does that through WiFi, but you have to connect the car to an access point it's going to be in range of when frequently parked up to be of any use.

Have you had any updates in last couple of months? 

Ive connected the house WiFi but it’s a weak signal.

id have probably used a memory stick anyway. 

I know what a memory stick is but never used one! 

I do know somebody that’ll figure it out for me.

Mine came with the latest version, which is currently v3.3.19052

Mines the same. I just looked at the website, says my software is up to date. That’ll tell me about any updates required?

 

1 hour ago, Pete14tc said:

Just been on the Ford.co.uk website, entered my vin number and it tells me there is a 2.9gb update. Full instructions on how to do it, looks dead easy.

The ford website says I’m up to date. Mines a ‘69 plate. Yours a ‘19 ? 

1 hour ago, Alex.S said:

Apart from the WiFi hotspot is that the main reason for the onboard modem? 

 

Regarding the Modem functionality in the new MK4 Focus.

The on-board modem works in conjunction with a sim card. This provides an interface between the Vodafone cellular network and the vehicle electronics.

This set up provides a communications link for the following features.

The Emergency Call System: (No Fee for the life of the car)

Live Traffic Updates: Dynamically updates the sync 3 maps. (Free for Two years from date of Warranty/Registration, then possibly a fee)

Wi Fi Hot Spot: (3 months  or 3GB of complementary data, then data bundles can be purchased from Vodafone.)

The Ford Pass App: Enabling communication to and from the vehicle. (No fee applicable.)

Possibly Modem and Telemetry Module updates ?

As Alex has said the modem is not used for updating sync 3 or map updates.

You can enable Wi Fi to connect to your home Wi Fi network to check for sync 3 or map updates.

This provides a direct Wi Fi link between the vehicle and your home/other suitable Wi Fi network and not via the Modem Sim cellular Vodafone link.

Will sync3 and map updates show up on the website? 

My house WiFi connection is very weak in the car.