Skip to content
View in the app

A better way to browse. Learn more.
Ford Owners Club - Ford Forums

A full-screen app on your home screen with push notifications, badges and more.

To install this app on iOS and iPadOS
  1. Tap the Share icon in Safari
  2. Scroll the menu and tap Add to Home Screen.
  3. Tap Add in the top-right corner.
To install this app on Android
  1. Tap the 3-dot menu (⋮) in the top-right corner of the browser.
  2. Tap Add to Home screen or Install app.
  3. Confirm by tapping Install.



Join the Independent Ford Owners' Club

Our community has been built by enthusiasts, for enthusiasts, and proudly run by Ford owners' for over 18 years. As an independent, non-official club, everything you’ll find here, advice, support, and opinions, comes directly from members with genuine Ford ownership experience.

Join our friendly community... it's Free!

 

Black Thing Beside Rear View Mirror?

MartynS
MartynS
in Ford Fiesta Club

Featured Replies

Does anyone know what the black box thing is next to the rear view mirror? I'm pretty sure it's not a rain or light sensor as firstly I don't have the auto wipers/lights and secondly it's located in the black band so can't be seen externally. I've been intrigued by this since getting the car and cant work out what it could be. Cheers!

  • Quote


    According to my Dealer its to do with the Ford emergency assist. Its a Satellite Transmitter/Receiver thing. I thought it was to do with my DAB radio.

  • Quote
    • Author

    Emergency assistance just uses Bluetooth to your phone doesn't it? Can't see how it would make use of a separate receiver?!

  • Quote

    Correct, it just dials 999 when the airbags are deployed. otherwise it'd be a pretty high tech beacon to call out for help.

  • Quote

    I know it sounds far fetched i thought it did. Something to do with being able to find the car....?.

  • Quote

    Pretty sure it is the GPS receiver and part of the emergency call assist system. It automatically send the vehicles location based on the GPS coordinates in the event of an emergency call being placed to 112 (automatically in the case of a crash), so even if you are unconscious, the emergency services can locate the vehicle. The Sync Emergency Assistance chapter in the Fiesta owner’s guide gives more info.

    Hope this helps.

  • Quote

    Well apparently yes it does the above, I honestly didn't think the emergency services could pick up your GPS co-ordinates via phone hence why they have to ask where you are?!

  • Quote
    • Author

    Ah that makes sense, I did actually wonder how it knew your location. I thought maybe they could get an approximate one from your phone based on which towers you're connected to, but GPS certainly makes more sense.

  • Quote

    Have to agree with ffoci, emergency assist if you have Ford Sync, it locates and sends the GPS co-ordinates.

  • Quote
    • Author

    Thought I may as well post a photo for anyone that doesn't have it and wants to see what we're talking about. This is looking up at the back of the mirror from the passenger side where the receiver thing is:

    post-18302-0-06960300-1399058519_thumb.j

  • Quote
    • Author

    Nice one guys, mystery solved!

  • Quote

    • Latest Deals

    Ford UK Shop for genuine Ford parts & accessories

    Disclaimer: As the club is an eBay Partner, The club may be compensated if you make a purchase via the club

    Join the conversation

    You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

    Guest
    Reply to this topic...
    Go to topic listing

    The "Digestive"

    • The Digestive Forum Roundup (31st May - 7th June 2026)

      Steve ·
      The Digestive Forum Roundup (31st May - 7th June 2026) We hope you’re all enjoying your week and finding time for some time enjoying your Ford! This week, our vibrant forum has been buzzing with discussions that touch on a diverse range of Ford models, from the Mondeo to the Fiesta and Focus. Here’s a recap of some key conversations that might pique your interest. Starting with the Mondeo, user Frenchspanner shared a particularly frustrating issue relating to a 'Immobiliser Active' message appea
      Steve
      Steve
      • 46 views





    Background Picker
    Customize Layout

    Account

    Navigation

    Search

    Search

    Configure browser push notifications
    Chrome (Android)
    1. Tap the lock icon next to the address bar.
    2. Tap Permissions → Notifications.
    3. Adjust your preference.
    Chrome (Desktop)
    1. Click the padlock icon in the address bar.
    2. Select Site settings.
    3. Find Notifications and adjust your preference.