Sync, Navigation, Voice Prompt volume randomly changing problem

[bobnfloyd]

Hi,

 

I was wondering if anybody had a solution to my problem.

 

My voice navigation, voice prompts, and radio consistently has issues with randomly changing relative volumes.  

 

For example.  I nearly never change the volume of the radio, but the voice prompt and navigation will randomly (every couple of days) go very very soft (scale 1 to 10), a 2.  I will then go into settings and move the setting from midway to +1 bar, at which point the volume goes back to a 5.  I then can move the setting back to the original midpoint and the volume will be right and back to a 5, even though it used to be a 2.  My wife and I and several co-workers have confirmed this happens so I know I'm not crazy.

 

I've fought with this for months, and recently had to do a master reset (Friday the 13th) because all voice and navigation prompts disappeared after pushing the steering wheel button.  It was happening from when the car was new, until the master reset, and after the master reset.

 

Thank you in advance.

Edited June 18, 2014 at 03:52 PM by bobnfloyd

[FordIVTteam]

Hi,

 

I was wondering if anybody had a solution to my problem.

 

My voice navigation, voice prompts, and radio consistently has issues with randomly changing relative volumes.  

 

For example.  I nearly never change the volume of the radio, but the voice prompt and navigation will randomly (every couple of days) go very very soft (scale 1 to 10), a 2.  I will then go into settings and move the setting from midway to +1 bar, at which point the volume goes back to a 5.  I then can move the setting back to the original midpoint and the volume will be right and back to a 5, even though it used to be a 2.  My wife and I and several co-workers have confirmed this happens so I know I'm not crazy.

 

I've fought with this for months, and recently had to do a master reset (Friday the 13th) because all voice and navigation prompts disappeared after pushing the steering wheel button.  It was happening from when the car was new, until the master reset, and after the master reset.

 

Thank you in advance.

 

Hi bobnfloyd, 

 

There are a few things to take a look at. Do you have speed compensated volume turned on? This could cause your volume to switch without you adjusting it manually. 

If you have any MyKey restrictions set up, this could cause your volume to change depending on the key you're using.

Volume can be adjusted using your MyFord Touch screen, the volume knob, or the steering wheel controls. If you usually set the volume using the touchscreen, make sure you're not accidentally adjusting it afterwards with one of the other options. The last thing I want to mention is that these are all separate settings. If you turn the navigation voice guidance volume all the way up, this will not turn the radio volume up. Each one is controlled separately. 

 

If the volume truly is switching randomly, I recommend scheduling an appointment at your dealership.

 

Kim

[bobnfloyd]

Hi Kim,

 

Thank you for responding.  I turned off the speed compensating volume several months ago because I thought this was the issue. 

 

I know that in the settings that there is a specific setting for both voice prompts and the radio.  As an experiment I've made a specific effort to not change anything other than the radio volume and I get the symptoms described above.  It's not so much a big issue as functionally it's usable, but I was hoping for a fix.  

 

I am using MyKey setups, but the other key isn't setup or used.  My wife chooses not to drive my car.  I'll probably call the IVT support number on my day off and see if they can troubleshoot me.  Though, if the answer is another master reset I may have kittens.  Putting in 30 favorite locations and setting up voice nametags takes hours.

 

Thanks.

[FordIVTteam]

Hi Kim,

 

Thank you for responding.  I turned off the speed compensating volume several months ago because I thought this was the issue. 

 

I know that in the settings that there is a specific setting for both voice prompts and the radio.  As an experiment I've made a specific effort to not change anything other than the radio volume and I get the symptoms described above.  It's not so much a big issue as functionally it's usable, but I was hoping for a fix.  

 

I am using MyKey setups, but the other key isn't setup or used.  My wife chooses not to drive my car.  I'll probably call the IVT support number on my day off and see if they can troubleshoot me.  Though, if the answer is another master reset I may have kittens.  Putting in 30 favorite locations and setting up voice nametags takes hours.

 

Thanks.

 

You're welcome, bobnfloyd. 

 

This isn't a common issue for MyFord Touch systems. A master reset will erase all saved settings, but it is a good troubleshooting step. If it doesn't resolve the concern the first time, it isn't necessary to try it again. From what you're describing, I think it is best to bring this to your dealership's attention. If it is something that is easy for you to replicate, try to get it on video. I may be able to offer better troubleshooting if I can see exactly what is happening. I realize this might be easier said than done, but I thought I'd throw it out there anyway. ;)

 

Kim

[Blastphemy]

I have this exact same problem in my new 2015 Fusion Energi Titanium. Despite having the Speed-Compensating Volume off, the Voice Control Volume set to its lowest setting, and System Prompt Volume set to its lowest setting, the MyFord Touch computer lady's voice and navigation chimes are always way too loud, as if ignoring my settings.

 

If I turn the volume knob down while the nav is speaking, it lowers her speaking volume on the fly (independent of the radio volume, thankfully)...but only for that instance - the next time the MFT lady speaks or the chimes ring, it's back to full volume. If I speak the command "Navigation Voice Volume Decrease," the system acknowledges it, but the MFT lady's speaking/chime volume doesn't seem to get softer. A good test is when I go to my USB iPhone connection and press "What's Playing," the computer speaks the current track's details at FULL VOLUME rather than at my set volume.

 

Master reset didn't resolve this. I am not using MyKey setups.

 

Also, is there any way to permanently silence the MFT lady from speaking that long-winded safety announcement every single time I set a destination (short of muting all navigation announcements)? It's completely unnecessary and annoying (and at FULL VOLUME).

Edited June 4, 2015 at 06:36 PM by Blastphemy

[FordIVTteam]

I have this exact same problem in my new 2015 Fusion Energi Titanium. Despite having the Speed-Compensating Volume off, the Voice Control Volume set to its lowest setting, and System Prompt Volume set to its lowest setting, the MyFord Touch computer lady's voice and navigation chimes are always way too loud, as if ignoring my settings.

 

If I turn the volume knob down while the nav is speaking, it lowers her speaking volume on the fly (independent of the radio volume, thankfully)...but only for that instance - the next time the MFT lady speaks or the chimes ring, it's back to full volume. If I speak the command "Navigation Voice Volume Decrease," the system acknowledges it, but the MFT lady's speaking/chime volume doesn't seem to get softer. A good test is when I go to my USB iPhone connection and press "What's Playing," the computer speaks the current track's details at FULL VOLUME rather than at my set volume.

 

Master reset didn't resolve this. I am not using MyKey setups.

 

Also, is there any way to permanently silence the MFT lady from speaking that long-winded safety announcement every single time I set a destination (short of muting all navigation announcements)? It's completely unnecessary and annoying (and at FULL VOLUME).

 

Hi Blastphemy,

 

Is your system updated to version 3.7? You can log into your Owner account and download it here: https://owner.ford.com/tools/account/how-tos/keep-your-sync-up-to-date.html

 

If your software is current, I’d recommend going to the dealer for further assistance.

 

Shaay

[Blastphemy]

When I sign in at that link, I see the message, "Your SYNC is up-to-date! Now, you're running the fastest, simplest and best version of SYNC. Your last update was confirmed on March 06, 2015."

 

When I click on the Full SYNC History link, the most recent log entry on March 6th (which displays twice for some reason) shows an update to Version Gen2 - V3.711

 

But when I check my System Information in the car, it shows "Navigation Application Version: 3.62.5" and "CCPU S/W Version: 4.32.14073_PRODUCT" with "Map Database Version: A6." I don't see 3.711 anywhere in the car's menus.

 

Am I looking at two different things, or does my car disagree with the SYNC website?

 

Is there a way to update SYNC wirelessly? I successfully connected the car to my home's wireless network, so if I can update via that instead of with a USB stick, that would be great. (The manual doesn't really go into any depth about what one can do in the car once connected to a wireless network.)

[Hybridbear]

I have this exact same problem in my new 2015 Fusion Energi Titanium. Despite having the Speed-Compensating Volume off, the Voice Control Volume set to its lowest setting, and System Prompt Volume set to its lowest setting, the MyFord Touch computer lady's voice and navigation chimes are always way too loud, as if ignoring my settings.

 

If I turn the volume knob down while the nav is speaking, it lowers her speaking volume on the fly (independent of the radio volume, thankfully)...but only for that instance - the next time the MFT lady speaks or the chimes ring, it's back to full volume. If I speak the command "Navigation Voice Volume Decrease," the system acknowledges it, but the MFT lady's speaking/chime volume doesn't seem to get softer. A good test is when I go to my USB iPhone connection and press "What's Playing," the computer speaks the current track's details at FULL VOLUME rather than at my set volume.

 

Master reset didn't resolve this. I am not using MyKey setups.

 

Also, is there any way to permanently silence the MFT lady from speaking that long-winded safety announcement every single time I set a destination (short of muting all navigation announcements)? It's completely unnecessary and annoying (and at FULL VOLUME).

This happens on our 2013 Energi. Ford has no fix. It works correctly in our 2013 Ford Focus Electric.

Edited June 7, 2015 at 06:42 PM by Hybridbear

[FordIVTteam]

When I sign in at that link, I see the message, "Your SYNC is up-to-date! Now, you're running the fastest, simplest and best version of SYNC. Your last update was confirmed on March 06, 2015."

 

When I click on the Full SYNC History link, the most recent log entry on March 6th (which displays twice for some reason) shows an update to Version Gen2 - V3.711

 

But when I check my System Information in the car, it shows "Navigation Application Version: 3.62.5" and "CCPU S/W Version: 4.32.14073_PRODUCT" with "Map Database Version: A6." I don't see 3.711 anywhere in the car's menus.

 

Am I looking at two different things, or does my car disagree with the SYNC website?

 

Is there a way to update SYNC wirelessly? I successfully connected the car to my home's wireless network, so if I can update via that instead of with a USB stick, that would be great. (The manual doesn't really go into any depth about what one can do in the car once connected to a wireless network.)

 

Yes, those are two different things, but based on those version numbers, your system is up to date. The CCPU version is what we use for the SYNC software, and yours translates to 3.7.11. My Ford Touch does not have the ability to update via Wi-Fi; that feature is just to create a HotSpot in your vehicle so you and your passengers can connect to the internet on devices like a tablet. 

 

You can change your level of voice interactions. Take a look at page 337 here: 

 

http://www.fordservicecontent.com/Ford_Content/Catalog/owner_information/2015-Fusion-Hybrid-Energi-Owners-Manual-version-2_om_EN-US_11_2014.pdf

 

Going back to your original concern, I suggest showing this to your dealership so they can report this to their support and get this corrected. Let me know if you have any questions! 

 

Rebecca

[Blastphemy]

Thank you, Rebecca. Yes, I was aware of the ability to change the voice interactions from standard to advanced.

 

What I'm referring to is this announcement the system makes each time I set a destination: "Obey traffic laws, be alert, and use voice commands while driving."

 

Of course, the announcement only takes a few seconds; but with the full volume problem mentioned above and the fact that it's an unnecessary interruption when listening to the radio, it would be nice if it could be disabled. (Before I bought the car, my salesperson had assured me it could be turned off, so I may have to hold her feet to the fire if there actually isn't a way to do it!)

 

Thank you for your continued assistance and advice.

[Hybridbear]

What I'm referring to is this announcement the system makes each time I set a destination: "Obey traffic laws, be alert, and use voice commands while driving."

We get that announcement when connecting a new USB device. I don't remember getting it when setting a navigation destination. You get it every time you use navigation?

[expresspotato]

Strange my 2013 Fusion Hybrid kept each of the volume channels (Promp, sirius, etc) separate and at their last set setting.

 

My 2015 Fusion Energi doesn't. The prompt volume chages to the music volume and vice versa all the time.

 

:(

[FordIVTteam]

Thank you, Rebecca. Yes, I was aware of the ability to change the voice interactions from standard to advanced.

 

What I'm referring to is this announcement the system makes each time I set a destination: "Obey traffic laws, be alert, and use voice commands while driving."

 

Of course, the announcement only takes a few seconds; but with the full volume problem mentioned above and the fact that it's an unnecessary interruption when listening to the radio, it would be nice if it could be disabled. (Before I bought the car, my salesperson had assured me it could be turned off, so I may have to hold her feet to the fire if there actually isn't a way to do it!)

 

Thank you for your continued assistance and advice.

 

Hey Blastphemy,

 

You're welcome. I will pass your thanks on to Rebecca when she returns.

 

There isn't a way to stop that announcement; it's a required disclaimer. I understand how disturbing it can be, given the volume issue. Like Rebecca, I encourage you to visit your dealership for assistance.

 

Let me know if you have any other questions. I'm glad to help! :)

 

 

Strange my 2013 Fusion Hybrid kept each of the volume channels (Promp, sirius, etc) separate and at their last set setting.

 

My 2015 Fusion Energi doesn't. The prompt volume chages to the music volume and vice versa all the time.

 

:(

 

expresspotato,

 

Since you are having the same issue with the volume control, I recommend visiting your dealership for a resolution. The volume settings for each feature should remain separate. The dealership may need to reach out to their support team to resolve this matter, but they are in the best position to help.

 

Whitney 

Edited June 12, 2015 at 06:22 PM by FordIVTteam

[expresspotato]

expresspotato,

 

Since you are having the same issue with the volume control, I recommend visiting your dealership for a resolution. The volume settings for each feature should remain separate. The dealership may need to reach out to their support team to resolve this matter, but they are in the best position to help.

 

Whitney 

 

 

Seems like a MFT bug, I'm already on the latest version though...

[Blastphemy]

There isn't a way to stop that announcement; it's a required disclaimer. I understand how disturbing it can be, given the volume issue. Like Rebecca, I encourage you to visit your dealership for assistance.

 

If I set a destination with the voice/chime prompts muted, I don't hear that unnecessary warning. I haven't tested it enough to know whether I was able to mute it just by having the voice mute on, or if it's because I set the destination via the screen rather than via voice commands, and whether my iPhone being connected via USB or Bluetooth makes any difference.

 

But this morning, at least, with the iPhone only connected via Bluetooth, setting the destination from the screen, with voice/chime prompts already muted from a previous trip, I didn't hear the ridiculous verbal alert to "obey traffic laws, be alert, and use voice commands while driving" (as if hearing that over and over and over again would make me drive any differently).

[lonzo71]

You can interrept it by touching the screen while it talks. I do that everytime I hear it...one would think there would be a way to disable it..till you are ready to sell the car ;)