Modem in Car 3G Upgrade?

[PJFW8]

A friend has a 2015 Lincoln MKC. There is a current recall or upgrade campaign to replace the current ATT 2G modem with a 3G modem. The modem is part of the Lincoln version My Ford Mobile. I assume 2013-2016 Fusion Energi's and CMax Energi's have 2G modems. Any word of an upgrade? ATT is in the process of shutting 2G service off. I would note that Tesla upgraded from 3G to LTE in spring of 2015. Loss of the embedded modem would severely reduce the unique capability of our Energi's.

[mrmikel]

I'm interested in this issue, too.  I have a 2013 FFE and my wife has a 2013 Escape.  Both will go dark when the ATT 2G cell system is dismantled.  I wonder how much Ford will charge us for an upgrade, assuming one is coming.

Edited March 4, 2016 at 02:38 AM by mrmikel

[PJFW8]

On my 2013 CMax I would pay a reasonable upgrade charge. My 2016 Fusion Energi is 3 months old! That should be upgraded at no cost. ATT's plans have been well known for quite a while.

[openair]

I believe it was Hybridbear that posted either here or on the full hybrid forum that a Ford rep told him 3g modems were in the works for our vehicles. Lincoln getting them is a good sign. If Ford were ever to get something, Lincoln usually gets it first.

Edited March 4, 2016 at 02:15 PM by openair

[expresspotato]

So it is 2G and its included for 5 years. Canada's 2G sunset is in 2018. Bought mine in 2015. So to the dealer for a new module soon?

 

"MyFord Mobile subscription complimentary for five years from vehicle sale date as recorded by the dealer. Subscription fees apply after five years. MyFord Mobile requires a compatible 2G independent cellular network. Evolving technology and cellular networks may affect future functionality."

Edited March 20, 2016 at 11:14 PM by expresspotato

[comike]

Is Ford still monitoring this forum? It's a little disappointing that they haven't responded in this thread.

[PJFW8]

Is Ford still monitoring this forum? It's a little disappointing that they haven't responded in this thread.

Checking this and similar sites, Ford is currently upgrading 2015 (and 2016?) MKC's at no cost. The upgrade is being planned for CMax and Fusion Energi's. Don't count on it being free! I have a 2016 so I am hoping it will be. My educated guess is late Summer. The Ford Staff monitoring this site have very limited authority outside of their job description and often have no more access to info than we do. They can help and have helped me more than once. Perhaps they could help with a status update on the MKC program?

Edited March 22, 2016 at 01:41 PM by PJFW8

[stevedebi]

Checking this and similar sites, Ford is currently upgrading 2015 (and 2016?) MKC's at no cost. The upgrade is being planned for CMax and Fusion Energi's. Don't count on it being free! I have a 2016 so I am hoping it will be. My educated guess is late Summer. The Ford Staff monitoring this site have very limited authority outside of their job description and often have no more access to info than we do. They can help and have helped me more than once. Perhaps they could help with a status update on the MKC program?

My 2014 C-Max came with 5 years of services, I believe. That means if the 2g shuts down, Ford is on the hook to upgrade the modems. But maybe that doesn't include MFM service, only the "call in" services.

[jeff_h]

My 2014 C-Max came with 5 years of services, I believe. That means if the 2g shuts down, Ford is on the hook to upgrade the modems. But maybe that doesn't include MFM service, only the "call in" services.

 

Let's hope they do it right and stand by their product - there are more and more EV and PHEV alternatives popping up (though none that I can recall recently announced from Ford) so while we will be getting another car about a year from now, and 99% chance it will be a PHEV or EV, it surely won't be a Ford if they say that our current car has coverage for 5 years and then backtracks on that.

[meyersnole]

Pretty sure that 2G no longer exists in my neighborhood. I consistently get update failed, try again later from My Ford Mobile.  Will have to check with the dealer. 

 

The ATT site says that they will phase out 2G by December. 

 

https://www.att.com/esupport/article.html#!/wireless/KM1069631

[rpreuss]

Is there a way that I can determine if the modem in my 2017 Fusion Energi is 2G or 3G?

[jdbob]

If you can find the "Information" screen on the touchscreen (I don't know where it is on a Fusion) then there should be an item that says something like CPPM ESN. The old modems started with a "N", the new ones appear to start with a "T". The Ford website still says you need a 2G connection.

[murphy]

Is there a way that I can determine if the modem in my 2017 Fusion Energi is 2G or 3G?

I hope they are not building 2017 cars with a 2G modem.  It should be an LTE modem since 3G is also being replaced although not as soon as 2G.

[rpreuss]

If you can find the "Information" screen on the touchscreen (I don't know where it is on a Fusion) then there should be an item that says something like CPPM ESN. The old modems started with a "N", the new ones appear to start with a "T". The Ford website still says you need a 2G connection.

 

The good news is my "Onboard Modem Serial Number (ESN)" starts with "T5C..." so that would indicate that the 2017 Fusion has a new one.

[larryh]

This is from Ford's web site for the 2017 Fusion Energi:

 

 

**MyFord Mobile subscription complimentary for five years from the vehicle sale date as recorded by the dealer. Subscription fees apply after five years. MyFord Mobile requires a compatible 2.5G independent cellular network. Evolving technology and cellular networks may affect future availability and functionality. Text and data rates apply to usage.

 

[murphy]

Maybe Ford will go talk to T-Mobile.  The T-Mobile network is compatible with the AT&T network and they are not killing their 2G network at the end of this year.

[jdbob]

It's probably still AT&T. The new TCU (serial number starting with T) handles 3G:

 

[paulsen68]

I saw on another forum that Ford plans to update modems starting this December.

[jdbob]

I saw on another forum that Ford plans to update modems starting this December.

 

I saw that in the Focus Electric forum too. Guessing December 31st?  ;)

 

Someone in the Lincoln MKC forum got the update but the new one was broken, and they said it was backordered until October. So, typical Ford.  :rant2:

[bradleydad1]

At this time, AT&T has completed much of the shutdown of their 2G networks. It seems the myfraud mobile system is down now for all 2G folks. :( RIP, it was handy while it lasted. And Ford is still advertising myfraud mobile to market their cars! :nonono:  I understand the 2017s will be the first with 3G. :banghead:

[comike]

Mine still seems to be working here in Northern Colorado. No telling how much longer though. 

[murphy]

It still works for my car.

[My14Energi]

Still working in central florida

[stevedebi]

Still working in the San Fernando Valley (C-Max Energi here).

[bradleydad1]

When you look at AT&T coverage maps, like this one  

http://www.sensorly.com/map/2G-3G/US/USA/ATandT-Mobility/gsm_310410/New+York#q=Miami%2C+FL%2C+USA|coverage

 

2G is in blue on this map. You'll see very few spots of blue in most areas. Attached is the New York City area. There's not much blue left. In major metro areas 2G is almost gone. You can feel smug about being one of the few lucky ones, but your time will come soon, December at the latest. Ford has known about this since 2012 and done nothing. Other car companies have moved to 3 or 4G modems.