⚠️ VEHICLE troubleshooting

Guides to fix issues if something isn’t working.

Troubleshooting Infotainment System / Frozen Screen



If your Ford's infotainment system (SYNC) is experiencing issues, try a key cycle, soft reset by pressing and holding specific buttons, or a master reset.


Perform a Key Cycle:

  • Turn off the vehicle and ensure the engine is not running and the vehicle is not in accessory mode.
  • Wait for a few moments, then restart the vehicle. 


Bluetooth Not Connecting


1. Basic Checks:

  • Turn Bluetooth Off and On: On your phone, turn Bluetooth off and then on again. Do the same in the car's SYNC system (Phone > Settings > Bluetooth). 
  • Restart Devices: Restart both your phone and the vehicle's infotainment system. 
  • Check for Updates: Ensure both your phone and the SYNC system are running the latest software versions. 

2. Pairing and Connection Issues:

  • Delete and Re-Pair:
  • Delete your phone from the SYNC system's Bluetooth device list and vice versa, then attempt to reconnect. 
  • Manual Connection:
  • Manually connect your phone to the SYNC system through the Bluetooth menu (Phone > Settings > Bluetooth Devices). 
  • Check Security Settings:
  • Ensure your phone's Bluetooth security settings allow connections with the SYNC system. 

3. SYNC System Reset:

  • Perform a Key Cycle:
  • Turn the ignition off, open and close the driver's door, wait for the SYNC system to power off, wait 30 seconds, then turn the ignition back on. 
  • Reset the Infotainment System:
  • Some SYNC systems have a master reset option. Refer to your owner's manual for instructions. 
  • Pull the Fuse:
  • You can try pulling the radio or SYNC fuse (check your owner's manual for location) for a few minutes and then reinserting it. 

4. Other Considerations:

  • Test with Another Device:
  • Try connecting a different phone or device to the SYNC system to see if the issue is with your specific phone. 


CarPlay / Android Auto Not Working


1. Check Your Phone and Android Auto App:

  • Software: Make sure your Android phone is running Android 8.0 (Oreo) or higher. 
  • Android Auto App: Ensure the Android Auto app is installed and up-to-date. 
  • Data Plan: Verify you have an active data plan on your phone. 
  • Phone Settings: Check your phone's settings to ensure they are configured correctly for Android Auto. 
  • Restart your phone: A simple restart can resolve many connectivity issues. 

2. Check Your USB Cable:

  • Use a high-quality cable: Try a different, high-quality USB cable that's under 3 feet (1 meter) long. 
  • Don't use USB hubs or extensions: These can interfere with the connection. 
  • Try a different USB port: If your Ford vehicle has multiple USB ports, try connecting to a different one. 

3. Check Your SYNC System:

  • Set the audio source to USB: Try playing music from a USB source to see if the audio is working.
  • Perform a SYNC module reset: This can resolve software glitches.
  • Delete your device from the vehicle's SYNC menu: This can help clear any cached information.
  • Delete SYNC from the device's Bluetooth menu: This can help ensure a clean connection.
  • Pair your phone to your vehicle using Bluetooth: Ensure Bluetooth is enabled and your phone is paired with the vehicle. 

4. Other Troubleshooting Steps:

  • Check for updates:
  • Ensure your Ford vehicle's SYNC system is up to date with the latest software.

5. Specific to CarPlay:

  • Check CarPlay settings on your iPhone: Ensure CarPlay is enabled in your iPhone's settings.
  • Verify Siri is enabled: CarPlay relies on Siri for voice commands, so make sure Siri is enabled on your iPhone.
  • Check for privacy restrictions: Ensure CarPlay is not restricted by your iPhone's privacy settings. 


Lane Keep Assist Not Functioning

1. Environmental Conditions & System Limitations:

  • Poor Lane Markings: The system relies on clearly visible lane markings. If the markings are faded, damaged, or obscured, the system may not function correctly. 
  • Weather Conditions: Rain, snow, fog, or excessive dirt on the windshield can obstruct the camera's view and prevent the system from working. 
  • Speed: Some Ford vehicles have a minimum speed requirement for Lane Keep Assist to activate, typically around 37 mph (60 km/h). 
  • Lane Width: The system may not function correctly in very narrow or wide lanes. 
  • Road Construction: Areas under construction or with new infrastructure can confuse the system. 
  • Lane Merges/Splits: The system may temporarily disable when lanes merge or split. 
  • Turn Signals: Activating your turn signal will temporarily disable the system. 

2. Vehicle-Related Issues:

Camera Blockage:

  • Ensure the camera behind the windshield is clean and unobstructed by dirt, grime, fog, frost, or water. 

Camera Calibration:

  • If your windshield has been replaced, the camera may need to be recalibrated. 

System Activation:

  • Double-check that the Lane Keep Assist system is turned on and not disabled by a button press or in the vehicle's settings. 

Spare Tire:

  • Driving with a spare tire may affect the system's operation. 

Steering System Modifications:

  • Any modifications to the steering system could interfere with the system's functionality. 

Malfunction:

  • In some cases, a malfunction with the lane assist module or the drive assist system could be the cause. 

3. Diagnostic & Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic Scan Tool:

  • If you suspect a malfunction, a diagnostic scan tool can help identify any stored fault codes in the lane assist module. 

Professional Inspection:

  • If you're unable to diagnose the issue yourself, consult a certified Ford mechanic or a reputable automotive repair shop. 

Resetting the Module:

  • As a quick test, you can try disconnecting the battery negative cable for 15 minutes to see if it resets the module. 


Power Liftgate Not Opening

1. Check Vehicle Settings:

  • Ensure the power liftgate function is enabled in the vehicle's settings. 
  • On some Ford models, you might find this setting under "Vehicle" or "Settings" in the infotainment system. 
  • If it's disabled, toggle it back to "On" or "Enabled". 

2. Reset the Power Liftgate:

Disconnect the Battery:

  • Disconnect the battery for at least 20 seconds, then reconnect it. 

Manual Override (if applicable):

  • Some Ford models have a manual override for the power liftgate. Look for a button or switch on the dashboard with an icon resembling a hatch. 

Resetting the Height:

  • If the liftgate only opens partially, try setting a different opening height and then resetting it. 

Simultaneous Button Press:

  • Some models have a reset procedure involving pressing the power tailgate button inside and outside simultaneously until a chime sounds. 

3. Check Fuses:

  • Locate the fuse box under the instrument panel on the passenger side and under the hood. 
  • Check the fuses related to the power liftgate and replace any blown fuses. 

4. Check for Obstructions:

  • Ensure there are no obstructions preventing the liftgate from opening, such as ice, snow, or debris. 

5. Inspect the Latch and Motor:

  • If the liftgate is making noise but not opening, the motor or latch mechanism might be faulty. 
  • You may need to manually open the liftgate and inspect these components.

Parking Brake Won’t Release

Possible Causes & Solutions:

  • Stuck Cables:
  • Problem: The cables connecting the parking brake lever to the rear brakes can get stuck or corroded, preventing the brakes from releasing. 
  • Solution:
  • Lubricate: Try lubricating the cables with a penetrating oil or WD-40. 
  • Rock the vehicle: If safe, rock the vehicle back and forth to try and dislodge the cables. 
  • Cable Replacement: If lubrication doesn't work, the cables may need to be replaced. 
  • Stuck Parking Brake Mechanism:
  • Problem: The parking brake mechanism itself (the lever or the actuator) could be sticking or malfunctioning. 
  • Solution:
  • Try to disengage: Set and release the parking brake multiple times to see if that frees it up. 
  • Inspect the mechanism: Check for any obvious issues like bent levers or jammed parts. 
  • Professional Repair: If you suspect a problem with the mechanism, it's best to take your vehicle to a mechanic. 
  • Electric Parking Brake Issues (Newer Models):
  • Problem: In vehicles with electric parking brakes, the issue could be with the electronic control unit (ECU), wiring, or the servo motor that actuates the brakes. 
  • Solution:
  • Check Fuses: Ensure the relevant fuses for the parking brake system are not blown. 
  • Inspect Wiring: Check for loose connections or damaged wires. 
  • Scan for Codes: Use a diagnostic tool to scan the vehicle's computer for any error codes related to the parking brake system. 
  • Professional Repair: If the issue is electronic, a mechanic with experience in electric parking brakes is needed. 
  • Seized Caliper Pistons (Integrated Parking Brake):
  • Problem: In some vehicles with integrated parking brake systems, the caliper pistons can seize from lack of use, preventing the brakes from releasing. 
  • Solution:
  • Try to disengage: Set and release the parking brake multiple times to see if that frees it up. 
  • Inspect the caliper: Check for any signs of seized pistons. 
  • Professional Repair: If you suspect a seized caliper, it's best to take your vehicle to a mechanic. 

Safety First:

  • Do not drive with the parking brake engaged. This can cause serious damage to your brakes. 
  • If you can't release the parking brake safely, seek professional help immediately. 


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