Deceptive Advertising by Ford and AT&T for 4G Wi-Fi Hot Spot!!! :-(

[redbucky2022]

A promise the dealership could not keep (without much effort).

“Vehicles that are built with the deletion option won’t be eligible to be retrofitted in the future” is stated here:
https://fordauthority.com/2022/07/some-ford-suvs-pickups-to-drop-4g-lte-wi-fi-hotspot-feature/

Yea that’s what I figured. It wasn’t something I really wanted in all honesty. Just another subscription and bill every month….

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[redbucky2022]

Yep! I believe that feature started disappearing during the 2022 model year. I use CarPlay a lot and it's annoying to have to turn the knob just to see the temperature setting.

Yea. And according to the manual units higher than a base that don’t have dual zone still have a digital temp readout.

 

[Dude]

Your getting very technical and sounding like a Ford employee trying to find excuses to get ourt of it and saying "Reed the fine print" Maybe you missed the screenshot of it stating it has 4G Wi-Fi. If Ford deleted it then why doers it state it on both websites. "Subject to change" obviously doers not apply to them changing the websites. I've read those articles before, and I know the situation. It doesn't mean they are not deceiving us when they only put out an article in Ford Authority and not officially on their website or informing the dealers.

@Martinjv71 Engineers do tend to state technical facts but I can assure you I’m not defending Ford nor have I ever worked for Ford (although I did develop electronics for GM).

My ‘22 Badlands was delivered with at least 6 items missing, and almost all were shown on various Ford websites, literature and documents. None were on the vehicles window sticker and I was able to get the dealership to add just one missing item under warranty for $0.

The question is, did your window sticker state:
4G LTE WIFI HOTSPOT REMOVAL - 20.00

Or did the window sticker state:
FORDPASS™ CONNECT 4GWI-FI HOTSPOT TELEMATICS MODEM

Or did the window sticker not mention HOTSPOT at all.

If your window sticker stated the 4GWI-FI HOTSPOT TELEMATICS MODEM was included then your case seems pretty strong to me.

 

[CactusBS]

Yea. And according to the manual units higher than a base that don’t have dual zone still have a digital temp readout.

My Big Bend has a digital temp readout on the right, fan speed on the left without a digital readout.

 

[redbucky2022]

My Big Bend has a digital temp readout on the right, fan speed on the left without a digital readout.

I'm going to have a conversation with my dealer.. its not a big deal but I'd like it to be equipped how it was intended. I couldn't care less about the 4G hot spot.

 

[Mark S.]

https://www.healeybrothersford.com/2024-ford-bronco-sport.htm

https://www.mikebassford.net/ford-bronco-sport-model-review-sheffield-village-oh/

https://www.dealerrater.com/classifieds/2024-Ford-Bronco-Sport-ad-3FMCR9D96RRE29829-28774/


https://www.georgewall.com/2024-ford-bronco-sport.html

https://sarchioneford.com/ford-bronco-sport-model-review

It appears these Ford dealerships have not updated their marketing materials. I looked on Ford's website and it doesn't mention the 4G hotspot on any of the Bronco Sport trims. Here's the page for the Outer Banks:

https://www.ford.com/suvs/bronco-sport/models/bronco-sport-outer-banks/

 

[Mwittke5857]

I'd be happy if the system would retain my IPhone connection!

 

[Dude]

I'd be happy if the system would retain my IPhone connection!

That’s frustrating!

More technical info but usually one of these solves the transient iPhone to Sync (and CarPlay) issues.

If you don’t use CarPlay just ignore any of these mentioning CarPlay:

iPhone:
1. Reboot the iPhone
2. Install latest IOS Software (as of today is iOS 17.3)
3. Replace USB cable with a new Apple Certified USB-C to Lightening Cable for iPhone 14 and earlier or with Apple Certified USB-C to USB-C Cable for iPhone 15 and later
4. Unplug the iPhone from the USB port, delete (remove) the iPhone from SYNC3, plug the iPhone into the USB port, allow iPhone to connect over Bluetooth, allow iPhone to connect with CarPlay
5. Try a 2nd iPhone (with latest IOS Software)
6. Google and use techniques to clean the Lightening connector (iPhone 14 and earlier), clean the USB-C connectors (iPhone 15 and later)
7. Try CarPlay wireless adaptor

Bronco Sport:
a. Install latest SYNC3 Software (SYNC 3, Software Version: 3.4 Build 23188 PRODUCT or later version if available)
b. Reset SYNC3 System
c. Perform a Master Reset
See iPhone Step #4 above to add the iPhone (Bluetooth and CarPlay)
d. Unplug 12V car battery for 2 minutes and reconnect (I’ve never had to do that)

 

[CactusBS]

I'd be happy if the system would retain my IPhone connection!

Have you tried CarPlay(plugging it in via USB-C cable)? I've had good luck with connections and no drops so far. I also prefer the CarPlay interface vs. Ford's Sync interface.

 

[Mwittke5857]

Have you tried CarPlay(plugging it in via USB-C cable)? I've had good luck with connections and no drops so far. I also prefer the CarPlay interface vs. Ford's Sync interface.

maps works, just the other phone connectivity

 

[Jmuns]

Wait... there is supposed to be a digital read out on model with the automatic climate control feature? If I'm looking at the digital owners manual that would be all models but a base with all manual controls....

As stated this was deleted after 2021. Ford just never updated their manuals. 2022 models did not get the digital temp dials no matter trim or package.

 

[redbucky2022]

As stated this was deleted after 2021. Ford just never updated their manuals. 2022 models did not get the digital temp dials no matter trim or package.

4G Hot spot was.. I haven't seen anyone say that the read out on the climate system was only omited for 2022.

 

[Jmuns]

4G Hot spot was.. I haven't seen anyone say that the read out on the climate system was only omited for 2022.

Search the forum. It’s been well documented on here that it was eliminated after MY21.

https://www.broncosportforum.com/forum/threads/hvac-temperature-digital-readout-dials-for-2023-bronco-sports.7672/

 

[vxarctic]

The real crime is that the modem is locked in with AT&T which doesn't even have service in my area!

 

[Bronclahoma]

I have a 23 BL as well and there was a credit for the hotspot delete. Who wants one anyway? Why would I pay for service to my auto when my wife and I both have hotspots on our phones?

A little off topic, but we recently switched from ATT to Consumer Cellular and cut our bill in half. Two lines with no limits $55/mo. Don't see any difference in service. That's with an AARP discount, but think it's only $5 more without. They have stores in Target or you can buy online and install an esim.

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