Topic: My USB Device with Audio is not always selected as the Audio Source

[Dude]

Description: When the vehicle is started with a USB Device containing audio (e.g. music) plugged in, as Sync boots up and during its search for the last audio (device) that was playing when the vehicle was last turned off, the USB Device is sometimes not seen as ready and Sync then defaults to the Radio.

There are two USB data transfer ports in the ‘21-‘24 Bronco Sport, USB-A and USB-C. Both ports are located below the 8” Display.

I am not sure what USB Standard the Bronco Sport data transfer ports are. I am guessing the data transfer ports in the Bronco Sport are:
USB 2.0 - 480 MB / sec
The Owners Manual might state that information.

This thread is applicable to ‘21-‘24
Bronco Sports running Sync 3.4.23188 or earlier versions… at the time this post was written 23188 was the latest version.

Make sure you are running SYNC 3, Software Version: 3.4 Build 23188 PRODUCT or latest version. If Customer Satisfaction Program (CSP) 24B47 applies to your VIN, make sure you have CSP 24B47 completed.

Some owners never have issues - the audio on their USB Devices always starts playing when the vehicle is started (after Sync boots up). Post #2, #8, #9, #11 at this link are examples of owners stating the USB Device always works: https://www.broncosportforum.com/forum/threads/sync-3-and-usb-stick.10224/post-177431

Other owners do have issues where the USB Device most of the time is not recognized and has to be manually selected as the audio source on almost all vehicle start ups. Like stated at these links:

https://www.broncosportforum.com/forum/threads/usb-connection-issue.8549/

https://www.broncosportforum.com/forum/threads/media-source.7778

More on a possible solution later…

I believe the root cause is a Sync software issue that is timing related.

Ford could insert a software delay to allow more time on startup for the USB Device to be ready but that would then add an unnecessary delay for owners that don’t use audio USB Devices.

Why do some owners never have an issue playing audio from their USB Device and some owners see their USB Device is not always selected as the audio source on startup and has to be manually selected?

Let’s look at what may influence a USB Device from being selected:

1. The APIM (which is the module where Sync runs) - the Sync software might run faster on some owners vehicles. This could be due to a variety of reasons such as what Apps are selected, how much free memory is available, etc.

2. Sync is reported to support up to a max size USB Device which may be 128Gb (see Post #12 at https://www.broncosportforum.com/forum/threads/sync-3-and-usb-stick.10224/post-177468) however at least one owner reported using a 512Gb USB Device and had no issues, Post #16: https://www.broncosportforum.com/forum/threads/sync-3-and-usb-stick.10224/post-177559

3. Some owners might be using a faster USB Device for their audio than other owners use. USB Devices have a variety of specs which may influence this:
- USB-C vs. USB-A Devices (typically USB-C Devices are faster)
- USB Device Read/Write speed spec: in this case the Read speed is important
- How long it takes the USB Device on power up to become ready (I don’t know that there is a spec for this)

4. I am guessing the Folder layout and number of audio files on the USB Device could influence the USB Device timing to become ready (I recall seeing articles on that topic).

5. I am guessing the types of audio file formats (e.g. WMA, MP3) could influence the USB Device timing to become ready (I recall seeing articles on that topic as well).

6. I am guessing the USB device memory size (in Gb) could influence the USB Device timing to become ready (I recall seeing articles on that topic as well).

Possible solution:
A faster USB-C Device (faster Read speed spec) may solve the issue where the USB Device is sometimes not selected as the audio source when the vehicle is started.

My recommendation is to obtain a fast USB-C 32Gb max device (keep in mind the speed supported by the Sync software and the Bronco Sport USB-C data transfer port likely is the limiting factor). Then properly format the USB-C device (FAT32 format for music files*) and initially store no more than 100 audio files total all in a single folder. Use this for a few weeks and see if the device is always selected as the audio source upon vehicle start up where the USB Device was playing last when the vehicle was last shut down. Why 32Gb max when 128Gb or even 512Gb is max that Sync might support? No reason other than some owners with 32Gb size device report no issues.

*(however other owners state they format as NTFS and works fine)

If the issue disappears, then store your usual number of audio files organized with your desired folder structure and test with that for a few weeks.

Please keep in mind this issue may have no solution. You’ll have to decide how much effort (and money) you want to invest on this.

Sponsored

 

[wireman]

Description: When the vehicle is started with a USB Device containing audio (e.g. music) plugged in, as Sync boots up and during its search for the last audio (device) that was playing when the vehicle was last turned off, the USB Device is sometimes not seen as ready and Sync then defaults to the Radio.

There are two USB data transfer ports in the ‘21-‘24 Bronco Sport, USB-A and USB-C. Both ports are located below the 8” Display.

I am not sure what USB Standard the Bronco Sport data transfer ports are. I am guessing the data transfer ports in the Bronco Sport are:
USB 2.0 - 480 MB / sec
The Owners Manual might state that information.

This thread is applicable to ‘21-‘24
Bronco Sports running Sync 3.4.23188 or earlier versions… at the time this post was written 23188 was the latest version.

Some owners never have issues - the audio on their USB Devices always starts playing when the vehicle is started (after Sync boots up).

Other owners do have issues where the USB Device most of the time is not recognized and has to be manually selected as the audio source on almost all vehicle start ups. Like stated at these links:

https://www.broncosportforum.com/forum/threads/usb-connection-issue.8549/

https://www.broncosportforum.com/forum/threads/media-source.7778

More on a possible solution later…

I believe the root cause is a Sync software issue that is timing related.

Ford could insert a software delay to allow more time on startup for the USB Device to be ready but that would then add an unnecessary delay for owners that don’t use audio USB Devices.

Why do some owners never have an issue playing audio from their USB Device and some owners see their USB Device is not always selected as the audio source on startup and has to be manually selected?

Let’s look at what may influence a USB Device from being selected:

1. The APIM (which is the module where Sync runs) - the Sync software might run faster on some owners vehicles. This could be due to a variety of reasons such as what Apps are selected, how much free memory is available, etc.

2. Some owners might be using a faster USB Device for their audio than other owners use. USB Devices have a variety of specs which may influence this:
- USB-C vs. USB-A Devices (typically USB-C Devices are faster)
- USB Device Read/Write speed spec: in this case the Read speed is important
- How long it takes the USB Device on power up to become ready (I don’t know that there is a spec for this)

3. I am guessing the Folder layout and number of audio files on the USB Device could influence the USB Device timing to become ready (I recall seeing articles on that topic).

4. I am guessing the types of audio file formats (e.g. WMA, MP3) could influence the USB Device timing to become ready (I recall seeing articles on that topic as well).

Possible solution:
A faster USB-C Device (faster Read speed spec) may solve the issue where the USB Device is sometimes not selected as the audio source when the vehicle is started.

My recommendation is to obtain a fast USB-C device (keep in mind the speed supported by the Sync software and the Bronco Sport USB-C data transfer port likely is the limiting factor). Then properly format the USB-C device and initially store no more than 100 audio files total all in a single folder. Use this for a few weeks and see if the device is always selected at the audio source upon vehicle start up where the USB Device was playing last when the vehicle was last shut down.

If the issue disappears, then store your usual number of audio files organized with your desired folder structure and test with that for a few weeks.

Sounds like a reasonable possibility and a solution. I don't own any USB-C sticks but may have to try that route next.

 

[Dude]

Sounds like a reasonable possibility and a solution. I don't own any USB-C sticks but may have to try that route next.

I updated Post #1 after you replied

 

[wireman]

I updated Post #1 after you replied

Understand that. A USB-C drive won't break the bank and worth a shot.

What do you think of this? like the small size.

https://www.amazon.com/Verbatim-Store-Flash-Drive-Devices/dp/B01BY4MH06/ref=sr_1_13?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.ywNRyISm2JPSX_2DFYhr0lqwkQWYInfw1uddGgrd96ImaHBVg2iPJTuo1M8zoqALrT_3seJpTHKMEkU1KJgDasdO4o5sZlFBFyNF8y9OY09P2KjiucweV4IjIlNr6R3EUqpbLnlON8Q4DXv-QIBXE9Q1nji2PeQFyYp_l8dP5Lex8kjsM_M_hG9vZ22TCRvea7JfBmqVHfgIEqbHslBxeDahXLQLXWhZoCAdHU_C0JA.H25488YIzPVYmVqsY8PdWi8Nuz_jCq6g5MqHhZYt11A&dib_tag=se&hvadid=604497150844&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=1014045&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=b&hvrand=10727647209505103623&hvtargid=kwd-1458691365276&hydadcr=947_1014953127&keywords=usb/usb-c+flash+drive&qid=1724275135&sr=8-13&th=1

 

[Dude]

Understand that. A USB-C drive won't break the bank and worth a shot.

What do you think of this? like the small size.

https://www.amazon.com/Verbatim-Store-Flash-Drive-Devices/dp/B01BY4MH06/ref=sr_1_13?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.ywNRyISm2JPSX_2DFYhr0lqwkQWYInfw1uddGgrd96ImaHBVg2iPJTuo1M8zoqALrT_3seJpTHKMEkU1KJgDasdO4o5sZlFBFyNF8y9OY09P2KjiucweV4IjIlNr6R3EUqpbLnlON8Q4DXv-QIBXE9Q1nji2PeQFyYp_l8dP5Lex8kjsM_M_hG9vZ22TCRvea7JfBmqVHfgIEqbHslBxeDahXLQLXWhZoCAdHU_C0JA.H25488YIzPVYmVqsY8PdWi8Nuz_jCq6g5MqHhZYt11A&dib_tag=se&hvadid=604497150844&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=1014045&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=b&hvrand=10727647209505103623&hvtargid=kwd-1458691365276&hydadcr=947_1014953127&keywords=usb/usb-c+flash+drive&qid=1724275135&sr=8-13&th=1

It is a low cost $10 device with 64Gb storage however this device does not have great reviews and one of its issues is with slow transfer speed. But you can try it and would only be out $10.

 

[wireman]

I'll google more stuff tomorrow. Maybe a better brand even though a higher cost.

 

[Dude]

I'll google more stuff tomorrow. Maybe a better brand even though a higher cost.

As another data point for you: in Sept 2022 I purchased this one for $24 from OEMPCWorld (online purchase)

Samsung 64GB DUO Plus MUF-64DB USB 3.1 Dual A+C Flash Drive
The Read Rate is Up to 200 MB/s

You can compare that read rate to the USB Drive you already own (the one that doesn’t always get set as the audio source)

And since I purchased this device Sept 2022 there most likely are even better performing USB Devices today at possibly lower prices

 

[Two-tone]

I've heard that formatting to exFAT instead of NTFS is better be ause Ford recommends that format when updating from a USB. There might be a reason Ford says this. I with try them both. As for random skipping glitches in music on usb or other devices, it could be as easy as formatting to exFAT or NTFS. Apple and Android issues from streaming could be linked to wifi and other programs "talking" to one another and causing disruptions in the reading of the song. Another solution could be to try FLAC(lossless) music format. Broncos are not the only vehicles having these issues as forums are plentiful with same issues.

 

[Mark S.]

I've heard that formatting to exFAT instead of NTFS is better be ause Ford recommends that format when updating from a USB. There might be a reason Ford says this. I with try them both. As for random skipping glitches in music on usb or other devices, it could be as easy as formatting to exFAT or NTFS. Apple and Android issues from streaming could be linked to wifi and other programs "talking" to one another and causing disruptions in the reading of the song. Another solution could be to try FLAC(lossless) music format. Broncos are not the only vehicles having these issues as forums are plentiful with same issues.

According to this article at Ford.com, you should use FAT 16/32. The article may not be current.

 

[Two-tone]

Well I now have used. exFAT....default on my brand new usb 64gig. That one sometimes reads at start up, other times it says it can't find the device. It also randomly does the half second glitch during music playback.

I've used an older usb 2.0 with was factory Fat32. This one did the same as above. I also reformatted it to NTFS. It did the same thing.

I will try formatting the new usb to FAT32 and the NTFS to see if it will change. I doubt the outcome will be different. There is too many programs talking to one another in Ford vehicles.

Now I heard that Ford in going with Google instead of SYNC. Another learning curve for all the programs to deal with....?

 

[Dude]

Here is another useful source of information.

Title: Ford Sync 3 USB Drive Music Playlists
Date: 22 October 2016

States… “The (USB) drive must be formatted in FAT32 format” (however other owners state they format as NTFS and works fine)

Refers to the program MP3Tag to update ID3 tags on music files and to generate playlist files (.m3u format) for the selected tracks. MP3Tag appears to still be available.

https://www.briandorey.com/post/ford-sync-3-usb-drive-music-playlists

 

[Bill G]

The exFAT format must be used with the sync updates, FAT or FAT32 should be used with mp3 or other audio files. FAT is recommended for small size (I believe under 64g) units and FAT32 with larger units (has to do with segment sizes).
It seems, in my experience so far, that when Sync3 starts if doesn’t immediately “see” the USB stick it goes to last radio setting used. Then when it detects the USB and you select it, it has to re-read the USB before picking up where it left off.
I am using a 256g USB a3.1 stick, so maybe the advice to try small capacity sticks could be the answer. I may also try a USB C stick if I find one at a good price to see if a faster stick helps.

Caveat — I’m no pro so take this with a “grain of salt”

 

[Two-tone]

The exFAT format must be used with the sync updates, FAT or FAT32 should be used with mp3 or other audio files. FAT is recommended for small size (I believe under 64g) units and FAT32 with larger units (has to do with segment sizes).
It seems, in my experience so far, that when Sync3 starts if doesn’t immediately “see” the USB stick it goes to last radio setting used. Then when it detects the USB and you select it, it has to re-read the USB before picking up where it left off.
I am using a 256g USB a3.1 stick, so maybe the advice to try small capacity sticks could be the answer. I may also try a USB C stick if I find one at a good price to see if a faster stick helps.

Caveat — I’m no pro so take this with a “grain of salt”

Yup that's what mine does when it doesn't read it. As for the random glitches, I am running out of options?

 

[Dude]

Yup that's what mine does when it doesn't read it. As for the random glitches, I am running out of options?

@Two-tone forgot to mention, to eliminate the random glitches make sure you have all these off. Worked for me.

Sponsored