Over-the-air updates and power increases

[smurfslayer]

In theory though, couldn't an ECU flash be triggered via OTA? Not sure why Ford would withhold a better tune, but it would be possible, no?

In theory? yes. In reality? No.
First, Ford is relatively conservative in their approach to changes, and particularly to the F150. Second, there are too many variables in the equation for any manufacturer that isn’t a niche maker to fall into some sort of trouble.

Tesla has been doing this sort of thing for a while now, so it stands to reason that Ford will do the same. What upgrades are applied to already owned vehicles may be a case by case basis. I would guess that most changes will be minor stuff that don't result in anyone putting off buying a new vehicle.

So what happens if you don’t consent? What if you have a DV protection order or you are or were in a profession that puts you at risk of attack and your location data has to be obscured? What if you just live where the buses don’t run and OTA isn’t feasible?

Disabling OTA might void the warranty, or portions of it. As a hypothetical, say that the factory tune seems to be causing a part to wear out prematurely. Ford decides they can fix that issue with an OTA update. If your part wears out, and you had OTA updates off, is Ford really liable for the repair? Maybe, maybe not.

I don’t think this is practical as a policy. Too much risk. What if you are outside of signal range at home, drive into town for dinner, get an emergency call and your fancy shmancy new “connected truck” is bricked because it’s just begun an “upgrade”?

Honestly, I don’t trust that tech. 2017 Raptor sync3 - rock solid since upgrading to 3.x
2020 Lincoln connect? nothing but a thorn in the butt since day one. It absolutely hates my iPhone, constantly disabling remote features after 2 days not being used, weird bugs like if you start up with no satellite signal, every preset = the station you were last using and you can’t switch audio mode until you power cycle -with- a satellite signal and on and on. It’s a decent ride, but you can keep OTA updating out of my vehicle.

 

[K223]

In theory? yes. In reality? No.
First, Ford is relatively conservative in their approach to changes, and particularly to the F150. Second, there are too many variables in the equation for any manufacturer that isn’t a niche maker to fall into some sort of trouble.

So what happens if you don’t consent? What if you have a DV protection order or you are or were in a profession that puts you at risk of attack and your location data has to be obscured? What if you just live where the buses don’t run and OTA isn’t feasible?


I don’t think this is practical as a policy. Too much risk. What if you are outside of signal range at home, drive into town for dinner, get an emergency call and your fancy shmancy new “connected truck” is bricked because it’s just begun an “upgrade”?

Honestly, I don’t trust that tech. 2017 Raptor sync3 - rock solid since upgrading to 3.x
2020 Lincoln connect? nothing but a thorn in the butt since day one. It absolutely hates my iPhone, constantly disabling remote features after 2 days not being used, weird bugs like if you start up with no satellite signal, every preset = the station you were last using and you can’t switch audio mode until you power cycle -with- a satellite signal and on and on. It’s a decent ride, but you can keep OTA updating out of my vehicle.

My wife complains left and right about her 2020 Aviator. A nice style and a nice ride overall. But it was rushed out and has been plagued with bugs. Sync very much the hassle in this car back the truck. Truck isn’t as glamorous, but it works most all the time.

 

[melvimbe]

In theory? yes. In reality? No.
First, Ford is relatively conservative in their approach to changes, and particularly to the F150. Second, there are too many variables in the equation for any manufacturer that isn’t a niche maker to fall into some sort of trouble.

Eh, like I said. I think there will be some things brought over OTA but nothing that makes you put off buying a new vehicle....or that could kill your vehicle.

But there is already tech inside your vehicle that's been tested extensively. Ford isn't going to do an OTA update that isn't tested as well as the original code in your truck. So you aren't really introducing that much new risk with OTA updates.

So what happens if you don’t consent? What if you have a DV protection order or you are or were in a profession that puts you at risk of attack and your location data has to be obscured? What if you just live where the buses don’t run and OTA isn’t feasible?

Then you have the option of going to a dealer and getting them to install for you?

I don’t think this is practical as a policy. Too much risk. What if you are outside of signal range at home, drive into town for dinner, get an emergency call and your fancy shmancy new “connected truck” is bricked because it’s just begun an “upgrade”?

Dealer service. Would this really work that much different than the recalls that we have today? Honestly not sure. If there is a recall on your vehicle, and you opt not to get to the work done...and you have an issue that causes more damage/cost than the cost of the recall...is the customer responsible for the difference. Probably not, so I'd have to retract my statement...but I wouldn't be surprised of things start heading in that direction.

As far as bricking your vehicle during an OTA upgrade, I don't think it's going to just happen without you having the opportunity to turn it off or schedule it for a time when you are highly unlikely to use your truck in the next 5 minutes. If they are smart, you'll get the patch downloaded separately from actual install. The install will likely be little more than a reboot.

Honestly, I don’t trust that tech. 2017 Raptor sync3 - rock solid since upgrading to 3.x
2020 Lincoln connect? nothing but a thorn in the butt since day one. It absolutely hates my iPhone, constantly disabling remote features after 2 days not being used, weird bugs like if you start up with no satellite signal, every preset = the station you were last using and you can’t switch audio mode until you power cycle -with- a satellite signal and on and on. It’s a decent ride, but you can keep OTA updating out of my vehicle.

Well yes, it has to be done right.