S650 Tech Packages Suck: Prove Me Wrong

[Gregs24]

wish there was something to fix, it’s not hardware because soft reboots fix it. The dealership said I had the most recent software so nothing they could do.

I read about doing a hard reset, but I really don’t want to redo all my settings.

Well if having to do soft reboots that often it clearly isn't normal.

I've never had to do it once in my car.

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[Gregs24]

It's nice feature, but It's nothing new to the car world. My 2013 car has this and it's already 12 years old.

Indeed, even Ford have moved on significantly with adaptive headlights on many other models now.

 

[Gregs24]

With all the electronics and wireless modems we as drivers and car owners have given up our privacy to the car manufacturers and they collect data such as

• speed
• steering, brake and accelerator pedal use
• seat belt use
• infotainment settings
• phone contacts
• navigation destinations
• voice data
• your location and surroundings
  
  The question on my mind is if we were to remove all the fuses that we think are the part of this crazy surveillance system would the car still work or not? My guess is that it would not unless we could re-program all the modules. Time to buy old cars from 1970s if we wish to have some privacy while driving. ;-)

No it wouldn't and you cannot 're-program' the modules.

You worry about your car, but I bet you carry a phone and use a computer!

 

[Gregs24]

So I went and hid an air tag in my trunk but then I saw the Ford pass app seems to have an air tag type feature built in. I think I'll leave the air tag in anyway since it's so cheap but that kind of impressed me.

It does but a master reset of Sync will mean you can't track the car if stolen, even the dimmest car thief will know that. Airtags will not defeat a thief for long - they know to look for one.

 

[Kevi]

Car jackers or guys who are towing to the local chop shop probably aren't going to know the ins and outs of every model. It's definitely better protection than your average scat pack has.

 

[roadpilot]

It's nice feature, but It's nothing new to the car world. My 2013 car has this and it's already 12 years old.

Thanks for the history lesson, Nancy.

 

[Marty1000]

No it wouldn't and you cannot 're-program' the modules.

You worry about your car, but I bet you carry a phone and use a computer!

GREGS24 - I do not worry about privacy anymore as it has gone away long ago with the invention of the Internet, later Facebook and mobile phones that Ed Snowden revealed.

 

[Cz_Ziemniak]

Maybe I’m in the minority here, but I believe that Snowden should get a pardon.

With that being said, no fucking chance thats happening, lmao. I can’t imagine the CIA or NSA would be comfortable setting a precedent that you can just reveal Gov’t secrets and get away scott free.

 

[Cz_Ziemniak]

Don’t believe the Hollywood and media versions of Snowden. They tried to make him seem like he was doing things for the good of Americans! Such BS! He was a sleaze ball just trying to line his pockets with money! From both China and Russia. He cost our nation lives, important intelligence programs, and millions of dollars. Yes, let’s bring him back and ensure that he gets what he deserves!

Any chance you could link me something that validates your take on this? I wouldn’t mind learning a bit more

 

[AZ_Ryan]

How about we stay on topic folks?

 

[Gregs24]

GREGS24 - I do not worry about privacy anymore as it has gone away long ago with the invention of the Internet, later Facebook and mobile phones that Ed Snowden revealed.

You obviously DO worry about it or you wouldn't have commented on it!

 

[Gregs24]

How about we stay on topic folks?

Very unlikely

 

[Skye]

The question on my mind is if we were to remove all the fuses that we think are the part of this crazy surveillance system would the car still work or not?

Those concerned of surveillance via tech can perform a few tasks:

- Disconnect the satellite antenna
- Disconnect the Telematics Control Unit
- Factory default Sync/Google Android
- If using the Ford Pass App, delete the vehicle/s associated with it

None of those will affect the driving of the car. They will affect the Operator experience, if they connect their phone, use the infotainment, maps, etc.

Note: even when performing the above steps, engine, transmission and driving statistics will continue to be saved in the Powertrain Control Module and Body Control Module.

From all that, what I think most important to any Owner, any vehicle, is know where all this stuff is, how it works (or not), benefits and detriments. Whether interested in surveillance, security or both, the Driver can then determine any actions they feel appropriate.

Edit,

For those pursuing vehicle, new or used, we've had a few threads of installed vehicle trackers. Not so much new cars, but especially used cars, dealers are installing trackers for two purposes:

- Locating vehicles, stolen, from their lots

- Repo'ing vehicles, from Drivers defaulting on payments

You can Google, "Mustang7g vehicle tracker", or the general topic. If buying a car, ask the salesperson, confirming their are no tracking systems installed. The threads will help the reader in determining what and where to look for.

 

[Kevi]

As long as the car isn't writing me speeding tickets I couldn't care less.

 

[JohnWimsey]

For all the bells and shiny door-to-glovebox digital screen(s), the new S650s are lacking a lot in terms of Creature Comfort Technology. Things that are missing:

• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Digital Screen Rear View Mirror/regular mirror combo (the old-fashioned dimming lever is used to change between the two on my Tahoe)
• 360° view capability
  • Native supported front facing camera
  • Native supported side cameras
  • Only one rear view camera (two are required for the Digital Screen Rear View Mirror mentioned above)
• HUD options
• Electronically foldable mirrors
• Headlight Dim-on-stop (admittedly, this isn't common in the US at all, but in Japan it's everywhere (and should be mandatory on SUVs))
• Wireless Connected Car
• Active drive surroundings monitoring (I've only seen this in Teslas, but it's darn impressive! Not only that, it could have a very real use for racing, drifting, or at the dragstrip)

I get it that not everyone wants or needs any or every one of these - but it's a brand new premium GT and it has half the features of my now 5 year old Tahoe.

Did you not get the 700a option?
if you did your list would be shorter.

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