Phone Voice Commands Not Working

[Durango]

I have an AT&T Alcatel flip phone connected to my 2019 Ranger Lariat, and my phone contacts were successfully downloaded to my SYNC 3 system. However, when I say "Call John", the system does not understand, so my call is not placed. However, when I say "Dial 1234567", the call is placed.

Voice commands are working OK on Audio, Climate, and Navigation.

Any idea why my Phone "Call" command is not working? Thanks in advance.......

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[rang19ca]

I think you have to say; Phone 1st. Then, Call ..................

 

[Durango]

I think you have to say; Phone 1st. Then, Call ..................

I tried that with same results. I also read some place and tried "Call John at Home" and "Call John on Cell". Plus all combinations thereof.

Thanks for your response.

 

[rang19ca]

I tried that with same results. I also read some place and tried "Call John at Home" and "Call John on Cell". Plus all combinations thereof.

Thanks for your response.

Your welcome. Hope you figure it out.

 

[Motorpsychology]

Do you have the names listed the same way you are saying them? E.G., If you have "John Jones" saved as "Jones, John" that might be where the problem is. If that is the case, there may be a way to change the order of contacts' names Last name first or first name first in your phone's settings; there is on my iPhone 6s. I don't need to say "Phone" first I just say "Call..."

 

[Durango]

Do you have the names listed the same way you are saying them? E.G., If you have "John Jones" saved as "Jones, John" that might be where the problem is. If that is the case, there may be a way to change the order of contacts' names Last name first or first name first in your phone's settings; there is on my iPhone 6s. I don't need to say "Phone" first I just say "Call..."

I quickly learned to be very careful in that regard. I even ended up simplifying things and using only first names in my contact list. Then I thought perhaps, contrary to the examples given in the Ranger-SYNC 3 User Manual, that maybe the system was looking for first and last names. So I added last names to a few contacts, but none of that worked.

I also have an iPhone 6s that I alternately connect to my Ranger. It works as advertised as long as I speak the entire name shown in the contacts list, e.g., "Call John Smith".

Although the Alcatel does not have a touchscreen, it is advertised as having many of the 'smartphone' features, and it has worked flawlessly except when connected to my Ranger SYNC 3 system.

Thanks for your response....

 

[Motorpsychology]

Although the Alcatel does not have a touchscreen, it is advertised as having many of the 'smartphone' features, and it has worked flawlessly except when connected to my Ranger SYNC 3 system.

Apparently your Alcatel phone is not (fully) supported by Sync 3. If speaking the contact numbers works but speaking the contact names does not. I'm no phone wizard, but I recall when I had a company Samsung flip phone, it was possible to choose how to save info to to the phone memory or the SIM card. Maybe the Sync3 is downloading data from only one or the other memory; the numbers but not the names.

 

[Durango]

Apparently your Alcatel phone is not (fully) supported by Sync 3. If speaking the contact numbers works but speaking the contact names does not. I'm no phone wizard, but I recall when I had a company Samsung flip phone, it was possible to choose how to save info to to the phone memory or the SIM card. Maybe the Sync3 is downloading data from only one or the other memory; the numbers but not the names.

Good point about the phone memory vs SIM card. I read conflicting instructions, so I decided to duplicate my contacts on both the phone memory and the SIM. Then I selected to use the phone memory. Maybe I should try and use the SIM card.

I do know that I couldn't even transfer my contacts from the SIM card....I had to use the phone memory. I have now located a 'Ford Connect Car' phone number and an Alcatel support help number, so I am going to try calling both. Frustrating.

Thanks again for your response....

 

[Motorpsychology]

I do know that I couldn't even transfer my contacts from the SIM card....I had to use the phone memory. I have now located a 'Ford Connect Car' phone number and an Alcatel support help number, so I am going to try calling both. Frustrating.

Thanks again for your response....

My company made a decision to stop buying flip phones several years ago (I've since retired) and offered to pay us the amount per phone it was costing them if we would consent to using our personal smartphones for business calls. As a trucking company, FMCSA and NHTSA laws were coming that would make it illegal nationally* for a commercial driver to use a hand held device while operating a commercial vehicle. Bluetooth compatibility in the trucks was also an issue with the flippers.
Loonngg preface to this question: Would you be able to use just your iPhone?

*many states have since enacted similar laws for all operators of all types of vehicles, private or commercial

 

[Durango]

My company made a decision to stop buying flip phones several years ago (I've since retired) and offered to pay us the amount per phone it was costing them if we would consent to using our personal smartphones for business calls. As a trucking company, FMCSA and NHTSA laws were coming that would make it illegal nationally* for a commercial driver to use a hand held device while operating a commercial vehicle. Bluetooth compatibility in the trucks was also an issue with the flippers.
Loonngg preface to this question: Would you be able to use just your iPhone?

*many states have since enacted similar laws for all operators of all types of vehicles, private or commercial

Yes, I can, and I may have to resort to using my iPhone. My flip phone is just so convenient to carry around with me in my jean's pocket (in lieu of an emergency call button that my kids wanted me to get/use). My iPhone 6, on the other hand is just too darn big to carry around. So it sits beside my computer and is used basically to communicate with those kids and grandkids who prefer texting.

I don't know why I worry this issue, as I very seldom make or receive a phone call in my vehicle. I guess it's just another toy to play around with, and I hate when things don't work as expected.

I see that you are a motorcycle rider. I rode various brands/models for 55 years, mainly street bikes. I finally had to give it up (at age 75) because I lost most of the feeling in both my feet, and I could no longer tell if my feet were still on the foot pegs or the ground, lol.

 

[Motorpsychology]

I see that you are a motorcycle rider. I rode various brands/models for 55 years, mainly street bikes. I finally had to give it up (at age 75) because I lost most of the feeling in both my feet, and I could no longer tell if my feet were still on the foot pegs or the ground, lol.

Here, try this!

Rollie Free 1948 Bonneville Salt Flats

 

[Durango]

Here, try this!

Rollie Free 1948 Bonneville Salt Flats

Neat photo. At least he knows where his feet are!

 

[rang19ca]

I also gave up riding street bikes years ago. Although my feet were doing ok the cell phone/ brain dead drivers were getting too close. There were just too many close calls. This was my last bike:

 

[Durango]

This was my last ride.....I had quite a few before it.

 

[UofMEngineer]

Yes, I can, and I may have to resort to using my iPhone. My flip phone is just so convenient to carry around with me in my jean's pocket (in lieu of an emergency call button that my kids wanted me to get/use). My iPhone 6, on the other hand is just too darn big to carry around. So it sits beside my computer and is used basically to communicate with those kids and grandkids who prefer texting.

I don't know why I worry this issue, as I very seldom make or receive a phone call in my vehicle. I guess it's just another toy to play around with, and I hate when things don't work as expected.

I see that you are a motorcycle rider. I rode various brands/models for 55 years, mainly street bikes. I finally had to give it up (at age 75) because I lost most of the feeling in both my feet, and I could no longer tell if my feet were still on the foot pegs or the ground, lol.

Ever figure it out? I'd guess the phonebook isn't downloading to the unit. Did you allow contact access and all that?

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