2019 Ranger Phone Media not connecting consistently

[Twisted]

Been having an issue that is annoying. When I turn on the truck my IPhone 13 connects just fine but half the time the media doesn't. When this happens I have to manually connect the media. I have updated everything and still no go. My phone has no issues connecting to other Bluetooth devices so I am thinking it is probably the truck.

Thoughts?

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[Dereku]

Bluetooth or wired? I did a manual update with Cyan labs, sync has been perfect ever since.

 

[airline tech]

Did you get the power issue resolved? - This may still be part of your issue
Did you get the Sync updated to 23188? - As well as this

Did you scan for any codes that may be locked in history? Using a Scan Tool or Forscan
If there is a code locked in history - it may be limiting features.

Plus, the BMS system may be triggering functions off if a low battery voltage is detected, how old is the trucks battery?

Have you removed the device from the truck and reinstalled on the truck - Sync as well as the Bluetooth settings (Remove the Truck -Forget Device) from the phone and reenabled it?

Under the - Settings tab and Phone - is Carplay enabled on that screen.

So, I understand = you get in and start the truck, are you seeing (Your Phone) on the Home Screen? via Bluetooth Connection
----
I am lost on the Media part, are you wanting it to (Auto-Select) the phones media? or play last source when the truck was shut off (being phone media)?

If you go to the Audio Screen - Sources - Is the phone listed there and if so, can you select it to play media? Is this what you mean by manually selecting it.

Not holding the last media source in memory was one of the Sync issues and reverting to AM and or FM. The Sync updates cured that, but it also ties in the overnight battery voltage (low battery) dumping that memory. So, you may just have a battery that is on its way out.

 

[GhostStrykre]

if you're talking about your phone connecting and becoming powered, but then nothing connects through the truck like Apple CarPlay, then i'd highly suggest checking your cord.

i had nothing but problems trying to get my iphone to connect to my 2019. then i swapped the cord and all the problems vanished. i'd advise getting a new apple brand cord. no cheap alternatives. get the real deal. that way you can know for sure if the the cord is causing the problem.

 

[Motorpsychology]

if you're talking about your phone connecting and becoming powered, but then nothing connects through the truck like Apple CarPlay, then i'd highly suggest checking your cord.

i had nothing but problems trying to get my iphone to connect to my 2019. then i swapped the cord and all the problems vanished. i'd advise getting a new apple brand cord. no cheap alternatives. get the real deal. that way you can know for sure if the the cord is causing the problem.

Big 10-4. they do get fatigued, and the cheap ones next to the cash register can't handle higher data transfer rates. The cord(s) should have an MFI rated chip which can handle high data transfer rates with ease; iMaps, Spotify, etc I've had these since 2021 right after I bought my truck. Trouble free:
https://www.amazon.com/Lightning-Ca...le-AirPods/dp/B0CD71VZPG?ref_=ast_sto_dp&th=1

 

[Twisted]

Bluetooth or wired? I did a manual update with Cyan labs, sync has been perfect ever since.

Bluetooth

 

[Twisted]

Did you get the power issue resolved? - This may still be part of your issue
Did you get the Sync updated to 23188? - As well as this

Did you scan for any codes that may be locked in history? Using a Scan Tool or Forscan
If there is a code locked in history - it may be limiting features.

Plus, the BMS system may be triggering functions off if a low battery voltage is detected, how old is the trucks battery?

Have you removed the device from the truck and reinstalled on the truck - Sync as well as the Bluetooth settings (Remove the Truck -Forget Device) from the phone and reenabled it?

Under the - Settings tab and Phone - is Carplay enabled on that screen.

So, I understand = you get in and start the truck, are you seeing (Your Phone) on the Home Screen? via Bluetooth Connection
----
I am lost on the Media part, are you wanting it to (Auto-Select) the phones media? or play last source when the truck was shut off (being phone media)?

If you go to the Audio Screen - Sources - Is the phone listed there and if so, can you select it to play media? Is this what you mean by manually selecting it.

Not holding the last media source in memory was one of the Sync issues and reverting to AM and or FM. The Sync updates cured that, but it also ties in the overnight battery voltage (low battery) dumping that memory. So, you may just have a battery that is on its way out.

I will have to check the Sync update but I did an auto update as well as reverted back to factory and reinstalled the updates as far as the automatic updates would go.

I don't have a code scanner so I am not sure on that.

I have set the device to be forgotten a couple times and it doesn't solve the issue. Best improvement I have had is when I had an issue with the media player turning off and on (radio and media player) that was fixed when I unplugged the amp for 15 minutes and plugged it back in and that fixed that issue and for about 2 days the media connection to my phone worked perfectly.

I get in the truck start it the phone connects perfectly and I can make calls but about half the time I have to go in and select and connect to the media player (my phone).

My truck in 2019 and no new battery yet. But the issue happens randomly sometimes it connects perfectly after its been off for 12 hours or more other times it doesn't connect after a 2 hour drive. I will have the battery tested.

 

[Twisted]

if you're talking about your phone connecting and becoming powered, but then nothing connects through the truck like Apple CarPlay, then i'd highly suggest checking your cord.

i had nothing but problems trying to get my iphone to connect to my 2019. then i swapped the cord and all the problems vanished. i'd advise getting a new apple brand cord. no cheap alternatives. get the real deal. that way you can know for sure if the the cord is causing the problem.

No cord all Bluetooth connections

 

[airline tech]

I think you have 2 issues:
1. Battery old and has a high IR
2. Not fully updated- Sync

The Rangers BMS system is very sensitive to battery voltage and will dump power to modules (non-essential) like Sync especially during engine off modes.
So, with your Amp power issues and now connecting issues with the phone, if you have not made any modifications to BMS or made regular external charging to the battery - it is a high probability the battery is weak and has a high IR.
You may not notice starting issues as you would like old school charging systems.
The issues you are having are the subtle signs of it failing, other functions include door locks and FOB (remote) functions and ASS will intermittently become inoperative.
The IR readings should be in the 3’s and I believe you are most likely in the 5 to 6 range.

I have a feeling the Auto Updates stopped well before the 23188. It must be done via USB especially since it started at such an old update.

Without a scan tool, you can try disconnecting the battery for 5 minutes or so or pull Fuse # 31 (BCM) for 5-Minutes to possibly clear (if any) codes.
Plus, it sounds like you are doing a Master Reset - via the touch screen
Try this instead - Press and hold the Power Button and then Press Seek (UP/FWD) for 5-Seconds
this reboots the SYNC

 

[GhostStrykre]

No cord all Bluetooth connections

is there a specific reason you don’t want to use a cable and utilize Apple CarPlay? You have the iPhone. Might as well use that service that is substantially better than sync.

Only downside of Apple CarPlay, to me, is how quiet the microphone is. People I call often say they can barely hear me. I have to like yell upward at the mic. I think I read somewhere else on this forum it might be an issue between Apple and ford’s sync platform regarding the mic level.

 

[got3fords]

Bluetooth or wired? I did a manual update with Cyan labs, sync has been perfect ever since.

How much does the Cyan Labs feature cost?

 

[Twisted]

is there a specific reason you don’t want to use a cable and utilize Apple CarPlay? You have the iPhone. Might as well use that service that is substantially better than sync.

Only downside of Apple CarPlay, to me, is how quiet the microphone is. People I call often say they can barely hear me. I have to like yell upward at the mic. I think I read somewhere else on this forum it might be an issue between Apple and ford’s sync platform regarding the mic level.

Like the option of just getting in and going rather than getting the cable connected. and one less cable hanging around.

 

[Twisted]

I got the battery tested yesterday. They said the voltage was to low to test. I went ahead and got a new battery and installed it yesterday and did the whole flash the high beams and pump the brakes BMS reset thing.

Still having the issue so tonight after work I am going to update the sync via usb.

Finding a lot of answers on this forum. Also having the issue where the truck seems to be searching for a gear (feels like when you first pop the clutch)

Also noticed that the Auto Off is not working (I had a gadget that would keep it turned off) so I turned that thing off when I heard that can also be a sign of power issues.

 

[Brianj67]

I think you have 2 issues:
1. Battery old and has a high IR
2. Not fully updated- Sync

The Rangers BMS system is very sensitive to battery voltage and will dump power to modules (non-essential) like Sync especially during engine off modes.
So, with your Amp power issues and now connecting issues with the phone, if you have not made any modifications to BMS or made regular external charging to the battery - it is a high probability the battery is weak and has a high IR.
You may not notice starting issues as you would like old school charging systems.
The issues you are having are the subtle signs of it failing, other functions include door locks and FOB (remote) functions and ASS will intermittently become inoperative.
The IR readings should be in the 3’s and I believe you are most likely in the 5 to 6 range.

I have a feeling the Auto Updates stopped well before the 23188. It must be done via USB especially since it started at such an old update.

Without a scan tool, you can try disconnecting the battery for 5 minutes or so or pull Fuse # 31 (BCM) for 5-Minutes to possibly clear (if any) codes.
Plus, it sounds like you are doing a Master Reset - via the touch screen
Try this instead - Press and hold the Power Button and then Press Seek (UP/FWD) for 5-Seconds
this reboots the SYNC

Just did the "Power button/seek" reset and that worked. Neither CarPlay or Bluetooth would connect today. Thanks

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