Hey all,
Question for the group. I have a 22 super duty with sync 4, when I first got the truck I got a 90-day connected navigation subscription and was able to use the navigation and save favorite spots. After that the navigation subscription expired and was basically a map just showing me where I am. All of the functions of search, saved places and recents are greyed out and when I click them, it says activation required. I would think that I would be able to use basic navigation to get home when I'm out of cell service, but it seems to be nothing more than showing me a spot on a map of where I am. Is this normal or am I missing something?

 

Unfortunately it’s normal and requires a subscription after the initial 90 days. Stupid, and somehow I missed this tidbit when I ordered the truck.

 

Yup, that is how it works.
Ford lets the map still track you, but turns off all other functions, thus enticing you to pay up to keep it working.
And, the Ford connected NAV is absolutely pitiful, any $75 dash top/windshield mounted NAV device has TONS more useful features than the connected NAV.
Your best bet is google maps through the android auto/carplay connection.

 

Hi there. Feel free to send us a DM with your vehicle's VIN and mileage. We'd be happy to look into this for you.

 

Buy yourself a nice Garmin/Tomtom, or use your phone, google or waze. Both beat the pants off of fords navigation and are free.

 

Agree with most of the above, Ford's navigation is pretty terrible even when it's built in. For instance, we were navigating home one evening and her navigation system wanted us to cross a bridge that was blocked off and had small trees growing in it - it had obviously been closed a few years. I don't have experience with the connected Nav but from what I can see I wouldn't want it anyway.

Ram's built-in system is better, it is powered by TomTom. It's not the best but it seems to function well. There is a subscription service available, but it doesn't lock out navigation, just some additional features like sending a location to the vehicle that you searched on your phone...which is a neat feature but I never used it.

I use the Maps app on my iPhone. I used to use Waze, but it uses a LOT of data, so if you aren't on an unlimited plan and need to use it a lot it could become cost prohibitive. The built-in Maps app I don't believe uses much if any data (I saw a marked data useage drop when I switched away from Waze) unless you're getting satellite imagery. It is also typically more accurate, though I did one time have it take me down a fire trail instead of staying on the more main roads.

 

It's amazing to think that anyone at Ford would believe that charging for navigation is a good idea. There are too many other options available that are free, and have been free, for years. One might think that in a competitive market having navigation in the truck would be considered a base feature.

 

What would you look into???
It is working exactly as your Ford Motor Company has it set up.

 

Heck, BMW is charging a subscription to have the car's heated seats turned on!
So, Ford is doing the same money grubbing deal with their crappy navigation system.
This sort of thing goes right along with the hundreds of other subscription services for everything from diet plans to streaming to whatever.
It will only stop when people refuse to subscribe and pay, which means it will NEVER END!!!

 

For your year Ford had 2 versions, connected navigation (cloud based subscription only) and connected with built in navigation (cloud and embedded). The later would revert to built in embedded nav after the subscription expired allowing continued navigation functionality but was only included with Platinum and Limited trim. Assuming you don't have a Platinum or Limited your system only offers cloud based subscription navigation.

Starting 2023 however, all trims with navigation get the connected with built in nav. So when their subscription runs out they still have usable navigation.

 

Probably because no one was buying the subscription.

 

I once worked at a company that provided Directory Assistance services to cell phone companies. Some executive in the company got the idea that cell users would pay a monthly subscription to have a concierge service. You could call 611 and say “I want to call Fred.” The operator would select Fred from your private custom phone book and connect you.

Many tried to point out to the company leadership that this service was redundant. Most new cell phones had these features already, but the leadership pressed forward, sinking tons of money into the development of the systems required.

They went bankrupt within a year. Thankfully I had landed a new job before that train wreck occurred.

Ford seems to be making the same mistake.

 

The Nav in my 24 has never been activated. All I get is a map and all “buttons” don’t work. Truck is less than 6 weeks old.

 

That's on your dealer, should have been set up before you drove off with it.
Call the dealer or Ford customer service.

 

I don’t understand why someone would pay for Nav when it’s already on your phone, which you are paying for. Also the phone apps are updated often so the maps are as well meaning better accuracy. You don’t even need to pair your phone with the truck just plug it in via USB cable and go…

Mike