Ford Audio Bluetooth / USB firmware update - November 2012 release - How to update

I decided to create this tutorial as a definitive guide to updating the Bluetooth/USB firmware, due to a lack of other information available online!

If you've recently bought a 2008-2012 Ford with bluetooth audio and USB, or perhaps if you've retro-fitted the Bluetooth/USB/voice control components, you might need to update the firmware in order to ensure proper compatibility with iPhones and modern devices. Also, these updates improve iPod reliability and compatibility and allow the audio to be transmitted over USB in order for the audio system's DAC to decode it instead of having to have the 'aux' lead attached at the same time.

The illustrative photo in this guide shows me performing the update to my 2010 Mondeo's Ford/Blaupunkt NX touch-screen nav system, but it works with any USB-capable audio system (for example the Sony 6 CD/DAB unit) in any the vehicles listed below.

This tutorial applies to anyone who owns one of the following vehicles and build dates, with the bluetooth and USB audio interface. If you are unsure of your vehicle's build date, check by looking it up at www.etis.ford.com.

C-Max - February 2008 to January 2012
Fiesta - July 2008 to December 2011
Focus - February 2008 to January 2012
Galaxy - September 2008 to January 2012
Kuga - February 2008 to January 2012
Mondeo - September 2008 to January 2012
Ranger - From April 2009
Transit - From June 2009

Preparation:

1. Download the update from here: Download Ford Audio Bluetooth / USB firmware update - November 2012 release

2. Format a USB memory stick, ensuring the file system is set to FAT32

3. Unzip the contents (all 21 items) of the zip file you just downloaded, and copy them to the root of the memory stick, i.e. without placing them in any folders. The contents of the memory stick should appear as below:



Now, head to your car, unlock it, get in, and follow the steps below carefully:

1. Make sure your climate control is completely switched off to avoid the blower fan running which will cause the battery to drain faster. It's probably best to do this update after the vehicle has been driven for around 15 minutes or longer, to ensure the battery is freshly charged. If you receive low battery warnings during this procedure, it may cause the audio system to shut down and the update to fail.
In reality you should be absolutely fine, and my battery is probably just past its best (yes, I received a 'low battery' message when I did the first update), but it's worth being cautious!

2. Switch on the radio WITHOUT turning on the ignition

3. Insert the memory stick into the USB socket

4. If nothing appears on the screen, switch to the AUX/USB input. You will then receive a message stating that there are no media files on the device.

5. Now switch the ignition on but do not turn the engine on. If you don't have keyless start, turn the key two clicks to turn the ignition on. If you do have keyless start, press the button WITHOUT depressing the clutch (manual) or brake (automatic).

6. Now the radio should initialise and perform the update. It will display "Update running" (or words to that effect).



7. DO NOT switch off the ignition, or switch on the engine during this time. The update will take up to 20 minutes to apply, and it feels a lot longer if you're sitting watching it! Now would be a good time to make a cup of tea.

Once the update is finished, you will receive a confirmation message on the display briefly, and then it will switch back to radio playback. Power off the radio, then power it back up again and check the USB and Bluetooth functionality.

At this point, you're all done!

The release notes of the updates to date are shown below:

 

Hi All,

This is a fantastic Firmware update for the Ford Audio Bluetooth USB, it worked at the first attempt, although I was a little nervy about it. My Ford Fiesta (10 Plate) Bluetooth Audio now works like a dream, after being very glichy!!..

Now all I want to sort out is, to sort my Ford Mobile Navigation and getting it working. Give this Firmware update a go, it's great!!..

Regards,

Jason

 

Hi Everyone,

Just wanted to echo Jason's comments above.

My lad recently bought a 2009 Fiesta Titanium and was having frequent, but intermittent, Bluetooth / USB / Aux 'lock up' issues when connecting his IPhone 5S via Bluetooth or an official Apple USB cable + Aux cable, Was driving him, (and me by association), mad, especially as he loves playing his 'tunes!'

Searched high and low for an update and 'how to' guide but Ford's online assistance was pretty useless and I only wanted to take the car to a Dealer as a last resort because of the probable cost involved plus associated hassle.

And then I came across this thread.

So took a chance, (you never know if these things will actually make matters worse) and downloaded and unzipped the file and followed the instructions, (for keyless entry) and 'voila,' about 20 minutes later the update was completed. Tentatively checked things out and all was immediately good with the added benefit that the IPhone now carried audio through the USB cable so no need for the aux cable as well. Result.

My lad has had absolutely no issues since and connectivity and stability has been vastly improved.

Many thanks to Howard for taking the time to post a fantastic solution to a fairly widespread problem.

Cheers,

Steve

 

hi,

have mondeo 4 full titanium 2008 with blaupunkt nx
trying uptade navi, but now 50 minutes updating and still not over.
battery low.
should i wait ? turn off the car ?

whats the reason ?

 

Hi. Ive tried this soft with my Ford Fiesta 2010, but Samsung Note 4 did paired. Could anyone, please, drop a link for Android compatibility updates? Thanks.

 

Great job here. Applied it to my wife's 2011 focus. Worked a treat. Now the iPod works properly and her phone connects fine including phone directory. Brilliant. Thanks a. Lot

 

Hey there thank you for this awesome tip. I want to find out if anyone knows any specs of the USB module and its compatibility... i am having an issue reading files on my module currently.

Can anyone please assist?

 

Hi all
first time user looking for any help or advice re Ford Focus comms pack head unit.
I have a Ford Focus 1.8Tdci Zetec with the standard radio head unit installed. My daughter has got 2009 titanium Focus with the comms pack head unit but she gas taken it out and installed an after market unit (not Ford)
What I need to know is will the comms pack head unit work in my Zetec if so what extra equipment and parts will I need to make it work in mine.
any help or info would be very gratefully received.
thanks in advance.
attached are the 2 images of the head units, the first is mine and the second is the comms pack head unit.

looks like the images have not loaded, not sure why ?

 

Hi All,
Any help would be much appreciated!
I've followed all steps to the letter, except, when I plug in the USB (I've tried two, an 8gb and a 64gb, both FAT32 formatted) with all of the files on, the unit doesn't recognise it. If I pull it out and plug it back in it picks up on it but says "unsupported device". Turning on the ignition does nothing either.
I have tried loading music onto the USB and it says the same when I plug it in...
I did think initially it might have something to do with the fact I'm using a Mac and the folder isn't Zipped when I open it after downloading.
Im confused!
Can anyone help please?

 

Hey, apologies, I gave my USB to my friend to see if he could get it to work using his laptop, didn't work either!

100% sure its formatted to FAT32, using both my mac and my friends laptop.

This is the only wording printed on the USB stick... Its a Verbatim one.

 

Yes, looks exactly like that. Copied them out of the unzipped folder so not inside a folder. Totally baffled!

A techie friend of mine has suggested it might be the brand of USB stick... And to try a Sandisk one.

Failing that, think my final option is to try talk nicely to the guys at my local dealer and see if they have any suggestions!

 

Finally managed to get it working! Had no reply from my email to my local dealer/service centre so gave in and tried a Sandisk USB 2.0 as I had read on someone's thread that some CD players don't read USB 3.0's! Worked first time!

 

I, i have a Fiesta Econetic 2011 with Bluetooth and Jack AUX but whitout USB PORT, can i do this update ?

I can call with bluetooth but dont listen music ..

 

Directory full on Ford Audio

Hi just wondered whether the download helped with a full directory when there are only a few numbers in it. I assumed that all of my contacts that I have transferred to my phone would be available to add to my directory but i can't add them all. Any ideas?

 

Howard,
I just registered to this forum to post a big THANK YOU for this thread.
My Ford Galaxy of 2011 needed this update to recognize and play my USB sticks. Just some of them worked before, now all of them.
I'm so happy :-)
Best regards,
Helmut