Internet Integrations Ford Outfits 2010-2016 Vehicles With WiFi & More

From phones to tablets to major city maps, a growing number of technologies provide direct access to the Internet. It seems only natural that cars would join the club. Ford had already planned to include WiFi in several of its 2018 vehicles, but recently announced that drivers of older models can integrate the Internet into those cars as well. This integration, which applies to most of the company’s cars and trucks made between 2010 and 2016, will allow drivers and passengers to use multiple devices on the road.

SmartLink Savvy

Ford’s new system, called SmartLink, will provide the vehicle with access to a 4G LTE network from Verizon. This connection will be able to support up to eight devices at a time, allowing the driver and passengers to stay fully plugged in during most outings. In addition to the Internet, SmartLink offers a number of other connections to improve the health and convenience of the vehicle. Drivers can use it to locate their Fords in parking lots, access comprehensive reports on the vehicle’s mechanical needs, and schedule maintenance and upgrade services. They will also be able to lock, unlock, and start their integrated vehicles remotely, as well as set boundaries and speed limits if someone else is driving. Drivers can access these services from their smartphones or through an online portal.

Installing the SmartLink system involves plugging it in to the Ford’s OBD II port. Drivers can have this done at their local Ford or Lincoln dealership. The technology will become available this summer; specific dates and price points have not yet been announced.

Setting Up For Sync 3

The development of SmartLink is occurring in tandem with Sync 3, a similar network that will be available on select 2018 Fords. SmartLink will accommodate Ford users who are not willing to wait that long, or who do not want to trade in their current vehicles just to have WiFi access. There will, however, be some advantages for drivers who wait for Sync 3, notably that the network will be able to support 10 devices instead of just 8. Sync 3 will also use a 4G LTE network from AT&T rather than Verizon.

LTE Limitations

Although the SmartLink connection will be available on most Ford and Lincoln cars and trucks made from 2010 to 2016, there are certain exceptions. The new technology will not work with vehicles that already have modems, which include:

• Ford Focus Electric vehicles made between 2012 and 2016
• Ford C-Max Energi vehicles made from 2013 to 2016
• Ford Fusion Energi vehicles released from 2013 to 2016
• 2015 and 2016 versions of the Lincoln MKC that have the Black Label or Reverse packages
• Lincoln MKX vehicles that have the Black Label or Reverse packages and were released in 2016

If your vehicle is eligible for SmartLink, Lance Cunningham Ford will be happy to install it. For more information on getting this and other new developments, contact us today!