Ford BlueCruise Frequently Asked Questions

Ford BlueCruise* Frequently Asked Questions

BlueCruise allows for true hands-free driving on 97% of controlled access highways in the U.S. and Canada in areas known as Blue Zones.

Learn answers to these frequently asked questions (FAQs) about BlueCruise below. For additional frequently asked questions, visit the BlueCruise homepage.

Contents

Select a link below to be taken to a specific section of the FAQs:

BlueCruise Software and Map Updates
BlueCruise Troubleshooting
BlueCruise Data Privacy

BlueCruise Software and Map Updates

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How do I get the latest BlueCruise software updates and maps? 

Turn on automatic software updates and set a recurring update schedule, both of which can be done on your in-vehicle screen under Settings > Software Updates. Setting a recurring schedule is especially important for receiving non-drivable updates like new BlueCruise versions. For help, visit our article on how to set a schedule.

It is recommended that you connect your vehicle to a Wi-Fi network, where available, for faster software updates.  

BlueCruise Troubleshooting

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Why is BlueCruise not working?

To use Ford BlueCruise, you need to activate your FordPass®** Connect modem and have your Vehicle Connectivity Settings set to On. If your vehicle is eligible for a complimentary trial, BlueCruise will automatically be available once your modem is activated and you have accepted the terms and conditions.  

If you have Ford BlueCruise 1.2 and In-Lane Repositioning or Lane Change Assist are not working, make sure the latest features are set to On by heading over to your in-vehicle screen and selecting Features > Driver Assistance > Adaptive Cruise Control, then toggle On In-Lane Repositioning and Lane Change Assist.

When you’re ready to use BlueCruise, select the Adaptive Cruise Control button Adaptive Cruise Control button on your steering wheel, and make sure your Lane Keeping System Is on. If not, press the Lane Centering button Lane Centering button on your steering wheel. Your instrument panel will turn blue if you are in a hands-free Blue Zone, allowing you to drive hands-free with your eyes on the road.

If you continue to experience issues, please let us help. Contact us at 1-800-392-3673. If you prefer, you can also chat with us.

Why do I sometimes get “Watch the road” warnings even though I am watching the road? 

This warning pops up when the driver-facing camera is having difficulty detecting your eyes. This can happen if you look away for too long, if your seat and/or steering wheel are set in a combination where the camera cannot see you or if bright sunlight causes your eyes to squint. 
For squinting, try using the sun visor, and/or closing the moonroof shade or wearing sunglasses. 

Ford BlueCruise works with most,  but not all, sunglasses, and it can also recognize your face when wearing face coverings such as masks or religious clothing. However, wearing both sunglasses and facial coverings may obscure too much of your face and make it difficult for the cameras to work properly.† 

Remember that this is a driver-assist feature. You will need to watch the road and be ready to take control at all times. 

BlueCruise Data Privacy

Software like Ford BlueCruise utilizes input from many data sources. So, you will probably want to know how your data is being used. Know that you are in control of your data. For more details, you have come to the right place.  

Looking for general BlueCruise information? We have your general BlueCruise answers here.

Select from the drop-down options below to learn more.

What is Ford's position on the collection of data from my vehicle?

Ford believes in transparency, helping protect your privacy, and obtaining appropriate consent in the collection and use of all your data.

Do Ford vehicles wirelessly transmit speed or location information back to Ford or to anyone else?

Yes. Ford can receive speed and location data from connected vehicles if you provide appropriate consent.

How do Ford technologies wirelessly transmit data?

Ford vehicles can wirelessly transmit data in various ways, depending on the feature or service. Those ways include Wi-Fi, embedded cellular modem, and wired or plugged-in cellular devices.

What types of information can be collected?

  • Onboard vehicle data
  • Data derived from physical access to the vehicle, such as service history
  • SYNC®†† and wireless software updates data 

Is Ford concerned that law enforcement agencies could retrieve stored data and violate a person’s privacy?

Ford is committed to helping protect our customers’ privacy. If Ford does not have the customer’s data, we would require consent from the owner of the vehicle to provide data based on sufficient legal authority, such as a valid subpoena, court order, or law enforcement warrant.

For additional information on BlueCruise visit the BlueCruise page on the Ford website.

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Additional Information

What is BlueCruise?
What are software updates?
How do I change my SYNC Connectivity settings?
How do I enable and turn on BlueCruise?


*Driver-assist features are supplemental and do not replace the driver’s attention, judgment, and need to control the vehicle. BlueCruise is a hands-free highway driving feature. Only remove your hands from the steering wheel when in a Hands-Free Blue Zone. Always watch the road and be prepared to resume control of the vehicle. It does not replace safe driving. Requires purchased 3‑year connected service plan with regular map updates, FordPass® App, and modem activation.

**FordPass Connect, (optional on select vehicles), [SYNC Connect for 2017/2018 model year vehicles)] [, the FordPass App.,] and FordPass Connect Service are required for remote features (see FordPass Terms for details). Connected Service is now complimentary for remote features excluding Wi-Fi hotspots. Connected service and features depend on compatible AT&T network availability. Evolving technology/cellular networks/vehicle capability may limit functionality and prevent the operation of connected features.

Some types of glasses and sunglasses may interfere with the operation of the driver-facing camera.

††Don’t drive while distracted or while using handheld devices. Use voice-operated systems when possible. Some features may be locked out while the vehicle is in gear. Not all features are compatible with all phones.