I Miss my Knobs!

BSarchet · May 15, 2023

Maybe I’m in the minority here but I have the big screen and I really like it. But I didn’t come from a previous generation Expy. If they would just add a one touch camera button I would be happy. That’s the only thing I find annoying. I leave the temp on auto fan and you can use voice control to set the temp. It’s pretty easy to me.

ElectrifyCLT · May 15, 2023

Came here to also say that the system has grown on me. We have a Mach-E and it took awhile to learn how it works, but once we did it became second nature. We're a CarPlay family, and mostly have HVAC set to Auto-2, so most of our screen interaction is with Apple's UI instead of the Sync AI itself.

We grew so fond of it that when it was time to get a big 3-row SUV, the Expedition vs. Tahoe/Yukon debate was primarily settled by Sync4A being universal across our cars. Learned one system, scaled across both. For a less technical significant other, that was a big selling point.

nationalgallery · May 15, 2023

ElectrifyCLT said:
We have a Mach-E and it took awhile to learn how it works, but once we did it became second nature.

I've read that on the Mach-E, if you touch the fan icon you can then adjust the fan speed by turning the ring dial on the screen, and the same for the heated/cooled seats — is this correct?

Adjusting temperature is much easier than looking for/adjusting physical controls — you just say 'temperature 72.' If they would add ring dial adjustment for fan and seats I would be completely happy with the 15.5 screen. (Or they could add voice control, such as 'fan speed 3' or 'fan off.')

ElectrifyCLT · May 15, 2023

nationalgallery said:
I've read that on the Mach-E, if you touch the fan icon you can then adjust the fan speed by turning the ring dial on the screen, and the same for the heated/cooled seats — is this correct?

Adjusting temperature is much easier than looking for/adjusting physical controls — you just say 'temperature 72.' If they would add ring dial adjustment for fan and seats I would be completely happy with the 15.5 screen. (Or they could add voice control, such as 'fan speed 3' or 'fan off.')

Yes, that's part of the big Sync software 4.x.x update. I believe most of us are on 3.5.2, but I've been getting a lot of smaller updates recently that appear to be getting the Expedition ready for the proverbial big one. I've been documenting my update cadence here.

This forum member over on the Mach-E forums did a good overview of the 4.x.x updates.

LazSlate · May 15, 2023

I take it people who do not like the Big Screen still have a flip phone. If that's the case then OK. But if you have a smart phone at some point you embraced the new technology.

Changing the AC temp is quick and easy. Why do you need a dedicated knob for the few times you change the temp?
A big screen is clean and easy to maintain. Look at airlines its all glass cockpits. I think people like to whine and do not want to embrace the future. In that case they will be left behind when all manufacturers go glass dash. Some just complain because they wish they had the Big Screen and have the older screen and they bust on the big screen to feel better. Others cite some tactile feel BS keeping the eyes on the road. Total BS as you look at your cup holder, drinks, phone and everything else. You mean to tell me your eyes never leave the road.

People need to quit complaining and start embracing the Glass Cockpit. Its inevitable and the future for a million reasons. just like your flip phone is now a glass buttonless screen.

There should be a new update sometime to match the Mach E. When you click the fan speed once or temp you can then use the rotary knob.

99WhiteC5Coupe · May 15, 2023

LazSlate said:
I take it people who do not like the Big Screen still have a flip phone. If that's the case then OK. But if you have a smart phone at some point you embraced the new technology.

Changing the AC temp is quick and easy. Why do you need a dedicated knob for the few times you change the temp?
A big screen is clean and easy to maintain. Look at airlines its all glass cockpits. I think people like to whine and do not want to embrace the future. In that case they will be left behind when all manufacturers go glass dash. Some just complain because they wish they had the Big Screen and have the older screen and they bust on the big screen to feel better. Others cite some tactile feel BS keeping the eyes on the road. Total BS as you look at your cup holder, drinks, phone and everything else. You mean to tell me your eyes never leave the road.

People need to quit complaining and start embracing the Glass Cockpit. Its inevitable and the future for a million reasons. just like your flip phone is now a glass buttonless screen.

There should be a new update sometime to match the Mach E. When you click the fan speed once or temp you can then use the rotary knob.

I will give an example from my 2015 Expedition Limited 4x4:

If the driver or front seat passenger wants to adjust the rear seat HVAC (think children in car seats who cannot use the rear controls):

One must tap my touch screen to select the HVAC system.

Then tap the touch screen to select rear controls.

Then tap up to seven times to increase or decrease the fan speed.

Then tap up to seven times to increase or decrease the temperature setting.

Stupid design. Stupid.

I know you have embraced the future and must be wonderful with all the touch devices. But not everyone is.

A redundant set of knobs and switches would satisfy everyone - and they could choose which to use.

sjwhiteley · May 16, 2023

I believe most people prefer knobs and switches for the common controls, typically climate. Most people who have a touch screen only expensive vehicle will ‘get used to it’. Of course they will. However, there’s no denying the tactility of an interface is superior for a number of reasons.

The touch screen is good - excellent, in fact - for a lot of features, but some just don’t need to be there as the only means of control. As an owner of a 2019, changing the rear climate is a pain in the neck (almost literally, as it’s easier to twist around and fumble for the knob behind the console!)

PhoenixRizez · May 16, 2023

Steve5472 said:
I just got my 23 Expedition and love it (they really have done a nice job on the design, interior etc.). Having said that, my god I find the sliders for adjusting temperature, fan level, etc. super annoying on the Sync system. I really wish they'd include a knob/dial option as well. Anyway, rant over lol!

Yeah, I specifically ordered my 22 with the smaller screen just so I could keep my knobs. Just because they CAN make everything touch controls, doesn’t necessarily mean they SHOULD.

And as a related problem, occasionally owners will have issues with their touch screen going black or not booting properly. At least with the knobs you can still control the basics like the A/C even if the screen goes out.

PhoenixRizez · May 16, 2023

LazSlate said:
I take it people who do not like the Big Screen still have a flip phone. If that's the case then OK. But if you have a smart phone at some point you embraced the new technology.

Changing the AC temp is quick and easy. Why do you need a dedicated knob for the few times you change the temp?
A big screen is clean and easy to maintain. Look at airlines its all glass cockpits. I think people like to whine and do not want to embrace the future. In that case they will be left behind when all manufacturers go glass dash. Some just complain because they wish they had the Big Screen and have the older screen and they bust on the big screen to feel better. Others cite some tactile feel BS keeping the eyes on the road. Total BS as you look at your cup holder, drinks, phone and everything else. You mean to tell me your eyes never leave the road.

People need to quit complaining and start embracing the Glass Cockpit. Its inevitable and the future for a million reasons. just like your flip phone is now a glass buttonless screen.

There should be a new update sometime to match the Mach E. When you click the fan speed once or temp you can then use the rotary knob.

Look at the nearly-zero failure rate of the Glass Cockpits you mentioned. The term Glass Cockpit came from the aviation industry and the backup systems and failure rates are virtually null. Then just look through these forums on the people having problems with their touch displays dying, going dark, not touching, needing to reboot, even mine has glitched twice in the 6 months I’ve had it. Shutting off the car and restarting fixed it for me both times but others haven’t been so lucky. And at least when mine glitched I was able to control the AC with my antique knobs.

When the Auto industry becomes known for the same nearly-zero failure rate as the Aviation industry, I’ll be happy to jump on it.

And as far as the flip phone, if my iPhone starts to force me to go through 4 menus just to make a call, then yes, I’d be happier with a flip phone that easily and reliably makes a call. Especially since my wife changed the temp in the car like every 20 min!!

LokiWolf · May 16, 2023

PhoenixRizez said:
Especially since my wife changed the temp in the car like every 20 min!!

Best Comment EVER!

Also, don't need to restart car to reboot Sync. Sync 3 and Sync 4(Smaller Screen) hold the power button and Next Track until it goes black. Sync4a, Volume Down, and Next Track button on the Steering wheel until screen reboots.

I like the big screen, I just want a row at the bottom with the basics. Volume and Temp. That is all.

I Miss my Knobs!

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