Mastering Phone Calls on Your 2012 Ford Fusion’s SYNC System (Two-Line Display)
Navigating the technological landscape of a decade-old vehicle can sometimes feel like deciphering ancient hieroglyphs. However, your 2012 Ford Fusion, despite its age, boasts a surprisingly capable Microsoft SYNC system (with the two-line display) that allows for hands-free phone calls, enhancing safety and convenience while driving. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step, from initial pairing to advanced voice commands, ensuring you maximize the phone functionality of your SYNC system.
## Understanding Your 2012 Ford Fusion SYNC System (Two-Line Display)
Before diving into the specifics, it’s crucial to understand the limitations and capabilities of your particular SYNC system. The two-line display model, while not as visually rich as later versions with MyFord Touch, still offers a functional interface for phone calls and basic music playback. Key components include:
* **Two-Line Display:** This is your primary interface for viewing information. It displays call status, contact names, and system prompts.
* **Steering Wheel Controls:** Dedicated buttons on your steering wheel allow you to answer/end calls, control volume, and activate voice commands.
* **Center Console Buttons:** Located on the center console around the radio, these buttons provide access to SYNC menu options, including phone settings.
* **Microphone:** Usually located near the rearview mirror or overhead console, the microphone picks up your voice for calls and voice commands.
* **USB Port:** While primarily for music playback, the USB port can also be used for software updates (though updates for this older system are rare).
## Step-by-Step Guide to Pairing Your Phone
Pairing your phone is the foundation for making and receiving calls via SYNC. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the process:
1. **Ensure Bluetooth is Enabled on Your Phone:** Navigate to your phone’s settings and verify that Bluetooth is turned on and that your phone is discoverable. The exact wording will vary depending on your phone model (e.g., “Visible to all nearby Bluetooth devices,” “Allow Bluetooth pairing,” etc.).
2. **Initiate Pairing Mode on Your SYNC System:**
* Press the **PHONE** button on your center console. If no phone is currently paired, SYNC should automatically prompt you to begin pairing.
* If a phone is already paired, you may need to navigate through the menu. Press the **MENU** button, then use the arrow buttons to scroll through the options until you find “Phone Settings” or “Bluetooth Devices.” Select this option, then choose “Add Device” or “Pair New Device.” The wording might slightly vary depending on your system’s software version.
* SYNC will then display a message on the two-line display indicating that it is searching for Bluetooth devices.
3. **Search for SYNC on Your Phone:** On your phone, go to the Bluetooth settings screen. After a few moments, you should see “Ford SYNC” or a similar name appear in the list of available devices. Select it.
4. **Confirm the Pairing Code:** Both your phone and the SYNC system will display a pairing code. This code is usually a six-digit number. **Crucially, ensure that the code displayed on your phone *exactly* matches the code displayed on the SYNC system.** This verifies that you are connecting to the correct device. If the codes match, confirm the pairing on both your phone and the SYNC system. On your phone, you might need to tap “Pair” or “OK.” On the SYNC system, you might need to press the “OK” button or a corresponding button on the center console.
5. **Allow SYNC to Access Your Contacts (Optional but Recommended):** After successful pairing, your phone will likely ask if you want to allow SYNC to access your contacts. Granting this permission allows you to make calls by voice command using contact names and displays contact information on the SYNC screen when receiving calls. If you decline, you will still be able to make calls using phone numbers, but the experience will be less convenient. You can usually manage these permissions later in your phone’s Bluetooth settings for the SYNC connection.
6. **SYNC Confirmation:** SYNC will confirm the pairing on the two-line display, usually with a message like “Phone paired successfully” or “[Phone Name] connected.” You are now ready to make and receive calls.
**Troubleshooting Pairing Issues:**
* **Bluetooth Issues on Your Phone:** Ensure Bluetooth is fully enabled and discoverable. Sometimes, toggling Bluetooth off and then back on can resolve connectivity problems.
* **SYNC System Reset:** If pairing fails repeatedly, try resetting the SYNC system. This can often be done by disconnecting the car battery for a few minutes and then reconnecting it. Consult your owner’s manual for specific instructions, as this can vary depending on the vehicle’s configuration. Another method for older SYNC systems involves removing the SYNC fuse for a short period.
* **Too Many Paired Devices:** The SYNC system has a limited number of devices it can remember. If you have paired many phones in the past, try deleting some of the older pairings before attempting to pair your current phone. This can usually be done through the “Phone Settings” menu.
* **Software Glitches:** While rare, software glitches can sometimes interfere with pairing. Check the Ford website or owner forums for any known issues and potential workarounds. Although official updates are unlikely for a 2012 system, user-developed solutions might exist.
## Making Calls Using the SYNC System
Once your phone is paired, you have several options for initiating calls:
### 1. Voice Commands:
The voice command feature is the most convenient way to make calls hands-free.
* **Activating Voice Command:** Press the **Voice Command** button on your steering wheel (usually depicted as a face or a voice bubble). You will hear a beep, indicating that the system is ready to receive your command.
* **Making a Call by Name:** After the beep, clearly say “Call [Contact Name].” For example, “Call John Smith.” The system will then confirm the name and ask you to confirm. If the contact has multiple numbers (e.g., mobile, home, work), the system may ask you to specify which number to call. Simply say “Mobile,” “Home,” or “Work.”
* **Making a Call by Number:** You can also dial a number directly using voice commands. After the beep, say “Dial [Phone Number].” For example, “Dial 555-123-4567.” Speak each digit clearly. The system will repeat the number back to you for confirmation.
* **Redialing the Last Number:** After the beep, simply say “Redial.” The system will automatically redial the last number you called.
### 2. Using the SYNC Menu:
If voice commands are not working reliably, you can also make calls through the SYNC menu.
* **Accessing the Phone Menu:** Press the **PHONE** button on the center console.
* **Selecting a Contact:** Use the arrow buttons to scroll through your contact list (if you allowed SYNC to access your contacts). Once you find the desired contact, press the “OK” button to initiate the call. Note that the two-line display will only show a limited amount of information at a time, so you may need to scroll carefully.
* **Dialing a Number Manually:** Look for an option like “Dial Number” or “Manual Dial” in the phone menu. Select this option and then use the number buttons on the center console (or a virtual keypad displayed on the screen, if available) to enter the phone number. Press the “OK” button to initiate the call.
### 3. Transferring a Call from Your Phone:
You can also initiate a call on your phone and then transfer it to the SYNC system for hands-free operation. To do this, make the call on your phone as usual. Once the call is connected, look for a Bluetooth icon or option on your phone’s call screen. Tap this icon to transfer the call to the SYNC system. The call will then be routed through your car’s speakers and microphone.
## Receiving Calls
When you receive an incoming call, the SYNC system will display the caller’s name (if the caller is in your contacts) or phone number on the two-line display. You have the following options:
* **Answering the Call:** Press the **PHONE** button on the steering wheel or center console. This will answer the call, and you can begin speaking.
* **Ignoring the Call:** Press the **END CALL** button on the steering wheel or center console. This will send the call to voicemail (if you have voicemail set up) or simply disconnect the call.
* **Ignoring with a Text Message (If Supported):** Some SYNC systems may offer the option to reject the call and send a pre-written text message to the caller. If this feature is available, you will see an option like “Reject with Text” on the SYNC display. Use the arrow buttons to select this option and then choose a pre-written message (e.g., “I’m driving, I’ll call you back later”).
## Advanced Voice Commands and Features
While the two-line display SYNC system is relatively basic, it still offers some advanced voice command features that can enhance your phone experience:
* **Voice Mail:** After pressing the voice command button on the steering wheel and hearing the beep, say “Voice Mail” to call your voice mail box.
* **Call Back:** If you just ended a call you can press the voice command button on the steering wheel and say “Call Back” to immediately call the last person you spoke with.
* **Help:** Say “Help” after activating voice commands to hear a list of available commands.
## Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with careful setup, you might encounter some common issues with the SYNC phone system. Here are some troubleshooting tips:
* **Poor Call Quality:**
* **Check Microphone Placement:** Ensure that the microphone is clean and unobstructed. Adjust your seating position slightly to see if it improves call quality.
* **Reduce Background Noise:** Minimize background noise in the car by closing windows, turning down the radio, and reducing fan speed.
* **Phone Signal Strength:** Poor cell phone signal can also affect call quality. Try moving to an area with better reception.
* **Bluetooth Interference:** Other Bluetooth devices in the car could be interfering with the SYNC connection. Try turning off other Bluetooth devices temporarily to see if it resolves the issue.
* **SYNC Not Recognizing Voice Commands:**
* **Speak Clearly and Slowly:** Enunciate your words clearly and speak at a moderate pace. Avoid mumbling or speaking too quickly.
* **Reduce Background Noise:** As with call quality, background noise can interfere with voice recognition. Minimize distractions.
* **System Training (If Available):** Some older SYNC systems offer a voice training feature that allows you to teach the system to recognize your voice more accurately. Consult your owner’s manual for instructions on how to use this feature.
* **Check Microphone:** Be sure the Mic is clean and not covered by anything.
* **Phone Disconnecting Randomly:**
* **Bluetooth Connection Issues:** This can often be caused by Bluetooth connectivity problems on your phone. Try toggling Bluetooth off and then back on.
* **SYNC System Reset:** Resetting the SYNC system (as described earlier) can sometimes resolve intermittent connection issues.
* **Software Updates:** Although rare, check the Ford website or owner forums for any available software updates for your SYNC system. Even if official updates are not available, user-developed solutions might exist.
## Keeping Your System Updated (If Possible)
Ford no longer offers official SYNC updates for the 2012 Ford Fusion’s two-line display system. However, it’s worthwhile to periodically check the Ford owner website or relevant online forums to see if any unofficial updates or workarounds have been developed by the community. These updates, if available, could potentially improve system performance or fix bugs.
## Safety First!
While the SYNC system provides a convenient way to make and receive calls hands-free, it’s essential to prioritize safety while driving. Avoid prolonged phone conversations or complex menu navigation while the vehicle is in motion. Focus on the road and be aware of your surroundings. If you need to make a lengthy call or perform complicated tasks with the SYNC system, pull over to a safe location first.
By following these steps and tips, you can master the phone functionality of your 2012 Ford Fusion’s Microsoft SYNC system with the two-line display. Enjoy the convenience and safety of hands-free communication on the road!