Blue Cruise notes and questions

[LariatLarry]

Hey y’all…. I’m debating whether to continue Blue Cruise after the free trial ends. I’m on the fence.

I notice it prompts me fairly frequently to put my hands on the wheel, or regain control. Like, every 30 seconds. This makes me nervous, like it can’t handle it, and therefore I have to watch it very closely, which kinda negates the benefit of hands free driving.

I also notice that when the truck approaches another car (from behind), it sometimes gets too close, and I have to stop the function and retake control. That’s not good. And for general purposes, I’d like to be able to program a longer space between me and the car in front of me. Not sure if that’s possible?

I’m wondering, is there a way for Blue Cruise to change lanes? Not sure if it does that?

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[bmwhitetx]

You do know there is there is a button on your steering wheel that controls the following distance, right?

 

[Ricks Lightning]

You need to wait for BC 1.4 to make it worth while.
Why Ford can't push out this patch , especially when we're paying a premium is a lost opportunity on Ford's part.

Yes, I agree, BC 1.1 is not woth it and might as well use the free adaptive cruise with lane centering. The distance between vehicles is a 4 stage design and has already been noted by the prio post.

Rick

 

[htobin]

Lane change does seem to be working on my updated blue cruise. I’m not really sure how valuable it is. It’s fine when you’re in light traffic, but in heavy traffic, you would probably want manual control.

 

[LariatLarry]

You do know there is there is a button on your steering wheel that controls the following distance, right?

BOOM.. thank you!

 

[LariatLarry]

You need to wait for BC 1.4 to make it worth while.
Why Ford can't push out this patch , especially when we're paying a premium is a lost opportunity on Ford's part.

Yes, I agree, BC 1.1 is not woth it and might as well use the free adaptive cruise with lane centering. The distance between vehicles is a 4 stage design and has already been noted by the prio post.

Rick

hey Rick, what are the main differences between 1.1 and 1.4? (BTW, I’m not sure which version I’m on)

 

[LariatLarry]

Lane change does seem to be working on my updated blue cruise. I’m not really sure how valuable it is. It’s fine when you’re in light traffic, but in heavy traffic, you would probably want manual control.

yeah… when I hit heavier traffic, I go to manual. Just not ready to go there yet. But when it’s working, it seems to stay centered better than I do manually. There is a bit of a pucker factor when semi trucks come alongside.

 

[Henry Ford]

I notice it prompts me fairly frequently to put my hands on the wheel, or regain control. Like, every 30 seconds. This makes me nervous, like it can’t handle it, and therefore I have to watch it very closely, which kinda negates the benefit of hands free driving.

BlueCruise is the name of the system. It can be on in Hands Free mode or hands required. Hands Free is only available on mapped, limited access roads; highways. If BlueCruise is on but not in Hands Free mode you must keep your hands on the steering wheel. Ford's strategy to keep your hands on the steering wheel is to require torque applications every 16 seconds (don't quote me on the exact time). You will get a message on the IP if there's no torque application.

All that is to say, it sounds like you are not in Hands Free mode.

hey Rick, what are the main differences between 1.1 and 1.4? (BTW, I’m not sure which version I’m on)

1.4 centers the truck in the lane much better than 1.1. It also has lane change assist which, if selected on, will change lanes automatically when the turn signal is activated while in Hands Free mode.

 

[bmwhitetx]

hey Rick, what are the main differences between 1.1 and 1.4? (BTW, I’m not sure which version I’m on)

There was no 1.1. You don't say what year your truck is. 2022 and 2023 came with 1.0. 2024's came with 1.2. (source). Currently 1.4 has rolled out to some 2023's via OTA. Only the 2025 Mach-E has 1.5.
This website explains BlueCruise. Here are the versions from the FAQ. (@Henry Ford: Lane Change Assist was introduced in 1.2).

BlueCruise 1.0 – Builds on available Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Centering to add hands-free driving capabilities on prequalified sections of divided highways called hands-free Blue Zones.

BlueCruise 1.2 – Adds new features including In-Lane Repositioning (which can give you more space by subtly shifting away from vehicles in adjacent lanes) and Lane Change Assist (tapping your turn signal to initiate a hands-free lane change).

BlueCruise 1.3 – Helps you stay engaged longer in hands-free mode by improving performance, with greater ability to navigate narrow lanes and curves.

BlueCruise 1.4 – Delivers greater in-lane stability, while automatically and smoothly adjusting the vehicle’s speed in even more curves, allowing for more hands-free time and a more continuous drive.

BlueCruise 1.5 – Adds new Automatic Lane Change feature, which enhances the hands-free highway driving experience by smoothly and seamlessly initiating an automatic lane change to help keep you moving at the speed of traffic.

It is possible to get 1.4 with some DIY programming.

 

[Ricks Lightning]

In my experiance. Flash 2024 / 1.2 is no different than my wife's honda crv hybrid..it's lane centering and adaptive cruise control. Hands free was just long enough to unwrap a stick of bubble gum.. Honestly, in Socal, we should have every highway mapped out. Not paying 50.00 a month that's no better than my wife's Honda.
Why Ford doesn't push out 1.4 with a paid subscription is beyond me

Rick

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