AT&T sunset and MyFordMobile app

[cr08]

This is interesting:
https://connectedcar-sdk.com/dashboard
Log in with your Ford Pass email and password.
Supposedly you can force a FordPass activation when FordPass says that activation is not available:

Don't know the security of this site, so it might be good to use it only to get FordPass working, and then change your FordPass password.

The developer of this site is actually over on the F150 forums and has been a regular participant in the Sync Connect retrofit thread. Many Ford owners have used this site for the TCU activation. Most owners have found doing the activation step here versus in the FordPass app has been a lot more reliable. All of his code is open sourced on Github too, FWIW.

https://www.f150forum.com/f118/sync-con ... rd-452708/

https://github.com/ianjwhite99

[cr08]

I decided to go the DIY route and have got the modem. But will need the antenna.
So does anybody have the part number for the stick-on 4G antenna? I heard that there is a third-party antenna that works, but it gives DTCs. Might need the part number for that extension cable as well. Thanks

The DTC for the aftermarket antenna is harmless and works 100%. I can personally vouch for this as well as other users. The TCU still gets a solid signal.

That said, here's the part numbers as well as a link to the related thread on the F150 forums where much of this has already been covered:

Optional antenna cable:
HL3Z-18812-C (generic Ford part)

HL3Z-19A390-A (Ford-Generic) / HL3T-19K351-AA (F150-Specific as shown in photo):
The bolt acts as a ground.
30mm M6.

https://www.f150forum.com/f118/sync-con ... rd-452708/

That said, these do seem to be hard to find, especially the required cable (the 3G TCU has an integrated antenna. The 4G one requires an external one and the antenna part itself does not include the cable to attach the two).

[Heima]

Thank you very much for that information CR08. If I can't get any further with my ideal solution, I will go with those.

I was hoping that somebody who has bought the upgrade kit, could provide the part numbers from the components themselves.
Any takers? Thanks

[Anti_Climax]

The tag on my antenna appears to show part # NL2T-19K351-AB

The end of that seems to match other antennas. Really any antenna that works on the right frequencies and has the right connector should be fine. Some adhesive antenna that supports 700MHz and 1700MHz would likely work on most areas. You could get specific bands from the modem info.

[Heima]

Thank you Anti_Climax!
Seems that it is going to be a challenge to find that antenna all by itself. The part number implies a 2022 Ford Explorer, but checking for that vehicle, it shows a different part number and type of antenna. Will have to call the dealer tomorrow to get the lowdown on that.

In the meantime, I thought, what the hell, and bought this:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07PFLWY77

The fakra connector seems to be a universal type. I am a little concerned with the 10ft cable, but if it works. Cool.

I also discovered a site, Taoglas.com, where you can have a cable or antenna custom made. Not crazy expensive, but shipping is unreasonable.

[Anti_Climax]

The modem module lists these frequencies:
706.5-713.5
709-711
829-844
826.4-846.6
1720-1745
1850.7-1909.3
1860-1900
1852.4-1907.6

So a multi band antenna that covers 700/850/1700/1900 would work. 850 and 1900 are probably more important for 3G fallback but now that ATT has really started cutting areas, they probably won't matter.

I can't find any other codes or markings that tell me who actually made it. It does say made in Portugal but that could be the final manufacturing for Continental. It appears to have a K logo but that's a bit too generic to find on its own.

[cr08]

Thank you Anti_Climax!
Seems that it is going to be a challenge to find that antenna all by itself. The part number implies a 2022 Ford Explorer, but checking for that vehicle, it shows a different part number and type of antenna. Will have to call the dealer tomorrow to get the lowdown on that.

In the meantime, I thought, what the hell, and bought this:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07PFLWY77

The fakra connector seems to be a universal type. I am a little concerned with the 10ft cable, but if it works. Cool.

I also discovered a site, Taoglas.com, where you can have a cable or antenna custom made. Not crazy expensive, but shipping is unreasonable.

This antenna you linked is the same one I have installed in my C-Max (and used by some other Ford owners) and can confirm it works and gets a good signal even with the long cable. Haven't had any signal related issues with the 4G upgrade, just that harmless DTC.

[Anti_Climax]

What DTC does it post?

[cr08]

What DTC does it post?

I don't have the exact DTC in front of me. I can try to pull that later this afternoon. But it is for an open circuit or ground on the antenna. But that's the only code it reports. It does come back if you try to clear it as well.

FWIW, I intend to try to retrofit a 'kitchen sink' sharkfin antenna on my C-Max at some point so it'll cover AM/FM/Sirius/GPS/LTE all on the roof antenna and it should wipe out that DTC.

[Anti_Climax]

So possibly a contact you can short to fix it.