voice control for 08 Focus CC?

zac351 · 17-12-2009, 06:39 PM

My wife and I bought an 08 Focus CC brand new last year and were wondering if anyone knows how to retrofit the Ford factory voice control and bluetooth.

I know it can be done because the car was available in Europe with it and its the same stereo head unit as used in current Mondeo/Focus XR5 which have the function. The phone buttons are even on the stereo, but at the moment they just mute the radio.

It should be a matter of plugging a module or two and maybe adding a mic and switch on the radio volume pedestal on the steering column.

Was hoping to get something organised for Christmas but I know I'm leaving it a bit late. Any help would be greatly appreciated!!!!!!!!

zetec · 17-12-2009, 06:55 PM

Unfortunately it's not as easy as it sounds. On MA Mondeos without factory Bluetooth, it was confirmed it coudln't be retrofitted by Dealers. I suspect it's a little more than just a module, that perhaps the ECU is even involved.

Best place to look is ffoc.co.uk perhaps?

Tj-zetec · 17-12-2009, 11:33 PM

I know of guys retrofitting iPod and USB control units to their stock stereos in LV XR5's and while it was relatively simple to install, it set them back about £500+

Honestly you'll get better value out of an aftermarket system that combines Bluetooth (I think there's one on European parts that has GPS) I haven't seen any with voice control though.

My XR has it and it's not that big a deal. Although it's kinda funny when you chuck a wobbly at it and tell it to f off, it switches to radio. It's the stereo's own way of getting back at me, it knows I hate the radio.

Velociraptor82 · 18-12-2009, 09:57 AM

Actually I've noticed in my brothers fiesta that if you try to be a smarta__ and tell it to swtich to track 47 it will actually add the 4 and 7 together to get track 11. so the unit is quite smart although i don't know why it does that.

However from my point of view it is just a gimock to show off to your friends and not very practicale. You still have to press a button to make it ready for the voice instruction, no harder than pushing the button on the unit to go to the next track.

Personally I think it is too expensive to worry about trying to get the factory one installed.

Tj-zetec · 18-12-2009, 10:38 AM

Having a non voice controled Bluetooth system in my old focus I can say that it is easier to make phone calls with vc. Once you've programed a few names in it's quick and much less distracting to say a name than scroll through a menu like my old kenwood. Better still, you can read out a number to dial.

As for using it to control the radio etc, it is pointless.

Btw, does anyone else think the voice is a little bit patronising?? It kinda gets stroppy with you when you do something wrong.

Her voice kinda reminds me of Judy Dench playing M in the bond movies.