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FordPass dongle adds LTE, WiFi and app control to older cars
Last January, Ford introduced a new gadget it would test in a pilot program that added connected functionality to old cars. The SmartLink plugged into the On-Board Diagnostic-II (OBD-II) port to function as a 4G WiFi hotspot with other features. Today, they're releasing it to the public, and 2010-17 model year Ford vehicles that don't come with modems will be able to buy and use them.
Ford SmartLink brings WiFi, LTE-connected features to older cars
If you want new car features like the ability to remote start via an app or have a WiFi hotspot onboard without buying a new car, then Ford's new SmartLink is one way to add them. Chrysler has offered WiFi and other features as a part of Uconnect since 2008, while GM followed on most vehicles in 2014 but Ford's Sync platform leaned more on customer's own devices. Now, owners of 2010 - 2016 model year Ford and Lincoln vehicles without a built-in modem can add a 4G LTE connection that plugs into the car's OBD-II diagnostic port underneath the steering wheel.
