dcaton

Ray: Understood. Sometimes hastily written messages come across in an unintended way. I'm going to order one of those meters, thanks for the link. I was disappointed to realize that my USB analyzer didn't monitor the power lines, but its been a few years since I've had to work on usb hardware. My real concern here isn't how the port works per se, just that the phone is supplied with enough power to keep it from draining the battery, particularly when Google Maps and Android Auto (which I have mixed feelings about) is being used. I was recently on a long trip in an unfamiliar area, using Waze to navigate. The port in the rental vehicle couldn't keep up with the phone's power demands and the battery eventually drained to 0 in a place where I really needed navigation assistance. And of course, I left both my spare battery and portable power pack back home. Had to drive around aimlessly until I found someone I could ask for directions. Of course, with Android Auto the phone's screen generally isn't on so power requirements are reduced, but I don't know that a 500ma port is still enough to prevent battery drain. I'm still under the (perhaps incorrect) assumption that the Edge is only providing 500ma. I'll report back when the meter arrives and I've had a chance to test it.

Ray, not sure why you think I'm grumpy, nothing was intended to come across that way. I have an Ellisys USB protocol analyzer but unfortunately this model only tracks the data lines. Nevertheless, I'm an engineer and do have more than a simplified understanding of the technology. I've gathered four 12v usb adapters: 500ma, 1a, 2a and QC 2.0. The phone shows "USB" charging for the 500ma, "AC" for the 1 and 2a, "Fast" for the QC and "USB" for the Edge's ports. I understand that the phone (or any other usb device for that matter) will only draw what it needs depending on the state of the device at any given point in time. In this case, the state of the device is exactly the same for each tested port, except for trivial differences in remaining battery capacity. Same cable, same running apps, same screen brightness, same radios enabled, etc. Seems reasonable to conclude that the Edge port is only capable of 500ma. Otherwise, why would the phone not recognize this (and only this) port as an "AC" port, when it supposedly can deliver up to 2a? If the Edge's "smart" port really is trying to be smart and only advertises itself as being capable of what the phone needs at that point in time, then how would the phone know it could draw more when it needs to? I have no problem admitting when I'm wrong, so if my assumption here is wrong, where am I going wrong?

The phone charges at the correct rate for whatever type of charger it's connected, to using any cable. Between home, work, vehicles and travel adapters I probably have at least a dozen different adapters of all types from 500ma up to QC and a zillion cables. The Sync version is up to date as of a week or so ago. That was one of the first things I did when I got the vehicle. The production date is 3/16.

omar32: Thank you, but I'm aware of how phones charge and the underlying technology. On my phone, "USB" is 5v 500ma, "AC" is 5v 1a or higher. QC charging is 2a minimum and up to 20v depending on QC version of the chip and the charger. All three charging modes work fine on my phone. I don't expect the ports to charge at QC speeds or else Ford would have specifically stated that and would use the QC logo in their literature. I do however expect the ports to output 1 amp or more, otherwise they're nothing more than standard run of the mill USB ports. The fact remains that the "smart" charging ports on my Edge only charge my phone at "USB" speed (500ma), so there's nothing particularly smart about them unless they're not working correctly. The info from Ford states that two "smart charging" ports are standard on the Titanium model.

Just got a new (dealer demo) 2016 Edge Titanium. According to Ford it's supposed to have two "smart charging" usb ports. https://assets.forddirect.fordvehicles.com/assets/2016_Ford_Edge_J1_CA/NGBS/Nameplate_SpecificationLiteDoc/Nameplate_SpecificationLiteDoc_136B520C-990A-A8A7-AD15-5059AD155059.pdf The only two ports I can find are the ones under the door labeled "Sync". My phone (Samsung Note 4) reports "charging (USB)" when plugged into either of them, which means slow 500ma charging. If I plug it into a 1 amp or higher charger it says charging (AC), and with a Qualcomm QC-capable charger, it says "fast charging". So I know there's nothing wrong with the phone or its ability to charge at higher rates. I also tried several different cables. I didn't find any settings to enable "smart" charging (nor did I expect to). The ports seem to function correctly otherwise. Am I missing something here, or should I take it in to have the ports fixed? Didn't check fuses but I'd expect no power at all if a fuse was blown. 500ma generally isn't enough to keep the battery charged when using maps & gps.