DISABLE ANC (Active Noise Control - Lincoln Continental

ContinentalJS

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Hi there,

I have a 2017 Lincoln Continental 3.0L, and am in the process of fitting an after market sound system that includes a 5 channel amplifier and sub woofer. I have been advised by a car audio installer that the active noise cancellation system will play havoc with the aftermarket stereo, the sub in particular.

They have advised that I should remove the roof lining to disconnect 3 mics that are part of the ANC system to disable it.

I'm hoping there is a simpler way to disable the ANC system using the Forscan software or going straight to the module?

FYI: I am using a PC running windows 10 with the latest copy of Forscan Standard Licence installed.

I am new to Forscan and the ford world so any help is greatly appreciated!

Jay
 
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It appears the Continental has 2 ANC (Active Noise Cancelling) microphones under the headliner. Attached are the procedures to remove and install the microphones and the procedure to drop the headliner. There are 4 other procedures to deal with the pillar trim panels, which I can get if not already discouraged.

I think that I would be confirming the idea that the ANC microphones could cause problems with a new sound system before doing the work to disable the microphones. It appears that all models have the same 2 ANC microphones in first procedure file and the third component location file. So it may be worth checking where the 3rd one is or just a mistake.
 

Attachments

Here are the trim panel R&I procedures to complete the headliner drop.
 

Attachments

It appears the Continental has 2 ANC (Active Noise Cancelling) microphones under the headliner. Attached are the procedures to remove and install the microphones and the procedure to drop the headliner. There are 4 other procedures to deal with the pillar trim panels, which I can get if not already discouraged.

I think that I would be confirming the idea that the ANC microphones could cause problems with a new sound system before doing the work to disable the microphones. It appears that all models have the same 2 ANC microphones in first procedure file and the third component location file. So it may be worth checking where the 3rd one is or just a mistake.
Thank you Mr. TOWN for the advice regarding the ANC Microphones.

Is there any way through IDS (eSourceBook) that "Fake Engine Noise" can be disabled, to allow an aftermarket subwoofer
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Thank you Mr. TOWN for the advice regarding the ANC Microphones.

Is there any way through IDS (eSourceBook) that "Fake Engine Noise" can be disabled, to allow an aftermarket subwoofer

Hi JS. See the replies in this thread, which you are already participating in: Excessive engine noise

Good luck.
 
Thank you Mr. TOWN for the advice regarding the ANC Microphones.

Is there any way through IDS (eSourceBook) that "Fake Engine Noise" can be disabled, to allow an aftermarket subwoofer
The ANC microphones (actually are 3: LF, RF, Rear) are used to detect unwanted passenger compartment sounds. Here is Lincoln's explanation of how the system works:

"ANC

ANC is an audio system feature that eliminates a certain range of low frequency engine noise within the passenger compartment typically induced under wide open throttle or heavy part-throttle conditions. The system uses three microphones, a DACMC (contained within the ACM ), and the audio system speakers. The DACMC determines the noise frequency to be canceled based upon engine rotation speed data, engine torque data, and accelerator pedal position data from the PCM , as well as microphone input signals.


While the engine is running, the ANC microphones located in LHF , RHF , and rear of the headliner monitor the engine noise resonating in the passenger compartment. The microphones transmit this noise as analog signals to the DACMC (contained within the ACM ), where they are converted into digital signals by the integrated analog/digital converter. The digital signals are processed and an inverted phase sound wave with the same amplitude as the original sound is created. This new sound is converted into an analog audio signal, transmitted to the DACMC internal tone generator, and output by the ACM to the LHF door woofer speaker, center instrument panel midwoofer speaker, RHF door woofer speaker, and subwoofer amplifier as fluctuating AC voltage. The subwoofer amplifier sends the signal to the parcel shelf subwoofer speaker as fluctuating AC voltage."


Since the ANC is dealing with cancellation of unpleasant/harsh sounds in the passenger compartment then it is unlikely to be the cause of "fake engine sound". The fake sound is most prominent in Sport mode while Normal and Comfort are less noticeable. I am usually in Comfort mode which is a little quieter that Normal but not much. So I will continue to search for a solution. I think there is a thread on this subject in this forum, perhaps 2017 or 2018 that gives the Forscan info code to be changed.

For the installation of an aftermarket sound system, seems like you need one that is compatible to a high end car with all its electronic wizardry. Perhaps some research into sound system compatibility with your Continental would help. Do you have the Revel Ultima 19 speaker sound system or the Revel 13 speaker system that I have?


 
The ANC microphones (actually are 3: LF, RF, Rear) are used to detect unwanted passenger compartment sounds. Here is Lincoln's explanation of how the system works:

"ANC

ANC is an audio system feature that eliminates a certain range of low frequency engine noise within the passenger compartment typically induced under wide open throttle or heavy part-throttle conditions. The system uses three microphones, a DACMC (contained within the ACM ), and the audio system speakers. The DACMC determines the noise frequency to be canceled based upon engine rotation speed data, engine torque data, and accelerator pedal position data from the PCM , as well as microphone input signals.


While the engine is running, the ANC microphones located in LHF , RHF , and rear of the headliner monitor the engine noise resonating in the passenger compartment. The microphones transmit this noise as analog signals to the DACMC (contained within the ACM ), where they are converted into digital signals by the integrated analog/digital converter. The digital signals are processed and an inverted phase sound wave with the same amplitude as the original sound is created. This new sound is converted into an analog audio signal, transmitted to the DACMC internal tone generator, and output by the ACM to the LHF door woofer speaker, center instrument panel midwoofer speaker, RHF door woofer speaker, and subwoofer amplifier as fluctuating AC voltage. The subwoofer amplifier sends the signal to the parcel shelf subwoofer speaker as fluctuating AC voltage."


Since the ANC is dealing with cancellation of unpleasant/harsh sounds in the passenger compartment then it is unlikely to be the cause of "fake engine sound". The fake sound is most prominent in Sport mode while Normal and Comfort are less noticeable. I am usually in Comfort mode which is a little quieter that Normal but not much. So I will continue to search for a solution. I think there is a thread on this subject in this forum, perhaps 2017 or 2018 that gives the Forscan info code to be changed.

For the installation of an aftermarket sound system, seems like you need one that is compatible to a high end car with all its electronic wizardry. Perhaps some research into sound system compatibility with your Continental would help. Do you have the Revel Ultima 19 speaker sound system or the Revel 13 speaker system that I have?
The ANC microphones (actually are 3: LF, RF, Rear) are used to detect unwanted passenger compartment sounds. Here is Lincoln's explanation of how the system works:

"ANC

ANC is an audio system feature that eliminates a certain range of low frequency engine noise within the passenger compartment typically induced under wide open throttle or heavy part-throttle conditions. The system uses three microphones, a DACMC (contained within the ACM ), and the audio system speakers. The DACMC determines the noise frequency to be canceled based upon engine rotation speed data, engine torque data, and accelerator pedal position data from the PCM , as well as microphone input signals.


While the engine is running, the ANC microphones located in LHF , RHF , and rear of the headliner monitor the engine noise resonating in the passenger compartment. The microphones transmit this noise as analog signals to the DACMC (contained within the ACM ), where they are converted into digital signals by the integrated analog/digital converter. The digital signals are processed and an inverted phase sound wave with the same amplitude as the original sound is created. This new sound is converted into an analog audio signal, transmitted to the DACMC internal tone generator, and output by the ACM to the LHF door woofer speaker, center instrument panel midwoofer speaker, RHF door woofer speaker, and subwoofer amplifier as fluctuating AC voltage. The subwoofer amplifier sends the signal to the parcel shelf subwoofer speaker as fluctuating AC voltage."


Since the ANC is dealing with cancellation of unpleasant/harsh sounds in the passenger compartment then it is unlikely to be the cause of "fake engine sound". The fake sound is most prominent in Sport mode while Normal and Comfort are less noticeable. I am usually in Comfort mode which is a little quieter that Normal but not much. So I will continue to search for a solution. I think there is a thread on this subject in this forum, perhaps 2017 or 2018 that gives the Forscan info code to be changed.

For the installation of an aftermarket sound system, seems like you need one that is compatible to a high end car with all its electronic wizardry. Perhaps some research into sound system compatibility with your Continental would help. Do you have the Revel Ultima 19 speaker sound system or the Revel 13 speaker system that I have?


Thank you for the detailed response. I believe I have the 19 Speaker Revel Ultima sound system.

I'm trying to see if there's a way to get the dealer to disable the ANC Microphones and remove any fake engine noises
 
The ANC microphones (actually are 3: LF, RF, Rear) are used to detect unwanted passenger compartment sounds. Here is Lincoln's explanation of how the system works:

"ANC

ANC is an audio system feature that eliminates a certain range of low frequency engine noise within the passenger compartment typically induced under wide open throttle or heavy part-throttle conditions. The system uses three microphones, a DACMC (contained within the ACM ), and the audio system speakers. The DACMC determines the noise frequency to be canceled based upon engine rotation speed data, engine torque data, and accelerator pedal position data from the PCM , as well as microphone input signals.


While the engine is running, the ANC microphones located in LHF , RHF , and rear of the headliner monitor the engine noise resonating in the passenger compartment. The microphones transmit this noise as analog signals to the DACMC (contained within the ACM ), where they are converted into digital signals by the integrated analog/digital converter. The digital signals are processed and an inverted phase sound wave with the same amplitude as the original sound is created. This new sound is converted into an analog audio signal, transmitted to the DACMC internal tone generator, and output by the ACM to the LHF door woofer speaker, center instrument panel midwoofer speaker, RHF door woofer speaker, and subwoofer amplifier as fluctuating AC voltage. The subwoofer amplifier sends the signal to the parcel shelf subwoofer speaker as fluctuating AC voltage."


Since the ANC is dealing with cancellation of unpleasant/harsh sounds in the passenger compartment then it is unlikely to be the cause of "fake engine sound". The fake sound is most prominent in Sport mode while Normal and Comfort are less noticeable. I am usually in Comfort mode which is a little quieter that Normal but not much. So I will continue to search for a solution. I think there is a thread on this subject in this forum, perhaps 2017 or 2018 that gives the Forscan info code to be changed.

For the installation of an aftermarket sound system, seems like you need one that is compatible to a high end car with all its electronic wizardry. Perhaps some research into sound system compatibility with your Continental would help. Do you have the Revel Ultima 19 speaker sound system or the Revel 13 speaker system that I have?

Hi Town. I provided a link to the FORScan program codes in my previous reply.

In addition, everything I have seen and read states that ANC and the synthesized engine sounds are unfortunately tied into the same FORScan program settings. So using FORScan to turn off the synthesized engine sounds, as per the links I provided, also turns off ANC...and vice-a-versa.

By extension, if those FORScan program changes are applicable to the Continental, turning off the synthesized engine sounds will turn off ANC/"fake engine noise" without needing to mess with the headliner, which is what ContinentalJS hopes to do.

Additionally, whatever information we provide here, I would recommend ContinentalJS still contact his local Lincoln Dealers for verification, and to see what they are willing to do (or won't do) to help him.

Hopefully that makes my previous posts clearer. Good luck.
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Oooops...Double Post.
 
Hi Town. I provided a link to the FORScan program codes in my previous reply.

In addition, everything I have seen and read states that ANC and the synthesized engine sounds are unfortunately tied into the same FORScan program settings. So using FORScan to turn off the synthesized engine sounds, as per the links I provided, also turns off ANC...and vice-a-versa.

By extension, if those FORScan program changes are applicable to the Continental, turning off the synthesized engine sounds will turn off ANC/"fake engine noise" without needing to mess with the headliner, which is what ContinentalJS hopes to do.

Hopefully that makes my previous posts clearer. Good luck.
I think the enhanced audio (for enhanced engine noise) is controlled by the Audio Control Module (ACM) using the PCM, ESE and DACMC info to enhance engine tone. The role of the ANC microphones appears to be an overarching control when the enhanced engine tone becomes unacceptable. It appears that engine tone enhancement can be changed by the car's mode setting where Sport is the loudest and Comfort the quietest but only slightly quieter than Normal setting. But that is very subjective. Now all this magic through subwoofers and speakers leads to component requirements that may not be included in an audio upgrade.

I did not see your explanation of the Forscan approach to cancelling the engine noise enhancement. But for @ContinentalJS to upgrade to an improved Subwoofer the new one would have to be compatible with the Continental electronics unless the engine tone is the only sound effect that involves speakers and subwoofers.

Here is how Lincoln describes the Continental ACM using the modules to enhance engine tone:


"ESE

ESE is an audio system feature that enhances certain engine tones typically induced under wide open throttle or heavy part-throttle conditions. The system uses a DACMC (contained within the ACM ) and the audio system speakers.


The DACMC determines the engine tone to enhance based upon engine rotation speed data, engine torque data, and accelerator pedal position data from the PCM . The data from the PCM is processed and converted into an analog audio signal, transmitted to the DACMC internal tone generator, and output by the ACM to the audio DSP module as fluctuating AC voltage. The audio DSP module sends the signal to the LHF and RHF door woofer speakers and parcel shelf subwoofer speaker as fluctuating AC voltage."
 
Here is a link to my previous thread on disabling the "enhanced engine tone": How to disable fake engine sound Post #2 has all the info I could get at the time from the 2017 Fusion info and Forscan. The video is just to see where the ACM is located and what it may look like in a Continental since the dash is similar.

I don't have Forscan and never followed up on entering 0 in the particular place in the ACM. I am sure my dealer could do the change for my Continental for CAD$140 as he has done before on annoying features like the driver seat Easy/out feature on the Town Car.

Is this the kind of info in your link that I did not see?
 
I think the enhanced audio (for enhanced engine noise) is controlled by the Audio Control Module (ACM) using the PCM, ESE and DACMC info to enhance engine tone. The role of the ANC microphones appears to be an overarching control when the enhanced engine tone becomes unacceptable. It appears that engine tone enhancement can be changed by the car's mode setting where Sport is the loudest and Comfort the quietest but only slightly quieter than Normal setting. But that is very subjective. Now all this magic through subwoofers and speakers leads to component requirements that may not be included in an audio upgrade.

I did not see your explanation of the Forscan approach to cancelling the engine noise enhancement. But for @ContinentalJS to upgrade to an improved Subwoofer the new one would have to be compatible with the Continental electronics unless the engine tone is the only sound effect that involves speakers and subwoofers.

Here is how Lincoln describes the Continental ACM using the modules to enhance engine tone:


"ESE

ESE is an audio system feature that enhances certain engine tones typically induced under wide open throttle or heavy part-throttle conditions. The system uses a DACMC (contained within the ACM ) and the audio system speakers.


The DACMC determines the engine tone to enhance based upon engine rotation speed data, engine torque data, and accelerator pedal position data from the PCM . The data from the PCM is processed and converted into an analog audio signal, transmitted to the DACMC internal tone generator, and output by the ACM to the audio DSP module as fluctuating AC voltage. The audio DSP module sends the signal to the LHF and RHF door woofer speakers and parcel shelf subwoofer speaker as fluctuating AC voltage."


Hi Town. Yes, I am familiar with the workings of the system. Thanks for providing the written information. And yes, I can verify that the synthesized engine sounds are enhanced least in "Comfort", a little more in "Normal", and more again in "Sport".

My replies are strictly in response to ContinentalJS's original query, which was,"I'm hoping there is a simpler way to disable the ANC system using the Forscan software or going straight to the module?".

The links I provided give him the FORScan locations and code modifications, should he wish to use FORScan software with an OBDII adapter to do this himself.

As far as audio modifications, what is needed, what is compatible, etc etc, I will leave that to the audio experts. It is not my area of expertise (if I have any area at all). ;)

Good luck.
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Here is a link to my previous thread on disabling the "enhanced engine tone": How to disable fake engine sound Post #2 has all the info I could get at the time from the 2017 Fusion info and Forscan. The video is just to see where the ACM is located and what it may look like in a Continental since the dash is similar.

I don't have Forscan and never followed up on entering 0 in the particular place in the ACM. I am sure my dealer could do the change for my Continental for CAD$140 as he has done before on annoying features like the driver seat Easy/out feature on the Town Car.

Is this the kind of info in your link that I did not see?

Hi Town. Here is the link to one list of FORScan programming code modifications: 2GFusions - Ford As-Built Data Mods (DanMc85) - Google Drive

The programming change for "Audio - Remove Fake Engine Noise" is about 10 from the bottom.
 
Hi Town. Here is the link to one list of FORScan programming code modifications: 2GFusions - Ford As-Built Data Mods (DanMc85) - Google Drive

The programming change for "Audio - Remove Fake Engine Noise" is about 10 from the bottom.
Yes the code change is the same as i noted in my earlier venture into fake engine sound. It is for a Fusion 2013 my and up. So I don’t know if that is applicable to our Continental models.

I think for the op it will not be a help since there are 2 features that use the subwoofer and so there are likely others that use the subwoofer in a similar way but i am not into Audio. I would think the Harmon Revel Ultima with 19 speakers would not need improvement to the subwoofer.

Interesting discussion all the same.
 
Yes the code change is the same as i noted in my earlier venture into fake engine sound. It is for a Fusion 2013 my and up. So I don’t know if that is applicable to our Continental models.

I think for the op it will not be a help since there are 2 features that use the subwoofer and so there are likely others that use the subwoofer in a similar way but i am not into Audio. I would think the Harmon Revel Ultima with 19 speakers would not need improvement to the subwoofer.

Interesting discussion all the same.


Hi Town. Yes, the list was titled for a Fusion. However, the same codes are used for various vehicles, Ford F-150 and Lincoln included. Basic code structure is the same across vehicle lines, the difference being various vehicles have various features which others do not (i.e. a Lincoln versus a Ford). For example, the codes listed on my link are the same as the codes for my 2018 MKZ. So it is more than likely the Continental uses the same codes, probably with a few additional for Continental only features.

In my case, I also would like to disable the synthesized engine sound, but do not want to lose the ANC. So I have decided to leave my 2018 MKZ (w/ Revel Ultima) alone.

Ultimately, the only way to find out what does and does not apply is for an owner to obtain FORScan and an OBDII adapter, delve into the system and see what applies to their particular vehicles. Or find a friendly Dealer or Tech with the knowledge of what to change (probably rather elusive), or willing to explore.

As you said, an interesting discussion, of the theoretical kind, at this point.

Good luck. :)
 
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Hi Town. Yes, the list was titled for a Fusion. However, the same codes are used for various vehicles, Ford F-150 and Lincoln included. Basic code structure is the same across vehicle lines, the difference being various vehicles have various features which others do not (i.e. a Lincoln versus a Ford). For example, the codes listed on my link are the same as the codes for my 2018 MKZ. So it is more than likely the Continental uses the same codes, probably with a few additional for Continental only features.

In my case, I also would like to disable the synthesized engine sound, but do not want to lose the ANC. So I have decided to leave my 2018 MKZ (w/ Revel Ultima) alone.

Ultimately, the only way to find out what does and does not apply is for an owner to obtain FORScan and an OBDII adapter, delve into the system and see what applies to their particular vehicles. Or find a friendly Dealer or Tech with the knowledge of what to change (probably rather elusive), or willing to explore.

As you said, an interesting discussion, of the theoretical kind, at this point.

Good luck. :)
Thank you both @Town @bff2530 for the information. I contacted my Lincoln dealer, they will not mess around with anything that's set by factory.

They pointed me in the direction of speaking to Ford only dealerships to disable the feature through their IDS.

That would be my 1st choice as I'm not too familiar with ForScan and the OBDII adapter.

The subwoofer and amp are both JL Audio and retail for $1500 USD, which would give me some extra bass.
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Thank you both @Town @bff2530 for the information. I contacted my Lincoln dealer, they will not mess around with anything that's set by factory.

They pointed me in the direction of speaking to Ford only dealerships to disable the feature through their IDS.

That would be my 1st choice as I'm not too familiar with ForScan and the OBDII adapter.

The subwoofer and amp are both JL Audio and retail for $1500 USD, which would give me some extra bass.
Lincoln dealers would the best to go to. But some lack the knowledge or interest, even the very good ones.
Does the manufacturer have information on Continental compatibility? That is a lot of money for something that may not work properly.
Good luck.
 
Lincoln dealers would the best to go to. But some lack the knowledge or interest, even the very good ones.
Does the manufacturer have information on Continental compatibility? That is a lot of money for something that may not work properly.
Good luck.
I agree, Lincoln dealer would be the best to go to, however they openly said they can do it, but will only do it if they receive a call from Ford directly advising them it is OK.

Keep in mind my car is still under warranty.

They definitely lack interest as I had to call 3 seperate times to find out they can disable the ANC/Synthesized Engine Noise (SES)

The manufacturer doesnt list compatibility with the Continental, however I have seen them set up in Mustangs and Ford F150's.
 

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I agree, Lincoln dealer would be the best to go to, however they openly said they can do it, but will only do it if they receive a call from Ford directly advising them it is OK.

Keep in mind my car is still under warranty.

They definitely lack interest as I had to call 3 seperate times to find out they can disable the ANC/Synthesized Engine Noise (SES)

The manufacturer doesnt list compatibility with the Continental, however I have seen them set up in Mustangs and Ford F150's.

Hi ContinentalJS. Some things to keep in mind if you care about your warranty coverage (which it seems you do).

Yes, if the Dealer gets the okay from Lincoln/Ford, you are good to go. Get it in writing.

However, most Dealers will not perform non-factory programming changes without the okay of Lincoln/Ford. If the Dealer performs non-approved modifications and something even remotely connected to the modification goes wrong later, they are on the hook for the warranty repair bill, since Lincoln/Ford will refuse to cover the repair charges. Then the Dealer will either have to eat the bill, or refuse to cover it, therefore winding up with an angry customer.

If they do not get the okay, just an opinion/word of advice before making any changes yourself or paying someone else to do it: Keep in mind that if you alter the audio system and have any sort of SYNC/Electronic/Audio/Electrical issues later, Lincoln may/will very likely deny the warranty claim.

The audio system is tied into the SYNC system, so modifications can be more complex than in the past. And since the systems are so connected, any non-factory modification can lead to a warranty claim denial, even if the modification is only remotely connected to the sub-system that failed.

Also, keep in mind that the Continental, Mustang and F-150 systems vary greatly. Especially if you have the Revel or Revel Ultima systems. Proceed with caution, since direct comparisons may not be valid.

If the warranty coverage is not too important for you, feel free to ignore this advice. ;)

Not trying to talk you out of doing what you want with your Continental, only providing the information so you can make a fully informed decision.

Good luck with whatever you decide to do.
 
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...

The manufacturer doesnt list compatibility with the Continental, however I have seen them set up in Mustangs and Ford F150's.
Perhaps call the manufacturer and get their tech expert to advise if the equipment is compatible with your Continental. Then you will know for sure if you need software changes or not. However, changing a physical part of the audio system (subwoofers and other speakers) will surely have an effect on your audio system warranty that may not be confined to the speakers and subwoofers but the entire SYNC system. Even after warranty a Ford/Lincoln dealer may not want to work on your SYNC system with non factory parts installed. There is usually a warning that systems must be factory or returned to factory state before a dealer will work on your vehicle.
 
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