Ford Ka Quiz
Audio system

Traffic information

In this manual: Audio system
Introduction — 6Quick guide — 3Child safety — 6Seat belts — 5Supplemental restraint system — 7Keys and remote controls — 3MyKey — 4Doors and locks — 3Safety — 3Steering wheel — 4Washer/wipers — 4Lighting — 6Windows and mirrors — 3Instrument cluster — 4Information display — 4Climate control system — 6Seats — 8Auxiliary Power Outlets — 1Storage Compartments — 1Starting the engine — 7Fuel and refuelling — 7Transmission — 1Brakes — 4Traction control — 1Stability control — 1Ultrasonic parking system — 3Cruise Control — 1Driver assistance — 4Carrying a load — 3Towing — 8Driving tips — 5Emergency equipment — 6Fuses — 4Maintenance — 22Vehicle Maintenance — 6Wheels and Tyres — 14Technical specifications — 7Audio system — 18SYNC — 12Appendices — 3
9steps
~54min
2/5difficulty
Done 0 of 9

Many stations broadcasting on the FM frequency range carry a TP code, which indicates that these stations provide traffic information programmes.

Switching traffic announcements on and off

To receive traffic announcements, you must first press the TA or TRAFFIC button. The TA display indicates that the function is switched on.

If the car radio is already tuned to a station broadcasting traffic information, TP is also displayed. Otherwise, the unit will search for a traffic programme.

During the broadcast of traffic information, normal radio or device playback is automatically interrupted.

If a station that does not broadcast traffic information is selected or recalled with a preset button, the radio will remain on that station unless the TA or TRAFFIC function is switched off and then on again.

Note: If the Traffic Announcement function is active and a stored station or a manually tuned station that is not a TA station is selected, traffic announcements cannot be heard.

Note: If you are listening to a non-TA station and switch the TA function off and on again, a TP search will start.

Traffic announcement volume

Interruptions of normal programmes for traffic announcements are set to a minimum level, slightly higher than the normal listening volume.

To adjust the preset volume, use the volume control to change the sound level during traffic announcements. The selected volume level is shown on the display.

Traffic announcement interruption

The audio unit resumes normal operation at the end of the traffic announcement. To cancel an announcement early, press the TA or TRAFFIC button during the announcement.

Note: If the TA or TRAFFIC button is pressed at any other time, all announcements are interrupted.

News broadcast

The audio unit can interrupt normal transmission to broadcast news bulletins from stations on the FM frequency range, from the radio information system and from other stations connected to the network with advanced functions.

During a news broadcast, the display will indicate the next traffic announcement. When the radio is interrupted to broadcast traffic announcements, the volume level will be the traffic announcement volume.

  1. Press the MENU button.
  2. Scroll through the list to the news option and turn it on or off using the up and down arrow buttons.
  3. Press the OK button to return.
Alternative frequencies

Most programmes broadcast on the FM band have their own programme identification code that can be recognised by radios.

If alternative frequency (AF) tuning is switched on on the car radio and you move from one broadcast area to another, the function will search for a stronger signal.

Under certain conditions, however, tuning to alternative frequencies may temporarily interfere with normal reception.

With the option selected, the unit continuously evaluates the signal strength and, if a better signal is received, the unit will switch to that alternative. Transmission is interrupted while a list of alternative frequencies is checked and, if necessary, the unit will search the selected frequency band for an original alternative frequency.

Radio reception will resume after an alternative frequency is found or, if no alternative frequency is found, the radio will return to the previously set frequency.

Once selected, AF appears on the display.
  1. Press the MENU button.
  2. Scroll through the list to the AF option and set it to automatic or turn it off using the up and down arrow buttons.
  3. Press the OK button to return.
Regional mode

The regional mode function controls how AF switching behaves between the general networks of a main broadcasting station. A broadcaster may operate a fairly large network across a wide region of the country. At different times of the day, this main network may split into several smaller regional networks, usually centred on major cities or towns. Where the network is not split into regional variants, the entire network broadcasts the same programming.

Regional mode switched on (ON): prevents random switching to alternative frequencies when neighbouring regional networks are not broadcasting the same programme.

Regional mode off (OFF): allows a wider coverage area if neighbouring regional networks are broadcasting the same programme, but may otherwise cause "random" switching to alternative frequencies.

  1. Press the MENU button.
  2. Scroll through the list to the regional networks option and turn it on or off using the up and down arrow buttons.
  3. Press the OK button to return.
Phone and Voice button

Note: Using the system with the engine off will discharge the battery.

Note: As there is no common agreement, mobile phone manufacturers may implement a variety of profiles in their Bluetooth devices. For this reason, incompatibility may exist between the mobile phone and the hands-free system, which in some cases may considerably reduce system performance. To avoid this situation, only use recommended phones. To check your phone's compatibility, see the phone's manual or visit the regional Ford website.

This section describes the functions and features of the Bluetooth mobile phone hands-free system.

The Bluetooth mobile phone part of the system provides interaction between the audio system and your mobile phone. It allows you to use the audio system to make and receive calls without holding the mobile phone in your hand.

The Voice button gives access to the voice recognition commands on the mobile phone.

Test yourself

A quick Ford Ka quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.