Sync 3 to get Android Auto/Apple Carplay

[Waldo]

The thing with the small screens is that they are not part of Sync at all. They are independent parts that are controlled by the cluster software. They receive signals over the network that include some messages from Sync, but all they do is receive messages and display what they are supposed to. Sync 3 was designed to be a complete "drop-in" including not only the wiring, but the messages as well, so that other software like the cluster wouldn't need to be modified.

 

Now Ford uses slightly different cluster setups in different models and in different years, so there's no guarantee that any new car is going to be the same as an old one, but it has nothing to do with Sync.

[Cobra348]

okay - I'll wing it then! ;)

[heywardjr]

UPDATE: 08/31/2016 MFT to Sync 3 Upgrade Made this week on my 2016 Ford Fusion Hybrid

 

I got word that most of the kinks had been worked out with the upgrade. I re-purchased the product and did the easy install.

 

The interface is fantastic. I had a long trip from Aldie, VA to Baltimore, MD last night proved the unit is so much better.

 

The interface is very fast, much more colorful, navigation is really pretty different and much faster. The music options include Pandora using the Pandora app and the Pandora logo under audio sources.

 

The things not working yet:

 

1. Apple CarPlay

2. Android Play

3. Vehicle Health Report

 

Ford has a mobile app called FordPass. When you open it up it pairs with your iPhone. When you try to use it with this Sync3 unit, it displays an error on screen saying your vehicle does not support vehicle health report. I inquired with the programmer of this unit and the VHR is not located in the Sync3 unit but somewhere in the car computer. They are unable to connect with the VHR via the software as Ford has it blocked and that feature is not supported via their API. They are continuing to investigate. As for Apple Airplay/Android Play they are awaiting an update from Ford this fall. It's unclear at this point if the update is a Sync 3 update or a bios update. The developer thinks it's a Sync3 update which means a download and USB chip insertion process rather than sending the unit back for the update.

 

I'm not all that much attached to the VHR so this is not much of an issue. I do want Apple CarPlay at times so I will await the update on that.

 

I do recommend this upgrade if you can afford it. Use the military discount of MILI to save a couple hundred dollars. I chose the i year service plan as I figure the updates will be needed and that covers me as they come along. Your choice of course. I figure the MILI discount pays for that.

 

I have no affiliation with OEM Parts and I get no payment or credit for this review with them.

 

Here is the link: http://www.oemautopartsco.com/products/myford-touch-sync-2-to-sync-3-upgrade?variant=6929649153

 

If you want I can post pictures of the screens.

 

The install process is so easy as I've done it several times now. It's a matter of removing layers of plastic parts that all snap out and back in again. I have a plastic tool that I use to pry the plastic tail around the center radio area and gear shift area. Once all the trim is removed there are two bolts at the top of the radio and two below. Remove those carefully. Then the unit pulls outs slowly. Remove the two electrical wiring harnesses below for fan controls and radio as well as the two electrical harnesses on back of the radio itself. Remove four screws on radio to separate the display unit. Remove the metal frame on both side by removing 4 screws. Take the new unit and install the metal frame. Next, install the wiring in reverse of removal. You will need to take a satellite transponder which comes with the upgrade and plug that in then run the wire behind the glove box and up to your dash where you place a tiny square GPS transponder on top of the dash near the windshield. Next reverse everything and you are good to go. Once you've done it it's easy.

[machoman1337]

Thanks heywardjr!

 

One question - is the hybrid energy flow screen available on the hotswapped Sync3? I'm talking about the diagram showing whether the car is in EV or hybrid mode, and which component is causing the engine to be on, etc.

 

I'm temporarily in the states until May 2017 and driving a different car, so if an Android Auto enabling update comes along in the next few months, I'll definitely drop the $2000 US and grab a kit before I head home to Canada (and to my FFH!)

Edited September 4, 2016 by machoman1337

[heywardjr]

Yes, the energy flow screen is there. Android and Apple support is coming with the December Sync 3 update according to Ford (thru the supplier programmer). I got the mobile apps like Pandora, iHeartAuto, Spotify as well as another mapping app that reports your location to Facebook (no way I'm using that but it's there for Facebook addicts). When you launch a mobile app on your iPhone then they show up on the Sync 3 screen as an audio source. Really nice. As Ford offers more of these specially built apps it will be fantastic. Ford is developing the Amazon Alexa interface so that when you launch Amazon Alexa on your iPhone, then you will be able to use the Amazon Dot in your Ford.....talk to Alexa and ask her to play something or read a book. I have the Amazon Dot installed in my Fusion now and have it plugged into the back via a non-vehicle connected USB port for power. The DOT cannot connect to Sync today because Sync won't support devices that require a blue tooth pin but Ford and Amazon are working to change that. I also expect that in December. So far, I love the Sync 3 interface and it is so much faster in responding to touch. Apparently, Wifi is how updates will happen. Today with Sync 3 it uses Wifi to update the mobile apps and it will be the same method when the next Sync update comes in December.

[machoman1337]

Thanks! I'll wait for you to update us in December :)

 

It'll feel so good to get back to my FFH especially with Sync3 retrofitted.

[heywardjr]

@MACHOMAN1337 - After using it a month now I'm very happy with it. The screens are very fast and bright. I'm waiting for the Sync 3 update in December and I will look for that. It's supposed to be a wifi type download/automatic upgrade when the unit sees wifi availability. I use a Google Fi hot spot to supply wifi to the unit when I drive it. The Google Fi supplies a Nexus 6P phone and I just use it for hotspot situations at work and for the car.

[Riggo]

I used Sync 3 in an Escape loaner when I took my car in for service. It is faster but I don't find it that much better than Sync 2 to justify the cost of the upgrade. If it was able to use Apple CarPlay then maybe I would think about it.

[machoman1337]

Pulled the trigger and paid $1800 for the Sync3 upgrade including navigation and Android Auto :)

 

It'll ship to my place in California by tomorrow! I can't wait for Christmas when I can finally fly home and install it.

[heywardjr]

Update: I just downloaded the Sync 3 Version 1.0 to Sync 3 Version 2.2 which includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. I had to replace the USB hub with the new USB3 hub which was easy to do...two second update. The software update was easy and trouble free. I am now fully satisfied/thrilled with full Sync 3 functionality. It all works great and well worth every single penny spent.

 

Here is the update posted: http://www.2gfusions.net/showthread.php?tid=3881&pid=100870#pid100870

 

OEMAuto also can sell the Ford USB3 hub : http://www.oemautopa...iant=6929649153

 

I've found no issues whatsoever. The system is great!!!

[stlouisgeorge]

I figured out I don't need to fumble around and plug in my iPhone, then watch Car Play take over my SYNC3 and my iPhone such that I don't enjoy either. If I try to use my iPhone, Car Play appears and throws me off my app. It seems in SYNC3 that, yes I can get out of Car Play mode, but it still "infects" and removes functionaiity.

So.. last night I figured out I can just pair up with my phone to SYNC3 using Bluetooth and get almost all my Car Play functionality. I can finally enjoy my audiobooks and podcasts again!

I hooked my new 2017 FFH Platinum up to my WiFi, but have received no SYNC3 software updates yet. Is mine the latest?

SYNC 3, Software Version: 2.0
Build 16074_PRODUCT

Edited January 11, 2017 by stlouisgeorge

[Skydogz]

No news on this forum? I am interested in upgrading my FFH 2014 to Synch 3, since the $2000 cost is what I would pay in sales tax to buy a newer vehicle.

[ethermion]

Haven't heard anything from anywhere. Would love to do so on my 2013.

 

It is not the kind of things that normally happens, so I wouldn't hold my breath.

 

Sync 2 isn't as bad as the press reports. I have a 2010 Fusion with Sync 1, and I can't say anything bad about that either - other than the cost of map updates.

 

I can think of lots of other things to do with $2000...

 

You could save a lot by mounting an iPad to your dash - there are fancy pants mounts that hook into your vents that work very well. I ride a motorcycle, and use my iPhone connected to my helmet comms, and my Apple Watch. Works treat for nav, and voice control. I want for nothing.

 

Ice Storm/ Dune cloth here too. Love it, though not offered anymore. Another reason to not upgrade.

[LASooner]

I bought the upgrade from 4DTECH. Because I commute in LA, and really wanted Android Auto, it was pricey, but worth it to me. Super easy to install, just follow the video. The only thing that doesn't work right is parallel park assist but they warned me of this ahead of time. Other than that no major issues. The only other issue I had was related to Android Auto, the Google Pixel and the USB3 cable length, once I switched to a really short cable, I haven't had any issues. As a side note, upgrading to Sync 3 fixed the bug where the ambient lighting color would revert back to the default color.

[tclemmer]

This thread on another forum details what it takes to get you park assist working after the upgrade to sync 3. I suspect 4dtech doesn't provide this because the Park Assist Module (PAM) is not part of the parts they sell you. it is a long thread and includes a lot of information. Might be of interest.

 

http://www.2gfusions.net/showthread.php?tid=6712&pid=99434#pid99434

Edited April 27, 2018 by tclemmer

[LASooner]

Yeah, I read that a few months ago,the whole process is kinda, out of my wheel house