MyFord Touch to SYNC 3 upgrade kits?

186602 Views 206 Replies 43 Participants Last post by homestead, 4 mo ago

hobokenny

Discussion Starter · Dec 3, 2016

There is a product on 4dtech dot com that supposedly allows a person to upgrade from SYNC 2 to SYNC3 with CarPlay.

This is especially enticing for me; I have been deciding whether to trade in my '13 Escape SEL MFT with 60k miles for a newer vehicle, or to live with what I've got...

The biggest sticking point for me at this juncture is that there seems to be zero upgrade path to CarPlay/Android Auto, and the Nav/Audio has been frustrating since the day I got the car.

This site is promising SYNC 3 for $2k, which would be significantly cheaper than a new car...but I'm even questioning whether that's worth it.

Besides SYNC 3, are there any aftermarket solutions that would allow me to have CarPlay/Android Auto AND keep things like steering wheel controls and rear camera?

Any input would be much appreciated!!! THANK YOU
Kenny

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Fixer7640

· #181 · Feb 20, 2020 (Edited)

Breeves002 said:
That would be me.

Would you be interested in selling me the proper configuration for my 2014 Escape to be used in a new Sync 3 system?

EDIT
So since I can't write worth crap when I don't feel good. What this post means is:
I have access to the hardware and accessories, but I need to get the codes for FORSCAN to program my APIM once it is installed.
I don't want to cause any problems or confusion, and I realize my working was TERRIBLE.
I could spend time trying to figure it out, but I am at the point where I saved enough hardware wise to just pay someone to send me the configuration file I need to program the darned thing.

Thanks.

macetin

· #182 · Sep 7, 2020

wakeup old topic.
So i have 2016 escape (kuga here) with sync2. i've been searching all the parts. I didnt buy anything yet, but i quess i will order them tomorrow if i have enough money

first i asked these guys who sells the whole kit. but im not going to put 1000€ for sync update. its just too much. I found all the parts for a bit under 400 and ill trye to bargin from the screen, the screen is from 2017 focus i quess it should fit. It has the apim attached, im not sure is it navi or not. I dont really care i only use maps/waze from phone in the edge too.. Is there anything i should ask from the apim/screen? I will ask a better picture from apim P/N number plate to make sure what it is. Basically my biggest worry is the programming at the moment. I already tracked a VIN from similar but sync3 escape. It has parking sensors front and rear, backup camera, keylessgo, handsfree boot, xenon, led inside lights, what else should i notice from it? What other option should match? I have the as-built data from both cars stored now. When i have everything installed and i open forscan, do i just press load all and click the whole asbuilt file there?

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murcod

· #183 · Sep 8, 2020

Welcome to the forum. FYI there are a few kits (new parts AFAIK) popping up on AliExpress for reasonable prices. At least one seller says they program it all to suit your vehicle as well.

To my knowledge there are two different screen types- I'm not sure if the Focus uses the same type or not?

macetin

· #184 · Sep 8, 2020

murcod said:
Welcome to the forum. FYI there are a few kits (new parts AFAIK) popping up on AliExpress for reasonable prices. At least one seller says they program it all to suit your vehicle as well.

To my knowledge there are two different screen types- I'm not sure if the Focus uses the same type or not?

murcod said:
Welcome to the forum. FYI there are a few kits (new parts AFAIK) popping up on AliExpress for reasonable prices. At least one seller says they program it all to suit your vehicle as well.

To my knowledge there are two different screen types- I'm not sure if the Focus uses the same type or not?

Yes there are 2 types of screens, and escape and focus has the same. So in worst case i will have to change the brackets. but otherwice it should fit fine.

I was checking these ebay kit sellers, best price i got was a bit over 600$ so its not too bad. I started asking from one of the sellers, they said that they have to put 64gb memory to fit EU maps and started to ask more money from it. Twice i asked about the programming that will it come programmed he never replied to that. So i figured not to buy these kits..

Since i found the screen/apim from scrapyard near me i will go there and trye to bargin it. Im pretty sure about the programming phase, but if someone who has done it could confirm that is it really that simple i think it is?

macetin

· #185 · Sep 8, 2020

I got the number form apim can someone check if that has navi? JM5T-14G370-GHC I also have the Vin if you can check it with it. I tried the VIN to ford sync update site and it only offered software update. No map update. so i quess its non navi apim. WF06XXGCC6HG27658

macetin

· #186 · Sep 8, 2020

macetin said:
I got the number form apim can someone check if that has navi? JM5T-14G370-GHC I also have the Vin if you can check it with it. I tried the VIN to ford sync update site and it only offered software update. No map update. so i quess its non navi apim. WF06XXGCC6HG27658

confirmed from ford, no navi.

so now i have everything ordered. everything expect the cable for usb hub should arrive this week. ill make the switch during weekend if i have time. total cost 349€

macetin

· #187 · Sep 16, 2020

And now its done. Simple job! programmin was really easy, i had the as-built data ready from a bit newer escape.

Reactions: 1

dougstang67

· #188 · Feb 18, 2021

Was just looking at this 2 to 3 upgrade for my 2014 Escape SE. It may help with my weird [R] to [D] screen issue.

I kind of like the 1-stop shopping over at 4dtech, but, whew, $1500-$1900USD is steep...even if I could eBay the old one for $200-$300USD. "Working" from home at the moment, when when I get some time, gonna go over this whole thread and start researching and finding parts.

smartguy69

· #189 · Feb 18, 2021

dougstang67 said:
Was just looking at this 2 to 3 upgrade for my 2014 Escape SE. It may help with my weird [R] to [D] screen issue.

I kind of like the 1-stop shopping over at 4dtech, but, whew, $1500-$1900USD is steep...even if I could eBay the old one for $200-$300USD. "Working" from home at the moment, when when I get some time, gonna go over this whole thread and start researching and finding parts.

I haven't done the 2 to 3 swap but I have done the sync 1 to 2 swap which was interesting. It's a lot easier to go from 2 to 3 and if you get stuck there are plenty of people who have done the swap and not just on the Escape/Kuga. Getting a sync 3 screen is the start, just depends if you want navigation or not. Be careful though as I seen recently some dealers separating the APIM from the touchscreen so make sure it's complete.

In addition to the screen you will need a sync 3 usb hub, sync 2 to sync 3 adapter lead and a GPS aerial. I used the sync 2 to 3 adapter lead for my sync 2 conversion as the media hub I used has the same connection as the sync 3 one. They are quite cheap from Ali Express and the brackets for the Escape are also available on Ali Express, just in case you can't source locally.

If you buy a screen from a Focus you will need to change the brackets. Do you have the C-Max in the USA. That uses the same screen or at least it does in the UK.

I'm contemplating upgrading mine from 2 to 3 but sync 3 screens are quite expensive in the UK.

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dougstang67

· #190 · Mar 8, 2021

Yes, we have the C-Max...at least until 2017.

Right now I'm waiting for running boards to arrive. In the meantime, I'm going to scour this thread to come up with a shopping list for the Sync 2->3 upgrade. Does anyone know if this will also include the next version Sirius/XM? Currently can only tune in up to channel 199.

wuijin1004

· #191 · Apr 5, 2021

I have a 2014 Titanium Escape with the 2.0L engine. I found this upgrade kit on EBay that is much less than the $1800 for the 4DTech kits. Does anyone have any experience with these? For all intents and purposes, they look the same (include all the same hardware), but I realize you sometimes get what you pay for. Factory SYNC 2 to SYNC 3 Upgrade Carplay Kit Fit for Sync3 APIM EU MapVersion3.4 | eBay

smartguy69

· #192 · Apr 5, 2021

wuijin1004 said:
I have a 2014 Titanium Escape with the 2.0L engine. I found this upgrade kit on EBay that is much less than the $1800 for the 4DTech kits. Does anyone have any experience with these? For all intents and purposes, they look the same (include all the same hardware), but I realize you sometimes get what you pay for. Factory SYNC 2 to SYNC 3 Upgrade Carplay Kit Fit for Sync3 APIM EU MapVersion3.4 | eBay

My only issue with those kits is who has made the sync 3 screen. It also has the EU maps and not sure if you can change that option for your country and upload the relevant maps to it. Personally I would buy a genuine Ford sync 3 screen from a breaker's yard. The USB media hub, usb adapter lead and GPS antenna are easy to come by. Don't buy a cheap antenna.

Chances are whatever screen you get it will need reprogramming to your car but that is easy enough to do. The APIM settings from your MFT should work ok for sync 3. Please note that I say should and not will. Two of our UK members that I know of have upgraded from sync 2 to sync 3 and used their original APIM sync 2 settings for sync 3 with no issues.

wuijin1004

· #193 · Apr 5, 2021

smartguy69 said:
My only issue with those kits is who has made the sync 3 screen. It also has the EU maps and not sure if you can change that option for your country and upload the relevant maps to it. Personally I would buy a genuine Ford sync 3 screen from a breaker's yard. The USB media hub, usb adapter lead and GPS antenna are easy to come by. Don't buy a cheap antenna.

Chances are whatever screen you get it will need reprogramming to your car but that is easy enough to do. The APIM settings from your MFT should work ok for sync 3. Please note that I say should and not will. Two of our UK members that I know of have upgraded from sync 2 to sync 3 and used their original APIM sync 2 settings for sync 3 with no issues.

I am based in the US, if that matters. Thanks for the suggestions. I will look into getting a genuine screen.

smartguy69

· #194 · Apr 5, 2021

wuijin1004 said:
I am based in the US, if that matters. Thanks for the suggestions. I will look into getting a genuine screen.

I guessed that by your flag although I do get fooled occasionally by members who have a VPN in a different country. I haven't seen anyone on the UK forum who has purchased a screen from China. The sync 3 screens seem pretty reasonable in the USA on eBay compared to the UK. As I posted above make sure you get both the touchscreen and APIM as I have seen a few dealers splitting them up. If you want navigation then make sure it's advertised as with navigation as you can't add it afterwards like you can with sync 2.

wuijin1004

· #195 · Apr 5, 2021

smartguy69 said:
I guessed that by your flag although I do get fooled occasionally by members who have a VPN in a different country. I haven't seen anyone on the UK forum who has purchased a screen from China. The sync 3 screens seem pretty reasonable in the USA on eBay compared to the UK. As I posted above make sure you get both the touchscreen and APIM as I have seen a few dealers splitting them up. If you want navigation then make sure it's advertised as with navigation as you can't add it afterwards like you can with sync 2.

I mainly want to be able to do Android Auto or Apple Car Play, so I am not too concerned about nav, but my other car is a newer Ford with the Sync 3 including nav, so I will try to get that same setup in my Escape. Thanks.

llamatrails

· #196 · May 20, 2021

dougstang67 said:
Yes, we have the C-Max...at least until 2017.

Right now I'm waiting for running boards to arrive. In the meantime, I'm going to scour this thread to come up with a shopping list for the Sync 2->3 upgrade. Does anyone know if this will also include the next version Sirius/XM? Currently can only tune in up to channel 199.

Sirius/XM is part of the Audio Control Module, so replacing the APIM/DisplayScreen won't change anything there.

Foxbat

· #197 · 11 mo ago

3

Reviving an old thread, my 8-year old 2014.5 Escape Titanium 1.6 liter EcoBoost has been a great drive and the only thing that really bugged me about it was the MyFordTouch. I had customized the background, but I was willing to lose that to gain CarPlay. So for Father’s Day, my family treated me to the 4DTech upgrade.

The kit arrived today and it comes with everything you need in the box, except the tools. Fortunately, I have iFixit as well as some automotive trim tools, so popping off the top bezel was easier than I expected given some of the YouTube videos I watched. One thing I didn’t see mentioned was the front clip of the bezel won’t release until it’s been rotated 90°. Everything after that was pretty much by the book.

Before:

Car Vehicle Motor vehicle Steering part Automotive design

After:

Motor vehicle Automotive design Plant Vehicle Automotive lighting

Vehicle Car Motor vehicle Automotive design Plant

The only thing that is odd is my Driver Information Display no longer shows the Compass direction like it did. I haven’t driven the Escape much more than a mile, and the instructions say to drive several miles to let the GPS get its bearings, so I will see what it does on the drive to work.

The backup camera shows the predictive lines as before, but the screen looks much nicer and has better contrast.

I should have done this years ago.

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Reactions: 1

ndccpf1

· #198 · 11 mo ago

Foxbat said:
Reviving an old thread, my 8-year old 2014.5 Escape Titanium 1.6 liter EcoBoost has been a great drive and the only thing that really bugged me about it was the MyFordTouch. I had customized the background, but I was willing to lose that to gain CarPlay. So for Father’s Day, my family treated me to the 4DTech upgrade.

The kit arrived today and it comes with everything you need in the box, except the tools. Fortunately, I have iFixit as well as some automotive trim tools, so popping off the top bezel was easier than I expected given some of the YouTube videos I watched. One thing I didn’t see mentioned was the front clip of the bezel won’t release until it’s been rotated 90°. Everything after that was pretty much by the book.

Before:
View attachment 81653

After:
View attachment 81654
View attachment 81655

The only thing that is odd is my Driver Information Display no longer shows the Compass direction like it did. I haven’t driven the Escape much more than a mile, and the instructions say to drive several miles to let the GPS get its bearings, so I will see what it does on the drive to work.

The backup camera shows the predictive lines as before, but the screen looks much nicer and has better contrast.

I should have done this years ago.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
About how long in total did it take you to install ??

Foxbat

· #199 · 11 mo ago

ndccpf1 said:
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
About how long in total did it take you to install ??

I had to stop when I needed to grab my 7mm socket driver from the basement, but I had everything back together in under 90 minutes. I was taking my time, following the instruction sheet from 4DTech. In retrospect I would have parked on a flatter surface as our driveway has a bit of a pitch and installing the GPS antenna under the windshield required a bit of an uphill battle.

I had also watched the videos from other people that had done the upgrade, plus the video that 4DTech published showing the Nav upgrade to a 2016+ Escape (same interior pieces) to get a feel for the project. The 2013-2019 Escapes are a breeze compared to the 2020+ models (I watched the screen upgrade on a 2020+ and it requires removing panels from the steering wheel to the passenger side, and most of the center panel panels to be able to get to the APIM.

After my drive to and from work yesterday, my Driver Info Display direction is still missing. I haven’t tried a battery reset yet, I was going to check with 4DTech to see if they have any suggestion. Also, I still have the original MyFord Touch screen to drop off at UPS and get the $50 credit.

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murcod

· #200 · 11 mo ago

There are quite a few sellers on AliExpress now, a while back (6-12mths) the full kit (programmed to suit your vehicle and with free map updates) was AUD$630. Now it's substantially more....

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