How much effort will upgrade my Ford audio system take?
October 28, 2018 10:50 AM Subscribe
I have a 2015 Ford Fusion Titanium with MyFord Touch SYNC2 installed. Everything that I've been able to find online suggests that: 1) the purchasable navigation piece for this software is discontinued. 2) There are no available "official" upgrades to the service - there is a SYNC3, but no option to upgrade to it. 3) Ford has kinda washed its hands of the whole thing. So now I want a system that will allow me to use Android Auto. What do?
At the time, I was able to purchase the online navigation package, but chose not to, since I was already getting navigation for free via my Android phone. But now I want the navigation on the screen instead of just audio from the phone. Attempting to go ahead and make that purchase resulted in a message that the service was discontinued. The SYNC2 software, to be frank, sucks, and I'd like something a little bit better. Or a lot better.
Research online shows a lot of DIY solutions, things like "download this file package from this Russian website and then get under the hood." I can barely put gas in my car without breaking something; I don't have the skillset to do anything like this. So what options do I have? I'd prefer to keep the existing touchscreen and physical characteristic intact, and just replace the software. Do car audio places in big-box stores have solutions to something like this, or is there a better course of action to take here?
Thanks all!
At the time, I was able to purchase the online navigation package, but chose not to, since I was already getting navigation for free via my Android phone. But now I want the navigation on the screen instead of just audio from the phone. Attempting to go ahead and make that purchase resulted in a message that the service was discontinued. The SYNC2 software, to be frank, sucks, and I'd like something a little bit better. Or a lot better.
Research online shows a lot of DIY solutions, things like "download this file package from this Russian website and then get under the hood." I can barely put gas in my car without breaking something; I don't have the skillset to do anything like this. So what options do I have? I'd prefer to keep the existing touchscreen and physical characteristic intact, and just replace the software. Do car audio places in big-box stores have solutions to something like this, or is there a better course of action to take here?
Thanks all!
On reddits ford fusion page I have heard of people buying sync 3 dashes from newer wrecked fusions and putting them in non sync 3 fusions. It sounds like a pain in the ass.
I have an '11 fusion. Have you considered a CD mount or air vent mount for your phone? Brings the phone within arm reach, with Waze using the phone speakers that's my solution.
posted by TheAdamist at 4:36 PM on October 28, 2018
I have an '11 fusion. Have you considered a CD mount or air vent mount for your phone? Brings the phone within arm reach, with Waze using the phone speakers that's my solution.
posted by TheAdamist at 4:36 PM on October 28, 2018
I have a 2014 FFE with SYNC 2 Navigation, and I'll tell you, it's not really worth spending any time or money to upgrade to. The nav interface is even slower and more sluggish than the rest of the system, and doesn't even hold a candle to Android navigation.
The thing is, there's not really other options. The SYNC 3 upgrades are technically possible, but are super-expensive hardware upgrades that involve custom programming and a lot of hackish hardware replacement. Third party head units aren't really an option either, because so much of the car is controlled through SYNC - you would lose access to the car configuration options, climate controls, etc. (Not to mention, Crutchfield shows *no* head units with adequate compatibility for the Fusion.)
What I did is buy the ProClip Angled Dash Mount and a custom phone holder. A little pricy, but it keeps your phone stable in a great and unobtrusive location near the screen that's perfect not only for glancing at the map but also keeping your phone charged without a charging cable running up your dashboard.
posted by eschatfische at 8:56 AM on October 29, 2018
The thing is, there's not really other options. The SYNC 3 upgrades are technically possible, but are super-expensive hardware upgrades that involve custom programming and a lot of hackish hardware replacement. Third party head units aren't really an option either, because so much of the car is controlled through SYNC - you would lose access to the car configuration options, climate controls, etc. (Not to mention, Crutchfield shows *no* head units with adequate compatibility for the Fusion.)
What I did is buy the ProClip Angled Dash Mount and a custom phone holder. A little pricy, but it keeps your phone stable in a great and unobtrusive location near the screen that's perfect not only for glancing at the map but also keeping your phone charged without a charging cable running up your dashboard.
posted by eschatfische at 8:56 AM on October 29, 2018
Response by poster: *sigh* I was afraid of that. Seems like Ford locked people like me into an ecosystem, and then gave up on that ecosystem.
I DO have a Pixel 3 XL coming tomorrow, so maybe the dash/vent mouth will do the trick when I need navigation.
Thanks, all!
posted by Golfhaus at 7:18 PM on October 30, 2018
I DO have a Pixel 3 XL coming tomorrow, so maybe the dash/vent mouth will do the trick when I need navigation.
Thanks, all!
posted by Golfhaus at 7:18 PM on October 30, 2018
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Questions like this can often be solved by seeing what Crutchfield is selling for your car, though I suspect their answer will be to replace the entire unit. Might be worth giving them a call to speak to a person, as well.
posted by Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug at 3:54 PM on October 28, 2018