Hey, I have a 2016 Expedition with the 4" Sync 1 screen. I know I’ll need a conversion harness, the bezel, and the module/screen to upgrade to Sync 3 with the 8" screen. I found a module and screen for about $200 at a junkyard, and it seems to be working based on the pictures. The harnesses on eBay and Amazon look pretty universal. Does anyone know what kind of programming I’d need to do to get it up and running?
Honestly, I’d skip Sync altogether and go with a Sony or Pioneer unit that has Android Auto or Apple CarPlay. Sync is just not worth it.
Joss said:
Honestly, I’d skip Sync altogether and go with a Sony or Pioneer unit that has Android Auto or Apple CarPlay. Sync is just not worth it.
I haven’t been able to find a harness to replace Sync and hook up an aftermarket radio.
@Darian
Take it to a place like Tint World or a reputable car audio shop. They have the right equipment. Tint World did mine on a 2014 Limited, and they connected everything—headrest screens, rearview camera, even added a subwoofer with an amp. It can definitely be done.
@Joss
From what I’ve researched, replacing Sync 1, 2, or 3 units on 2015+ models isn’t straightforward because the radio and climate control modules communicate through the Sync system.
Darian said:
@Joss
From what I’ve researched, replacing Sync 1, 2, or 3 units on 2015+ models isn’t straightforward because the radio and climate control modules communicate through the Sync system.
I originally wanted to replace the Sync system too because mine doesn’t work properly. I’ve replaced a few Sync modules on Super Duty trucks before.
@Darian
Even Crutchfield doesn’t offer a kit for the 2016, but they do for the 2014.
Darian said:
@Joss
From what I’ve researched, replacing Sync 1, 2, or 3 units on 2015+ models isn’t straightforward because the radio and climate control modules communicate through the Sync system.
Some Sony radios come with climate control integration (iDatalink Maestro is what it’s called). I was looking into it but didn’t need it because my vehicle has standalone climate controls. Give them a call and ask!
If you’re trying to save some money, I upgraded my wife’s 2014 Explorer from MFT to Sync 3. It was pretty simple. I bought the kit from an eBay seller in China. I had to give them my VIN, and they sent everything pre-programmed. I just followed the instructions, and it worked perfectly, including the HVAC functions. Did this back in 2018, and it cost me about $700. Prices might have dropped since then. You’ll need to do some Forscan programming if you go with the junkyard route though.
@Tate
The kits for my vehicle are running between $1200-1300, and some go as high as $1800. I’m having trouble finding the right harnesses. I’ve used Forscan before, so I’m okay with a bit of programming. The main issue is there aren’t many spreadsheets for 2016 Expeditions.
@Darian
Prices sure went up. You might want to check out some F-150 forums. There are step-by-step guides, including the programming part, since it’s been done plenty of times on F-150s.
Tate said:
@Darian
Prices sure went up. You might want to check out some F-150 forums. There are step-by-step guides, including the programming part, since it’s been done plenty of times on F-150s.
I hope I can figure it out. Some kits include the ACM and HVAC modules, but others don’t, so I might be able to use my existing ones. I picked up a used module from a salvage yard yesterday, hooked it up, but it didn’t power on. It also wouldn’t communicate with my scan tool, so I think it was dead to begin with. Hoping they have another one for me on Monday.
I converted my 2015 F-150 from Sync 2 to Sync 3, and it’s one of the best upgrades I’ve done. Luckily, I already had the 8" screen, so I didn’t need to swap the bezel. Your bezel might be similar to the 12th-gen F-150 style.
I bought mine from Watson Tech (https://watson-tech.net/), and they sent everything pre-programmed, so it was plug-and-play.
Check out YouTube as well—there’s a ton of information on these kinds of conversions.
@Quincy
I think my bezel is different from the F-150, but I’ve got everything on the way now. I’ll update once I’ve got it installed.
Darian said:
@Quincy
I think my bezel is different from the F-150, but I’ve got everything on the way now. I’ll update once I’ve got it installed.
So far, I’m only in for $600 for everything.