My 2016 F-350 Super Duty has Sync 2 w/Navigation, with Ford making the decision to discontinue Sync Services next year I am thinking about upgrading from Sync 2 to Sync 3. The cost for the upgrade kit is about $2,100.
I know it is quite a large expense, but from what I am reading Sync 3 offers quite a few improvements over sync 2.
Looking for some feedback from members that currently have Sync 3, is it worth the cost.

 

I had Sync 2 in my 2013 Taurus SHO, and Sync 3 in the 2016 that replaced it. It's an improvement, yes. IMO, not worth $2100. You might want to consider an aftermarket stereo/nav system instead.

I held out for the 2016 Taurus for the Sync 3 instead of taking a left over 2015. But it didn't cost me any extra, so for that, it was a wash.

"Sync services" is just the part where you can call in and talk to a computer and ask for directions to a Point-of-Interest, plus a few other things.Sync 3 doesn't have that to begin with, BUT - it does have a lot of POI's in-memory. I can ask it for the closest Home Depot, for example.

Sync 3 is a lot faster in responding to voice commands too. And hasn't rebooted for no reason

Personal choice, $2100 is a LOT.

 

I agree $2,100 is a lot, but I have had to do a factory reset 3 times since owning the truck (02/16) and of course lose all my favorites in Navigation, Etc. Kind of frustrating. It has the latest updates (only one 02/16) and all the dealer can offer is when functionality is lost the only cure is the "Factory Reset" So I am left with 3 alternatives:
1. Upgrade $2,100
2. Buy a new F-350 $70,000+ thousand dollars.
3. Do nothing and live with the issue(s) of Sync 2.

Still torn as to my next course of action.

 

I'm assuming $2100 is brand-new parts? Are parts available from salvage?

 

Yes, Brand New OEM Ford Parts. That also includes programming to my original truck options, external controls, Backup Camera, Sirus subscription change-over, Etc.
Basically a Pug & Play setup.

Have not investigated the Used/salvage route, but from what I am reading the OEM unit must be programed to your specific vehicle in order to activate certain features.

 

I have to say I'm disappointed in Sync 3 in my '17 F150. I had an '08 with only an Aux. Line In to connect my phone and it was way easier to use. The android auto app required to get full functionally is cumbersome and totally changes the sync system layout for all the buttons. Maybe Apple carplay is better.

 

From experience on multiple models the 2013+ Taurus trading to aftermarket is next to impossible. I upgraded everything on my 2013 that was possible EXCEPT for the APIM and head unit. I did speakers, added a Kenwood combination AMP/SUB but the physical head unit and APIM were factory. Truth be known at least with my scenario was the 2013+ Taurus the stereo system itself was pretty decent. The weak link in the system were the cheap $5.99 factory speakers. Even when I moved up to my 2014 SHO with the SONY system the speakers were weak....better but still weak. For that I replaced ALL speakers including the rear parcel shelf and the center instrument panel ones with Kenwood speakers for the doors and shelf and Kickers for the rear shelf centers and center instrument panel Kickers. The AMP and SUB are of course a major improvement but just changing the speakers out was a VERY GOOD head start towards sound improvement. Different model vehicle but same scenario, try starting with the speakers.

 

I ordered the SYNC3 upgrade kit yes I am not thrilled about the $2100 price but it is what it is. I actually like the factory look and hopefully the factory stereo system has been slowly improved over the years for all models.

 

curious how you like the upgrade? Did you purchase it from Ford or 4dtech direct?

 

To be honest I probably wouldn’t do it again.

easy to install and transfer over but probably not worth the $2100. Non nav models are cheaper!!

i got mine from 4DDirect and the cheesy $50 core they were giving for the old MFT screen was weak considering you were paying over $2000.

There was a major problem after that as of the time and apparently still a problem of the audio randomly defaulting to AM Stereo. Who’s is usually the band with nothing (empty Frequency) so you get to listen to static when first starting the vehicle. Resets didn’t work, FORD Sync IVT knew about the problem but still ciuofind a fix after several months. You can get map updates unless they release them which is very infrequent. Example my 2018 Explorer had a 2016 map database. Even when the MAP update was finally relented in late 2019 the data base was Jan 2018....very unacceptable for almost 2020. I have not seen any recently but I suspect the 2020 models are still running the 2018 map update.

yes the MFT NAV update SD cards were pricey but you at least had the option of updating every year not wait two years plus.

I personally would save the money and put it into something else...stereo upgrade maybe?

when the SYNC3 worked it worked quick and detailed. A little bit easier interface than MFT. But not that much. Most of the frequently used parts of the MFT that I worked with regularly are still available and work about the same...(NAV Traffic, Weather radar overlay, enroute fuel prices, USB etc.......you lose the AUX input and I believe that was before Apple Car Play/Android Auto came mainstream for Ford. So not available.

Save the money and either live with regular MFT or trade to newer models.

Sorry, recent transaction with local dealer have definitely RE-thinking another FMC purchase so I may be biased in my views. The problems with my SYNC3 were prior to the recent problems with local dealer.

Maybe they finally figured out the audio source select problem but I traded as part of a two car trade on my Explorer.

Technology, comfort, styling and equipment my 2015 Expedition was pretty nice but the Audi source was a fairly major deal since it should have been fixed much earlier. I have not had the audio source problem with my 18 Explorer but the lack of frequent software and NAV map database updates is fairly significant for me since I actually like using factory NAV instead of having a portable GPS cluttering the dashboard.