I have a new to me 2013 Expedition XLT -EL, It is equipped with synk1, satellite radio, steering radio controls, backup camera in the mirror, a single disk CD player. I have been researching this for more time than I would like to admit. I have come to the conclusion I will need and have found a 2013 expedition Navigation unit that matches what would have come in this model. (DL1T-18K931-AC) As I assume this is a direct match and will only posable need a Sattelite antenna splitter for the GPS unit to work, or just it's own GPS antenna, and the obd reprogramming to get the backup camera to work in nav unit?

The upgrade nav unit is said to come with the donors VIN number to aid in codes when installing. Code installation/programming I feel is within my ability but would like someone that has done it before for tips.
I am about to get this nave system but I read so much about brick kits, amp issues, and many other silly issues that come up during an upgrade to a Nav unit. Anyone with experience would be appreciated. The newer models are different than the older ones, in some ways easier to do this type of upgrade but I see too many that have got bit in not doing their homework. So any aid on a 2013 upgrade is needed. Not saying much of an older model Gps nav system is ok, but the correct 2013 is most important to me.

Than you in advance,

I love my Expe this is my second one.

 

Someone must have tried this?

 

 

Thank you alwaysfords; I believe the most important step is to get the exact Nav that was made for the year of car it is going into. As well as the truck or SUV already have the peripherals installed. (camera, in wheel radio controls, Serus antenna, correct sync version. The camera issues so I have read. Is many times fixed with a specially made cable and an OBD2 plugin reprogramming of the sync controller. Last being, of course, the security codes that will be needed from the Dealer.

In a proprietary system, there are always changes and different versions. But I would not believe the same model nav unit made for the specified year and model should work. The Expedition Nav unit I am looking at is only made for the 2013 expedition, E150, E250, E350 van only.

 

Changed mine out a few years ago. Standard OEM 6 CD changer unit to OEM touch screen Nav head unit that came as an option in 07. It was a BIG surprise, that I needed the unit reprogrammed for my specific vehicle. Had to send it to United Radio in Syracuse with the VIN to be programmed, then add a separate Nav antennae on the dash. Worked fine, following the proper programming.

 

Have you looked into going with an aftermarket unit? There has to be something better out there than this old sync system. I have a 2013 Limited Expedition and I prefer Waze or Google Maps over the Ford navigation. For that matter, a lot of phones are the same size as the old sync screen these days.

 

Totally understand your point of view. I have vision issues with smaller screens, a great GPS handheld, great smartphones as well. this 2013 screen will do just fine. We have traveled a lot in recent years and plan to do more. On long trips and expecting one single device to do a multitude of things have left us sitting on the side of the road more than once. At 70 miles per hour, how much can anyone device calculate all this data? A restaurant, next gas stop, next turn, and the hotel.

I know sync I is old, slow and not cutting edge. In all my years putting all your eggs in one basket is a recipe for disaster. We will do just fine till the cell-phone is missing or stolen, or broke 1000 miles from home. Is basically what I am addressing. I have used Waze for many years. but it is not a substituted for something designed to just map your course.

JHedric; that is exactly what I am trying to address. From what I understand this Nav system is specific to my Expedition. Question, was you nav system a transplant from the same year and model? All I hope for is to be hoping for is to be an informed buyer.

 

dhardin53,

It was not. But I was told that the programming is VIN specific to function properly with the specific ODBII.

 

Thanks again JHedrick. Now I am getting answers. Not that I feel confident it will go easy at all. That is very true I am sure, the 2013 Expedition Nav systems only work with that year's big box vans and expedition. This I know, Just those specific group. Now is VIN specific meaning every expedition going down the manufacturing line has a different program for that vehicle. Or all manufactured within a small group or subgroup. (expeditions without nave systems) To my point, the car is not programmed either way. with or without Nav it is all in the Nav unit. With that logic, a donner Nav system matching within that certain group and subgroup should be mostly plug and play.

Anyway, I guess I will waste my time and go to Ford today and ask some question. I feel I know enough to ask a intelligent question. I went to another dealership and the service manager told me to talk to the salesman, I when in to see him and he was happy I was looking to buy a new expedition. lol
I have till January for our next big trip.

 

https://aertech.com/

This is the company that the Ford dealers in my area use for warranty and regular work on factory Navigation radios. They may be a great resource for your project and I think they can answer all of your questions.
I have had a few Ford factory radios repaired there and am satisfied with their work and prices.
My area is Los Angeles and Orange county in Southern California.
Richard

 

I talked to my local Ford service manager today. I got some better info. Not all but some. He said it will need an extra module as he called it. This he was confident about. As I quizzed him more he was very helpful.
Long story short, I have come to the conclusion the Nav unit radio output has NO amplifier in it. There would be to much heat built up in the Nav/radio as one unit. so the module as he called it is basically the stereo output amp mounted under the steering wheel. I have read somewhere they called the brick kit comes with an amp. So I feel confident I will need a brick kit. So a brick kit and to OBD2 upgrade for the rearview mirror transfer looks like an addition $650 or more. Bummer this is getting to a cost I don't know if is justifiable.

 

I think the Nav radio uses a woofer speaker. It would be located in the right rear quarter panel.
My 2007 Navigator has the THX navigation radio. Mine does not have the backup camera. I've never had any work done on it so I don't know a lot about it other than it has a great sound.
Richard