When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
I recently bought a 2014 F-450 King Ranch with the Sync 2 in it. I immediately started looking for a software update for the Sync but the Ford site tells me there isn't one available and my truck was last updated in December of 2013. That can't seriously be right, can it? Surely there has been at least one software update since it's release? I had a Pioneer AVH-4200NEX in my 2002 F-250 and honestly, so far I liked it better. The only thing really holding me back on ripping the Sync out and putting the Pioneer in are the vehicle and climate settings available through the Sync but, I think I can get around all that with the Maesto so, if there really isn't a software update available, I'll probably go that route. I'd like to add a 2nd camera for gooseneck hookup anyway.
The SYNC system seems like they rarely updated their software/hardware. And when they did, it usually broke something. I had to backdate the last one on my 2011 because it broke some basic functionality with my iPhone. That message above is probably correct.
Updating older systems with features that are available on newer vehicles might make you decide to keep your vehicle a little longer instead of trading it. Why would they want to do that?
First off, you do not have the Sync3 setup that Ford has installed in the newer vehicles (some 2016 and all 2017 and newer). Your sync is Sync2 version 3.08 or version 3.10.
To upgrade your Sync2 to a late model Sync3 setup, you would need to spend upwards of $1200 to $1600 or more.
To add a 2nd camera, you would need to use a device called LockPick.
Updating older systems with features that are available on newer vehicles might make you decide to keep your vehicle a little longer instead of trading it. Why would they want to do that?
Yeah, people should have to trade in $70,000 trucks just to get a couple of new features, that seems like a good way to build customer loyalty.
First off, you do not have the Sync3 setup that Ford has installed in the newer vehicles (some 2016 and all 2017 and newer). Your sync is Sync2 version 3.08 or version 3.10.
To upgrade your Sync2 to a late model Sync3 setup, you would need to spend upwards of $1200 to $1600 or more.
To add a 2nd camera, you would need to use a device called LockPick.
j
Sorry, I corrected it. I'm not looking to upgrade to the most current hardware, I am astonished that they haven't released a software upgrade since 2013. If this is the latest software, I'm going to yank the head unit and go back with the Maestro and Pioneer head unit. $600 and a couple of hours will give me everything I want, I believe. The only thing I'm not 100% on right now is that it'll retain the heated/cooled seat controls as I don't have buttons for that since I have the upfitter switches. If I lose that though, I'll figure out a way to wire in buttons, honestly I'd prefer that anyway. I think they should have been buttons on the door with eh teh power window controls where they're easier to reach.
I think I'm going to go ahead and try a Sync 3 upgrade, I've done some research and believe I've identified all the parts except one. I still need to figure out how to program the APIM with the ABD but, I've got ForScan and know how to use it so I'm optimistic. Rather than buying an expensive plug and play setup, I did some research and hit eBay for the parts and got everything for $305.00, cheap enough that if it's all wrong or I screw it all up, it's not that big a deal. Here are the parts I got -
GB5T-14G371-BF - Sync 3 APIM module, I don't know if it's nav or non-nav but, I don't really care as I will be using Google Maps for Nav - $103.99
HC3Z-19A387-B - USB Carplay and Android Auto interface module (there's a bezel for this, I haven't found that part yet, I might have to go to the dealer for it) - $38.99
9C3Z14D202B - USB cable to connect APIM to interface module - $29.06
Last, a GPS antenna with a FAKRA connection, any of them will do - $7.95
If anyone happens to know the part number for the bezel to mount the interface module into, I would appreciate it. I'll update when I get this all in on how the install works out, hopefully it will be as easy as I think it will. Maybe once this is all done, this thread will be a helpful How To for others to follow, or I'll delete all my comments and start putting these together and reselling them for $1,000, still undercutting all the other options out there and maintaining a healthy 200% markup.
I wish there were separate general Super Duty forums for the different body styles, I doubt any of what I'm doing is of any interest to anyone with a pre-2011 or so truck.
