2020 Sync 3 screen brightness slider grayed out
Thread Starter
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5th Wheeling
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 45
Likes: 1
From: Crosby, ND
2020 Sync 3 screen brightness slider grayed out
I just bought a 2020 F-350 Platinum, and the 8" Sync 3 screen is so bright during even the day time it is distracting. I have gone through the settings found the “auto, day, night” settings and I can turn it to night mode during the day, and that does dim the screen some. I found the screen brightness slider, but it is grayed out and unusable. This makes the day mode completely unusable. I’ve taken it to the dealership, and they said all of them are that way. Does anyone know if this defect is across the board? I even had a chat with Ford on facebook, but basically all I got from them is; we don’t care oh well. We are not going to even look into the problem. Does anyone have any idea on how to fix the brightness control? Thank you all for any suggestion/ help you can give.
Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 5,650
Likes: 243
From: GA
I just bought a 2020 F-350 Platinum, and the 8" Sync 3 screen is so bright during even the day time it is distracting. I have gone through the settings found the “auto, day, night” settings and I can turn it to night mode during the day, and that does dim the screen some. I found the screen brightness slider, but it is grayed out and unusable. This makes the day mode completely unusable. I’ve taken it to the dealership, and they said all of them are that way. Does anyone know if this defect is across the board? I even had a chat with Ford on facebook, but basically all I got from them is; we don’t care oh well. We are not going to even look into the problem. Does anyone have any idea on how to fix the brightness control? Thank you all for any suggestion/ help you can give.
With that being said, have you tried a Master Reset of the SYNC 3 system?
Do you know how to do this?
Do you use Apple CarPlay or Android Auto and if so, are you still having the same problems?
Thread Starter
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5th Wheeling
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 45
Likes: 1
From: Crosby, ND
Yes, I did a master reset. No I have not used android auto, I don't know what that is. The service manger at the dealership said that all the new ones did the same thing. I'm starting to think it is a software defect.
Thread Starter
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5th Wheeling
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 45
Likes: 1
From: Crosby, ND
Oh, so it is a defect, During the day in auto of day mode it is way to bright, In night mode if I have everything dimmed as far as it will go, it is ok, still a little bright but ok. I'm a pilot and I do not like my night vision diminished in any way.
Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 5,650
Likes: 243
From: GA
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is an interface that takes the place of the stock SYNC 3 interface on the center stack.
All you have to do is plug your cell phone into the USB slot below your radio and like magic, you’ll get a new screen.
If you have an iPhone or an Android smart phone, just plug it in.
It might improve your what you’re seeing now because of the new interface.
Do you use navigation on your phone?
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 1,655
Likes: 698
Just wondering, is the brightness slider greyed out because it is in "auto" mode? I haven't tried this so have no idea. Just guessing.
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Thread Starter
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5th Wheeling
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 45
Likes: 1
From: Crosby, ND
Very interesting.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is an interface that takes the place of the stock SYNC 3 interface on the center stack.
All you have to do is plug your cell phone into the USB slot below your radio and like magic, you’ll get a new screen.
If you have an iPhone or an Android smart phone, just plug it in.
It might improve your what you’re seeing now because of the new interface.
Do you use navigation on your phone?
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is an interface that takes the place of the stock SYNC 3 interface on the center stack.
All you have to do is plug your cell phone into the USB slot below your radio and like magic, you’ll get a new screen.
If you have an iPhone or an Android smart phone, just plug it in.
It might improve your what you’re seeing now because of the new interface.
Do you use navigation on your phone?
Thank you!
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Thread Starter
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5th Wheeling
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 45
Likes: 1
From: Crosby, ND
Well, to answer your question no it is grayed out in auto, day and night mode, I think it will work in night mode with the headlight on, but not sure.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 26,007
Likes: 575
From: Brentwood,CA
Sounds like you would benefit from the other versions of Sync 3 themes. I have mine set to Ford GT and its dark blue in the day and black and white at night. The brightness slider does work with the headlights on. The Lincoln theme is also nice but hard for me to see in the day.
You can play with all of them using the diagnostic mode and then use forscan to set it permanently.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...-software.html
You can play with all of them using the diagnostic mode and then use forscan to set it permanently.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...-software.html
Thread Starter
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5th Wheeling
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 45
Likes: 1
From: Crosby, ND
Thank you!
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 26,007
Likes: 575
From: Brentwood,CA
Thread Starter
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5th Wheeling
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 45
Likes: 1
From: Crosby, ND
Press "Next Track" button on stirring wheel controls and "Next Track" under the infotainment screen at the same time for about 10 seconds. A Speaker Test will start. Press End Test. Then a menu will pop up. If you select "Enable Test Settings" this hidden menu will now be a choice on your normal settings menu. Test settings is where you can view all the information on the Sync and temporarily adjust the screen theme. You will need forscan to set it permanently.
Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 5,650
Likes: 243
From: GA
After you plug your phone in, you might have to go into the settings menu and tap Android Auto.
Let us know if you have problems.