My 2019 XL w/101A pkg has Sync (not Sync 3) and does not have satellite radio. What purpose does this antenna on the roof serve?

 

Do you have the telematics equipment tracking system?

 

Having no solid information, I’d bet that cap fills the empty hole in the cab roof where the satellite antenna normally goes. They probably sell many more with the antenna than without, and if so, then it’s cheaper to put the hole in all cab roofs when stamping, and then plug the hole if unused. It also makes the satellite radio dealer installable.

 

I had to look up what that is. To the best of my knowledge, I do not have a tracking system and wouldn't be very happy if that's what it is.

 

That makes sense.

 

That looks like the antenna for SiriusXM.

If that’s what it is, and the way to check is to see if the connector from the wire is behind the radio and if it’s there but not connected, that’s a good thing.

 

+1

That is the satellite antenna for SiriusXM.

 

Yes, the early type Sirius antenna. my 2015 had that. my 2018 and Edge 2018 both have the shark fin. I think they have less fade out as well.
TJ

 

That antenna is for the Sync system, even base sync system uses GPS. This can be checked in the diagnostics mode. Take note there is three different antennas used in 2019 depending on configuration.

 

Thanks for the info. I wonder why it would have a GPS antenna if there is no navigation system. You mention a diagnostics mode that I'm not yet familiar with. Is it a diagnostics mode for Sync of the entire vehicle?

 

All these trucks have GPS, doesn't mean they have navigation. The GPS is tied to a host of information that is shared with 911 assist, Ford and the FordPass app.





Display Selection Diagnostic Function Description On Demand Self Test The ACM carries out a self-test. At the end of the self-test, the display either indicates "Test Passed" or lists any DTCs present. Note that the self-test may not indicate all DTCs that are present. If DTCs are suspected, retrieve continuous and on-demand DTCs using the scan tool. View DTCs The ACM or FDIM displays any DTCs that are present. If there is more than a full screen of DTCs present, to scroll through the DTCs, press the down arrow on the display. If no DTCs are present, the display reads NO DTCS. Press the "Clear DTCs" selection to clear any DTCs present. Configuration Status The display shows the ACM configuration. A "0" indicates the item is configured off, while a "1" indicates the item is configured on. If the ACM appears to be misconfigured, refer to Section 418-01. System Info The ACM or FDIM displays system information for various components of the audio system. The following items are most important for servicing the audio system:

• Nav Radio Part Number — provides the ACM part number
• ESN1 — provides the satellite radio Electronic Serial Number (ESN)

GPS Info The current Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite information is shown, along with the current vehicle position. Pressing the "SV Status" selection provides additional information, if present. Speaker Walk Test The ACM carries out the speaker walk test. DVD Mechanism Test The ACM tests the internal CD/DVD drive mechanism. Display Test This test provides for testing of the touchscreen colors and the touchscreen sectors. Pressing any of the colors on the display causes the whole display to change to that color; pressing the display again returns to the Display Test menu. Pressing the "Touchscreen Activation Test" selection enters the touchscreen sector test. Press any area of the screen to test the touchscreen sector; press the "X" at the RH lower corner of the display to return to the Display Test menu. Hardkey Test This test provides for testing of the ACM buttons (not the touchscreen). When each button is pressed, the screen displays the button that is active. This test can also be used to isolate a stuck button. Radio Signal Strength The ACM or FDIM displays the AM/FM antenna signal strength. To run this test, the audio system should be in AM radio tuner mode before entering the ACM self-diagnostic mode. HDD Test The ACM tests its internal hard drive. Sensor I/O Status The ACM displays inputs it is receiving from external sources. These inputs include:

• Ignition — indicates ON (ignition in ACC or RUN) or OFF
• Brake — indicates ON (vehicle in PARK) or OFF (vehicle not in PARK)
• Illumination — indicates ON or OFF
• ReverseGear — indicates ON (vehicle in REVERSE) or OFF (vehicle not in REVERSE)

Microphone Test The ACM tests the microphone by supplying a test tone and monitoring the input from the microphone. If there is a concern with the microphone input, the ACM sets DTC B1D79:01. For diagnostics, refer to Diagnosis and Testing in this section. SDARS Signal Strength The ACM or FDIM displays the satellite radio antenna signal strength.

1. The following tests are available through the "BEZEL DIAGNOSTICS" menu:
   

1. To exit the self-diagnostic mode, press the "Exit Diagnostics" selection from the "BEZEL DIAGNOSTICS" menu.

 

Maybe it has both the SiriusXM antenna and the GPS antenna? If it is only the GPS antenna, then where is the SiriusXM antenna?

Reason I ask is because a previous truck ('05 Tundra) I had also had a SiriusXM antenna that was similar.

 

According to this vid, the antenna is satellite antenna if you have satellite radio installed. If you don't, the antenna is just for gps. But, they look the same.