So, I've had my 2018 F350 Lariat for about 8 months now. The Sync system in it is nice. I like the way it sounds. I love the functions it has... when it works...

Problem is, I rarely listen to the radio anymore. I NEVER use sattelite radio. 99.9% of the time, I'm streaming through my phone youtube music. IF I'm out of cell data area, I have a USB drive about the size of my thumb that holds 64GB of .mp3s. My bluetooth from my phone to my headunit USUALLY works fine. If I'm out of town and want to use my google maps instead of the crap map on the sync system, I plug my phone into the USB in my console and initiate android auto and use the maps from my cell phone.

Well, it's all find and dandy... if/when it works... 90% of the time, once I plug my phone in, my sync takes a **** on me. Functions become random. And the system will self power off after about 5 seconds or so of use. Frustrating doesn't describe it nearly enough. I HATE my stereo when it doesn't work right. SO MUCH SO... I actually punched my screen several months back. It was working flawlessly after that. USB thumb drive removed... and not using the USB/Android Auto. Well, I went to a new town and needed my maps... My phone lays flat in my console since I don't have a fancy schmancy phone holder on my dash... so I plugged in my android auto and used that map. Since then, my stereo is on the fritz again... This time... I didn't just punch it...

My priorities have changed and replacing my stereo is now higher on my list then I originally wanted it to be. The Linkswell 13.1" screen seems like a fine upgrade. However, I'm not excited about some of the functions they haven't "fixed" yet. I wouldn't mind a factory replacement. Unfortunately, I don't know where to start looking for one. Been on crutchfield.com and they are sold out of everything. Ebay has a bunch of sync systems. But, they are VIN specific. I'm not sure what that means... if someone else has upgraded, will their take out unit work in my truck? Or, am I stuck with going aftermarket?

I'm a little more than somewhat interested in the Linkswell system. I don't like the idea of losing my *****. (don't laugh... I like my ***** for quick access to volume control, temp control etc...) I think the implementation looks pretty good from the pics I've seen. I guess what I'm considering now is.... is there a factory replacement option? What aftermarket options have y'all used? Pics? Likes/Dislikes? Any loss in sound by switching head units?

Thanks in advance...

 

Unfortunately, this isn't one of the "just replace the head unit" things. The OEM system has a lot of things running through it (chimes, warnings, nav) and at the Lariat level, you should also have some climate control, security, and cameras. Going after-market is a big step taking everything in to consideration. Replacing the head unit will require some kind of integration and most mean that you will give up voice commands and maybe climate functions. Can it be done, absolutely. Is it easy and cheap? Absolutely NOT.

I've done several 17-21 installs and always used the OEM head. Once you replace that, you are locked on the money path: head, amp, speakers, in-depth install for GPS or Sat radio, cameras, etc. It can free you from the Ford SYNC but it aint easy and it sure isn't cheap.

It does sound like you need a new APIM but this is one I'd leave to the dealer unless you want to take on the above or using FORSCAN.

P.S. No one I've ever talked to on this subject was OK with just replacing the head unit.

 

Actually replacing it with an aftermarket unit is fairly simple and can be done with a real nice HU for under a grand. And with the metra rr you retain all stock functions and get lots of other items like engine temps engine code scanning and clearing. The sync 3 is nice but offerings from say pioneer and alpine are much better.

 

I agree with Karl. It can be done for under $1k and retain all functions.

https://www.idatalinkmaestro.com/en/...ts/maestro-rr2

I liked the Kenwood best out of JVC, Sony, Pioneer, Alpine (2nd choice). As you mentioned though, head units are hard to find in these times.

 

This is a common and well known problem with the SYNC 3 system.
All you need is a new APIM.

The APIM is the brains of the SYNC 3 system and the module is attached to the back of the 8 inch SYNC 3 screen.
Just Google SNYC 3 APIM replacement.

There are vendors that sell them and they will program it for you with your VIN# and ship it to you to install.

Remember with the Linkswell head unit, you have to constantly be hooked up to your phone or WiFi to use all of it’s features.

A new APIM will be cheaper than a new aftermarket head unit.

 

Thank you all for your input.

I been searching "fordparts.com". Super ****ty site. Have to insert your vehicle info for every dealership you want to search. Instead of having a master database and a list of dealerships that have the item... or a shipping option for it...

I did find replacement apims on both ebay and amazon. I need the screen as well since it took the brunt of the attack (LOL!!!). I'm looking at $800 for the factory replacement apim and screen or $1200 for the Linkswell. Anyone here have Linkswell? Have any complaints about it?

 

The only reason to search different dealership's on that site would be to price compare I guess? Shipping is free. In general that site isn't great for finding the best price, most sell at MSRP through the site. I haven't experienced that problem of having to put the vehicle info in for every dealership searched. It keeps whatever vehicle info I put in even when I change dealerships.

One of the two dealerships that are local to me participates in sales through that site, and used to actually have discounted prices. Now they are priced at MSRP on everything.

 

I had to select each individual dealership to search for the part. None of the locals have it in stock. I wanted to do a generic search for the part to get a price and have it shipped to me directly from Ford instead of using ebay or amazon to find the parts. Maybe I'm using the web site all wrong???

 

You don’t need a screen only APIM.

 

I think somewhere in this thread it's hinted at that he may have smacked the screen and broke it out of frustration.

 

That is true, each dealership has to be selected individually, I don't however find that my vehicle info needs to be re-entered each time another dealership is selected. I suppose if you are in an area where you have a bunch of dealerships within driving distance, having to check them individually could be a pain. I only have one nearby that participates in sales through Parts.Ford.Com but have selected others to see how price compared. That's all that site does, it facilitates sales through various dealership's who qualify to participate. A revenue tool for the dealerships. I don't see it as an in stock parts search tool.

Unless you wanted to pick it up from the dealer as soon as possible, like today, not having the part in stock isn't a big deal. As long as the item is not on back order, is available at one of the warehouse locations, it will ship to you regardless of which dealer you select. Or ship to your dealer of choice if preferred.

Have you checked the go to dealers like Fairway Ford, or Tasca (beware of shipping charges)? They are known to have discounted pricing on Ford parts and are actual Ford dealerships.

 

LOL.. I wish I had known that before I put my Ka-Bar through my screen... LMFAO!!!

(NO It wasn't in anger... more "frustration" than anything!!!)

 

LOL!!! Yep... It wasn't out of anger... i was planning on doing a swap eventually... in my mind... that action just raised my need to get it done sooner than later.

 

I haven't. Never heard of either one. There are about 6-7 dealerships in my area. 3 in town plus a few "extended area" that show up.

 

So I couldn't find another thread that actually has addressed the question I'm about to ask. Has anyone upgraded their sync to sync 3 (the 4"screen to the 8"screen) I've looked at a lot of the after market tablet screens as mentioned and the tesla style, I like OEM and as I read I like my ***** too. I know they have kits you can get from places like www.infotainment.com and www.4dtech.com. What I'm wondering if anyone has done it purchasing all the parts individually and had any success, the kits range from $1295 to $2300 for everything preprogrammed and all.