First let me appologize for the length of this post. I just wanted to provide as much information as possible both to hopefully help others and to get the best results for my own needs.

I originally found this forum and more specifically a post by member hndacr when searching the web for information on the Clarion\Xanavi nav system installed in 09 and newer Fords. In the thread I found (located here https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/9...ch-screen.html) hndacr said that he worked for Clarion and had some knowlege of these systems. I tried responding to that thread and also leaving a visitor message for hndacr but have not gotten any response back. I am not familiar with these "visitor messages" (other forums I frequent use private messages...maybe the same thing??) and do not know whether or not hndacr would be notified that he had received the message so I am creating this thread in the hope that hndacr or someone who is able to contact him or someone else with similar knowledge sees this posts and responds.

So here is my situation:
I have installed the newer harddrive based Clarion\Xanavi nav system in my 2008 King Ranch Super Duty. The system I installed came from a 2010 Super Duty which was equipped similar to my truck. I currently have the nav system, Sirius (including travel link), backup camera and voice control working. I have tried talking with Ford techs at my local Ford dealer and engineers at United Radio (the outfit picked by Ford\Clarion to provide support for this system) but am not finding anyone who knows much information and\or is willing to share.

So far all I am getting from Ford techs is what I assume is the "company line"...that being…"this system cannot be made to work in your truck". I know this to be untrue…as I say I already have a significant portion of the system working. On the other end of the problem is the engineers at United Radio, they simply say they cannot discuss features of the system due to contractual agreements with Ford.

What I have been able to learn thus far:
I realize that before any of the features of this system can be used they must be turned on in the unit itself. The Voice control/recognition and backup camera features were already enabled in my unit when I got it. However APIM (Sync) was not. From my research to date it appears as though the features of this system are turned on or off (enabled/disabled) by uploading a single hexadecimal value to the unit. This single hexadecimal value has all the individual setting values “packed” into it. This hex value can be uploaded by the techs at the local dealership using a software program (called IDS) running on a laptop which is connected to the vehicles OBDII port via a communications module (VCM). The tech would first use the software to generate the hexadecimal value based on entering a VIN number. The generated hexadecimal value then represents the settings appropriate for the vehicle represented by that VIN. Obviously this technique won’t work for my application since entering the VIN of my truck would simply produce an error (no 2008 was equipped with this system). The problem is worsened by the fact that nobody seems to know (or, again, is willing to share) how the individual settings are packed into that single hex value…meaning that the tech cannot manually create a value and upload it. The other option for enabling features is to send the unit off to be “bench programmed”. From all I have been able to learn, there are only two outfits in the US currently authorized to do this bench programming. One is United Radio, (I am not sure who the other outfit is) I believe that they are in fact able to manually build the hex value turning on/off any options desired. Unfortunately it seems that they are contractually prevented from doing this for end users…the only way they will accept a unit for programming is to have a Ford dealer send it to them. This is problematic for a couple of reasons. First, I have found my local Ford dealer reluctant to be the middle-man in this transaction. Second, even if the dealer was willing to do it, since I cannot talk directly to the folks at United Radio (who would presumably know something about the systems features) I cannot get a straight answer as to what features might be able to be made to work in my truck. Or what features can be used together vs which ones are mutually exclusive. Or what settings must be enabled/defined together in order for a particular feature to work.

I have many questions about what features of this system can be used on my truck. For example, I know the system has the ability to control the automatic dual zone climate control via voice commands in some vehicles. My truck has the automatic dual zone climate control...would it be possible to wire this feature up to work up in my truck? Additionally, from studying the wiring diagram for my truck and the wiring diagram for a 2010 it appears as though it should be possible to hook up the Sync system. However what I cannot tell from wiring diagrams is whether or not there would be any special programming of either the Sync module or the nav system itself (beyond the obvious of having the APIM setting turned on) required.

I also have questions regarding what features can used together. For instance is it possible to turn the "Aux Jack" feature and the "APIM" feature on at the same time or does having the APIM (Sync) turned on automatically force the Aux Jack off since Sync would be providing the Aux Jack feature when APIM is on? Also I currently have the system hooked up to the standard amp however I have the Sony amp (out of a 09 Edge). Can I connect this amp? If I do install this amp, will I then be able to use some of the more advanced DSP features of the system (ie. 5.1)? <O

Thanks,<O
Steve

 

I though best buy was teaming up with Ford to help customers get thru some of this. Have you spoken with the local store if one is in your area?

I might be wrong, it may just be the my sync stuff.

 

Yes BestBuy is the "Go To" place for Sync. Unforntunately not for the headunit itself.

 

So I had my brother in the truck the other day and he was literaly blown away by how well this Clarion system works. He asked if I knew if there was an aftermarket model with the same features. I told him I did not know...does anyone else?

Thanks,
Steve

 

Here I am!!!! Wow that is a lot of questions in one post. I will start at the beginning. First, the 09+ HD based navi was never intended for your 08 truck. That being said, it can be done. For you to even be this far, I assume you have already installed the wiring harness jumper and external 4 channel amp. Clarion makes two navi systems for Ford...one is considered centerstack which has a seperate 8" touch screen (i.e 09+ F150, MKS, Flex, etc). Then there is what is often referred to as a brick which has an integrated 6.5" touchscreen....this is what you have. You can not control your climate with the brick that you have. The system that the F150 has climate control buttons on the navi/radio electronic finish panel. SYNC should be able to be turned on via software. The SYNC module simply interfaces with the navi HMI. If your truck has SYNC from the factory, it can work with your new navi. Once this is done, your voice button on the steering wheel control will allow voice rec for SYNC as well as navi. If you have SYNC, you will have the harness in your center console that houses the 3.5mm line in jack and usb jack. If you turn SYNC on in your hardware, those jacks become live. I guess I am a bit confused, do you have SYNC or only line in? I will have to check with one of my software Engineers regarding your question about dsp amp. If you do not have center channel and sub in your truck, I do not believe the sony amp will help you out. I am more then willing to help any way I can. Where do you live? If you happen to be in Michigan, we could take care of your right away. As you are finding out, nobody really understands that his new navi is NOT SYNC. SYNC is a small module in the vehicle that works with the navi unit the allow blue tooth and mp3 connectivity. Creative marketing by Ford has made it seem like everything with a voice in your car is SYNC.

 

Unfortunately I do not live in Michigan...I line in KY. As you can probably tell from my lengthy initial post, I have many questions...would it be possible to contact you direct as I believe most of my questions would be better handled in a conversation.

Thanks,
Steve

 

OF course, send me an email at reedej@comcast.net and I will reply with my cell No.

 

Email sent...thanks

Steve