jose_atx Posted February 10 Report Share Posted February 10 Seeking Testimonials of people that have Successfully Upgraded Sync versions and USB Hubs on 2016 and older Cmaxes. I'll be having a new driver soon and I was looking to get her a C-max Hybrid. Right now we have our eyes set on a 2016 or newer (bc of Transmission fears).... but now I'm learning about Carplay support introduction in 2017. Rather than opening up the discussion on the transmission fears being overblown... I'd like to focus discussion on the Carplay aspect. Curious to know how many of you had success updating your Sync 3 revisions and install newer USB Hubs to support Carplay??? Thanks in advance. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
homestead Posted February 10 Report Share Posted February 10 My son upgraded his 2016 c-max energi to the latest sync version a couple years ago but I don't think he had to upgrade the usb hubs. If you are going from sync 2 to sync 3 I think the usb ports are upgraded on some models. He got the sync updates from a non-ford site. jose_atx 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
takingittothemax Posted February 11 Report Share Posted February 11 I did the upgrade. It was pretty easy to do. I'm editing together a video on how to do the install, as well as a video on the parts you'll need. Hopefully it'll be online soonish. jose_atx 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jestevens Posted February 12 Report Share Posted February 12 (edited) Sync 2 also somewhat supports CarPlay, but only through the voice button on the steering wheel (audio only talking to Siri) .. I was able to download the last version of Sync 2 and upgrade via USB stick. To upgrade from Sync 2 to Sync 3 is somewhat more involved with some hardware swaps, some antenna placement, USB hub swap, etc. ? Edited February 12 by jestevens jose_atx 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cr08 Posted February 12 Report Share Posted February 12 (edited) 13 hours ago, jestevens said: Sync 2 also somewhat supports CarPlay, but only through the voice button on the steering wheel (audio only talking to Siri) .. I was able to download the last version of Sync 2 and upgrade via USB stick. To upgrade from Sync 2 to Sync 3 is somewhat more involved with some hardware swaps, some antenna placement, USB hub swap, etc. ? On Sync 2 that's just Siri but not CarPlay. CarPlay is specifically the full screen takeover of the infotainment system which is only accessible via Sync 3. Yes, the upgrade does require a bit of hardware swapping but all the kits being sold include everything and are usually plug and play. Doesn't require much technical knowledge. Just make sure not to buy from Chinese based sellers (They often bodge together APIMs which may brick easily if you try to update/reset/reconfigure them) and ensure they ask for your VIN for programming as that is needed. DO NOT agree to have someone remote in to your own PC to do the programming. Huge security risk and not needed at all. All reputable sellers will do the programming based on your VIN before shipping out. We had a user in the /r/cmaxhybrid subreddit mention these shenanigans going on. Here's a tutorial video I always refer folks to. It's for the Escape but all the components and locations being worked with are identical to the C-Max: Edited February 12 by cr08 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cr08 Posted February 12 Report Share Posted February 12 (edited) As far as the 2016 situation, here's the gist: 2016 model year C-Maxes with the appropriate trims/options (ie: Has the 8" touch screen, not the 4" non-touch unit) would have been supplied with Sync 3 vs Sync 2. But the USB hubs in the center console were not compatible with CarPlay. I believe something to do with a special identification chip that Apple requires. Don't quote me on that though. Android Auto users don't have the same issue. But 2017+ model years they updated the hub so it is compatible. There was also a software update to Sync that was needed too. Many may already be past this. Always recommend to go through Ford for these updates first and it'll get the software side sorted out: https://www.ford.com/support/sync-maps-updates/ . Some suggest using Cyanlabs to get to newer 3.4 versions that Ford doesn't officially support on our vehicles but it requires some technical experience and has the potential to brick your APIM. If you happen to still have an older hub and update Sync 3 to the latest available version to you, you should then receive a warning on startup about USB hubs not being supported. The hub replacement is inexpensive and quick to do. The hub in the center console just snaps in. Pop it out, there's two connectors on the back. Unplug the old, plug in the new, pop it back in. No further work or programming needed. Edited February 12 by cr08 jose_atx 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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