Backfitting Sync3 Into 2013 C-MAX w/MFT

[MadManMoon]

Having seen a forum post about a 2013 Taurus SHO owner (and presumed Ford employee!) who backfitted the new Sync3 system (vehicle was previously equipped with MyFord Touch), I'm wondering if Ford is considering a kit to convert MFT-equipped systems to the new Sync3 standard.

 

Given the improvements in the underlying operating system (QNX vs. Microsoft Windows Embedded), the use of a multi-touch capacitive screen, and improved processor and hardware, this is an upgrade I would gladly pay upwards of $1,000 for.

 

For our Ford employees that post here, please let me know if you've heard anything...and if you haven't, please pass on to the SYNC team that you'd have at least one guaranteed customer for an upgrade kit!

[FordIVTteam]

Hi MadManMoon, 

Thank you for your interest in SYNC 3! 

 

I'll pass along your feedback; however, the current stance is that there will not be an aftermarket kit for SYNC 3 to be installed on vehicles with SYNC, SYNC with Navigation, or MyFord Touch. I have seen the post you are referring to, but I cannot speculate on it. 

 

Rebecca

[MadManMoon]

That's unfortunate, but thanks for the reply! I do appreciate you passing on the feedback.

 

In case you want to see it, here's the forum post about the Taurus SHO backfit I was referencing:

http://www.shoforum.com/showthread.php?t=128950

[scottwood2]

Link not working

[Jbtbga]

Again Unfortunate, Rebecca, because I would be willing to update mine too.  I knew the interactive system was as bad as it is, I would not have purchased the vehicle, despite my overall appreciation for the car.

[MadManMoon]

It appears the entire SHO Forum site is down at the moment.  Should be back up and running eventually.

[salsaguy]

Based on the OP's post #14 in that thread, it seems that SHO owner is a Ford Employee or knows someone high up to get the info to be able to do that and was a 1 off only / demo and not a mass production thing but cool to know it was able to be done

 

 

That's unfortunate, but thanks for the reply! I do appreciate you passing on the feedback.

 

In case you want to see it, here's the forum post about the Taurus SHO backfit I was referencing:

http://www.shoforum.com/showthread.php?t=128950

[62Lincoln]

Having seen a forum post about a 2013 Taurus SHO owner (and presumed Ford employee!) who backfitted the new Sync3 system (vehicle was previously equipped with MyFord Touch), I'm wondering if Ford is considering a kit to convert MFT-equipped systems to the new Sync3 standard.

 

Given the improvements in the underlying operating system (QNX vs. Microsoft Windows Embedded), the use of a multi-touch capacitive screen, and improved processor and hardware, this is an upgrade I would gladly pay upwards of $1,000 for.

 

For our Ford employees that post here, please let me know if you've heard anything...and if you haven't, please pass on to the SYNC team that you'd have at least one guaranteed customer for an upgrade kit!

 

MMM, this would double the price you are willing to pay, but these guys claim to have a kit (appears to be replacement parts from a Sync3 system):  http://www.oemautopartsco.com/products/myford-touch-sync-2-to-sync-3-upgrade?utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=googlepla&gclid=CjwKEAjw4s2wBRDSnr2jwZenlkgSJABvFcwQ2mtUpvbR8YMbg4YH0X9WbhbvOCCt-9XszUBa2iHqMRoCF9jw_wcB

[zalusky]

I wonder what that system would do to software upgrades as Ford would not probably not recognize a 2013-2015 CMAX as being SYNC3 capable.

Heck I can't even get the 3.8 upgrade into my car as it now from their site.

 

2K is quite a pop although if you plan to keep your car for 15 years maybe its worth it especially given CarPlay and better use of the phone.

[cwstnsko]

Since Sync 3 does it's updates over WiFi, it might not be a problem.  The head unit would not likely even know it was in a 2013, and still look for updates when connected to WiFi.

[p38fln]

Find a wrecked C-Max with the new system and yank the whole thing (including computers - especially computers) then stick it in your C-Max.  Someone did that to an Escape that came without Navigation (2013+ model so very similar to the C-Max) and they were able to get it to work.  It was the same generation of Sync though

[62Lincoln]

Find a wrecked C-Max with the new system and yank the whole thing (including computers - especially computers) then stick it in your C-Max.  Someone did that to an Escape that came without Navigation (2013+ model so very similar to the C-Max) and they were able to get it to work.  It was the same generation of Sync though

 

It won't work. The Sync 3 unit has to coded to your VIN, among other things. This upgrade is now out there in the aftermarket. I did it. Very Happy.

Edited July 16, 2017 by 62Lincoln

[AZgman]

Buy a new C-max... problem solved!   ;)

[jestevens]

On the kits it looks like roughly $1600 for the one without nav, and $2099 for the one with nav, plus you have to run a new GPS antenna someplace in the dash for yourself, the existing one they say is not compatible.  It would be a nice upgrade but not sure it's really necessary.  I guess it's expensive because it comes with a new capacitive touchscreen, a new computer, etc.  Commodity parts wouldn't seem that expensive but given it's a custom embedded solution I guess they can charge whatever they like.

Edited August 1, 2017 by jestevens

[N7VY]

I added the Sync3 system to my 2013 C-Max. It is so much faster than the old system. Since it can have the vin changed in the upgrade I figured that I can put into the next C-Max. The CarPlay and nav are faster than older units I’ve had. It just isn’t cheap but for me it is worth it.

[homestead]

I added the Sync3 system to my 2013 C-Max. It is so much faster than the old system. Since it can have the vin changed in the upgrade I figured that I can put into the next C-Max. The CarPlay and nav are faster than older units I’ve had. It just isn’t cheap but for me it is worth it.

Will Ford dealers service the upgrade (hardware/software) or do you have to go back to the upgrade company?

[N7VY]

The software is upgraded wirelessly. You set up the network to attach to and it upgrades in the middle of the night. About as easy as it could be.

[Buggs1a]

I’d this still current? The sync three in say my 2013 c Max I just got? I saw a web site which may be the one three posts above me is talking about. $1500 without nav and extra $600 with nav. Are they trustworthy? They also have an eBay store.

 

I want to do this but I’m not totally comfortable installing it myself. I saw a YouTube video on it and it looks easy enough. But don’t know anything about a gps thing to do something with.

[Buggs1a]

Anyone please?

[Buggs1a]

Hello?

[nsteblay]

I've seen a few forum posts where others have updated their navigation systems, but for a Focus.  It appears possible but the approaches were adhoc.  I'm not aware of any vendor selling a package.  

[Buggs1a]

There is a site who sells only Ford stuff. They have the sync 3 without nav for $1500 and $600 extra for nav. 4dtech. They have videos showing how to do it and it looks easy. They say it keeps ALL features and screens etc. I don’t know anything.

[jestevens]

I saw that, and it looks nice but I think maybe I'll just wait and see what they come out with when I'm ready to trade in the C-MAX. 

 

I just saw a notice that our vehicle health report service where the data is uploaded via "modem" is going to be discontinued August 2018.

Edited April 17, 2018 by jestevens

[Buggs1a]

$1500 is a rip-off. $600 just for nav is too. I wonder if 4dtech is just some kids charging unfair whatever they feel like it prices.

[jestevens]

As far as I know it's a custom, embedded part, not a commodity that comes off the shelf - they probably have to buy them from Ford and then I'm sure they charge a mark-up for profit as well or else why be in business?