How To: Sync 3/4 swap for non Sync 3 XL/XLT

[breeves002]

Hey, been a lurker for a bit and my good friend bought a 2022 and we wanted to do this swap. Thanks to zackmd1 for the work here, he was helpful when I was doing this stuff on my Mustang a loooong time ago!

I own a company that does Ford upgrades and decided to make a plug n' play harness for this for those of you that don't want to do it yourself. I'm also going to sell a complete swap kit once I figure out a bracket solution thats more professional.

For anyone interested in the harness check it out here and use discount code mavericktruckclub. We make these in house and they're built to order: https://oemplusupgrades.com/products/2022-2024-maverick-sync-4-upgrade-harness

My original prototype didn't look as good as the final harness hahaha.

Sponsored

 

[urwatuis]

This thread is meant to serve as the how to thread for Sync 4 swaps into XL and XLT Mavericks. I will list the parts required and custom wiring required in order to have a functioning system. Main parts required are going to be the ACM (radio) and APIM (sync module). Keep in mind that this swap will require the construction of a custom harness for the APIM as XL and XLT models do not have the APIM connector present. The harness ties into the main ACM connector for all signal wires required for the APIM and has an additional grey ACM connector for APIM to ACM communication. This harness is by far the hardest part of the swap.

PARTS REQUIRED

1. ACM: M1PT-18K810-AB. These can be found on eBay for around $150 and will provide the ability to integrate Sirius XM if desired. This ACM comes from a Bronco Sport.

2. APIM Sync 4: For Sync 4 swaps you are looking for the below configuration. There are at least three hardware variants of the Sync 4 APIM, Non Nav 8" (one large blue connector), Nav 8" (one large and one small blue connector), and Nav 12"+ (one large and one small blue connector and one small brown connector). For this swap to function, you need a Nav 8" variant of the Sync 4 APIM. These again can be found on ebay for around $300.

Non Nav 8"

Nav 8"

Nav 12"+

2. Sync 3 APIM: This swap can also be done with Sync 3. You will need to find a Sync 3 Gen 4 APIM (usually 2019 and up models). Sync 3 will not have wireless carplay/android functionality and will require additional wiring. It will however have the ability of OTA updates, something missing with Sync 4. These can be found on ebay for around $350.

3. APIM bracket: OEM installs use a bracket to secure the APIM in the dash behind the ACM. The part number for this bracket is LJ6Z-14A301-AA. Now I found that my XL dash did NOT have the required inserts to properly install this bracket and as such I made brackets of my own from 2" aluminum bar purchased from the local hardware store as seen below. It is IMPARATIVE that you install the APIM as close to OEM orientation as possible or else GPS Nav/Carplay will not function properly.

4. APIM 54 pin connector: Can be easily found on ebay by searching "Ford Sync APIM connector". Usually run around $20.

5. ACM passthrough Harness: This is a passthrough harness designed for AMP installs but can also be used for the custom wiring of this swap without the need to modify the OEM harness installed in the vehicle. I would suggest selecting the DIY option at $40 as there will be some extensive modification to this harness. 2018-2023 Select Ford Elite Harness (lljcustoms.com)

6. ACM ANC delete harness: Required for the Grey ACM connector only. You will be populating this connector with 8 wires from the APIM for communication between the APIM and ACM. $15 Select Ford | Lincoln 2020-Up ANC Bypass (lljcustoms.com)

7. Satellite Antenna (optional): Required for Sirius XM. $16 Amazon.com: Eightwood Mini Satellite Radio Antenna Fakra K Curry Female Connector Compatible with Sirius XM Car Vehicle Trucks RV HD Hi-Fi Radio Stereo Receiver Tuner 2320-2345MHz : Electronics

8. GPS Antenna extension: Required to extend the OEM antenna wiring to new APIM location. $6 Amazon.com: Tecreddy Fakra Z Male to Female Car FM Adapter Cable 1ft for Volkswagen/Audi Car GPS Navigation FM AM Radio TEL Telematics Bluetooth Module XM Satellite Radio, 30cm : Electronics

All together this should cost under $600 to compete.

wow that's impressive!

 

[TorqueWrenchUSA]

hey all, recently got all the componants I need for the sync 4 install. Except I ran into a snag. The 54-pin connector I have is missing some of the pins when I compare it to the pinout drawings the OP made. Would anyone know the size\type pins used in the connector? Or happen to have one that will work for this swap laying around that I could buy? Thanks!

 

[BlueSpec1]

C2383A Terminals:
DU2Z-14474-AA

Huh, similar on a 2019 F150 APIM connector
https://www.f150forum.com/f118/upgrade-issue-w-19-hd-acm-factory-kicker-sub-540131/

 

[Lane]

The 54-pin connector I have is missing some of the pins

Joe - for the rest of us that may follow down this path, can you tell us what connector you bought that was missing needed pins? Vehicle/source, etc?

 

[TorqueWrenchUSA]

Absolutely! I got a used one from eBay. Said it was for 2013-2020 Ford/Lincoln sync 3. The pins I'm missing are 21, 31, 33, and 44.

 

[RONR11]

There are many unused pins, if your careful you can remove and install in the needed.
I’ve built 3 of them and found it cheaper in long run ( as far as time/ material) to buy OEMPLUS built$149.00

 

[TorqueWrenchUSA]

I would've went that route except from what I see, I'm in an xlt and I see Panda Motorworks listing there sync3 to sync4 harness for $150, and the xl/xlt harness (one I'll need) for $200. No idea where y'all are seeing it for $150. Besides I'm too deep into this now to back out and want to figure it out lol.

I am a little stumped though. Found I have three pins on the apim connector unused. 21 & 22 highlighted in pink and no idea why the OP has them highlighted in pink. And 31 in yellow. Which I want to say will marry pin 13 on the black ACM 1 connector?

 

[Raywessels]

Already have the built harness from another member. Just purchased a 13.2” screen from an escape, still working on getting the apim. Is the newer acm absolutely necessary, or is it just to add xm? I’m upgrading my 2023 xlt.

 

[RONR11]

You need a newer but make sure it is for a 12” info screen
Unless you want a split screen
Get a Apim from a 2023 or later from escape. It gives you a full screen. Go to Car-Part.com bring up 2023 escape. Then go to electrical then non- computer
Scroll to communication module. They will all have nav and some with XM
“Live chat”for best deal
Then fun begins (programming )

 

[Raywessels]

You need a newer but make sure it is for a 12” info screen
Unless you want a split screen
Get a Apim from a 2023 or later from escape. It gives you a full screen. Go to Car-Part.com bring up 2023 escape. Then go to electrical then non- computer
Scroll to communication module
“Live chat”for best deal
Then fun begins (programming )

Thank you, I’m still working on getting the apim, I just wanted to make sure the acm had to get changed too.

 

[RONR11]

Thank you, I’m still working on getting the apim, I just wanted to make sure the acm had to get changed too.

I’ve heard both ways, but they are about $100 . I packaged both with yard . Got both $125 shipped $55. They got to pull it anyway I see apim and ACM at high point yard both less than $200

 

[Raywessels]

First off: I’ve done NO programming yet. I just slapped the acm from a 2023 escape and apim from a 2024 ranger.
Is this the split screen that someone said is from an apim that can’t run a 13.2” screen? Or is it something that FORScan can fix? I meant to dig into the programming, but someone decided to borrow my laptop and i didn’t notice till after I had everything slapped together. It’ll be a couple days before I can get my computer back and dig into FORScan. Trying to see if I need to switch to a 12” screen, switch apims, or just get the correct programming.
Thanks in advance!

 

[24atlasmaverick]

First off: I’ve done NO programming yet. I just slapped the acm from a 2023 escape and apim from a 2024 ranger.
Is this the split screen that someone said is from an apim that can’t run a 13.2” screen? Or is it something that FORScan can fix? I meant to dig into the programming, but someone decided to borrow my laptop and i didn’t notice till after I had everything slapped together. It’ll be a couple days before I can get my computer back and dig into FORScan. Trying to see if I need to switch to a 12” screen, switch apims, or just get the correct programming.
Thanks in advance!

Sorry I can’t answer the screen to APIM question, but that APIM software definitely looks like a vertical “sync 4A” setup which I believe is incompatible. I’d try and find a 23+ 13” escape APIM and work from there.

 

[RONR11]

Sorry I can’t answer the screen to APIM question, but that APIM software definitely looks like a vertical “sync 4A” setup which I believe is incompatible. I’d try and find a 23+ 13” escape APIM and work from there.

I used the escape also but from a 2023. 13.2screen. There is no way to get rid of side card or Nav , but CarPlay and Nav will override the card. But if you could you will be the greatest guy on the F150 forums.
I talked to Dave at Livnitup and said he tried every combo

Sponsored