Future SYNC-4 head unit replacement?

[clavicus]

I'm curious if it seems reasonable to expect that a future OEM head unit with SYNC-4 would fit within the trim of the 2022 Maverick? Maybe the 2023 or 2024 Maverick would have SYNC-4 and wireless carplay and wireless android auto, with same connections for feature controls on the rear of the head unit... does it make sense that you could swap in a newer head unit? I'm guessing they'll upgrade the screen size next year to take up the entire cubby area also.

I looked up videos and saw that there's a SYNC-3 head unit replacement for Ford Rangers, so I'm hoping that potential is there for 2022 Maverick and SYNC-4. However, I wouldn't put it past manufacturers to make unnecessarily complicated changes that are not compatible, like if the truck modem differs and that makes a replacement problematic or something to retain FordPass functions... or if they change the programming for dual zone climate control... then again those features may not be related to the head unit at all and that software may be installed elsewhere in the truck.

I just installed an after-market wireless apple carplay head unit in my 2003 Honda Accord lol. It seems silly to have to "downgrade" technology in a new vehicle, but knowing I can dish out cash for an upgrade later would make me more content.

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[zackmd1]

I actually plan on doing this very thing as one of my first mods. From looking over bronco sport wiring diagrams and escape diagrams and comparing them to 2021 F150 diagrams it looks to be doable. It looks as though only the APIM (actual computer module of the sync system) needs to be swapped to get the 8” version of Sync 4. Some small wiring changes (removal of 4 pins from the APIM connector) and it hopefully will be up and running. Later on I want to tackle adding the 12” screen (requires additional power compared to the 8” screen) with a custom bezel to eliminate to cubby area.

 

[clavicus]

I actually plan on doing this very thing as one of my first mods. From looking over bronco sport wiring diagrams and escape diagrams and comparing them to 2021 F150 diagrams it looks to be doable. It looks as though only the APIM (actual computer module of the sync system) needs to be swapped to get the 8” version of Sync 4. Some small wiring changes (removal of 4 pins from the APIM connector) and it hopefully will be up and running. Later on I want to tackle adding the 12” screen (requires additional power compared to the 8” screen) with a custom bezel to eliminate to cubby area.

Looking forward to seeing your pioneering efforts!

 

[SuckLemons]

I actually plan on doing this very thing as one of my first mods. From looking over bronco sport wiring diagrams and escape diagrams and comparing them to 2021 F150 diagrams it looks to be doable. It looks as though only the APIM (actual computer module of the sync system) needs to be swapped to get the 8” version of Sync 4. Some small wiring changes (removal of 4 pins from the APIM connector) and it hopefully will be up and running. Later on I want to tackle adding the 12” screen (requires additional power compared to the 8” screen) with a custom bezel to eliminate to cubby area.

Awesome! Looking forward to reading about it. I just remember my husband swearing off car audio/screen upgrades when we took the “premium” system out of the Ford Escape hybrid limited and he spent days cursing up a storm and arguing with it until he pulled up carpet and realized the factory swapped wire colors halfway through and it didn’t match the wiring diagrams we found. I dunno if it was just because of the factory amp setup with the premium audio or what, but… that was funny.

 

[hownowbrowncow]

Aftermarket head unit mods seem so much "riskier" now that cars are so interconnected from a tech perspective. I can also see Ford charging +$2K to go to a 12" version if you want to stick with a non warranty voiding approach. Guess that's the cost of being an early adopter

 

[kevingcp]

I probably won't, I don't have any tech in my rav4 so moving to the sync3 would be enough for me for a few years.

 

[zackmd1]

The biggest challenge with a sync 4 swap is that it appears Ford is using an Ethernet network in addition to CAN Bus on sync 4 equipped vehicles. From what I can tell though, this network contains modules that SHOULD not be critical to the operation of the screen…

I think that Ethernet network is what allows for the real time telematics on the F150 and bronco 12” screens (things like departure angles and towing specifics). I’m hoping that the screen will boot up without this network and those features will just be blank/non functional.

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