Bluetooth and Sync?

[Steve Hartman]

I have a 2007 Expy and my radio could sure use an upgrade. I'm going to guess that at some point, Ford put radios with Bluetooth in them as standard equipment. Am I correct? What year did that begin? Second, is Sync part of the radio system? If so, I'm wondering. I'd heard that Ford had real problems with Sync at some point. What year did they get it right?

Thanks to all!

 

[JExpedition07]

Early sync was pretty bad and started coming in Expeditions as optional equipment I believe in 2009. I want to say standard in or around the 2011 model year. That’s all my best guess.

It’s very expensive to add and the early sync is no longer even supported. I don’t believe sync 3 would work with your year and soon enough sync 3 will likely no longer be supported either. The oem systems don’t get frequent updates and leave a lot to be desired. You are better off finding a good A/M head unit system.

 

[Steve Hartman]

Thanks so much for the quick reply, J! How about just the bluetooth? Any thoughts? If I could get to the music on my phone without the AUX cord I'd be a happy camper!

 

[ManUpOrShutUp]

You can download the brochures for various model years here and see when BT was added. The system for streaming BT in my 2011 is a bit clunky though. I have to go to the device screen by pressing one of the hardware buttons and then cycle through to reach BT. If anything interrupts that signal, I often have to manually re-select BT. I use a USB plugged into the factory USB port instead. I don't knwo what year that was added though.

You can, of course, go aftermarket as well, but I don't know how complex that process is for a 2007 if you want to retain factory controls (eg steering wheel, rear seat). On my 2011 it requires Maestro and is a whole lot more money and trouble than it's worth to me.

 

[chuck s]

$2 audio cable vs $200 ($100?) aftermarket radio...

-- Chuck

 

[ManUpOrShutUp]

$2 audio cable vs $200 ($100?) aftermarket radio...

-- Chuck

If I could swap just my headunit and retain all functions, including navigation, I would gladly pay $500. The stock headunit in my '11 is bearable, but it's more outdated than the aftermarket I put in my previous vehicle in 2006.

 

[JExpedition07]

If I could swap just my headunit and retain all functions, including navigation, I would gladly pay $500. The stock headunit in my '11 is bearable, but it's more outdated than the aftermarket I put in my previous vehicle in 2006.

I have the even more outdated navigation system in my 07’. The one used from 07-09’ vehicles is pretty old fashioned. I like it and will keep because it looks stock and the nav works well. No Bluetooth on mine I have to use the input.

 

[chuck s]

I'm sure there are aftermarket radio/nav units that will fit. I have a current model Garmin GPS on top of the dash of my '17 even though there's Sync-3 navigation built into the dash. Garmin maps get updated several times a year. I think the '17 Ford maps are circa 2015 or over 3 years without an update. Good standalone GPS is under $200 these days.

-- Chuck

 

[Robert Smith]

I agree with chuck s. The update for the stock gps is not worth it. It is a CD which means of course, no future updates without the purchase of yet another disc. I purchased a Bluetooth receiver that plugs into the aux in Jack for music and the built-in gps on my iPhone. It also serves as a hands free phone device.

Finding a new head unit with Apple CarPlay is hard unless I wanted to spend $500 or more.

 

[mossback]

Just checked the Ford Navigation web site and they don't even have Sync Nav updates for Expy's after 2016...

 

[Flexpedition]

Consider Ford's Mobile Ease for bluetooth calling. Does everything I want it to do perfectly, very stealth install, never any complaints with call clarity.