Finally got the Naviks module installed and am pleased with the results. It's nice to FINALLY have a wired audio input from the RES to the factory headunit so I don't have to mess with all the issues associated with Bluetooth audio. Ford really dropped the ball on this issue and should have had a wired input from the factory.
Required/recommended hardware:
1. Naviks aux input module for SYNC 3
(
https://naviks.com/i-24076489-2016-...dio-input-interface.html?ref=category:1207132 )
2. 3.5mm cable (10' length)
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0793ND3NR/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
3. 3.5mm to RCA adapter cable
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B079L2VL1S/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
4. Ground loop isolator
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B077Y5DLBB/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Recommended tools/supplies:
1. Plastic pry tools to disassemble the center cluster
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01KXN7LE6/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
2. 7mm socket to remove center cluster bolts and head unit bolts
3. electrical tape, zip ties and felt to bundle the Naviks module to prevent rattling.
4. fish tape to fish 3.5mm cable through seat back and up into center cluster.
Install details:
1. I ran a 3.5mm stereo cable from the headphone jack on the driver's side screen and fished it through the seatback by the headrest post.
2. Hid the 3.5mm stereo cable under the center tunnel and fished it up into the center cluster.
3. Naviks module is plug and play with the factory head unit and provides an RCA audio input, so I used a 3.5mm to RCA adapter cable.
4. Ended up needing a ground loop isolator (gold colored cylindrical item in photos) since there was initially some hum in the audio. With the ground loop isolator installed, the sound is clean with no buzz/static, etc.
5. Bundled up the Naviks module and cables and wrapped in black felt to prevent any rattles after install.
Functionality:
1. Basically shares the USB audio input and requires a USB stick with music to be inserted into the USB slot in the center console in order to function.
2. To activate the wired audio input from the RES, select USB audio on the head unit and then press and hold the left arrow button on the left side of the steering wheel for 7 seconds and it now uses the RES audio over the factory stereo. Hold left arrow again for 7 seconds to deactivate.
3. IR headphones function as normal on the RES regardless of if the new wired audio input is being used.
4. Bluetooth audio on the RES only works if the headphone cable is disconnected from the rear screen. However, the whole point of this mod is to NOT use the Bluetooth audio from the RES, so this isn't an issue from my perspective.
5. Audio is now reliable and properly lip-synced all the time with no time delay issues to mess with.
Observations:
1. Was initially disappointed in the hum and static when using the new input, and am glad the ground loop isolator completely solved this issue!
2. I did some experimenting and when a phone is paired with Bluetooth audio and a call is received, the phone will not interrupt the RES audio feed when the RES wired audio input is active. My kids would always get upset when the phone interrupted their movie in the past since the movie would keep playing with no audio while the phone was being used. Just a reminder to be aware of this "feature" and to unpair your phone on a long trip if the kids are watching a movie.
3. If the RES wired audio input is active when you shut off the vehicle with a movie playing, it will be active upon restarting. Kids will only have to power up the rear screens and movie will resume (we use USB stick for movies). No more messing with bluetooth on the headunit and RES every time the vehicle is turned on/off.
3. The only visible evidence of this mod being done is the 2" length of 3.5mm cable that runs from the headphone jack to the seat post. I selected a cable with a 90 degree connector and black fabric insulation to blend in as well as possible.
4. Overall, I'm very pleased and glad to have this mod completed prior to our 9 hour drive to the beach!
Photos:
(needed multiple posts for photos since max limit of 5 photos per post).
