Head Unit Suggestions for 2010 Ford Expedition Limited

[sizzource]

Hello,

While I am new to the forums, I am not new to general car modification, and car audio. Before I make my request, here is a little backstory of why I am looking for suggestions for a new Head Unit:

TL;dr - Sync unit won't play sound; Ford dealership will update the firmware but informs me that it could "brick" the device.

In fall of 2019, the Sync Bluetooth function fails to play sound through the speakers, although all current and new devices WILL pair with the system. Ford Corp tells me to update the module via the Ford Owners website, however upon registering, I found that there are no updates. Ford Corps tells me that there is a known issue with the website (allowing customers to download and update the firmware for free), as well as a known Bluetooth issue with my particular Sync Unit. They suggest taking it into the dealership to update - they also told me that because of these two KNOWN issues, they would NOT charge me for the update. After speaking with the dealership, they tell me that they have to charge me $129 for the update regardless of the fact that this is a known Ford Sync issue. I end up having them waive the fee for the update, however they inform me that updating the firmware on these older units could potentially cause the unit to "brick" and that they will NOT cover it if it does. Fortunately, I have been purchasing the extended warranties on this vehicle since it's purchase and will only have to come out of pocket $100 to cover the deductible should the unit "brick" due to the firmware update.

Current Firmware Installed: AR3T-14D544-AE
Newest Firmware Available: DL3T-14D544-AE

Now that you know the backstory, I want to be ready should the update "brick" the unit. So, my request is for suggestions to replace the current Sync Unit. I have done some research on CARiD, Crutchfield, Amazon, and other websites but am having a hard time with filtering through all the noise. Instead, I would like to hear some real-life feedback of units that you all have installed and are using.

I am looking for the follow features in a new Head Unit:
- CarPlay
- Compatibility with stock Steering Wheel Controls
- Compatibility with stock Rear Camera Function

I know that CarPlay is definietely doable, but am worried that replacing the stock Sync Unit will remove the steering wheel controls as well as a the rear camera function. While I know that some Head Units come with a "remote" license plate camera, I would like to maintain the stock functionality, if possible. Same goes for the steering wheel controls, although I know that I might be hard-pressed to find a unit that will do this.

Any suggestions and/or feedback is greatly appreciated!

 

[Aspen03]

All of your needs in an aftermarket unit should be easily met by any unit that has carplay or android auto. For steering wheel controls an interface is needed if not built into the harness already. Backup cam would be some simple splicing of an rca plug to connect to aftermarket input more or less. There is no need to replace the factory camera. If you aren't sure how to do it just have it installed. If someone wants more than $100 labor to install the radio tell them to get lost. It's a 90min job at most.

What kind of budget for the radio itself did you have in mind? Mainstream brands, expect to pay $225+ for anything with CarPlay. I like pioneer for the interface/design, utilizing carplay there isnt much difference from one to the next however other than the physical buttons present and screen sizes. Go with something that has decent audio controls, youd be surprised at what the factory speakers can do with a decent eq.

 

[sizzource]

Thanks for the input. After doing some research, I also noticed that I won't be paying less than around $250 for what I want. As far as brand, I'd like to stick with a known entity such as Pioneer, Sony, JVC, Kenwood, etc. I would preferably like to buy something that is a very simple drop in, plug and play. Something that doesn't require a TON of customizing and modifying stock wiring to function.

I am currently traveling on business so I cannot measure the size of the hole where I would need to drop a new one in, but again, I would like a unit where the size is a perfect fit and doesn't require trimming or spacing brackets.

Thoughts?

 

[Dennis_H]

Thanks for the input. After doing some research, I also noticed that I won't be paying less than around $250 for what I want. As far as brand, I'd like to stick with a known entity such as Pioneer, Sony, JVC, Kenwood, etc. I would preferably like to buy something that is a very simple drop in, plug and play. Something that doesn't require a TON of customizing and modifying stock wiring to function.

I am currently traveling on business so I cannot measure the size of the hole where I would need to drop a new one in, but again, I would like a unit where the size is a perfect fit and doesn't require trimming or spacing brackets.

Thoughts?

Crutchfield will supply everything you need. I have come down to using a Sony XAV-AX5000 ($470 with all install kit stuff) if I want Android Auto or a JVC KW-M75BT (same price with more retained features) if I don't. The latter will support it, but I mostly listen to music on a thumb drive, so my phone won't be plugged in for Android Auto. I installed a Kenwood one with all the steering wheel controls etc on my son's Silverado and that gave him a bunch of OBD display stuff also. They can tell you what you can still use and have adapters for everything.

 

[ManUpOrShutUp]

Thanks for the input. After doing some research, I also noticed that I won't be paying less than around $250 for what I want. As far as brand, I'd like to stick with a known entity such as Pioneer, Sony, JVC, Kenwood, etc. I would preferably like to buy something that is a very simple drop in, plug and play. Something that doesn't require a TON of customizing and modifying stock wiring to function.

I am currently traveling on business so I cannot measure the size of the hole where I would need to drop a new one in, but again, I would like a unit where the size is a perfect fit and doesn't require trimming or spacing brackets.

Thoughts?

Unless something has drastically changed in the last couple years, you'll need Maestro and a compatible headunit to maintain all functions. https://maestro.idatalink.com/product/

 

[sizzource]

Unless something has drastically changed in the last couple years, you'll need Maestro and a compatible headunit to maintain all functions. https://maestro.idatalink.com/product/

Can you expand on this a little? If I purchase from Crutchfield, shouldn't it tell me what I need? Or do I need to research iDataLink as well?

Crutchfield will supply everything you need. I have come down to using a Sony XAV-AX5000 ($470 with all install kit stuff) if I want Android Auto or a JVC KW-M75BT (same price with more retained features) if I don't. The latter will support it, but I mostly listen to music on a thumb drive, so my phone won't be plugged in for Android Auto. I installed a Kenwood one with all the steering wheel controls etc on my son's Silverado and that gave him a bunch of OBD display stuff also. They can tell you what you can still use and have adapters for everything.

Thanks for the input. Those units are a bit out of my price range, but from searching on Crutchfield, I found the Sony XAV-AX1000 that looked like it would check off all the boxes unless I missed something.

 

[Tocapet]

Some of those aftermarket companies like Crutchfield, Sonicelectronix. Woofers and others will prewire a unit for you so it will basically be plug & Play. There may be a connection or 2 that you need to make, but it should be easy. They also sell an adapter plug that you can wire up yourself. I have a Poweracoustik PDN-626B in my Expy that has worked fine for several years. I'm currently in the process of replacing it with a Poweracoustik PDN-1060HB just so I can get the upgrade, larger screen and all. I had an aftermarket RV mirror backup cam that plugged right into my PDN-626B and I'm sure it will work with the newer unit. Most of these units will play AM/FM, CD, DVD, MicroSD, USB, and Bluetooth. Plus, both of them have built-in GPS function.

 

[sizzource]

Much appreciated. I just checked out the unit got mentioned, and it doesn’t have CarPlay built into it. However, I am saving it for later should I go down that route.

I’ll also keep an eye out to make sure I get the adapter and/or make sure they have it already built in.

Thanks again!

 

[Tocapet]

Some of the other Poweracoustik models do have Apple Carplay. And I always wire up my own units. I'm handy with a soldering gun and some heat-shrink tubing.

 

[Tocapet]

The Poweracoustik model CP-650 has Carplay. FYI.

 

[ManUpOrShutUp]

Can you expand on this a little? If I purchase from Crutchfield, shouldn't it tell me what I need? Or do I need to research iDataLink as well?

Crutchfield will tell you what you need to get the stereo working and in some cases, to maintain other functions. That said, as of a couple years ago there was nothing on the market that would enable you to maintain steering wheel controls, rear DVD players, etc. in the 3rd gen Expeditions except Maestro.

 

[Tocapet]

While we have this thread going, I have a somewhat related question. The head unit I'm getting ready to install has provision for steering wheel controls. But my steering wheel only has the buttons for cruise control. I'm wondering if I buy a steering wheel with the radio buttons if the clock spring behind my existing wheel has enough wires in it to connect the buttons to my radio or not. Maybe someone on here has been there & done that.