Sync module location in a 2017

[chris451fmc]

THis 2017 4x4 had a working sync module that paired with phones and transmitted on bluetooth. One day it went dead. The display will not respond when the phone button is pressed, as if the module is missing. The dealer tried to reflash the sync via USB but that did nothing and there is no charge voltage on the usb socket (1) in the glove box between the seats.

I have been opening up the dashboard searching for a sync module.
Front center console had the radio-cd-sirius in one unit.
I opened this up looking for a bluetooth chipset but did not find anything like that. There is nothing like the metal cased sync shown in some photos on later units.
The display unit 4x3" has processors but no bluetooth.
There is no module with a part number for sync between the display unit and the radio unit. Another module just in front of the dash tray was a braking controller.
Elsewhere someone said the sync module is in the passenger kick panel area. I just opened that up and found a passenger fuse block, and the manual says sync is on fuse 9 which is a good fuse.
There is a 4x4cm (transmission control module) above the kick panel, and a connector block of about 6 different connectors. There is the blower which has a recall on it for causing fires, but I think its the connector that gets hot due to bad contacts.

So where is the sync module? Scoping with an inspection camera I have not found it yet.

 

[DIYer]

I’m having the exact same problem. Did you ever get it fixed?

 

[The6ofus]

Same situation, with no warning, on my 2017 XLT. Any help? Even Crutchfield says they “don’t recommend replacing the head unit”. So we’re just screwed? Pretty sad since I had no problem putting a CarPlay unit in my 1999 SuperDuty.

 

[JoaquinExpy17]

Anyone with a solution? Same on my 2017

 

[Ryan1usu]

Hey all. I've been dealing with this for a while and have some recommendations and a potential solution. The APIM that controls the bluetooth is located in the center console screwed underneath the armrest storage cubby. Google some youtube videos for instructions to unbolt center console to access the APIM. It's pretty easy. I drilled a 1 inch hole to the wall of the cubby and routed the apim cables inside the cubby so when swapping the APIM I no longer need to remove the center console.

These specific sync one systems found on the 2015-17 Expeditions are terrible. All of the APIMs eventually go bad and bluetooth fails. A new one from Ford is 6 to 800 dollars (if you can even source one). I found one on ebay and it was $130. Note, you MUST get one from a similar year Expedition or possibly Taurus. All others like from Focuses or Fusions will not work even though they are the same part number. My used ebay replacement is starting to fail after one year.

These audio systems are unique in that the HVAC and Stereo components are intertwined so attempting to install an aftermarket system is nearly impossible. Hence why places like crutchfield say nothing can be done.
I've only found two potential solutions but I am working on a work-around. First, you pay up to $1300 for a sync 3 upgrade kit. They are expensive because they are complicated and include a whole new bezel and a different HVAC control unit you must wire manually which is a lot of work for a 5+ year outdated stereo system. Not worth it to me.

Another solution is this but it's also outdated, not OLED, and makes all controls, even your HVAC controls touch screen only which I do not like. And it's likely a buggy system and reliability may be questionable. https://www.seicane.com/2011-2015-f...ion-car-audio-system-support-360-camera-h7721

My work around is as follows: I paid $7 for a wiring schematic pdf on Ebay. I have color diagrams of power, ground, and speaker wiring. The vehicle does not have an ignition wire as all is computer controlled which is why the stereo remains powered for a time after you have turned it off and shuts off when you open the door. I will explore the fuse box and find an ignition source. The front stereo bezel is easily removeable. The 4 inch screen unbolts very easy. Here is the dirty but solid work around. I have purchased what I hope is a solid flat panel OLED quality Android 9 inch stereo unit. I will locate the appropriate wires and splice into the needed power/ground wires. I will cut the speaker wires from the CD player and wire them to the Android unit thereby bypassing the ford Sync unit. But here is the trick. Aside from routing the speaker wires (and backup camera) from sync to the android unit, all other wires will remain connected to the sync unit. There is a lot of space in the center console so I plan to simply unscrew the little 4 inch screen and drop it inside the vehicle. This then leaves a 4 inch opening where I will fasten a tablet holder that will hold up the 9 inch android unit. When complete the Android unit will be able to tilt and rotate freely and basically be mounted in front of all the old sync stereo systems. Just underneath it still accessible and useable will be the HVAC controls. Because the sync unit will remain powered and online, it will not interrupt the existing HVAC controls and simply won't do anything because the screen will be resting inside the front panel and with no speaker wires connected to it, it won't push sound through the system.

When complete I will of course lose steering wheel controls and the CD player. But having a nice OLED Android unit with a front and back camera, wireless carplay and android auto, 4g antenna should I choose to add cell service, and existing simple and beautiful rotating knobs for AC and heat, I think this setup is going to be excellent. Also, the android unit has a rotary knob on the side for power and volume as well which for me is perfect. Everything is ready to go, just need to finish a few other projects before doing this one. I'll report here when it's done and include photos as well if all works out.