SYNC System

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2018 Lincoln Navigator. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: Refer to the Owner Literature for additional details of the SYNC system.

Main Features

SYNC
SYNC AppLink
Android Auto™ (touchscreen only)
Apple CarPlay™ (touchscreen only)
SYNC Connect (if equipped)
Bluetooth mode
Compass
Navigation (if equipped)
SIRIUS Travel Link™ (if equipped with navigation)
MyKey
911 Assist
Wi-Fi hotspot (if equipped, cellular subscription required)

The SYNC system is a hands-free communication and entertainment system with many features.

The SYNC system provides the following functions:

Send and receive phone calls via a paired Bluetooth-enabled phone
Send and receive text messages via a paired Bluetooth-enabled phone
Connect to media devices (such as an iPod®, USB device, or Bluetooth-enabled audio device) to play audio files
Initiate a 911 Assist call if the airbags deploy
Provide Vehicle Health Reports
Provide a vehicle Wi-Fi hotspot (if equipped)

Not all SYNC system features are supported on every phone/device. Review the Ford authorized website list of compatible devices to determine if the SYNC system supports a specific phone, tablet, media player, or a feature of one of those devices.

The vehicle owner can update the SYNC system (CIP) using a USB flash drive or a Wi-Fi connection not requiring a browser sign in or two-step security validation. The update can be as large as 600 MB.

When the SYNC system is connected to a stationary Wi-FI network (such as a home or restaurant) for automatic updates, the update download occurs when the ignition is OFF. To limit battery drain, the SYNC system downloads the update for up to 150 minutes in a month for a maximum of 30 minutes at a time.
When the SYNC system is connected to a mobile Wi-Fi Hotspot (network) for automatic updates, the update download can occur when the ignition in the ON/RUN mode.

Once the update download and installation is complete, an ignition cycle must occur before the update becomes active.

Remote SYNC Controls

The audio/SYNC steering wheel switch is used to remotely control the SYNC system functions. The steering wheel switch consists of multi-button switches that operate various SYNC functions.

Bluetooth Mode

Bluetooth is a secure, short-range (up to 10 meters or 33 feet) wireless connection method used for customer device communication with the SYNC system. The SYNC system supports multiple Bluetooth profiles, allowing the SYNC system to interact with both Bluetooth enabled phones and Bluetooth-enabled media devices. While most Bluetooth-enabled devices can pair with the SYNC system, not all Bluetooth-enabled devices have the same level of SYNC-compatible features. To determine if a Bluetooth-enabled device or feature is supported, refer to the list of compatible devices and features at the Ford authorized website.

Multiple Bluetooth-enabled phones and Bluetooth-enabled media devices can be paired to the SYNC system at the same time. The SYNC system supports an active connection with one Bluetooth-enabled phone and one Bluetooth-enabled media device at a time. If an additional device of either type is paired and made active, the SYNC system ends any active connection with an already-paired device and establishes an active connection with the new device.

USB Mode

Connecting a portable media device or portable mass storage device (for example, MP3 player or USB flash drive) to a vehicle USB port allows media files to be played through the audio system. Playback functions (for example, volume, pause, and seek) can be controlled with the vehicle audio controls.

SYNC can use media with embedded information (for example, artist, album and song titles, and genre) for search and playback functions, if it is supported and correctly formatted on the media device.

When an owner connects a new media device, SYNC records where the information resides and uses this information to quickly find requested songs. Indexing the media information and location can take several minutes if the size of the media is large. Future changes by the owner to SYNC-indexed media are updated rather than replacing the entire index, which greatly reduces the indexing time.

Media files that do not have DRM (digital rights management) protection or are not correctly formatted on the device, cannot be played on the SYNC system.

Media Hub

Two illuminated USB ports in the media hub allow connection and playback of portable media devices, and SYNC software updates. The media hub provides standard 5 volt power and charging of portable devices.

SYNC AppLink

The SYNC AppLink supports devices with customer-installed applications capable of outside control by voice command, steering wheel switches, the FCIM, or the FDIM. These devices must be paired with SYNC Bluetooth and some devices require a USB connection.

Voice Command

The SYNC voice command capability reduces or eliminates physical interaction with certain vehicle functions or portable device controls. When SYNC is prompted by the steering wheel switch, it responds with a tone or audible response (depending on the SYNC setting) in the audio system. SYNC uses the voice microphone to listen to the driver command and control the vehicle function or portable device.

TTS Feature

The SYNC TTS feature converts text information to speech and broadcasts it through the audio system. Text messages with sender information, media titles, and other information can be read and broadcast through the audio, helping users maintain driving focus.

Emergency Assist Feature

The emergency assistance feature (for example, 911 Assist) calls for help in an event where the airbags deploy. This feature must be previously enabled and requires a paired cellular phone to connect with emergency services. If activated by an airbag deployment, the system plays a message in the vehicle indicating an emergency assistance call is about to be placed. If not cancelled, it dials the emergency assistance operator and plays a pre-recorded message for the operator. After the message plays, the vehicle occupant(s) can talk with the emergency assistance operator to give their location and personal information.

Compass

Information from the GPS is used to determine the vehicle compass heading. The compass heading displays in the instrument cluster message center or the center display.

Navigation (if equipped)

The navigation system uses GPS information to display the vehicle location and travel direction on a map, displayed on the touchscreen. Street names, landmarks, and points of interest are included. The driver can enter destination information to obtain automatic map routing and navigation guidance voice directions.

SIRIUS™ Travel Link™

The SIRIUS™ Travel Link™ is a subscription-based service available on vehicles equipped with navigation. GPS data is required for certain features. When the subscription is active, the ESN of the ACM, with the VIN, is registered with SIRIUS™.

SIRIUS™ Travel Link™ information includes traffic conditions, weather, fuel station locations and prices, and local entertainment information.

Android Auto™ or Apple CarPlay™ (vehicles with touchscreen)

SYNC supports interaction with Android Auto™ or Apple CarPlay™ enabled phones, connected by Bluetooth. This allows the user to access phone capabilities and control features via SYNC voice commands and switches. The features include:

making calls.
sending and listening to text messages.
selecting and playing music.
using the phone voice assistant.
using phone maps and navigation.

Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay™ disable some SYNC features. Most Android Auto™ or Apple CarPlay™ features use mobile data.

SYNC Connect (if equipped)

The SYNC Connect system (when activated) can be used to provide remote connectivity through the FordPass mobile phone application. It can monitor certain vehicle systems and carry out vehicle functions such as:

reading the fuel level and odometer.
receiving remote alerts and notifications.
carrying out or scheduling remote starts (if enabled through the IPC).
using the vehicle locator.
vehicle lock/unlock control and vehicle lock/unlock status.

NOTE: If vehicle battery voltage falls below the minimum required or the vehicle has been inactive beyond a designated time limit, the TCU turns off until the next engine running event to preserve battery power. The connected mobile device App will report a deep sleep mode if notifications are turned on. Refer to the mobile device App information to set notifications and for a list of disabled features when the vehicle is in deep sleep mode.

Vehicle Wi-Fi Hotspot (if equipped)

The Wi-Fi Hotspot feature allows up to 8 devices to connect to high speed internet access. The network name, password, enable/disable and other settings for the Wi-Fi Hotspot feature are accessed using the settings menu on the touchscreen display.