Aftermarket Head Unit/Stereo

[ESNB74]

New to this Forum. I have 2016 EcoBoost Premium Convertible that I want Apple CarPlay in. I've done the upgrade to Sync 3, bought the new USB module from Ford. Still doesn't work...

I ran into these two options when doing some searching:

1) Nifty City

2) Linkswell

Has anyone ever tried these T-Style unit out? Good, Bad?

If not, what else is out there to "modernize" a 2016 Stereo?

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[KingKona]

I've done the upgrade to Sync 3, bought the new USB module from Ford. Still doesn't work...

You purchased a new SYNC 3 head unit and installed it?

 

[ESNB74]

No. Just downloaded the Ford update. It says Sync 3.0 now. Can you purchase a new head unit to make it work? I really want Wireless CarPlay, not really a fan of the wired.

 

[KingKona]

No. Just downloaded the Ford update. It says Sync 3.0 now.

Connect to the internet and have it scan for updates again. It's possible it's SYNC3, but a really, really old version of it.

Don't know anything about wireless Carplay. I use Android, and plug in.

Why do you not want to plug in? It's the way to keep your battery charged so you're not burning through it running all those aps.

 

[ESNB74]

Done that.... no luck. Even my Ford Pass says I have the latest version.

 

[KingKona]

Done that.... no luck. Even my Ford Pass says I have the latest version.

Not to be a smartass, but have you downloaded Apple Carplay to your phone? Updated it?

 

[Yorkshire_OH]

Does Sync 3 have wireless CarPlay? I thought you needed Sync 4 for that and that's a S650 thing. I just bought myself a wireless CarPlay adapter and leave that plugged in in the armrest and use wire free connectivity.

Perfectly happy to be educated on this, I've had an enlightening day on here already lol

 

[ORRadtech]

No. Just downloaded the Ford update. It says Sync 3.0 now. Can you purchase a new head unit to make it work? I really want Wireless CarPlay, not really a fan of the wired.

Yes, you can replace the sync2 unit with a Sync 3 one. They run about $700 for the conversion. Amazon has them - if you trust them for something like that. Or there's a company out of Chicago called "All Things Sync" that I've had good luck with.

 

[Goterr0r]

Sync3 doesn't have wireless Apple unless you by an aftermarket adapter. Amazon sells them for around $70. It plugs into the wired port and makes wireless car play possible. The unit i bought has worked great the passed 2 years.

The aftermarket T screens you mention are hit or miss. I have one friend that's its been flawless and one guy that went back to Sync a week later due to how buggy it was.

 

[junits15]

Not to be a smartass, but have you downloaded Apple Carplay to your phone? Updated it?

iPhones dont require a separate app, its built in to the OS.

OP ford doesn't have wireless carplay on this generation of car, i woun't ever consider those aftermarket tesla style head units. They are notoriously flaky, some people have no issues other have endless issues. Things like back up camera integration, steering wheel buttons and other related items.

Run of the mill imported junk sadly, they do look very nice though!

 

[spankybranch]

You’re working with this unit? And it has the the latest version? I had a 2016 that I updated and used the new hub from a Lincoln model and it worked. Are you plugging the phone directly into the new compatible USB block? Try an Apple/good cable. Do you see the option in sync settings for CarPlay?

https://www.ford.com/support/sync-maps-updates/

 

[ESNB74]

Not to be a smartass, but have you downloaded Apple Carplay to your phone? Updated it?

Yes. I use CarPlay in my F150 everyday.

 

[ESNB74]

You’re working with this unit? And it has the the latest version? I had a 2016 that I updated and used the new hub from a Lincoln model and it worked. Are you plugging the phone directly into the new compatible USB block? Try an Apple/good cable. Do you see the option in sync settings for CarPlay?

https://www.ford.com/support/sync-maps-updates/

Yep. All the above. When I plug into the new hub (and I've tried two hubs) I get a warning of an incompatible USB Devise is plugged in. I even showed the dealer and they were baffled.

 

[ESNB74]

Sync3 doesn't have wireless Apple unless you by an aftermarket adapter. Amazon sells them for around $70. It plugs into the wired port and makes wireless car play possible. The unit i bought has worked great the passed 2 years.

The aftermarket T screens you mention are hit or miss. I have one friend that's its been flawless and one guy that went back to Sync a week later due to how buggy it was.

Correct. Sync 3 only accepts wired CarPlay unless you have the wireless adapter like I do in my Sync 3 2020 F-150.

 

[ESNB74]

Since posting this, I finally found a couple other threads on this forum about the Linkswell T-Style unit. Seems to be good reviews.

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