HOW TO: Add MyFord Touch/Sync 3 to base model S550

[Spart]

Question for those who have done it. I need to run a male-to-male mini USB cable from the APIM to the center console to plug into this correct? And if I had a single port version, I'd need to run a male-to-pigtail cable back to the front USB port and splice it in? What length cables works best without too much extra?

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[HextallS550]

Why not get the Ford cable? Can't be that bad. That pigtail looks familiar lol

 

[mustangmike86]

Question for those who have done it. I need to run a male-to-male mini USB cable from the APIM to the center console to plug into this correct? And if I had a single port version, I'd need to run a male-to-pigtail cable back to the front USB port and splice it in? What length cables works best without too much extra?

I used these at the apim to connect to the factory usb wires and they plugged into the apim YCS Basics Black 6 Inch USB 2.0 USB Mini B Male to USB Mini B Female Cable https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00B5HSA3Q/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_HNxusoZQOImvD
And i used one like this i bought from office depot for the hub end
AmazonBasics USB 2.0 Cable - A-Male to Mini-B - 3 Feet (0.9 Meters) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NH13S44/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_9IfZybYQD1MYE

 

[Spart]

I used these at the apim to connect to the factory usb wires and they plugged into the apim YCS Basics Black 6 Inch USB 2.0 USB Mini B Male to USB Mini B Female Cable https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00B5HSA3Q/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_HNxusoZQOImvD
And i used one like this i bought from office depot for the hub end
AmazonBasics USB 2.0 Cable - A-Male to Mini-B - 3 Feet (0.9 Meters) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NH13S44/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_9IfZybYQD1MYE

Thanks. I'm having trouble picturing how this works. I knew about the APIM end of things and I had already ordered that exact model 6" cable. What connector(s) am I going to find in the center console on a base car? I was thinking I didn't see a USB of any type when I had the center console out to install my MGW shifter, but I just remembered that it's two pieces and the actual cubby hole under the arm rest stayed put when I did that, so I likely didn't unplug the connectors going to the USB under the arm rest.

 

[mustangmike86]

Thanks. I'm having trouble picturing how this works. I knew about the APIM end of things and I had already ordered that exact model 6" cable. What connector(s) am I going to find in the center console on a base car? I was thinking I didn't see a USB of any type when I had the center console out to install my MGW shifter, but I just remembered that it's two pieces and the actual cubby hole under the arm rest stayed put when I did that, so I likely didn't unplug the connectors going to the USB under the arm rest.

There isnt any connectors on the base model. When you pull it apart it is just a face plate that the usb cable sits in. The usb that you are plugging into is actually the cable the runs up to the apim, it is not a module. If you would like i can post a picture tommorow of the faceplate to give you a better idea.

 

[Spart]

There isnt any connectors on the base model. When you pull it apart it is just a face plate that the usb cable sits in. The usb that you are plugging into is actually the cable the runs up to the apim, it is not a module. If you would like i can post a picture tommorow of the faceplate to give you a better idea.

Got it, that totally makes sense.

So if I wanted to source a single port car play hub, I'd need to run a cable from the hub to my front port, right? For now I'll use the two port hub I got with my APIM but I might want to set it up the "correct" way down the line.

 

[mustangmike86]

Question for those who have done it. I need to run a male-to-male mini USB cable from the APIM to the center console to plug into this correct? And if I had a single port version, I'd need to run a male-to-pigtail cable back to the front USB port and splice it in? What length cables works best without too much extra?

If you run a single port you do not need to run a cable to the front as long as you plug the original front cable into the sync 3 apim. Be carefull to check the proper location for the usb cable for the apple car play module as there is only one port on the apim that allows for the sync to reconize the module. Just plug it in one and turn it on then plug the phone in to make sure it comes up. If not just swap the usb's on the apim

 

[mustangmike86]

Got it, that totally makes sense.

So if I wanted to source a single port car play hub, I'd need to run a cable from the hub to my front port, right? For now I'll use the two port hub I got with my APIM but I might want to set it up the "correct" way down the line.

Honestly i wish i had ordered the dual hub because then i would have had an additional usb port

 

[Spart]

Thanks. I currently plug my phone into the USB under the armrest, and I have a thumb drive with music plugged into the USB in the dash. So I guess with the dual port, I can just move that thumb drive to the hub.

You say you wish you ordered the dual hub to have an extra port - I was under the impression that the front port won't be functional when using the dual hub. I think I remember someone saying that it might charge, but it won't have a connection to the APIM. Is the second APIM USB connector disabled when using the dual hub or not? Will it charge but not connect?

 

[mustangmike86]

Thanks. I currently plug my phone into the USB under the armrest, and I have a thumb drive with music plugged into the USB in the dash. So I guess with the dual port, I can just move that thumb drive to the hub.

You say you wish you ordered the dual hub to have an extra port - I was under the impression that the front port won't be functional when using the dual hub. I think I remember someone saying that it might charge, but it won't have a connection to the APIM. Is the second APIM USB connector disabled when using the dual hub or not? Will it charge but not connect?

the front port should work as long as you plug it directly to the apim. I could be wrong on this but i believe the people who are saying the dual hub will disable the front port is because it only has one connection on the back of the hub unlike the single port that acts as a pass through for the front cable hook up with two connections on the back of the hub

 

[Spart]

the front port should work as long as you plug it directly to the apim. I could be wrong on this but i believe the people who are saying the dual hub will disable the front port is because it only has one connection on the back of the hub unlike the single port that acts as a pass through for the front cable hook up with two connections on the back of the hub

Ah okay. I've heard twice now that the front port will still charge with the two port hub installed. Obviously, it doesn't function for CarPlay. I wonder if you can hook a thumb drive with music to it though?

 

[NewTekBuzz]

Thanks. I currently plug my phone into the USB under the armrest, and I have a thumb drive with music plugged into the USB in the dash. So I guess with the dual port, I can just move that thumb drive to the hub.

You say you wish you ordered the dual hub to have an extra port - I was under the impression that the front port won't be functional when using the dual hub. I think I remember someone saying that it might charge, but it won't have a connection to the APIM. Is the second APIM USB connector disabled when using the dual hub or not? Will it charge but not connect?

I'm getting ready for sync 2 to sync 3 when the weather breaks. I was under the same impression, you would lose the hub under the bezel. As far as it functioning as a charger, don't know. I thought this was all suppose to be plug and play!?!

Tim

 

[thet33]

Ah okay. I've heard twice now that the front port will still charge with the two port hub installed. Obviously, it doesn't function for CarPlay. I wonder if you can hook a thumb drive with music to it though?

[MENTION=25607]Spart[/MENTION] I wasn't sure so I just went out and checked mine...

My front USB did not recognize my thumb drive. It's only a power source for charging with this set up.

I have my Apple lightning cable and thumb drive plugged into the dual port in the console with no issues so it doesn't really bother me. I never used the front as it is unless I had passengers that needed it to charge, which it still does.

I believe OEM told me if you still want to use the front hub it's possible but you would use a different (single?) hub for the arm rest which doesn't fit as perfectly.

[MENTION=14699]NewTekBuzz[/MENTION] Yes, front port still works for charging.

 

[Spart]

Awesome, thanks for clearing that up.

So it sounds like the dual hub might be the way to go. You get three useful ports, even if the front one is charge-only.

 

[HextallS550]

[MENTION=25607]Spart[/MENTION]I believe OEM told me if you still want to use the front hub it's possible but you would use a different (single?) hub for the arm rest which doesn't fit as well.

[MENTION=25607]Spart[/MENTION] Just get the Mustang single version LOL come on man you came this far

Also for those looking to swap base to MFT/Sync 3 the bezel without heated seat switches is available new from AutoNation for $228. I verified the numbers were correct with their guys. FR3Z-18842-D is non-heated. E is the heated version. Apologies to people who paid homeboy $699 for theirs

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