How to: 2018 Ford Explorer PIU Sync 1 to Sync 3 Upgrade Conversion 4" to 8" screen

[glaze28]

For it to be programmed remotely you will have to install forscan on your laptop and you will have to plug it in to the vehicle while having laptop connected to WiFi, but they will do all the programming themselves. You will have to sign up for the free trial license before you can use the FORScan program but it's simple. Here's a video tutorial
Good luck, let me know if you have anymore questions.

thanks again for this thread and your quick responses. I bought the kit from the same seller. I'll update when I get the goods!

 

[SamsonExplorer]

thanks again for this thread and your quick responses. I bought the kit from the same seller. I'll update when I get the goods!

Sweet, keep me posted. Don't forget to make backups of your asbuilt data in forscan in case something goes wrong! There's a ton of videos and tutorials on how to do that because it's the most important part of using forscan.
You can also use your VIN to download a backup of your asbuilt data HERE.
Good Luck

 

[Jacqueline22CJ]

Don't forget to make backups of your asbuilt data in forscan in case something goes wrong!

It's important, don't forget!!!
Good luck and from me.

 

[paragb]

Some learnings from my ongoing attempt to add SYNC 3 to my 18 FPIU:

1. Not all of the eBay upgrade harnesses are created equal. I bought several different ones and they had some subtle differences/flaws. I determined that one of them had a pair of wires swapped compared to the correct setup. Some of them used problematic connectors that didn't latch and/or were not correctly keyed to ensure the correct orientation.
2. The people who make the eBay upgrade harnesses don't seem to completely know what they are doing. In my research of the wiring pinouts from the Ford books, I found that the harnesses appeared to miss some wires which means some things may not work, and they included other wires that appear to do nothing. And as mentioned in point 1, quality control is not great. Plus, they did not bother to hook up any of the shield/drain/ground lines besides one, so there may be various issues with electrical noise and interferences.
3. The upgrade harnesses will only be plug and play and actually function in some conditions. Most importantly, you MUST have a SYNC 1 APIM present - otherwise there will not be anything for the upgrade harness to plug into. Many (most?) PIUs come without SYNC at all, so a custom harness must be fabricated to get all of the APIM connections.

I have a 2020 FPIU. I belive it doesn't have sync. Will i need APIM and ACM both? My car has a USB port, it recognizes the device i connect not sure if that is sync.

 

[Jacqueline22CJ]

I have a 2020 FPIU. I belive it doesn't have sync. Will i need APIM and ACM both? My car has a USB port, it recognizes the device i connect not sure if that is sync.

The 2020 Ford Police Interceptor Utility (FPIU) doesn't come with Sync out of the box. However, you can upgrade to Sync 3, which includes features like an HD touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and navigation. This upgrade is available for $1,545-$1,795.

To confirm whether your vehicle has Sync or to explore upgrade options, consider the following:
Check Vehicle Specifications, Review your vehicle's features, or consult the manual.
Consult a Ford Dealership They can assess your FPIU's setup and provide guidance on compatibility and installation.
Upgrade Options, Interceptor Innovations offers a Sync 3 upgrade package specifically designed for 2020-2024 FPIU models.

Keep in mind that adding Sync functionality might require both APIM (Accessory Protocol Interface Module) and ACM (Audio Control Module), depending on your vehicle's current configuration and desired features.

 

[paragb]

The 2020 Ford Police Interceptor Utility (FPIU) doesn't come with Sync out of the box. However, you can upgrade to Sync 3, which includes features like an HD touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and navigation. This upgrade is available for $1,545-$1,795.

To confirm whether your vehicle has Sync or to explore upgrade options, consider the following:
Check Vehicle Specifications, Review your vehicle's features, or consult the manual.
Consult a Ford Dealership They can assess your FPIU's setup and provide guidance on compatibility and installation.
Upgrade Options, Interceptor Innovations offers a Sync 3 upgrade package specifically designed for 2020-2024 FPIU models.

Keep in mind that adding Sync functionality might require both APIM (Accessory Protocol Interface Module) and ACM (Audio Control Module), depending on your vehicle's current configuration and desired features.

The 2020 Ford Police Interceptor Utility (FPIU) doesn't come with Sync out of the box. However, you can upgrade to Sync 3, which includes features like an HD touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and navigation. This upgrade is available for $1,545-$1,795.

To confirm whether your vehicle has Sync or to explore upgrade options, consider the following:
Check Vehicle Specifications, Review your vehicle's features, or consult the manual.
Consult a Ford Dealership They can assess your FPIU's setup and provide guidance on compatibility and installation.
Upgrade Options, Interceptor Innovations offers a Sync 3 upgrade package specifically designed for 2020-2024 FPIU models.

Keep in mind that adding Sync functionality might require both APIM (Accessory Protocol Interface Module) and ACM (Audio Control Module), depending on your vehicle's current configuration and desired features.

I did reach out to Interceptor Innovations. Their solution costs in excess of $3000. Ford confirmed that there is no SYNC on my 2020 PIU. I was wondering if I could buy a APIM, ACM of a used Explorer, source a custom harness and get SYNC going. I see quite a few folks doing this on this forum. I will follow their lead.

 

[Jacqueline22CJ]

I did reach out to Interceptor Innovations. Their solution costs in excess of $3000. Ford confirmed that there is no SYNC on my 2020 PIU. I was wondering if I could buy a APIM, ACM of a used Explorer, source a custom harness and get SYNC going. I see quite a few folks doing this on this forum. I will follow their lead.

You have Sync 1 with 4 inch screen!

 

[paragb]

You have Sync 1 with 4 inch screen!

View attachment 465120

 

[Jacqueline22CJ]

View attachment 465131

I see it for the first time!

On page 308 of the owner's manual, you'll see it's Sync.
For 2020 and later models, I don't have any ideas on how modifications can be made!

 

[Jacqueline22CJ]

View attachment 465131

I hope this helps.

 

[glaze28]

Sweet, keep me posted. Don't forget to make backups of your asbuilt data in forscan in case something goes wrong! There's a ton of videos and tutorials on how to do that because it's the most important part of using forscan.
You can also use your VIN to download a backup of your asbuilt data HERE.
Good Luck

It is done and everything went perfectly. the company i bought the sync 3 kit from programmed it remotely. they were called Naviroad on ebay and they were great.. the only functionality i didn't have after the initial install was hvac, but that was fixed with the remote programming

the one thing I didnt think of/source beforehand was the usb mini data cable that plugs into the usb port. maybe that comes with other kits?

I couldnt be happier and thanks agin for this thread. I definitely would have forgotten to get the brackets AND the back up camera adapter

 

[SamsonExplorer]

It is done and everything went perfectly. the company i bought the sync 3 kit from programmed it remotely. they were called Naviroad on ebay and they were great.. the only functionality i didn't have after the initial install was hvac, but that was fixed with the remote programming

the one thing I didnt think of/source beforehand was the usb mini data cable that plugs into the usb port. maybe that comes with other kits?

I couldnt be happier and thanks agin for this thread. I definitely would have forgotten to get the brackets AND the back up camera adapter

That's awesome I'm glad it went well. It's such a MASSIVE upgrade to the vehicle. Enjoy!

 

[ymleon]

Let me tell you a little bit about my story.

I've had these cars for several years, and the only thing I hate about them is that they don't have SYNC.
I spent a lot of time studying the subject and didn't get very far. After two years, I resumed the project of manufacturing a harness that would allow me to have SYNC in the PIUs that don't have it from the factory.

WHAT I HAVE ACHIEVED SO FAR...
- I have a functional harness that allows me to have SYNC (and everything that comes with it, phone, calls, Bluetooth, etc.).
- I've tested it in several PIUS cars and it has worked very well.
- I haven't had to program anything (although I could do so if necessary).
- I've installed SYNC 2 and SYNC 3 with very good results.

Here are some pictures of the harness and a video.
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mio-W74Shvk


BUT... there is a but...
The problem I have is that I haven't been able to get the AC to work. I can't change the temperature; it always blows cold air.
I know it has nothing to do with the harness itself, but rather with the change from NON-SYNC to SYNC, but I would like to offer a solution to this problem.
Best regards

 

[Jacqueline22CJ]

Is it working now?

 

[Jacqueline22CJ]

Is it working now? View attachment 466067

I have problem loading pictures! Sorry. You need to change this!