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

[SamsonExplorer]

2018 Ford Explorer PIU Interceptor Utility Sync 3 APIM Upgrade - PIU Sync 1 to Sync 3 conversion - 4" to 8" Screen upgrade
I've been searching all over the internet trying to solve the Ford Explorer stereo upgrade problem. This is what I have figured out so far, and I will continue to update as I learn more.
Wiring Harness- (Plug&Play 4" TO 8" Conversion Power Harness PNP For Ford SYNC1 to SYNC 3 Upgrade | eBay) As far as the wiring harness goes, I looked at a ton of different harnesses, ranging from $30 to $250 from multiple different sellers, but they all seem to be the same product, with the same connections. (Photo attached with the connections clearly labeled for reference) I went with the most affordable version @ $28 and it has multiple positive reviews. Ebay confirms it's compatible with the 2018 PIU

Sync 3 Upgrade Kit- (OEM Factory SYNC 2 to SYNC 3 3.4 Upgrade Carplay Kit Fit for Ford Sync3 1080p | eBay) I'm going with a pre-programmed Sync 3 APIM kit because I haven't been able to figure out how these are programmed for the PIU. Apparently there's an entire generation of gatekeepers out there trying to keep the programming information secret from us .
Don't worry, as soon as I learn a good configuration for my PIU I will post an update in here with the As-Built information. (Also attaching pics of my factory console and steering wheel for your reference)

Bezel- (2016 - 2018 Ford Explorer OEM 8" Display Radio Climate Control Panel BEZEL ONLY | eBay) Unfortunately the barebones stripped Bezels are still going for about $200 a piece right now. You can search for a better deal but as of this post, many of the Bezels listed under the $200 range have missing/cracked climate control knobs and/or noticeable cosmetic blemishes. Keep an eye out

I should be getting most of this delivered and installed within the next 3 weeks, I'll keep y'all posted.
Here's a couple good installation videos I found for upgrading the 4.2" Sync 1 to the 8" Sync 3. Hope this helps someone!

m
@syncceduppp

 

[Rick]

Nice writeup. I set you up with a 3 month Elite membership for the how to article.

 

[SamsonExplorer]

Nice writeup. I set you up with a 3 month Elite membership for the how to article.

oh wow thank you!

 

[syncceduppp]

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.

 

[SamsonExplorer]

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.

Thanks for the tips! Do you think that harness I linked is one of the bad ones? I saw a few people review it saying that it worked for them, so I assumed it was functional. My SYNC 3 is being delivered from China so I won't be able to test the harness for a couple weeks, but if it turns out to be faulty I will definitely update in here. Have you found a harness that works well for you that doesn't cost an arm and a leg?

For anyone wondering what version of SYNC you have, you can check here:

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

 

[syncceduppp]

Thanks for the tips! Do you think that harness I linked is one of the bad ones? I saw a few people review it saying that it worked for them, so I assumed it was functional.

Unfortunately, the sellers of these products seem to often use generic photos that don't exactly line up with the items you actually receive. They might copy photos from other listings or engage in various other tactics. Additionally, the factories may make changes to the components, assemblies, etc after listing pictures are taken. Furthermore, there typically aren't enough photos of a high enough quality at the right angles to really assess the connections in the first place. Consequently, it's not really possible to assess these things without receiving and testing the actual item.
I also wouldn't put too much faith in the reviews either unless the reviewer provided extensive details about their vehicle and installation situation, because 1) as my previous post mentioned, whether or how well these harnesses work depends on the exact vehicle specs and 2) Chinese sellers in general are known to engage in various review manipulation schemes and other trickery.

 

[SamsonExplorer]

Update 1
I attached a photo of the "instructions" sent to me. Don't buy the Chinese sync 2 to sync 3 upgrade kits. They require you to install a sketchy Chinese program on your personal computer for remote access. I can't vouch for that.

Positives: I found a couple FORScan spreadsheets that should be helpful for anyone with an explorer

Main Explorer spreadsheet: FORScan Ford Explorer 11-23MY
De-Policify spreadsheet (PIU):

I will continue to update as I learn more

 

[SamsonExplorer]

FINAL UPDATE​

1) The harness I linked works perfectly fine. There are multiple people selling the same harness for much more money but the cheap ones work just as good.
2) If you have a factory backup camera that displays on the original 4" screen, you will need an adapter to connect it to the harness. I got this backup camera adapter for $12 and it works great.
3) You can also upgrade the manual climate controls to auto-climate if you replace the HVAC module with a compatible version. This step is optional but it increases the functionality of the new SYNC 3 bezel.
4) I purchased this SYNC 3 Upgrade Kit on Ebay. I gave up trying to program it myself after a week so I reached out to the seller and they were able to program it remotely for me and had everything working perfectly in about 15 minutes, including the new auto-climate HVAC module. You will need to install a program on your laptop to give them remote access, which seemed sketchy at first, but you can see everything they are doing on the screen and you also maintain full control of your laptop, so if for some reason you don't feel comfortable you can close the program at any time.
5) The upgrade kit mentioned above is for a SYNC 2 to SYNC 3 conversion, so you will need a couple more items to complete the SYNC 1 upgrade. It was much cheaper to do it this way rather than purchasing a full Explorer SYNC 1 to SYNC 3 upgrade kit. The items you will need:
-Explorer SYNC 3 Bezel
-SYNC 3 brackets
-SYNC 1 to SYNC 3 Harness
-Auto HVAC module (optional)
-Backup Camera Adapter

I think that covers everything, I will update if I think of anything else. Hope this helps someone

P.S. I HIGHLY recommend you familiarize yourself with FORscan before doing any of this. Save a copy of the original AsBuilt files for every module before doing ANYTHING!

 

[Jacqueline22CJ]

2018 Ford Explorer PIU Interceptor Utility Sync 3 APIM Upgrade - PIU Sync 1 to Sync 3 conversion - 4" to 8" Screen upgrade
I've been searching all over the internet trying to solve the Ford Explorer stereo upgrade problem. This is what I have figured out so far, and I will continue to update as I learn more.
Wiring Harness- (Plug&Play 4" TO 8" Conversion Power Harness PNP For Ford SYNC1 to SYNC 3 Upgrade | eBay) As far as the wiring harness goes, I looked at a ton of different harnesses, ranging from $30 to $250 from multiple different sellers, but they all seem to be the same product, with the same connections. (Photo attached with the connections clearly labeled for reference) I went with the most affordable version @ $28 and it has multiple positive reviews. Ebay confirms it's compatible with the 2018 PIU

Sync 3 Upgrade Kit- (OEM Factory SYNC 2 to SYNC 3 3.4 Upgrade Carplay Kit Fit for Ford Sync3 1080p | eBay) I'm going with a pre-programmed Sync 3 APIM kit because I haven't been able to figure out how these are programmed for the PIU. Apparently there's an entire generation of gatekeepers out there trying to keep the programming information secret from us .
Don't worry, as soon as I learn a good configuration for my PIU I will post an update in here with the As-Built information. (Also attaching pics of my factory console and steering wheel for your reference)

Bezel- (2016 - 2018 Ford Explorer OEM 8" Display Radio Climate Control Panel BEZEL ONLY | eBay) Unfortunately the barebones stripped Bezels are still going for about $200 a piece right now. You can search for a better deal but as of this post, many of the Bezels listed under the $200 range have missing/cracked climate control knobs and/or noticeable cosmetic blemishes. Keep an eye out

I should be getting most of this delivered and installed within the next 3 weeks, I'll keep y'all posted.
Here's a couple good installation videos I found for upgrading the 4.2" Sync 1 to the 8" Sync 3. Hope this helps someone!

m
@syncceduppp

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You're too late for me! I had given it my all for about 2 years, and it was a gamble I took with myself. Unfortunately, all I ended up doing was breaking down psychologically and, in the end, crying over the car I had to sell.
Because just i gave up!

 

[SamsonExplorer]

You're too late for me! I had given it my all for about 2 years, and it was a gamble I took with myself. Unfortunately, all I ended up doing was breaking down psychologically and, in the end, crying over the car I had to sell.
Because just i gave up!

I totally understand, making changes to the modules can be downright nerve-racking! Sorry I was so late to the game, wish I could've helped ya sooner

 

[Jacqueline22CJ]

I totally understand, making changes to the modules can be downright nerve-racking! Sorry I was so late to the game, wish I could've helped ya sooner

I have so many parts. If you'd like, I'd be willing to donate them all to you. To be honest, it's too emotional for me to keep them, as it's breaking my heart!!

 

[SamsonExplorer]

I have so many parts. If you'd like, I'd be willing to donate them all to you. To be honest, it's too emotional for me to keep them, as it's breaking my heart!!

I can't accept that but thank you, I really appreciate the gesture! You should sell them on Ebay, that's what I'm doing with all of the stock parts that I just replaced. Actually, I just sold a door speaker the other day! You get 250 free listings per month so it's a great way to get some of your money back. That's what I recommend!

 

[glaze28]

2018 Ford Explorer PIU Interceptor Utility Sync 3 APIM Upgrade - PIU Sync 1 to Sync 3 conversion - 4" to 8" Screen upgrade
I've been searching all over the internet trying to solve the Ford Explorer stereo upgrade problem. This is what I have figured out so far, and I will continue to update as I learn more.
Wiring Harness- (Plug&Play 4" TO 8" Conversion Power Harness PNP For Ford SYNC1 to SYNC 3 Upgrade | eBay) As far as the wiring harness goes, I looked at a ton of different harnesses, ranging from $30 to $250 from multiple different sellers, but they all seem to be the same product, with the same connections. (Photo attached with the connections clearly labeled for reference) I went with the most affordable version @ $28 and it has multiple positive reviews. Ebay confirms it's compatible with the 2018 PIU

Sync 3 Upgrade Kit- (OEM Factory SYNC 2 to SYNC 3 3.4 Upgrade Carplay Kit Fit for Ford Sync3 1080p | eBay) I'm going with a pre-programmed Sync 3 APIM kit because I haven't been able to figure out how these are programmed for the PIU. Apparently there's an entire generation of gatekeepers out there trying to keep the programming information secret from us .
Don't worry, as soon as I learn a good configuration for my PIU I will post an update in here with the As-Built information. (Also attaching pics of my factory console and steering wheel for your reference)

Bezel- (2016 - 2018 Ford Explorer OEM 8" Display Radio Climate Control Panel BEZEL ONLY | eBay) Unfortunately the barebones stripped Bezels are still going for about $200 a piece right now. You can search for a better deal but as of this post, many of the Bezels listed under the $200 range have missing/cracked climate control knobs and/or noticeable cosmetic blemishes. Keep an eye out

I should be getting most of this delivered and installed within the next 3 weeks, I'll keep y'all posted.
Here's a couple good installation videos I found for upgrading the 4.2" Sync 1 to the 8" Sync 3. Hope this helps someone!

m
@syncceduppp

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very helpful thread. thank you

 

[Jacqueline22CJ]

Apparently there's an entire generation of gatekeepers out there trying to keep the programming information secret from us .

I thought I was the only one who believed this! Unfortunately.

 

[glaze28]

FINAL UPDATE​

1) The harness I linked works perfectly fine. There are multiple people selling the same harness for much more money but the cheap ones work just as good.
2) If you have a factory backup camera that displays on the original 4" screen, you will need an adapter to connect it to the harness. I got this backup camera adapter for $12 and it works great.
3) You can also upgrade the manual climate controls to auto-climate if you replace the HVAC module with a compatible version. This step is optional but it increases the functionality of the new SYNC 3 bezel.
4) I purchased this SYNC 3 Upgrade Kit on Ebay. I gave up trying to program it myself after a week so I reached out to the seller and they were able to program it remotely for me and had everything working perfectly in about 15 minutes, including the new auto-climate HVAC module. You will need to install a program on your laptop to give them remote access, which seemed sketchy at first, but you can see everything they are doing on the screen and you also maintain full control of your laptop, so if for some reason you don't feel comfortable you can close the program at any time.
5) The upgrade kit mentioned above is for a SYNC 2 to SYNC 3 conversion, so you will need a couple more items to complete the SYNC 1 upgrade. It was much cheaper to do it this way rather than purchasing a full Explorer SYNC 1 to SYNC 3 upgrade kit. The items you will need:
-Explorer SYNC 3 Bezel
-SYNC 3 brackets
-SYNC 1 to SYNC 3 Harness
-Auto HVAC module (optional)
-Backup Camera Adapter

I think that covers everything, I will update if I think of anything else. Hope this helps someone

P.S. I HIGHLY recommend you familiarize yourself with FORscan before doing any of this. Save a copy of the original AsBuilt files for every module before doing ANYTHING!

I've sourced all my parts but I don't want to do any programming for my upgrade(if I can avoid it). a few questions:

1.) did you provide the seller your vin and model number? Don't they use that to program the Sync 3 APIM Module?
2. what functionality doesn't work when it's not "programmed"? Basically, how does it work directly out of the box?

 

[utilitytristin]

FINAL UPDATE​

1) The harness I linked works perfectly fine. There are multiple people selling the same harness for much more money but the cheap ones work just as good.
2) If you have a factory backup camera that displays on the original 4" screen, you will need an adapter to connect it to the harness. I got this backup camera adapter for $12 and it works great.
3) You can also upgrade the manual climate controls to auto-climate if you replace the HVAC module with a compatible version. This step is optional but it increases the functionality of the new SYNC 3 bezel.
4) I purchased this SYNC 3 Upgrade Kit on Ebay. I gave up trying to program it myself after a week so I reached out to the seller and they were able to program it remotely for me and had everything working perfectly in about 15 minutes, including the new auto-climate HVAC module. You will need to install a program on your laptop to give them remote access, which seemed sketchy at first, but you can see everything they are doing on the screen and you also maintain full control of your laptop, so if for some reason you don't feel comfortable you can close the program at any time.
5) The upgrade kit mentioned above is for a SYNC 2 to SYNC 3 conversion, so you will need a couple more items to complete the SYNC 1 upgrade. It was much cheaper to do it this way rather than purchasing a full Explorer SYNC 1 to SYNC 3 upgrade kit. The items you will need:
-Explorer SYNC 3 Bezel
-SYNC 3 brackets
-SYNC 1 to SYNC 3 Harness
-Auto HVAC module (optional)
-Backup Camera Adapter

I think that covers everything, I will update if I think of anything else. Hope this helps someone

P.S. I HIGHLY recommend you familiarize yourself with FORscan before doing any of this. Save a copy of the original AsBuilt files for every module before doing ANYTHING!

I recommend you get your SYNC 3 APIM, screen, and other necessary parts from All Things Sync. I personally know the owner, he does great work, and does 4 to 8 programming perfectly. You DO need the HVAC module from an automatic climate car. Otherwise your climate won't work properly, in my experience at least.

 

[SamsonExplorer]

I've sourced all my parts but I don't want to do any programming for my upgrade(if I can avoid it). a few questions:

1.) did you provide the seller your vin and model number? Don't they use that to program the Sync 3 APIM Module?
2. what functionality doesn't work when it's not "programmed"? Basically, how does it work directly out of the box?

1.) Yes, I provided my VIN and vehicle info to the seller for programming. They did everything for free as part of the service
2.) If it's not programmed properly you will have a lot of issues. All of the media and volume, A/C and heat, navigation, backup camera, even the emergency hazard blinkers are controlled by the APIM. The vehicle itself will be okay and drivable though, as all of those main important features are programmed into the body control module, not the APIM. I would just assume nothing on your center console will work until it gets programmed

 

[SamsonExplorer]

I recommend you get your SYNC 3 APIM, screen, and other necessary parts from All Things Sync. I personally know the owner, he does great work, and does 4 to 8 programming perfectly. You DO need the HVAC module from an automatic climate car. Otherwise your climate won't work properly, in my experience at least.

I'm sure your friend is great but this post was tailored to DIY and saving money. I bought the entire Sync 3 upgrade kit with navigation AND programming for less than what your friend is selling the APIM by itself for. As far as the HVAC, I was told by multiple people that the HVAC will work without upgrading to automatic, but it will only work in manual mode. So the auto climate control buttons on the bezel would be useless.

 

[glaze28]

1.) Yes, I provided my VIN and vehicle info to the seller for programming. They did everything for free as part of the service
2.) If it's not programmed properly you will have a lot of issues. All of the media and volume, A/C and heat, navigation, backup camera, even the emergency hazard blinkers are controlled by the APIM. The vehicle itself will be okay and drivable though, as all of those main important features are programmed into the body control module, not the APIM. I would just assume nothing on your center console will work until it gets programmed

thank you. my ultimate goal is to have it show up and not have to do anything other than install it. Basically i want to avoid using forscan to get this done

 

[SamsonExplorer]

thank you. my ultimate goal is to have it show up and not have to do anything other than install it. Basically i want to avoid using forscan to get this done

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.