Anyone got an external console???

[Isam Lamarius]

I intended to pick up a Pioneer head unit for my 2016 explorer. It's a little tricky for me with the installation.
Just ordered an external console, it does not cost much, is easy to set up, and supports both Wireless CarPlay and Wireless Android auto.
It‘s cool！But I’m still considering whether the change to the Pioneer unit or keep the external console.
Does anyone have experience with the console or any head unit suggested?
https://carplaysmartbox.com/product...ia-player-with-apple-carplay-and-andriod-auto.

 

[peterk9]

Welcome to the Forum.
I think you mean an external controller. When you mention "console" here, people tend to think of the floor console between the seats.

Peter

 

[MattMPA]

As I understand, an aftermarket radio is not an easy project in a '16-19 Explorer. The Metro kits for example, only go up to 2015.

 

[mguy13sport]

It not recommended to replace the factory unit with anything aftermarket. Unfortunately these aren't like the early 2000s cars where you just need a harness and plug and play any headunit.

If you want Apple and Android support, go with a sync3 conversion kit. This will retain all factory options like GPS, steering wheel controls etc. The closest thing to plug and play you will find.

 

[Isam Lamarius]

It not recommended to replace the factory unit with anything aftermarket. Unfortunately these aren't like the early 2000s cars where you just need a harness and plug and play any headunit.

If you want Apple and Android support, go with a sync3 conversion kit. This will retain all factory options like GPS, steering wheel controls etc. The closest thing to plug and play you will find.

Thanks, Matt. I don't think I can have the retrofit kit installed myself and it's too much, US$1800 +. Just found their BLKFRIDAY's on, I gonna take the portable one.
WilI update here once I got it.

 

[robbieas]

I intended to pick up a Pioneer head unit for my 2016 explorer. It's a little tricky for me with the installation.
Just ordered an external console, it does not cost much, is easy to set up, and supports both Wireless CarPlay and Wireless Android auto.
It‘s cool！But I’m still considering whether the change to the Pioneer unit or keep the external console.
Does anyone have experience with the console or any head unit suggested?
https://carplaysmartbox.com/product...ia-player-with-apple-carplay-and-andriod-auto.

You can swap in a Sync 3 screen and APIM into your 2016 to get Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. You have to find a 2017-2019 screen and APIM out of an Explorer with similar specs to yours, or even some other models work as well. I think I got my screen and APIM together on cart-part.com for about $250. I think LMK is the other junkyard part supplier that's really big.

Then these guys can create the as-built data you need to program your can to the receiver for $50.

Sync 3 APIM Programming for FORScan (via Email)

Order a vehicle specific FORScan programming file, for your replacement Sync 3 hardware, to upgrade from Sync 2 in most Ford and Lincoln Vehicles.

sync3programming.com

It was incredibly easy to install. Hardest part by far was doing the research trying to find the right part # because there are a bunch of them that can work.

Here are a few random threads I have bookmarked from this project that might be helpful in getting started.

SYNC 3 in a 2016 Explorer

Nice job guys! We recently acquired our 2016 and I can't wait to upgrade to sync 3. Quick question for the resident experts with experience - there are notes about the bracket and -SC model number. Does the existing bracket system on our Sync 2 screens work if I picked up a different Sync 3 and...

www.explorerforum.com

2GFusions - Sync 3 Part Numbers

Upgrading from MFT/Sync 2 to Sync 3

My thoughts exactly. I have a 2015 Ex LTD and if the price was around $1000 I would consider it. So I will just keep chugging along with Sync2. I've seen it for I think $1500 if you get non-nav. You can also source the parts yourself and it is considerably less expensive. I plan on doing it in...

www.explorerforum.com

 

[Isam Lamarius]

Thanks for your idea.
Just upgrade to a premium dongle, not only wireless CarPlay, with a screen mirroring feature, that I could project Netflix and live shows on the car screen.

Anyone work this?

Wireless CarPlay＆Android Auto Adapter with Mirroring

The Wireless-Box Plus is a three-in-one plug and play multimedia box. Wireless Apple CarPlay adapter, Wireless Android Auto adapter and TV Cast all in one. Purchase The Wireless-Box Plus to cast streaming media to your car's screen.

carplaysmartbox.com