Swap radio receiver from civilian Explorer

[Lilflowww]

Hi guys,

I own a 2015 PIU and I REALLY want to get the Bluetooth feature, since it is not possible to activate it on my SYNC 1 CD player, I found out that later PIUs (a 2016 FPIU in a dealer) had Bluetooth activated.

So I wonder have anyone ever tried to swap the whole CD player (including the screen and dashboard maybe) to an earlier version of PIU? I don’t think that’s even possible and this is probably not the most affordable approach, but just wondering if that is possible. TIA!

 

[throgmo]

Why not a entertainment unit from a non-PI 2015? Don't they all have Bluetooth?

 

[peterk9]

Hi guys,

I own a 2015 PIU and I REALLY want to get the Bluetooth feature, since it is not possible to activate it on my SYNC 1 CD player, I found out that later PIUs (a 2016 FPIU in a dealer) had Bluetooth activated.

So I wonder have anyone ever tried to swap the whole CD player (including the screen and dashboard maybe) to an earlier version of PIU? I don’t think that’s even possible and this is probably not the most affordable approach, but just wondering if that is possible. TIA!

The 2016 model year underwent a 'refresh' and the electrical system contained many changes which in many cases made it difficult/impossible to use pre-2016 systems.

Peter

 

[MattMPA]

There is a kit available for the 2015 and earlier to swap in an aftermarket radio. I think Metro makes it. Likely a muchness costly option.

 

[Lilflowww]

Why not a entertainment unit from a non-PI 2015? Don't they all have Bluetooth?

Actually I never thought of that before. I don't know if wiring on PIU works, but Thanks for your information!

 

[Lilflowww]

The 2016 model year underwent a 'refresh' and the electrical system contained many changes which in many cases made it difficult/impossible to use pre-2016 systems.

Peter

Yea actually I just read that on older posts, thanks!

 

[Lilflowww]

There is a kit available for the 2015 and earlier to swap in an aftermarket radio. I think Metro makes it. Likely a muchness costly option.

Saw this on Best Buy website, its great but tbh Im not really like its design so thats why i prefer oem

 

[Lilflowww]

So right now I had some research about aftermarket radios and I still prefer OEM oparts, so just wonder have anyone have done swapping radios and 8' screen from civilian Explorer, is it plug n play? I checked the 4D Tech CarPlay swap kit, I guess they are just brand new OEM SYNC 3 hardwares (possibly with some adapters?) correct me if I am wrong.
Is there anything I have to program or take care thru Forscan, I remember I read one or several articles with adapter issue but I can't find them anymore.

also I guess it is okay to have older models (11-14) on my 2015 fpiu, since they don't have any major updates like 2016+ models?

 

[Lilflowww]

Additionally, saw this video on Youtube, this guy swapped a HD radio (probably from a civilian Explorer?)


If this machine actually comes from a civilian version, will it bring bluetooth? I don't really care if I can get features like CarPlay, basically I just need bluetooth and probably USB, while the dash looks clean and don't take forever to load on startup

 

[syncceduppp]

Additionally, saw this video on Youtube, this guy swapped a HD radio (probably from a civilian Explorer?)


If this machine actually comes from a civilian version, will it bring bluetooth? I don't really care if I can get features like CarPlay, basically I just need bluetooth and probably USB, while the dash looks clean and don't take forever to load on startup

Bluetooth and USB connect to the APIM (SYNC) system, not the ACM (Radio). If you have a non-sync vehicle, you'll have to retrofit sync to get those features.

 

[nolaDre]

I have a 2017 PIU with the small screen. Did we find out if it's possible to pull a civilian 8" screen and swap it out? Does it require anything additional? I'd settle for another small screen, all I want is the ability to play music via bluetooth because using an adapter sounds horrible. Don't care about bluetooth calls.

 

[syncceduppp]

I have a 2017 PIU with the small screen. Did we find out if it's possible to pull a civilian 8" screen and swap it out? Does it require anything additional? I'd settle for another small screen, all I want is the ability to play music via bluetooth because using an adapter sounds horrible. Don't care about bluetooth calls.

Do you have SYNC 1 or not? That will determine how easy or not the project is.
You can tell if you have SYNC 1 by the presence of an APIM (it'll show up in FORScan, and is mounted behind the screen) and the ability to pair a phone via bluetooth. The presence of a ceiling microphone is NOT an accurate indicator - Ford often put that in regardless.
If you have SYNC 1, there are upgrade harnesses out there that provide a mostly plug and play solution. You will have to do some programming, and may need a bit of wiring modification. The connection going to the SYNC 1 APIM provides just about everything you need.
If you don't have SYNC at all (no APIM), then you'll need to make your own custom harness to hook things up.