Sync 3 vs CarPlay, and the vertical screen with the wasted space?

[Quix]

New to forum and have just purchased a '21 Explorer ST. I really thought that I would be able to make the Sync 3 usable, but have generally struggled with it. Also was told that I would have wireless CarPlay but not so much as far as I can tell. I've searched through some of the old threads and there seems to be a general unhappiness with these issues that has not really been solved. Are there updates?

Also, I've not found a way to have the "WiFi" function recognize my home wifi network to get an update, if one exists or when one does. Have watched several videos on YouTube and none are helpful.

Looks like Spotify was taken away from Sync 3 a couple of years ago and has not reappeared, sadly.

Overall, Apple CarPlay offers a way better experience, except that it's crammed into the top of a huge screen and I have to plug in the phone.

Any help or just condolences would be appreciated.

Quix

 

[themishmosh]

To me, Carplay Waze is superior to the stock navigation both in features and voice control. I much prefer it despite the small size of the Carplay display within my 10" screen. Sync 3 does not have wireless Carplay in any Ford. As far as Sync 3 updates, I would recommend you look at the info page in settings. The most current Sync 3 is version 20136. If you are in north america, the current map is NA119.

Many here use Carplay2Air or Carlinkit usb dongles to achieve wireless carplay. It's not without some quirks but works well overall and it seems most are pleased with it, including myself.

 

[peterk9]

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Also, I've not found a way to have the "WiFi" function recognize my home wifi network to get an update, if one exists or when one does. Have watched several videos on YouTube and none are helpful.

Quix

Welcome to the Forum.
Are you able to connect to your home "WiFi" or is it that you don't get any downloads? If the latter, perhaps there are no updates available for you.

Peter

 

[Quix]

Welcome to the Forum.
Are you able to connect to your home "WiFi" or is it that you don't get any downloads? If the latter, perhaps there are no updates available for you.

Peter

For some reason, even though I've got a computer in my lap that is seeing the wifi networks, Sync 3 is unable to detect any. I do appreciate your help!

 

[peterk9]

I'm guessing that you have set up the Sync 3 with the required password? When it does a scan for available networks, yours doesn't show up?

 

[Quix]

I'm guessing that you have set up the Sync 3 with the required password? When it does a scan for available networks, yours doesn't show up?

Hmmm, will have to look into what setting up Sync 3 with password is, don't think that I've done that as of yet.

 

[Dale5403]

For some reason, even though I've got a computer in my lap that is seeing the wifi networks, Sync 3 is unable to detect any. I do appreciate your help!

Is the signal on the computer a strong one or on the weak side? If it's weak a WIFI extender may solve the problem.

 

[themishmosh]

That's weird that your car can't find your home wifi network. I would try to see if another network is searchable, like activating the hotspot on your phone. Also, does your Ford Pass connect properly? Just curious.

 

[Quix]

That's weird that your car can't find your home wifi network. I would try to see if another network is searchable, like activating the hotspot on your phone. Also, does your Ford Pass connect properly? Just curious.

Well for whatever reason, after returning home today and while programming the Homelink buttons, it was able to see my home network. So, got that one solved, anyway! Also ordered CarPlay2Air, so overall progress!
Is it worth activating the WiFi hotspot feature? I doubt that I'll pay for it once the free period runs out...

 

[Billinparker]

Overall, Ford’s infotainment system sucks, (especially when compared to what Chevy has). I‘ve got a 2015 Sport, and was able to find the blue tooth/ wireless settings deep in the menus, but was able to put in my home WiFi passwords, as well as the “hotspot” setting from my iphone.

 

[Forddealz]

Well for whatever reason, after returning home today and while programming the Homelink buttons, it was able to see my home network. So, got that one solved, anyway! Also ordered CarPlay2Air, so overall progress!
Is it worth activating the WiFi hotspot feature? I doubt that I'll pay for it once the free period runs out...

Which CarPlay2Air did you order? I see that they are priced over 100 dollars and some below 100 and some might not be compatible for all model cars.

 

[Forddealz]

I'd recommend getting the Carlinkit v.2.0
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08767RQDB/?tag=serious-20

The Carplay2Air is a relabelled version of Carlinkit v1. Most Carplay2Air or Carlinkit come from mainland China. It is a nightmare to return anything there if your device is defective or doesn't work for you. The Amazon unit gets to you in a few days and you can easily return it without sending it to China.

Almost 150 bucks. I will see if I can find something cheaper. Maybe an older version but I am afraid that it might be slower to receive signal or will have limited functionality.

 

[themishmosh]

Almost 150 bucks. I will see if I can find something cheaper. Maybe an older version but I am afraid that it might be slower to receive signal or will have limited functionality.

If you look carefully, it has a check box that is good for $25 off. In the past several weeks I've seen it listed for $125 with $10 coupon. Price seems to go up or down.

 

[alexixbox]

I'd recommend getting the Carlinkit v.2.0
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08767RQDB/?tag=serious-20

The Carplay2Air is a relabelled version of Carlinkit v1. Most Carplay2Air or Carlinkit come from mainland China. It is a nightmare to return anything there if your device is defective or doesn't work for you. The Amazon unit gets to you in a few days and you can easily return it without sending it to China.

Hello all,
I have the carlinkit v2 (lastest firmware) but I have an issue when i click on the siri button on the steering wheel (ford Explorer 2020). When I click on the button or when i say "Hey Siri" the siri logo is displayed on the sync3 screen but after approximately 2 seconds, the wireless connection with my iPhone 11 pro (latest IOS) is disconnected. Next the carlinkit is reconnecting the phone. I can call and receive a call, I can play music awith amazon music or youtube... Does somebody have the same issue ? Thanks in advance

 

[peterk9]

Welcome to the Forum Alexi.

Peter

 

[Forddealz]

The only negative to have this wireless Carplaytoair is that it will drain the phones battery if using waze and streaming music. I guess the slow wireless charging bad could help a little. Every time I put my phone charging pad and when exit my car, I will forget to take the phone with me.

 

[themishmosh]

So after seeing a video of Sync 4, I am not all that impressed. On the portrait screen similar to ours, carplay is still only a small box--a fraction of the total screen area... just like what we have.


As far as Carlink goes, it definitely can be quirky. Just the other day, I hit messages on the screen and the whole thing rebooted. Did it again and it rebooted again. Did it again and it went to the messages screen but was unable to play the message. Other pauses and hiccups I will try with wired carplay and the same thing happens. Unfortunately, now I am left wondering if a problem is with carplay, a third party app or Carlinkit.

Edit: fwiw, I tried the siri and it reboots every time. not sure what the issue is there. hopefully it'll get fixed in a future update of carlinkit

 

[themishmosh]

This seems like the best carplay2air/carlinkit discussion/mod thread:

CarPlay adapter to convert to wireless CarPlay?

I have a manufacturer fitted head unit that has CarPlay in and works great. The unit is wired only though. Works fine just a bit awkward when going short journeys when I'd like CarPlay but it's in bag or pocket and forget. It uses the USB plug in the front. Is there a way to make it wireless...

forums.macrumors.com

 

[themishmosh]

Hello all,
I have the carlinkit v2 (lastest firmware) but I have an issue when i click on the siri button on the steering wheel (ford Explorer 2020). When I click on the button or when i say "Hey Siri" the siri logo is displayed on the sync3 screen but after approximately 2 seconds, the wireless connection with my iPhone 11 pro (latest IOS) is disconnected. Next the carlinkit is reconnecting the phone. I can call and receive a call, I can play music awith amazon music or youtube... Does somebody have the same issue ? Thanks in advance

Roll back to the previous firmware 08.04.2020 and the Siri should work again...at least it did for me. I

Unfortunately 08.04 firmware has issues. Delayed GPS position, frozen screens, delayed screen touches.... I've had enough. Glad I bought this from Amazon. I've had it almost 4 weeks and now it's going back...

 

[iTonyp]

The newest update is SYNC3 v3.4.20282. Now as far as the wifi have not verify it but it may be that the fords wifi is only at 2.4Ghz. If your wifi is broadcasting at only 5GHz the ruck will not see it. Make sure your wifi setting on the router is set to broadcast at both bands. Also may have to separate the bands. IE: 2.4 GHz name is WIFI2 and 5 GHz name is WIF5, that will ensure that it will see each band if it has both band capabilities. Hope that help. By the way the new SYNC update is to also help with the cell phone battery drainage issues.