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A guide to Ford SYNC Systems

Posted by ATD Admin on 13th Mar 2025

 

What is Ford SYNC?

Ford SYNC is Ford’s in-car infotainment system that provides hands-free control of media, navigation, and phone functions. It integrates with smartphones via Bluetooth, USB, or Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, allowing drivers to stay connected while keeping their hands on the wheel. 

SYNC 1 Discontinued

2007–2018

  • Basic voice control and Bluetooth
  • USB and AUX input for media
  • No touchscreen (cluster display)
  • Monochrome screen (early), color screen (later)
  • Phased out in 2018

SYNC 3 Active (Some Models)

2016–Present

  • Faster interface with modern design
  • Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
  • OTA software updates
  • Improved voice recognition
  • Watch out for SYNC 2.5 variants (details below).

SYNC 2 Discontinued

2011–2016

  • 8-inch touchscreen, 4-tile interface
  • Microsoft OS
  • Voice control for nav/climate/media
  • No Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
  • Replaced by SYNC 3 in 2016

SYNC 4 / 4A Current

2020–Present

  • Cloud-connected navigation & voice
  • Wireless CarPlay/Android Auto
  • OTA updates with new features
  • Larger screens
  • Better multitasking

How do I know which system I have?
Version CIP/FPN Version CIP/FPN
V1.01 8L2T-14D544-AD V3.2.5 BG1T-14D544-AH
V1.02 8L2T-14D544-AE V3.2.6 BG1T-14D544-AJ
V1.1 9L3T-14D544-AC V4.0 CR3T-14D544-AB
V1.2 9L3T-14D544-AD V4.0.2 CR3T-14D544-AC
V1.3 9L3T-14D544-AE V4.1.2 DG1T-14D544-AC
V2 9L2T-14D544-BC V4.1.3 DR3T-14D544-AD
V2.01 9L2T-14D544-BD V4.1.4 DL3T-14D544-AB
V2.1 9L2T-14D544-BE V4.2.1 DG1T-14D544-AE
V3 AR3T-14D544-AC V4.2.1.4 DR3T-14D544-AE
V3.01 AR3T-14D544-AD V4.3 EJ5T-14D544-AA
V3.1 AR3T-14D544-AE V4.4 FJ5T-14D544-AA
V3.1.1 CM5T-14D544-AC V4.4 DE8T-14D544-AC
V3.1.4 CM5T-14D544-AD V4.4 CM5T-14D544-AF
V3.1.6 CM5T-14D544-AE V4.4 DR3T-14D544-AF
V3.2 BG1T-14D544-AB V4.4 DL3T-14D544-AF
V3.2.2.2 BG1T-14D544-AD V4.6 Region Specific
V3.2.4 BG1T-14D544-AG V4.8 Region Specific

SYNC 1

To locate your vehicle's SYNC Gen 1 software version:

  1. Press the AUX button until the screen displays Line In, then press Menu.
  2. Scroll to System Settings, then tap OK.
  3. Scroll to Advanced, then select OK.

The MFD Low Nav LCD is a variant of SYNC 1 and includes the same features as the basic system (except for SYNC AppLink), plus the following:

  • Voice-Activated Navigation
  • Colour navigation screen
  • HD Radio™

Scroll to System Info, then press OK.

Scroll to FPN number, then tap OK.

You may have to press the text button if the number is cut off.

Use the table to match the FPN number with your SYNC software version.

SYNC 1 with monochrome screen

SYNC 1 with monochrome screen

SYNC 1 with color screen

SYNC 1 with color screen

SYNC 2

To locate your vehicle's SYNC 2 software version:

  1. Press Settings (Gear icon).
  2. Select Help.
  3. Select System Information.
  4. Look for the number after CCPU S/W Version.

Use the table below to match the CCPU number with the SYNC software version.

On 2015–2016 models, Ford fitted the Sony SYNC 2 touch system on selected vehicles and specifications.

It’s easily identifiable by its colour display, which is split into four distinct sections: Phone, Entertainment, Navigation, and Climate Control.

Version CCPU Version Version CCPU Version
1.8 10212 3.1.3 12058
2.3 10308 3.2.2 12156
2.4 10337 3.5.1 12285
2.7 11038 3.6.2 13171
2.8 11063 3.7.11 14073
2.10 11081 3.7 14122
2.11 11134 3.8 15128
3.0.2 12023 3.10 16180

sync2.png

SYNC 2.5

In late 2018, coinciding with the facelift of the Transit and Transit Custom, Ford released a very similar system to SYNC 3 which has since been dubbed SYNC 2.5. Even though it was released after Sync 3 initially. SYNC 2.5 can be identified from the main menu. It will have 4 icons at the bottom - Audio, Phone, Mobile Apps & Settings. Next, click the ‘About SYNC’ screen in system settings. Here if it shows ‘SYNC 3’ then you don't actually have SYNC 2.5, you have SYNC 3 even if you only have 4 icons. This is known as SYNC 3 Lite or R5.
SYNC 2.5 will be on a 32 pin connection block.
 

sync2.5.png

 

SYNC 3

For SYNC 3 onwards, the easiest method is:
  • Tap Settings on the vehicle's SYNC screen.
  • Press General.
  • Touch About SYNC to see your current software version.
SYNC 3 runs on either a 6.5” or 8” touch screen and is quickly distinguishable by having 5 icons at the bottom of the screen. SYNC 3 will be on a 54 pin connection block, which is on the APIM unit. 
WARNING: If your vehicle is built from 2018 onwards, take care in deciding if it is equipped with SYNC 3 or SYNC 2.5 before purchasing any products.
The two look very similar but do not use the same connections for any of the radio functions. 

sync3.png

 

SYNC 4 & 4A 

There are two versions of SYNC 4: SYNC 4 and SYNC 4A. They share many of the same features but offer different screen sizes, console integrations, and display layouts.
 

SYNC 4 

To locate your vehicle's SYNC 4 software version:
  • Tap Settings on the vehicle's SYNC screen.
  • Press General.
  • Touch About SYNC to see your current software version.

ford-f150-sync-4.jpg

 

SYNC 4A

  • For the 4A version of SYNC, you may need to tap home first before going to settings.
  • If this method is not available to you, you likely have an older version of SYNC.
It’s not possible to upgrade the SYNC 4 system to SYNC 4A, or vice versa. Though the features are similar, the hardware is entirely different, so you’re stuck with whatever version your vehicle came with.

SYNC 4 vs SYNC 4A

System
Screen Orientation
Dashboard Integration
Available Screen Sizes
Adaptive Dash Cards
Feature Bar
Status Bar
SYNC 4
Horizontal
In-Dash
8”, 12", and 12.4"
No
Yes
Yes
SYNC 4A
Vertical
Floating
12” and 15.5”
Yes
No
Yes
 
 
APIM Unit - SYNC 3 & 4
The SYNC computer which Ford calls the Accessory Protocol Interface Module (APIM), is housed separately from the head unit, called the Audio Control Module (ACM), and interfaces with all vehicle audio sources as well as high-speed and medium speed vehicle CAN buses.
 
SYNC Connected Radio with 4" display
These can be fitted onto quite a few Ford vehicles after 2017, mainly commercial vehicles. There are 2 versions though and you want to keep an eye out for the button between the phone icon and the settings cogs. If you have the 6 dots button, then you cannot add anything to that stock radio.
 
 

sync4crop.png

 

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