Upgrading from Sync 2 to Sync 3 in Your Ford Focus

Written by Brian Lovelace

Upgrading from Sync 2 to Sync 3 in a Ford Focus isn't that hard...

Let's start with the truth that Ford doesn't want you to know... you can 100% convert your Sync 2 Equipped Ford Focus ST/SE/Titanium to have Sync 3. All it takes is the right parts, a small jumper harness, and a bit of programming know-how (don't worry, I'll teach you this).

Cars from 2012-2014 & 2015+ have one minor difference when it comes to upgrading from Sync 2 to Sync 3. On the 2012-2014 Ford Focus, you'll need a slightly different hub wiring adapter harness, sold on this site as a GEN 1 USB Hub Adapter Harness along with a hub adapter plate in order to fit the new, slightly smaller USB hub into the same spot for an OEM look. On the 2015 cars, you'll just need a GEN 2 v2 USB Hub Adapter Harness to adapt your current hub to provide power to your new Sync 3 hub.

Before we start, please make sure that you have a Windows laptop handy. Download FORScan and get your extended 2-month trial license so you're able to program your vehicle properly.

Now, take a look at what you need for your conversion below.

Let's start with the parts that you'll need for a successful conversion:

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1. A Sync 3 ® Screen & APIM

You can get these out of pretty much any 2016+ Ford Vehicle equipped with Sync 3 ®. Make sure to know the difference between a Sync 3 ® Screen and APIM and Sync 2 ® Screen and APIM before purchasing!

Here are some units to take a look at on eBay... also call up your local junkers and see if they have one they can sell you (play dumb and you might get a deal).

2. FAKRA GPS Module

No matter if your APIM has navigation or not, you need a GPS module for 911 Assistance and for GPS time syncing (and obviously navigation if you have a nav-equipped APIM)! This is the one I use for all my customers because it's super cheap and comes with a nice 3M sticky pad to place it under your dash:

3. Updated Apple CarPlay/Android Auto USB Hub (HU5Z-19A387-A)

Here are some hubs on eBay to take a look at... if you're an Android guy, you can get Ford's newest hub that has a single USB-C port on it. The new USB hub provides power to your phone, which is necessary for the proper functioning of Apple CarPlay & Android Auto.

4. Hub Wiring Adapter

This wiring adapter allows your to pull power from your existing harness and converts the plug into the proper one for your new Apple CarPlay & Android Auto enabled USB hub.

If your vehicle is a 2012 to 2014 Focus, you'll need a GEN1 Hub.

If your vehicle is a 2015 Focus, you'll need a GEN2 v2 Hub.

Sync 3 USB Hub Power Adapters
Rated 5.00 out of 5
$20.00 Select options

5. Sync 2 RCA Hub Adapter

If your 2012-2014 Focus has the old Sync 2 hub with RCA inputs, you'll need this adapter in order to fit new new, smaller hub into the larger slot that your current hub leaves behind.

Sale!
Sync 2 to Sync 3 Media Hub Adapter
Rated 5.00 out of 5
$20.00 Add to cart

6. Medium/High Speed ELM327 OBDII Adapter

You'll need one of these to program your new module to work with your vehicle using FORScan. I personally like the wired ones because they're easier to set up. This is the one I personally use and recommend because it's crazy cheap.

You'll also need to use a Windows Laptop to do the programming, so be sure to have one on hand or borrow one from a friend for this project. If this computer doesn't have Windows 10, you'll also need to install all of these drivers for the ELM327 Adapter.

Installing Sync 3 into your Ford Focus

Video tutorial and write-up coming soon!

Programming Your Sync 3 Module to Your Vehicle

Like I said before, make sure that you have a Windows laptop handy. Download FORScan and get your extended 2-month trial license so you're able to program your vehicle properly. Getting the license can take a while since it's all based on their forum. I use FORScan so much I just ended up paying for their lifetime license. If you pay for a license, you immediately get a code without waiting.