Hey everyone, I’m thinking of putting CarPlay in my 2014 SE Fusion. I’m not looking for the top-of-the-line, just something affordable that still works well. I’m mainly doing this because I’m adding subs, so CarPlay would make controlling everything a lot easier.
Anyone got suggestions? I’d rather get advice here instead of searching through tons of random sites.
Honestly, there aren’t many budget-friendly options for this since you’d need to upgrade the whole infotainment setup. There might be other ways, but none I know of.
For instance, there’s an option that requires sending in your current unit to be reprogrammed before you get it back. Here’s the link if you want to check it out:
If I’m being honest, all these Sync 3 screens look so ugly to me, and they’re really expensive. You’re probably better off checking with a custom car modification shop nearby. They could install a 9-inch screen that looks way cleaner in my opinion, and it might cost around $500.
I’m planning to do this myself soon, so I’ll come back here and share my experience since I know a lot of folks are interested in this .
I know what you mean. I used to have Sync 1, but then I switched to a Tesla-style tablet. It was a mess with too many menus. I ended up getting an Android unit on Amazon for under $500, and it’s been awesome 
. It has a few minor issues, like needing a new camera and some lag, but overall, it’s way better! My Fusion is a 2018.
Here’s what I went with: Amazon.com
It mounts right on the dash and works perfectly. It connects via Bluetooth, and I’ve had no issues after four months.
@Nevada
Wow, that’s super affordable.
I’m looking for a similar solution, and Sync 1 really is so frustrating. Switching to Bluetooth audio is such a pain; it keeps defaulting to line-in even though my phone connects.
I’m also a bit confused. Why do people say it costs around $800–$1500 to upgrade? I see some decent-looking Android Auto options on Amazon for $150. Does it really matter to keep the Sync functionality? So much to figure out.
@Ramon
That “radio” you saw on Amazon is more like an interface. All Fusion models use the same ACM module, it’s just set up differently depending on the model.
Donna said:
@Ramon
That “radio” you saw on Amazon is more like an interface. All Fusion models use the same ACM module, it’s just set up differently depending on the model.
Oh, I get it. But would that setup give me Android Auto, and would it work fine with the car’s speakers?
Donna said:
@Ramon
That “radio” you saw on Amazon is more like an interface. All Fusion models use the same ACM module, it’s just set up differently depending on the model.
I’m just looking to change out the head unit as an interface. I want to be able to see what music’s playing, and most of those Amazon units come with an equalizer. That’s a big plus since the Fusion’s default EQ is super heavy on treble, and it’s so harsh.
I’ve upgraded to some Kenwood speakers, which aren’t anything super high-end but are still better than the original ones.
@Ramon
Exactly! How did they think it was okay to put Sync 1 in a 2014 model and call it good?
Sidney said:
@Ramon
Exactly! How did they think it was okay to put Sync 1 in a 2014 model and call it good?
Yeah, Sync 1 was like the stick, and the $2000 upgrade to Sync 3 was the carrot.
@Ramon
Mine did the same thing. The only way to get it to play Bluetooth music was to use voice commands to switch it.
Since then, I updated Sync, and now it connects automatically to my phone and starts playing music right away (as long as my Amazon Music app hasn’t crashed, which it often does, sadly).
@Toby
Oh, that’s great! Just a software update to the latest Sync 1 version?
Ramon said:
@Toby
Oh, that’s great! Just a software update to the latest Sync 1 version?
Yep, just a small USB (4GB works fine) and you can get the file from Ford’s site. They provide step-by-step instructions.
By the way, the USB size matters; Sync 1 is pretty old tech, so it won’t read anything too large.
@Ramon
This is true. Finding a replacement part that fits for the stereo is the real challenge, along with some other parts that are needed.
The budget ones are okay if you’re not picky about sound quality. I went with a Pioneer model because I like good sound at higher volumes.
