There are some varying prices on the Sync3 upgrade and it's pretty straightforward to get done in a '13 that already has the 8" screen. I've researched this myself for my daughter's '13. As for aftermarket, I'd recommend Crutchfield as others have. They have all the kits and accessories needed.
I looked at aftermarket for my 2014. It got expensive quickly to retain all the functionality, like steering wheel controls, unless I went with an Android unit with an integrated fascia from some sketchy sites in China. Going the Sync 3 conversion route is likely to relatively straightforward for you. You will need the replacement APIM Sync 3 and screen, a USB cable (it’s different for the Sync 3), a GPS antenna, a replacement USB hub for inside the arm rest, the adapter trim piece to make it fit the wider hole for the 2012-2014 USB hub. I am pretty sure that the dashboard installation bracket for APIM/screen are the same. Ditto for the screen mount that attaches the screen and APIM to the dashboard bracket. Finally, you need the conversion harness.
Most parts are available on Amazon. I would source a salvage OEM APIM from EBay Auto.I don’t see good reviews on the Chinese knock-off APIM. You don’t need navigation. That will be provided by CarPlay or Android Auto, so save yourself the cost
You will also need software to tell the vehicle about the upgrade - maybe. I did, going from the 4” with Sync. If you do need it, it’s called FORSCAN. It’s free. You will likely get prompted you need a premium license if you need to make changes. Don’t sweat it. They offer a free 60 day renewable license for non-commercial use. A USB to OBD2 cable is available on Amazon or eBay for as under $20. You need a dual speed cable. My advice is spend a few dollars more and get an auto-switching cable. It makes life easier.
On their YouTube channel and on their website, NaviUpgrade has a very useful collection of videos walking you through the process and an explanation of the required components, even if you source the conversion harness from them. If you do get the conversion harness from NaviUpgrade they give you FORSCAN files to upload for the ACM and APIM programming.
Finally, once you’ve got it up and running, the website CyanLabs.net is the next place you’ll want to visit. The ability to access Sync 3 updates from Ford is closed to you as they are tied to the VIN. Cyan Labs has the image files and tools that will allow updates all the way to Sync 3.4, which was never offered to the Mk3.5 Focus.
It’s totally doable as a DIY.
Thank you for such great info! I think you may have convinced me to wade back in to the Sync3 upgrade pool. The last time I did a stereo swap was over 20 years ago on a 1999 Pontiac. 😂 I'm not against taking on a DIY project, and I'm confident I can do it, I'm just at a point in my life that I'd rather pay a couple hundred bucks for someone else to do it for me. haha ..... Are you busy this weekend? Asking for a friend.
I'm looking on eBay Motors and there are quite a few options from China, but I don't know that I trust those. This listing claims it's from New Jersey, but who knows... does it look legit to you?
[Factory SYNC 2 to SYNC 3 3.4 Upgrade Carplay Kit Fit for Ford Sync3 APIM NA221](https://www.ebay.com/itm/403899760035?itmmeta=01J1WWKRXB9YB3S1GK6ACZEJCR&hash=item5e0a4d3da3:g:PDwAAOSwXNtjLAms&itmprp=enc%3AAQAJAAAA0CPTdavCfkIYGjP8iPQuqGJc2KCs7gbYD%2FbocsibMw%2FSEhisz8ylvrwkpM1Z4ptDogDWPfIAtOXwma43w0L8S4FYzIPnP7qn%2BptvuqbGOw3aH6ikpSLuJBf0XovAJSyxFhInTxti4rMrJoSYkZmvCSciFOb%2BhWjraYRfbJxpIUh1jZm8Dt3R6V4xK%2B2goDwx62IMeqXxgpWpfVBmokT9WwTpySBqGC%2B%2BG%2FgWQZ00eK5WdnTM787WyMuCVxW8LCK%2FpyUiqqHfn2val8MObF2%2F8mY%3D%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR-COz5yPZA)
[](https://www.ebay.com/itm/403899760035?itmmeta=01J1WWKRXB9YB3S1GK6ACZEJCR&hash=item5e0a4d3da3:g:PDwAAOSwXNtjLAms&itmprp=enc%3AAQAJAAAA0CPTdavCfkIYGjP8iPQuqGJc2KCs7gbYD%2FbocsibMw%2FSEhisz8ylvrwkpM1Z4ptDogDWPfIAtOXwma43w0L8S4FYzIPnP7qn%2BptvuqbGOw3aH6ikpSLuJBf0XovAJSyxFhInTxti4rMrJoSYkZmvCSciFOb%2BhWjraYRfbJxpIUh1jZm8Dt3R6V4xK%2B2goDwx62IMeqXxgpWpfVBmokT9WwTpySBqGC%2B%2BG%2FgWQZ00eK5WdnTM787WyMuCVxW8LCK%2FpyUiqqHfn2val8MObF2%2F8mY%3D%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR-COz5yPZA)
I would ask if they are using Chinese or Ford OEM AIPM units, if they will require the APIM and ACM to be programmed by you and if so are they supplying the files or settings changes needed. Aside from that, I generally prefer sellers with a large number of sales and a rating >99%. I am not saying no, just survey what is out there and do your due diligence.
Yeah, after looking closer this seller is just bringing in product from China and reselling it. They're even being lazy and using some of the same photos from the Chinese listings.
I just watched a NaviUpgrade YouTube video, and it's absurdly easy. But their kit is $825. That's quite a bit more than I wanted to spend on such an old car that's going to be my son's car. I was hoping to find a solution for less than $500. I know now that's not realistic. Even if I go aftermarket I'd still be pushed over that mark.
More for me to think about. I really appreciate the guidance here. This at least gives me a way forward if I'm willing to spend the money... 💸
Thank you internet stranger!
I would not get the kit from them just the harness. I would source the APIM and screen from eBay - look for one where they show the unit powered up. The rest I sourced from Amazon. You can also shop around for the harness from others. Yet another option is calling around to area salvage yards for a wrecked 2015 - 2016 Focus Titanium. Removal of the entire ACM, APIM, screen and mounting bracket assembly is super simple. Really all you need is the APIM and screen assembly and you have access to that after removing few screws and pulling off the fascia trim. See the NaviUpgrade video for the 2015 and later Focus.
Fair enough. I'll keep looking. I did just spend a few minutes calling around to salvage yards, but no luck. Definitely a great suggestion, and one I should have considered. The journey continues!
Crutchfield….
Definitely good advice. Thanks!
Yes, or try doing the sync 3 upgrade, OEM price (not good) but pretty much plug and play
Yeah.. thinking this might be the way to go.
There are some varying prices on the Sync3 upgrade and it's pretty straightforward to get done in a '13 that already has the 8" screen. I've researched this myself for my daughter's '13. As for aftermarket, I'd recommend Crutchfield as others have. They have all the kits and accessories needed.
Appreciate the advice!
I looked at aftermarket for my 2014. It got expensive quickly to retain all the functionality, like steering wheel controls, unless I went with an Android unit with an integrated fascia from some sketchy sites in China. Going the Sync 3 conversion route is likely to relatively straightforward for you. You will need the replacement APIM Sync 3 and screen, a USB cable (it’s different for the Sync 3), a GPS antenna, a replacement USB hub for inside the arm rest, the adapter trim piece to make it fit the wider hole for the 2012-2014 USB hub. I am pretty sure that the dashboard installation bracket for APIM/screen are the same. Ditto for the screen mount that attaches the screen and APIM to the dashboard bracket. Finally, you need the conversion harness. Most parts are available on Amazon. I would source a salvage OEM APIM from EBay Auto.I don’t see good reviews on the Chinese knock-off APIM. You don’t need navigation. That will be provided by CarPlay or Android Auto, so save yourself the cost You will also need software to tell the vehicle about the upgrade - maybe. I did, going from the 4” with Sync. If you do need it, it’s called FORSCAN. It’s free. You will likely get prompted you need a premium license if you need to make changes. Don’t sweat it. They offer a free 60 day renewable license for non-commercial use. A USB to OBD2 cable is available on Amazon or eBay for as under $20. You need a dual speed cable. My advice is spend a few dollars more and get an auto-switching cable. It makes life easier. On their YouTube channel and on their website, NaviUpgrade has a very useful collection of videos walking you through the process and an explanation of the required components, even if you source the conversion harness from them. If you do get the conversion harness from NaviUpgrade they give you FORSCAN files to upload for the ACM and APIM programming. Finally, once you’ve got it up and running, the website CyanLabs.net is the next place you’ll want to visit. The ability to access Sync 3 updates from Ford is closed to you as they are tied to the VIN. Cyan Labs has the image files and tools that will allow updates all the way to Sync 3.4, which was never offered to the Mk3.5 Focus. It’s totally doable as a DIY.
Thank you for such great info! I think you may have convinced me to wade back in to the Sync3 upgrade pool. The last time I did a stereo swap was over 20 years ago on a 1999 Pontiac. 😂 I'm not against taking on a DIY project, and I'm confident I can do it, I'm just at a point in my life that I'd rather pay a couple hundred bucks for someone else to do it for me. haha ..... Are you busy this weekend? Asking for a friend. I'm looking on eBay Motors and there are quite a few options from China, but I don't know that I trust those. This listing claims it's from New Jersey, but who knows... does it look legit to you? [Factory SYNC 2 to SYNC 3 3.4 Upgrade Carplay Kit Fit for Ford Sync3 APIM NA221](https://www.ebay.com/itm/403899760035?itmmeta=01J1WWKRXB9YB3S1GK6ACZEJCR&hash=item5e0a4d3da3:g:PDwAAOSwXNtjLAms&itmprp=enc%3AAQAJAAAA0CPTdavCfkIYGjP8iPQuqGJc2KCs7gbYD%2FbocsibMw%2FSEhisz8ylvrwkpM1Z4ptDogDWPfIAtOXwma43w0L8S4FYzIPnP7qn%2BptvuqbGOw3aH6ikpSLuJBf0XovAJSyxFhInTxti4rMrJoSYkZmvCSciFOb%2BhWjraYRfbJxpIUh1jZm8Dt3R6V4xK%2B2goDwx62IMeqXxgpWpfVBmokT9WwTpySBqGC%2B%2BG%2FgWQZ00eK5WdnTM787WyMuCVxW8LCK%2FpyUiqqHfn2val8MObF2%2F8mY%3D%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR-COz5yPZA) [](https://www.ebay.com/itm/403899760035?itmmeta=01J1WWKRXB9YB3S1GK6ACZEJCR&hash=item5e0a4d3da3:g:PDwAAOSwXNtjLAms&itmprp=enc%3AAQAJAAAA0CPTdavCfkIYGjP8iPQuqGJc2KCs7gbYD%2FbocsibMw%2FSEhisz8ylvrwkpM1Z4ptDogDWPfIAtOXwma43w0L8S4FYzIPnP7qn%2BptvuqbGOw3aH6ikpSLuJBf0XovAJSyxFhInTxti4rMrJoSYkZmvCSciFOb%2BhWjraYRfbJxpIUh1jZm8Dt3R6V4xK%2B2goDwx62IMeqXxgpWpfVBmokT9WwTpySBqGC%2B%2BG%2FgWQZ00eK5WdnTM787WyMuCVxW8LCK%2FpyUiqqHfn2val8MObF2%2F8mY%3D%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR-COz5yPZA)
I would ask if they are using Chinese or Ford OEM AIPM units, if they will require the APIM and ACM to be programmed by you and if so are they supplying the files or settings changes needed. Aside from that, I generally prefer sellers with a large number of sales and a rating >99%. I am not saying no, just survey what is out there and do your due diligence.
Yeah, after looking closer this seller is just bringing in product from China and reselling it. They're even being lazy and using some of the same photos from the Chinese listings. I just watched a NaviUpgrade YouTube video, and it's absurdly easy. But their kit is $825. That's quite a bit more than I wanted to spend on such an old car that's going to be my son's car. I was hoping to find a solution for less than $500. I know now that's not realistic. Even if I go aftermarket I'd still be pushed over that mark. More for me to think about. I really appreciate the guidance here. This at least gives me a way forward if I'm willing to spend the money... 💸 Thank you internet stranger!
I would not get the kit from them just the harness. I would source the APIM and screen from eBay - look for one where they show the unit powered up. The rest I sourced from Amazon. You can also shop around for the harness from others. Yet another option is calling around to area salvage yards for a wrecked 2015 - 2016 Focus Titanium. Removal of the entire ACM, APIM, screen and mounting bracket assembly is super simple. Really all you need is the APIM and screen assembly and you have access to that after removing few screws and pulling off the fascia trim. See the NaviUpgrade video for the 2015 and later Focus.
Fair enough. I'll keep looking. I did just spend a few minutes calling around to salvage yards, but no luck. Definitely a great suggestion, and one I should have considered. The journey continues!
had my Xtrons unit for about 2 years now with no issues