Considering After Market Radio/Nav replacement

[Maverick494]

I've never had too much issue with my touch screen in the Ranger. Mind you I did use Android Auto and I never had the wireless function either. I think that's something Android Auto took out on purpose so connectivity wouldn't be a problem. That said if you never took a chance to try and go straight to the dealer to have them resolve the issue then that is your problem

When even Ford has a web page dedicated to the black screen..... it's a sync problem specific to Ford: Why is SYNC 3 showing a blank screen? (ford.com)

When a company in my state has a dedicated page on their site and does Sync 3 repairs, that means there are enough of these issues to make money on it: How To Fix A Ford Sync Blank Screen | ISS Automotive

Android Auto didn't take out the wireless connection, Ford just didn't implement it until Sync 4.

"SYNC 3 requires a USB-tethered connection to SYNC with a manufacturer-supplied USB cable. SYNC 4 can be operated wirelessly."

As per usual, a way to get you to trade in your truck for a newer one, you won't get Sync 4 on the Ranger5. So, it's either aftermarket or a meh system with issues.

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[Dr. Zaius]

Another option if you don't want to replace the entire center stack.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0CBQCBSTL/ref=ox_sc_saved_image_1?smid=A2T89DRDTN1LIL&th=1

 

[bzmotoninja83]

I have a complete plug and play setup. I replaced the 3in screen with a 7in touch screen radio. Maestro, mounts and all. Still for sale if someone wants it. Only selling because I came across a killer deal for an oem big screen.
PM for more details

 

[Maverick494]

Another option if you don't want to replace the entire center stack.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0CBQCBSTL/ref=ox_sc_saved_image_1?smid=A2T89DRDTN1LIL&th=1

I saw some of those, but one thing that I really want is the ability to see Nav/What's Playing AND climate control settings at the same time. I might even splurge on https://amz.run/8bkc because I can use the stock backup camera. If I go with that one, I will probably use their video here (408) Install the micorophone into Ford original location, external special version. in overhead console - YouTube because it looks doable. Then it would all look fairly stock, I mean minus the awesome new touch screen.

 

[Maverick494]

I pulled the trigger on the Yulu E10+ because they had it on sale; it's in the mail. I will post some before and unboxing pictures when it gets here. I probably won't be able to get it installed until like the 9th of March due to work taking me out of town.

 

[Maverick494]

Comes in a non-descript box, probably won't deter porch pirates but at least it isn't super obvious.

I had a shed that was also likely made in China come with these gloves. That shed was Aluminum and the gloves are supposed to help you not get a slice. The problem? Pretty sure they are sized for umpa-lumpas as they surely won't fit me.

Appears it includes all the tools necessary for the install which is a very nice thing.

Verified by hand packing list, so I suppose if anything isn't there they really messed up.

Right hand (US-Spec) Glove box new trim piece (the left hand one is in the next shot, but can't see it and it does have a spot for push button start if you have that or a cap for that if not)

All of the cables are here including GPS antenna, Satellite antenna, and new microphone (though I did order this one from them that's supposed to work).

Head unit (it was wrapped in that foam wrap; I unwrapped it)

I hope to have the time on Sunday this week to install it. More to come.

 

[Dr. Zaius]

Comes in a non-descript box, probably won't deter porch pirates but at least it isn't super obvious.

I had a shed that was also likely made in China come with these gloves. That shed was Aluminum and the gloves are supposed to help you not get a slice. The problem? Pretty sure they are sized for umpa-lumpas as they surely won't fit me.

Appears it includes all the tools necessary for the install which is a very nice thing.

Verified by hand packing list, so I suppose if anything isn't there they really messed up.

Right hand (US-Spec) Glove box new trim piece (the left hand one is in the next shot, but can't see it and it does have a spot for push button start if you have that or a cap for that if not)

All of the cables are here including GPS antenna, Satellite antenna, and new microphone (though I did order this one from them that's supposed to work).

Head unit (it was wrapped in that foam wrap; I unwrapped it)

I hope to have the time on Sunday this week to install it. More to come.

Really looking forward to your install and review.

 

[jflogerzi]

good luck!

 

[Maverick494]

TLDR:
I didn't take many pictures because I was deep in it from go. Probably took me longer than most of you because I am an arthritic 45 year old with sausage fingers and it was really cold today.

Ease of Install: Medium
Time: 4-6 hours
Cost: $$$$

Results: The unit is very nice, as posted it comes with ALL tools necessary for install, and it is relatively easy to setup once installed.

Options: As previously posted the Yulu aftermarket stock location Mic DOES work with my XLT roof center console. Well worth the extra $20.

Extended Details:

The instructions suck because there aren't really any which is why it took me about 8 hours to install when paired with my physical limitations. The video they posted here is just ok. It is helpful in the popping the panels off, the moving of the Auto climate control board, and SOME of the wire routing.

Luckily the wiring to the new unit is basically only one way to do it on the main wires. Where you might run into a challenge is if, like me, you wanted to use the stock camera. Then you will have to make a guess as to what to untape/hookup. I did manage it and be warned it might look like you screwed up when you first fire up the unit and put it in reverse, but just go into the settings and set the camera to NTSC it will fix the picture problem you likely have.

The rest of this is nearly plug and play. You will want to have some attention to details when you are routing the main wire bundle. There is one cable that plugs in behind the ford unit that is kept which will need some creative pushing around. The rest, just make sure the top wires are on top and the bottom wires stay below the ford unit you put back in. The emergency flashe light cable is the only cable for me which goes bottom to top and I just routed it outside the main frame piece and back in on the top.

Full disclosure - I abhor sticking things to my dash. I hate having to try and clean the sticky off if I ever remove it. In this case, instead of running the GPS receiver all the way to the passenger side like they did, I simply popped that silly tray up and ran the wire up from there and stuck it down since it will likely never move. I didn't think of that until I already had the cell antenna off to the right and zip tied in, so I left it on the right.

This unit barely, and I mean like probably not a sausage finger width, clears the gear shift when in park. So don't accidentally smash your finger between them.

Operationally, it's an android tablet which controls all the things. Pairing the bluetooth to your phone can be a bit interesting but if I figured it out I am sure anyone that undertakes this can too. There are a ton on of extra hookups I didn't use; like video input, SPDIF, audio inputs, and a couple things I am probably forgetting.

You gain another USB port in addition to the stock ones, so that is nice. Mine is tucked away up under the dash as I don't need it.

If you do this mod, I would highly recommend considering Dirk's wireless charging mod to go with it.

Is it worth it? I think so, but I am a tech nerd. I want to start overlanding with my dad and he has all these extra brackets and holders for Ipads and what not. With this I can simply download something like onX Maps, Overland Bound One, or one of probably a dozen other apps to run straight from this. I could probably also hook up an external screen some day and have netflix in my tent, do a facetime call with my fam while out and about, or a dozen and a half other things. With the built in 4G I would be able to have internt even without my phone present. I can see my climate controls, nav, and other items all at once. The steering wheel controls almost all work and the ones that do not at the moment are probably just my configuration getting sorted out as it shows all of them on the settings.

If you have the money, time and interest in it - I would do this. Nothing against the 250-400 options, I am sure they are amazing too but this is just another level for me.

Rest of the pictures:

As you can see, little bit of a jumble.

Aftermarket Mic installed, worked great and there are even spots to run the cable. I am not sure if the XL will have the same console, but the Lariat should.

 

[Dr. Zaius]

Thanks for the update

What do the 2 physical knobs at the bottom of the unit control?

Fan speed? temp?

 

[Maverick494]

Thanks for the update

What do the 2 physical knobs at the bottom of the unit control?

Fan speed? temp?

Yea, Temperature. If it is in Dual the knobs control it independently (which is a bit silly in a cab this size but ok), but if it is in single the left controls both. If you turn the right one, it changes to dual and moves the temp independently again.

Took me a few to get used to that.

 

[Dr. Zaius]

Thanks!

Can you post some pics of it running Carplay?Android Auto?

I'm curious about the screen layout when running those apps.

That type of display screen is unique so it's more than likely that the usual Android launchers won't work.

You do realize that you may be costing me a lot of money, right?

If my wife fusses I'm going to give her your screen name.

Since you're on the opposite side of the country from me I think you'll be safe ?

Edit: Do you think you could do a short video of it in operation and showing the features?

I apologize for asking so many questions but I like Android head units and I am really starting to like this one.

 

[LB'sTremor]

Excellent write up! does everything from the original Ford Sync3 coume up as well? Now if only you could connect side and front camera's to it...

LB

 

[Maverick494]

Thanks!

Can you post some pics of it running Carplay?Android Auto?

I'm curious about the screen layout when running those apps.

That type of display screen is unique so it's more than likely that the usual Android launchers won't work.

You do realize that you may be costing me a lot of money, right?

If my wife fusses I'm going to give her your screen name.

Since you're on the opposite side of the country from me I think you'll be safe ?

Edit: Do you think you could do a short video of it in operation and showing the features?

I apologize for asking so many questions but I like Android head units and I am really starting to like this one.

I will try and get a video soon.

Sorta issues -

1. So the usual android launchers MOSTLY work fine. However, this unit is a strange mix of custom CANBUS software that is probably their proprietary stuff and straight up google web maps.google.,com and Bluetooth integrations via an APP. However, apps like Spotify, MyQ (Chamberlin garage door opener app), etc. can be installed and seem to work fine as long as they are compatible with Android 12.

2. Android version is 2 major releases behind and I have not been able to get an answer on if I can upgrade to 14. I am going to move from What's app to email today because What's app is a bit of a pain in the butt to use as the communication platform.

3. HUGE issue for me right now - Sirius XM DOES NOT work via the built in Sirius App with this unit unlike what is stated on the Amazon advertisement. The support person I am talking to said he is talking to his XM engineer about a new firmware that would make it work, but I am not really sure how since from what I can see the XM receiver is actually in the screen unit which is completely removed and the blue wire that was likely the antenna wire for XM is not hooked up to anything. This unit was apparently originally made for the F150 and XM didn't work there either. Now you can use the XM app of course but that relies on you having a SIM installed and Cell Service available to run it, which might be fine in almost all cases. For me, especially since I am looking into overlanding trips I really want that satellite connection.

My current idea if they cannot fix it, which would mean extra cost and at least partial removal of the dashboard pieces again, is to get an SXV300V1, Adapter for the built in Antenna,and whatever cable I need for their unit to plug the AUX connector in. I would ask them to refund me the amount for the parts to make the Sirius XM work if it comes to that.

4. Android Auto - Works fully, but the implementation of it via TLink takes over most of the screen which means I lose the cool car speed, etc. display but really not a huge issue and I still retain all controls, plus the voice button works exactly like stock.

ALL of the other steering wheel buttons work exactly as expected from stock.

There are a few other quirks that seem to just be me not understanding their software setup like the voice button brings up voice settings and doesn't actually initiate a voice command when not in Android auto. So still trying to understand the correct setting.

Things I really like -

1. I had an extra phone number on my TMobile plan without a phone assigned so it was a 5 minute task to get a new SIM card and pop it in. Worked instantly with no problems. I have yet to not have my phone with me, but I will test and see if I can make a phone call without my phone there (I suspect I can).

2. The display for the CANBUS items is nice since things like TPMS is a bit buried in the gauge menu. It would be nice to be able to customize it a bit and change some of what it shows. That will be one of the things I ask about in the email follow-up to support. For example I would love to see Oil Life % rather than throttle %.

3. There is a setting that let's you boost the audio amp output which might be nice for those of us who think that a slight boost would be good. There is a hugely improved EQ as well. The sound is as good as or better than stock simply because of that.

4. Did I mention being able to see the climate controls all the time? yea and getting to the full screen version is easy. I would like the ability to get rid of the icons for the things I don't have like seat warmers / massagers and there might be a way I didn't find yet.

5. Yes, as mentioned below you can add a front cam. No side cams, but at least a front. You can use the camera they send in the rear or use the stock. The stock works fine. There are some slight lines that you can notice now that you have a better screen, but they don't make it unusable in any sense.

6. I don't have to use Android Auto or even have my phone with me to have pretty much all of my necessary features, apps, etc. If it can work as a phone as well, even better.

7. App split screen - You can replace the CANBUS display with certain apps in split screen (Android Auto via TLink is not one of them) but I have not tested too much which apps work with this.

8. The reverse Cam has an improved reverse sensor display to go with it. If you have a front Cam the display is essentially a copy of the rear, but to the front (Yes lines and all).

is it a perfect piece of tech? No, but depending on your needs and what you're looking to do with it, it is a good piece of tech. I think that for the price it might be worth waiting to see what their E11 brings to the table, but they don't have a release date for that yet. I do think that it is a bit pricey for some of the challenges that you might face but not by a ton. The support is actually really good, but because they are like 10 hours off from me or something I end up having to wait for responses at times because I am asleep when they come in.

Support has committed to either fixing the Sirius XM issue OR removing that feature from all of their listings. If they end up removing the feature or specifying via the APP only I will be asking for some $ back.

Excellent write up! does everything from the original Ford Sync3 coume up as well? Now if only you could connect side and front camera's to it...

LB

See above about front / side cameras

I am not sure what Sync3 coming up you mean. The Nav? only if you have a SIM card as it uses google maps via web or via Android Auto. The Climate controls are all built in to the screen and work great. If your phone is connected then it shows that. The radio works fine. Media selection is there. If I didn't address something let me know.

 

[Frenchy]

Just the XM problem is why I would have gone a different route. I must have my XM especially here in the Rockies where you easily lose AM and FM Radio

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