Hi everyone. After following the guys over at 2GFusions on how to install Sync 3 in a 2013-2016 Fusion, I decided that would be the first modification to my Edge once I got it this weekend. I knew I'd get the car so I already had the radio purchased and ready to go - and good thing I did because the Sync 2/MFT system actually died before I even got the car. I believe the APIM was shot.
Anyways, I scored a basically new/barely used Sync 3 nav unit off eBay for a great price ($480). It still had the protective cover that says "to be removed by customer" on the display. As of right now, it works flawlessly and I see no issues whatsoever.
In case anyone is interested, here is what is needed to complete this mod:
Sync 3 unit - Nav or Non-nav
Note: unlike Sync 2, navigation can NOT be activated on non-nav models. I've found that yes, you technically can enable the buttons/nav screen (or at least you can disable it on nav-equipped units)...but the non-nav units have 8GB of internal storage whereas the nav units have 32GB to hold the maps (and 64GB in Europe), so they do not and cannot actually hold any map files, and it is therefore useless to attempt. So if you want nav, you HAVE to buy a nav-equipped model.
I paid: $480, but your price will vary on this.
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Sync 3 dual USB port - this is needed because it has Apple CarPlay authentication chips. When using the current/old USB and SD card hub, Sync 3 will give you an error message every time you start the car. But I do believe it still works for Android Auto and other USB functions despite the error message.
HC3Z-19A387-B for the Ford version (blue lighting around USB ports)
GJ7Z-19A387-B for the Lincoln version (white lighting around USB ports)
(I went with white for preference, it looks great in the console and does not look out of place)
Cost - $48.52 at http://parts.autonationfordwhitebearlake.com/
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USB port faceplate:
GC3Z-19C149-A
The new USB port is smaller than the existing hub and this allows it to fit in place.
Cost: $9.56 at http://parts.autonationfordwhitebearlake.com/
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Sync 2 to Sync 3 Wiring Adapter for USB hub
https://www.4dtech.com/sync-3-retrofit-usb-hub-wiring-adapter-gen-1/
Cost: $50
Ford does make their own pigtail for this new hub for $32 if you wire it yourself, though I found the adapter to be worth the extra $18.
Ford part number CU2Z-14S411-AA (WPT-1239)
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GPSM antenna w/Fakra connector - Sync 3 nav uses this independent antenna, and does not use the existing one. However, you will want to leave yours intact or the compass reading on your dashboard will not work. I mounted mine on a metal bracket inside the dashboard (directly behind the push start button) to the left of the radio opening.
Cost: $14.97 at https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006AKVX2S/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
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All in all I paid around $610, but I did sell an old APIM from my 2014 Fusion to Infotainment.com for $100 so I think of it as a net cost of $510. Pretty great deal compared to their own kits for $2100+. And I needed a new APIM for my Edge anyways since it died, so that helped justify the decision lol.
The existing radio is easy to remove - there is a video on YouTube if needed, but I don't want to write all of the steps here.
Once you get it installed, it will need to be programmed to your vehicle to make sure all functions operate correctly (climate, heated/cooled seats, ambient lighting, etc.) I managed to tinker enough with mine using FORScan software and an OBDLink MX adapter, but it did take about an hour of trial and error and I think I got lucky because I really had no idea what I was doing. When I first installed it, the climate screen was unresponsive, the heated seats buttons were gone, there was a Vehicle Charge screen (must have came from a Fusion Energi), and I had no ambient lighting options. But after a while of messing with the as-built data, I finally got exactly all the features my Edge has, and got rid of the charge screen.
There are a couple of guys out there that may be willing to program it for a fee though - DanMc85 at 2GFusions.net or maybe Jason at FordPiMods.com. Unfortunately, I can't be of much help because everyone's vehicle is different - but if anyone wants my modified As-Built APIM file, I'll be glad to share, and you should be able to flash your APIM with it and make progress. In fact, if you have a similarly equipped Edge (nav, ambient lighting, heated seats), you may not need to do anything else.
That's all I have for now - but would be glad to answer any questions that come to mind. Here's some pics though.