Factory radio guide

Ford & Lincoln factory radios: which one do you have?

Ford and Lincoln used three main systems from 2008 on: the original SYNC with a small screen or none, the 8-inch MyFord Touch or MyLincoln Touch (often called SYNC 2), and SYNC 3, which can already run CarPlay. Only MyFord Touch takes a plug-in CarPlay kit, so start by checking your home screen and the buttons below it.

  1. 2008 and newer (mainly base and mid trims)

    SYNC (first generation)

    Ford SYNC first generation, a voice and Bluetooth system without the 8-inch touchscreen

    No plug-in kit

    How to tell

    • No large touchscreen: just a small text display or a small colour screen of about 4 inches in the radio, run with buttons.
    • A SYNC or voice button on the steering wheel or radio for calls and voice commands.
    • You pair your phone by voice or through the radio's menu button.

    Found in

    • Most Ford and Lincoln models from 2008 on, mainly base and mid trims

    Don't confuse it with

    MyFord Touch, an 8-inch touchscreen with four coloured corners, and SYNC 3, a touchscreen with a row of icons along the bottom.

    CarPlay and Android Auto for this radio

    No plug-in kit fits, because there's no factory touchscreen to show CarPlay on. The usual route is a replacement radio with CarPlay built in, so call us and we'll check what fits your vehicle.

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  2. 2011-2016, depending on model

    MyFord Touch / MyLincoln Touch

    SYNC with MyFord Touch or MyLincoln Touch, 8-inch touchscreen (often called SYNC 2)

    CarPlay kit available

    How to tell

    • An 8-inch touchscreen whose home screen is split into four coloured corners: phone, navigation, entertainment and climate.
    • Most have two small screens in the gauge cluster, one on each side of the speedometer, run by small arrow pads on the steering wheel.
    • A SYNC with MyFord Touch (or MyLincoln Touch) screen when it starts up.
    • Check the panel below the screen: real push buttons are fine, but a flat, glossy panel you tap is touch-sensitive and won't work with the kit.

    Found in

    • Ford Edge 2011-2015
    • Ford Explorer 2011-2016
    • Ford Focus 2012-2016
    • Ford Escape 2013-2015
    • Ford C-Max 2013-2014
    • Ford Flex 2013-2016
    • Ford Taurus 2013-2016
    • Ford F-150 2013-2015
    • Ford F-250, F-350 and F-450 Super Duty 2013-2015
    • Ford SVT Raptor 2013-2014
    • Ford Mustang 2015-2016
    • Ford Expedition 2015-2016
    • Ford Transit 2015-2016
    • Lincoln models with MyLincoln Touch, 2011-2016

    Don't confuse it with

    SYNC 3, a phone-like screen with a row of icons along the bottom that can already run CarPlay, and first-generation SYNC, which has no touchscreen.

    CarPlay and Android Auto for this radio

    The ZZ-2 ITZ-SYNC2 adds wireless CarPlay and Android Auto plus camera inputs to this 8-inch system, but only when the controls below the screen are real push buttons. Some models, such as the 2011-2014 Edge, use touch-sensitive controls, and Lincoln models aren't on the kit's list, so call us with your VIN first. It's an expert install: the screen comes apart and a circuit board goes inside.

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  3. 2016 and newer

    SYNC 3

    Ford SYNC 3 touchscreen system

    CarPlay usually built in

    How to tell

    • A phone-like touchscreen with a row of icons along the bottom: audio, climate, phone, navigation, apps and settings.
    • A SYNC 3 logo when it starts up.
    • Swiping and pinching work like on a phone.

    Quick check on the screen

    Plug your phone into the USB port with a cable. If Apple CarPlay or Android Auto starts, your car already has it.

    Found in

    • Most Ford and Lincoln models from about 2016-2017 on, including the Escape, Explorer, Edge, F-150, Mustang and Fusion

    Don't confuse it with

    MyFord Touch, which has four coloured corners on its home screen. Only MyFord Touch takes the ZZ-2 ITZ-SYNC2.

    CarPlay and Android Auto for this radio

    Check first: SYNC 3 supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though some early 2016 cars need a software update from a Ford or Lincoln dealer to get it. The ITZ-SYNC2 doesn't fit SYNC 3, but if you'd like wireless CarPlay, ask us about a plug-in wireless adapter.

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Still not sure which radio you have?

Text us a photo of your screen and the buttons around it, or send your VIN, and we'll tell you which kit fits.

Text us a photo647-439-4485Call us1-866-824-4118Email ussales@lockdownsecurity.ca