Sync 3 Update List - When can we Order and Receive

[Steveottawa]

Sync 3 Debacle

The current vehicles listed on the Sync 3 page are incorrect.

 

Example: I have been waiting months to order an Explorer with Sync 3. The Exllorer order options are not allowing me to on Build with Sync 3 as option via consumer website. That's because it's not enabled. Ok - but when will it?

 

Question: Please list what's allowable to be built now by Model with Sync 3

And, when is expected arrival dates on Lots for same.

 

****Meaning don't tell me I can order my Explorer next week without telling me it won't arrive until Feb 2017.

[akirby]

If you had looked at the 2016 Explorer order guide (posted here starting last November and just updated a couple of weeks ago) you'd see that sync 3 was never planned for the 2016 Explorer.

 

Where did you see this "sync 3 update list"?

[Steveottawa]

Akirby, Thx for this. It was from enthusiastic writers talking about the lineup of 2016's having Sync 3....but now I see that it won't happen. Considering I already have a Titanium Escape with "old" Sync, I'll wait. One thing Ford is possibly not fully comprehending here is that there are droves of people that are looking at cars like Phones...and if I cannot upgrade the current Sync "OS" to the Sync 3 "OS", we're not buy'in. Just say'in.

[akirby]

Akirby, Thx for this. It was from enthusiastic writers talking about the lineup of 2016's having Sync 3....but now I see that it won't happen. Considering I already have a Titanium Escape with "old" Sync, I'll wait. One thing Ford is possibly not fully comprehending here is that there are droves of people that are looking at cars like Phones...and if I cannot upgrade the current Sync "OS" to the Sync 3 "OS", we're not buy'in. Just say'in.

 

Do you think they're doing this just to piss off customers? Sync 3 and MFT are integrated into the vehicle controls so all that has to be developed and tested and Ford only has so many resources. So the choice is roll it out on most vehicles now and others next year or wait until next year to do all of them at the same time which is even worse.

 

I get that you're disappointed but you have to understand that Ford and all other mfrs don't have unlimited resources and things have to be prioritized. They also released a much needed MFT update in this same timeframe.

 

Hopefully the 2017s will go into production next Spring and you won't have to wait too long.

[aneekr]

Considering I already have a Titanium Escape with "old" Sync, I'll wait. One thing Ford is possibly not fully comprehending here is that there are droves of people that are looking at cars like Phones...and if I cannot upgrade the current Sync "OS" to the Sync 3 "OS", we're not buy'in. Just say'in.

 

Steveottawa, you made a prudent decision to wait until Sync 3 is available on the Explorer you wish to order. Sync 3 is a huge step up from the much maligned MyFordTouch in terms of design and performance, and is more likely to work reliably than MFT.

 

The final order date cutoff for MY 2016 Explorer in Canada hasn't been posted yet, so as akirby mentioned we can hope that MY 2017 Explorer commences production in Spring 2016.

[jasonj80]

 

Do you think they're doing this just to piss off customers? Sync 3 and MFT are integrated into the vehicle controls so all that has to be developed and tested and Ford only has so many resources. So the choice is roll it out on most vehicles now and others next year or wait until next year to do all of them at the same time which is even worse.

 

I think they did hold it back to make sure it launched with a vehicle MY vs just making it a Job 2 addition or running change which could have easily been done but would cause confusion on dealer lots. The 2016 MKX will go down the same line as the 2016 Edge which has Sync 3. I've also still been hearing that Ford is still looking at a possible Sync 3 dealer upgrade to MFT vehicles and what people are willing to pay for it. That if it happens would probably be talked about at CES this year.

[aneekr]

Here is the launch schedule for Sync 3 according to Automotive News earlier this year:

 

MY 2016: Ford C-Max, Edge, Escape, Expedition, Fiesta, Flex, Mustang, Transit; Lincoln MKC, MKS, MKT, Navigator
MY 2017: Ford Explorer, Fusion, Transit Connect; Lincoln MKX, MKZ

Unclear: Ford F series*, Focus*, Taurus*

*Update: Sync 3 confirmed for 2016 F-150, Focus, and Taurus based on latest order guides.

[jasonj80]

If a vehicle had an early job 1 it is mft; late job 1 was sync3.

[Steveottawa]

Akirby,

 

I realize there are only so many Ford resources ;-) I've been inside the glass house myself years back and have the highest respect for the people and company. My point was that it's most likely that it's the same wiring harness, and uses the same hard buttons to interact with the system. I'd be surprised if it's not more than just the back of the unit connections/clips. So, if Ford stated they would be upgrading the existing 2015 MFT vehicles to Sync 3 for free and all 2016's, my order would be placed today.

 

If that's not the case, it's a missed opportunity of projecting an upgraded car experience for new buyers - and it may in fact push some customers to another manufacturer as they do not want "another MFT" car that cannot be upgraded. I've enjoyed MFT for a few years, and I don't mind it. But no way I'm buying another one.

 

The idea of upgrading the panel is not lost on consumers minds and Ford (I hope). Consumer perceive the operating system of the flat panel to be upgradeable like a phone or tablet is at home.

 

And, the wiring harness is (likely) the same. Sync 3 should be OTA upgradeable (over-the-air). And, don't think Tesla - because that's been a technology of apps for phones for 15 years.

 

People expect it - and Ford's not telegraphing a plan. They're keeping it "secret" that they will (maybe until CES) - but if so, it was not a wise move to keep it secret. OTA is old technology.

[silvrsvt]

Actually MFT is different between vehicles...my parents Escape MFT setup is different then my Taurus SHO MFT.

[fuzzymoomoo]

Actually MFT is different between vehicles...my parents Escape MFT setup is different then my Taurus SHO MFT.

 

That SHO is also more expensive than that Escape. That might have something to do with it.

 

or not, I could just be talking out of my ass

[akirby]

Sync 3 uses hardware features that the MFT hardware doesn't have (pinch to zoom e.g.). It may require more memory and/or processing power. A full upgrade would most likely require a new APIM and a new touch screen - a very expensive option that most people would not pay for.

 

What they may do is port sync3 to the MFT hardware minus some of the newer features.

 

While not allowing upgrades might lose a few sales, I'd wager that most buyers don't know that sync 3 exists in the first place or they don't care. The ones that really care will simply wait. I just don't see it being a big deal for all but a handful of buyers.

[Steveottawa]

I am not taking that bet. " I'd wager that most buyers don't know that sync 3 exists in the first place or they don't care. The ones that really care will simply wait. "

[akirby]

The average buyer doesn't read forums like this or even car magazines. They see a car they like, they go drive it and they buy it.

 

The next time you're in a large group, do a survey and see how many of them have even heard of sync 3.

[ajvolpe]

I agree that "most" will not. However, Ford has built a loyal following with repeat customers and needs to address their wishes accordingly. Economically it may be a bust for Ford to offer a software update. PR wise it would show that brand loyalty matters.

[blwnsmoke]

I agree that "most" will not. However, Ford has built a loyal following with repeat customers and needs to address their wishes accordingly. Economically it may be a bust for Ford to offer a software update. PR wise it would show that brand loyalty matters.

 

The problem with your logic is that I believe most don't even know about Sync 3 or that there is a new system in the works replacing MFT. On top of that, ever since the 3.7 update and now the 3.8 update that just came out for MFT (shows that Ford hasn't abandoned MFT owners), MFT has been very reliable. There are few complaints with MFT once they fixed the stability of it. I have a 2011 Explorer with no issues with it ever since the update prior to 3.7. I also have a 2015 F350 with the 3.7 version and have had ZERO issues in the 18 months I've had it.

 

Lastly, Ford is selling over 200,000 Explorers a year.... that right there is proof that most people either don't care about Sync 3 or don't know about Sync 3. The delay is not hindering sales in the least bit.

 

After the MFT launch fiasco, I'm glad they are taking their time launching it in specific vehicles. It gives them time to work out bugs that may develop as it hits the market and they don't have to worry about issues across the whole lineup. It's a smart business decision that Ford learned from MFT.

Edited October 25, 2015 by blwnsmoke

[sullynd]

MFT is the second biggest disappointment with my 2015 Edge (the biggest is the half dozen rattles throughout the cabin). I knew it wasn't perfect, but didn't expect it to be this bad.

 

The latest update fixed (mostly) my biggest gripe with it, but it's not what I'd expect in a vehicle of this caliber.

 

I don't expect an upgrade to SYNC 3 (Lite) but it would go a long way to keep me in the Ford family when I eventually replace our Flex. Wish my Escape would have survived to get me to a 2016 Edge, but I really can't complain given it lasted as long as it did.

[92merc]

And yet, the only quirk I've ever had on my 2013 Escape MFT Sync is if I turn on the USB audio right after power up and in reverse, it'll flip to FM instead. I just wait an extra 15 seconds and it's fine.

 

I've very happy with my Sync. I think the screen shots of the new Sync look too vanilla for my tastes.

[Steveottawa]

I've not seen Sync 3 in person, but from what I've seen, I agree with 92Merc. "Too vanilla"

[silvrsvt]

 

That SHO is also more expensive than that Escape. That might have something to do with it.

 

or not, I could just be talking out of my ass

 

That is true also, but the functionally is different between the two also. Its not like its a carbon copy between vehicles.

[akirby]

 

That is true also, but the functionally is different between the two also. Its not like its a carbon copy between vehicles.

 

Fiesta, Focus, Escape and C-Max don't have the dual my ford screens where the right one integrates with sync 3/MFT. The higher end models also have more climate control features such as cooled seats that have to be integrated with sync 3.

 

At the very least that requires much more testing and probably more debugging.

[jasonj80]

 

Fiesta, Focus, Escape and C-Max don't have the dual my ford screens where the right one integrates with sync 3/MFT. The higher end models also have more climate control features such as cooled seats that have to be integrated with sync 3.

 

At the very least that requires much more testing and probably more debugging.

Also those are all on the same platform which means similar vehicle electronic architecture, and as you've said things like heated seats/wheel, ambient lighting etc are controlled by hard knobs/switches not though the MFT system.

 

 

[rp2388]

it would be great if when sync 3 comes out, there is an option to make the home screen GUI like the current MFT. I actually prefer it to the screenshots I've seen for sync 3.

[hermans]

it would be great if when sync 3 comes out, there is an option to make the home screen GUI like the current MFT. I actually prefer it to the screenshots I've seen for sync 3.

Sync 3 is already out. Stop at a Ford dealer and check out the 2106 Escapes. There is no way to make the screen to look like MFT.

[BORG]

In terms of MFT/MLT, all headhunts are identical on all vehicles, the only thing that differentiates them is software tweaks custom to any specific car (like the splash screen animation, wallpapers, navigator, heated steering wheel or seat controllers in the new MKX, etc.) There are also two screen sizes. So effectively, the MFT being sold today is the same headhunit from 2011, that's a pretty long run and it's very overdue with outdated Bluetooth radios and the world's worst touch screen.

 

MFT/Sync 3 has nothing to do with the instrument panel btw, of which there are many variations now at Lincoln/Ford with yet more variations incoming.

 

Sync 3 is a completely different piece of hardware.

 

As a long time MLT user (on my 3rd car), I can't wait for this thing to die. I think Sync 3 is actually a much better looking interface with a better display. I got to use it on an MKC but unfortunately the MKX is a year behind so I'm stuck with it for a few more years. But with Siri Eyes Free, I can bypass most of the trouble of using MLT.

 

The best way to bypass MLT is to use the instrument panel controls which is what I got use to do in my previous MKX, those worked really well (the dual display setup). But unfortunately, Ford and Lincoln are eliminating most of those steering wheel/IP based controls which I find to be a big step backwards, especially since the MLT touchscreen is so awful and distracting to use. Perhaps with Sync 3 it won't be so bad but I miss quickly thumbing things on the instrument panel instead of reaching out in mid air to deal with a non-responsive mushy touch screen.

Edited October 27, 2015 by BORG