Ford SYNC & Reverse Cameras – How to tell which version you have

FORD SYNC 1

Introduced in September 2007, the Ford SYNC infotainment system connects to a phone via Bluetooth for calls and audio, displaying basic information like caller ID and song titles. Original versions of SYNC 1 feature a monochrome screen and do not support reverse camera connections.

Later versions of SYNC 1 were equipped with a colour screen, capable of displaying optical parking sensor information or a reverse camera feed. There are two variations of the colour screen SYNC 1; the specific version affects the parts required to fit a reverse camera. Both colour screen versions necessitate coding to enable the reverse camera functionality.

FORD SYNC 1 (Continued)

The most common colour screen version of SYNC 1 utilizes part number 27-235, which connects to a small, latched port on the back of the screen. If a vehicle has a colour screen but no navigation system, it typically uses this part.

SYNC 1 systems with navigation often feature the FORD NAV MFD LOW system, identifiable by a green LVDS connection on the rear. The interface cable for fitting a reverse camera to this specific SYNC 1 version is 27-239. To confirm your SYNC 1 version, it is necessary to remove the screen and inspect the camera connection and the build sticker on the underside.

Ford began phasing out SYNC 1 in European vehicles around late 2018, with the Ford Transit, Transit Custom, and Connect models being among the last to feature it before their facelift.

FORD SYNC 2

Launched in 2010, Ford SYNC 2 features a touchscreen and runs on a Microsoft operating system. It was initially available on models like the Ford Focus and C-Max in Europe. A key identifier for SYNC 2 is its 8-inch colour display, divided into four distinct sections for phone, entertainment, navigation, and climate control. The InCarTec harness, part number 27-317, is used to connect a reverse camera to an original SYNC 2 head unit, which then requires coding.

In North America, SYNC 2 was marketed as MyFord Touch across various Ford cars, vans, and pickup trucks. It was also used in Lincoln vehicles under the MyLincoln Touch branding.

Ford SYNC 2 was also implemented in the final production years (2014-2016) of the Ford Falcon (FG X) and Territory (SZ II) models manufactured by Ford Australia.

By 2016, SYNC 2 was phased out for new models, being replaced by SYNC 3 in higher-end vehicles, while some lower-spec models continued with SYNC 1. InCarTec does not offer parts for upgrading from SYNC 2 to SYNC 3.

FORD SYNC 3

SYNC 3 was released in 2016, first appearing on the Ford Fiesta (Zetec trim and above). It operates on either a 6.5-inch or 8-inch touchscreen. SYNC 3 is easily recognized by the presence of five icons at the bottom edge of the screen. Similar to SYNC 2, it requires the 27-317 harness and subsequent coding to enable reverse camera functionality.

SYNC 3 is now integrated into a wide range of Ford vehicles. In some, it is built directly into the screen unit; in others, a separate module is located behind the glove box, making the dashboard screen a peripheral input device.

For vehicles manufactured from 2018 onwards, it is crucial to carefully determine whether the system is SYNC 3 or SYNC 2.5 before purchasing parts. Although visually similar, they use different connections for radio functions.

A SYNC 3 system typically uses a large latched connection to interface with the car.

FORD SYNC 2.5

In late 2018, coinciding with the facelift of the Ford Transit and Transit Custom, Ford introduced SYNC 2.5, a system closely resembling SYNC 3. Distinguishing between SYNC 3 and SYNC 2.5 can be challenging, as marketing materials often do not differentiate them. Internally, however, they use entirely different connections. Unlike SYNC 3 units, which use a latched connection (either on the screen or a separate module), SYNC 2.5 features two square connections directly on the back of the screen.

A primary visual indicator for SYNC 2.5, if the screen has not been removed, is the number of icons at the bottom of the display. SYNC 3 typically shows five icons, whereas SYNC 2.5 shows four. If the 'About SYNC' screen in system settings displays 'SYNC 3', it is SYNC 3, even if only four icons are visible. If it displays 'SYNC', it is SYNC 2.5.

If uncertainty persists, removing the screen to check the rear connections is recommended. The camera interface for SYNC 2.5 is part number 27-594, which includes an interface box and does not require coding.