I have an '05 with a stock navi currently. I was browsing ebay and found a stock navi out of an '09 with sync. It was only listed at $350 (the guy spelled "navigation" wrong so it must have not popped up in many searches) so I grabbed it up immediately (they usually go for over $1,000!!!). I just want to know if anyone knows whether it's possible to install this in my current truck. I know I'd have to purchase the "Brick install kit" and "Sync Module upgrade Kit" as well. I just want to see if anyone knows if I'd just be wasting my time buying up all the goods just to end up with a wiring nightmare.

If worse comes to worse, I can just relist the unit on ebay and make a pretty good profit. I'd much rather get it to work in my truck though.....

 

Well, I know the steering wheel controls are largely different, so there's that.

 

Sell it on Ebay and call it a day. I have a 2006 lariat and I was trying to install a mach500 from a 2007 mustang in it. Direct fit you would think. It plugged in and worked but no bass. No steering control. Radio adapter didn't work well so no fm stations came in good. Just not worth it. I can only imagine the issues you will have with a 2009 sync unit. Find a double din aftermarket nav unit and install that. You will be much happier. On top of that Sync is based on a embedded windows CE platform which is around 15 years old. I have never heard anyone say man this sync system is great. Just my 2 cents.

 

I dunno, I haven't heard a lot of bad things about Sync, especially when they updated it around the 2010 or so year. I think it works pretty well, but a lot of it is just novelty stuff (like requesting a specific song to play).

 

Really? Could it be you had a bad radio?. I did the same thing with my 04 Lariat in 2006, it was my first stereo swap. I used a brand new Mach500 out of a 06 Mustang hooked up to a JL Cleansweep and had no issues at all..Everything worked perfectly..

Op.. I wouldn't go by that, I'd keep searching for a more concrete answer.

 

This Sync System is GREAT!

(now you've heard someone say it)

I use it for the hands free and I will regularly plug in a USB full of MP3s and listen to them instead of the radio.

This is on my 2012 F150.

It might be a bit of work, but it sounds like a good summer project. Post pics!

 

Thanks guys... I've used Sync before in a buddy's truck... I loved it... So that's not the problem... I didn't know if anyone knew whether or not it could actually be installed on an '05. I know for a fact that the harness' are configured different.... rerouting the pins isn't a problem for me... I just don't want to go through the whole process of buying the Sync module, buying the brick install kit (amp, mic, usb outlet, steering wheel controls) and finding out it won't work in the end....

Maybe I'll just say "screw it" and buy everything I need and give it a shot... if it doesn't work, I'll just sell everything on ebay, at least I'll make a decent profit on the head unit...

If it works, I have great write up to post on here....

 

Sounds like a plan.. Go for it!!! Hope it works out for you. Good luck and keep us posted .

 

The problems were with the 2013+ models with My Ford Touch. SYNC when paired with the 2009-2012 was rock solid.

 

Save your money - This WILL NOT work. The 2009+ Clarion based navigation units require many CAN bus signals to operate. The 04-08 F-150 provides NONE of them. The unit will not power up at all in your truck. I know this for a fact.

You can add a navigation unit from specific 08' models to your truck and then add SYNC to it.

 

This did not work because it came from a vehicle with the MACH sound system. A different radio or proper programming would have fixed your lack of bass and steering wheel controls.

 

Are you sure it won't work, even if I have the '09 Brick Install kit and the factory Sync Module? I was going to attempt to re-pin a 24-pin adapter to match my '05 to an '09 audio harness... I was told that most of the signals needed come from the amp and module... I figured I can do a rough install with everything and see if it works... I'll only be about $600 invested with everything... I can definitely sell everything on ebay for double that if it came down to it...

 

I have first hand experience indicating it will not work. The amplifier does not have any CAN bus connection at all and the SYNC module does not create any of the CAN bus messages necessary for the operation of the navigation unit.

Just look at the wiring diagram for a 04-08 F-150. The MS-CAN network is isolated from most vehicle systems. It only connects the DLC, ACM, SADRS and RSEM. No connection to the BCM, ICM, etc.

Who indicated the signals come from the amplifier?

 

Subd for an outcome on this.

 

I had a local audio shop recently reprogram my '07 Navi to accept steering wheel controls and the "line in" input... While I was there I had them do a bench test to make sure the' 09 sync Navi was fully functional... After he told me it was in perfect working order, he asked if I was going to attempt an install on my '05...I told him I was thinking about it and then we talked about the specific audio signals for each year harness... He actually pulled up a few diagrams and we think there may be a chance with the correct pinned custom wire harness adapter that we could get it to work... All me have to do is get the stock 24 pin harness match up with the stock harness of an '09 F250... His company actually makes a an upgrade kit to work with the trucks base audio (not premium, Sync, nor Sony, or navi)... I have a Ford factory Sync upgrade kit also (made for base audio vehicles,' 09 and up)...

I didn't see where the BCM or ECU is wired into the radio?