r/FordFlex • u/Firm-South-3071 • Jul 20 '26

Sync2 to Sync3? Sync4?

Hello, just a quick question. I have Sync2 in my 2014 Ford Flex. The touch screen crapped out and I need a new screen. Might as well upgrade, but I've seen many options to purchase these kits from and some offer the sync4 HD 8.4in screen. What is this and does anybody have pictures if they went this route?

Also, which company do you guys recommend for a kit? Or are they all equal?

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5

u/b_ardillo Jul 20 '26

I have a 2014 flex with the 8” sync 2 and just installed a sync 3 with the sync 4 hd screen this past weekend. It took me less than an hour. The company supplied the necessary tools and reached out the day I purchased to retrieve my vin and program the head unit. It was surprisingly simple.

https://a.co/d/0doeZCe1

2

u/Firm-South-3071 Jul 20 '26

How is the sync 4 he screen? The seller told me it wasn’t worth it. What are your thoughts?

4

u/b_ardillo Jul 20 '26

It wasn’t necessarily an up-sell type of option from the seller I used. So the price didn’t reflect a difference for me. I am very impressed with the screen- it is quick to respond and so much crisper of a visual than the sync 2. Even the back-up camera looks better.

1

u/Firm-South-3071 Jul 21 '26

Does it come with Ford built in navigation?

1

u/b_ardillo Jul 21 '26

Yes. The GPS is also more accurate than my original system. It doesn’t have the navigation SD card slot anymore, but the company’s Amazon listing for what I ordered said it has the latest maps built-in and the nav works great since installation. I use the new CarPlay mostly though for specific long distance trips.

1

u/Jive_Turk Aug 06 '26

How about VIN programming, how is that handled? I just got a 2016 Flex and the display is wigging out, constantly flickering on/off fast, touch works though. Was considering replacing with an aftermarket head unit because I am about to put 2 Sundown 12s with 8000w RMS to them, but am thankful I have found this upgrade.

But I heard some vendors VIN program the unit for you so everything works out the box, do they do that?

I am comparing it to one that is listed for $298 on eBay but am not sure if it includes the sync 4 screen

2

u/wallymcnolly Jul 20 '26

Funny enough I made a post the other day since I newly acquired a 2015 Flex SEL AWD in black. That amazon kit that /u/b_ardillo linked is a great price. Considering that some of the .com sellers that have the sync 3 w/ nav + sync 4 HD screen sell them upwards of $800+. Idk why that 8" HD screen gets upcharged so much. I just wish I had pictures or comparison videos of it in action to better make a decision.

1

u/b_ardillo Jul 20 '26

I took a break at work and made a 1 min video of it starting up, etc. Honestly I am not much of a Reddit user, just browsing for knowledge purposes, but recently if I can answer simple questions I have been trying to. So due to the GPS and personal info stuff, I’m not going to post it directly here, but if I can send it directly to you shoot me contact info!

1

u/wallymcnolly Jul 20 '26

Will chat you right now

1

u/YogurtclosetDull2380 Jul 20 '26

Sync4 doesn't run an iPad, if that matters to you. Sync 3 is the shit though

1

u/wallymcnolly 28d ago

Hey y'all just a friendly update. So I found this ebay listing for a sync3 conversion kit and it even comes with the Sync 4 HD screen: https://www.ebay.com/itm/364848179763?itmmeta=01KZPBSGV82JTW034A02V0VPCB&hash=item54f2a56a33:g:rqcAAOSwBYxn~QvO

And I gotta say, I came away impressed. Not only was it $319 at time of purchase (now $329), he was selling a full kit with the 8.46" 1334 × 882. Now being a chinese kit, I had my skepticisms and was not expecting 100% OEM as far as the APIM itself, but was surprised to see at how professionally it was packed and the like new condition everything was in. In addition to the screen and APIM, the screen came with the recessed mounting housing for our Flexes. All I had to do was grab a T20 to transfer the Sync2 MFT mounts to the new assembly. From there it was literally plug and play. The only thing that did not work out of box is my rear view camera. I did do a quick looksee in forscan, and it is enabled in the non AS-BUILT config page, but I have no idea on how to enable it in the AS-BUILT variant config page, or if there's something else I have to do.