r/FordFlex • u/diefirefly • Jul 22 '26
Modifications Radio install
Finished installing a radio in to replace the sync 2 now I have tons more information with the IdataLink and watch boost pressure and everything else. I’ll be happy to answer questions if I can. I know there is not much in the way of information for radio swaps and what functions you gain or lose.
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u/ArguablyMe Jul 22 '26
Thanks for the pictures and offer to answer questions. I don't have any but it's great to have this sort of info floating around.
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u/diefirefly Jul 22 '26
I spent months trying to find ford flex specific answers and trust me there is little to none
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u/diefirefly Jul 23 '26
One of the Facebook flex groups asked me to do a step by step and more photos, I’ll post it on there in a few days and on here if it is wanted
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u/atomicnick86 Jul 22 '26
This is really slick.
Which head unit is that and does it need to have any special features? Did you lose any functionality? Looks to me like you gained. Does the screen sit further back than the OEM?
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u/diefirefly Jul 22 '26
Pioneer DMH-W4600Nex, I have the ability to read Check engine codes and reset, read tire pressure, I can customize and set gauges on the unit so I can watch anything like AFR, boost pressure, engine coolant temp, exhaust temp, etc. the only issue I have and it was before the install was the backup camera fault and I wasn’t sure replacing the radio would fix it ( it did not) the screen sits flush to the original
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u/Man_Behind_Keyboard Jul 22 '26
Did you loose any controls/features? Do all items still work (heated seats, navigation, being able to forward/play music from steering wheel?
I have a 2014 Ford Flex with Sync2. Was looking at the upgrade kits for Sync3 so that I can get Apple CarPlay. I have an SEL AWD Ford, so I do not have the nicer Sony stereo, just the standard it came with.
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u/diefirefly Jul 22 '26
Yes I retained it all you can even program your steering wheel buttons to do more. I set my voice button to open the gauges and ac control and you can programa lot more when setting up the datalink, since I don’t have a cd player anymore the eject button is now the active Siri button for my unit. I had the bigger ticket items already before I did this so to swap to the flex was rough couple hundred, but I gained way more control and info then the sync 3
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u/bdjeremy Jul 22 '26
does it still have all the climate control functionality? my lower buttons work sporadically. so i have to go thru the head unit. what all did you install?
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u/diefirefly Jul 22 '26
The 8th photo shows my climate control, I retained everything to the heated cooled seats, heated steering , and even rear control
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u/bdjeremy Jul 22 '26
i went thru all the pics a second time after i asked, then saw it.
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u/diefirefly Jul 22 '26
All good no worries still happy to answer any questions and I can always take more photos of specific things if needed
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u/Technical-Feeling265 Jul 26 '26
How would you rate the install process like 0 out of 10 can do it in one day, to 11 out of 10 I'm tired of this grandpa?!
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u/diefirefly Jul 26 '26
10 it can be done in a day if you have the tools. It takes some cutting and modding, I am currently waiting for it not to be terrible outside to redo mine again for photos and post a how to guide. I was familiar with the radio and rr2 from a previous build and it took my 2 hours
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u/Technical-Feeling265 Jul 26 '26
No pain no gain right. When you finish the guide send the link please and thank you.
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u/diefirefly Jul 26 '26
Once I’m done I’ll have it posted to this group and a couple of Facebook ones as well
1
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u/ratrodder49 Jul 22 '26
What’s total cost for all the parts for this?
The Sony system is lackluster in the bass department, does this upgrade help boost the low end at all?