[jithin23]

Disclaimer Warning: "Do It at your own risk and I'm not responsible if the mod does not work or if the Sync Module fails"

Credits to Idumbakumar(Bhpian: Jhenu) in the technical help/soldering, F-Mods team and their Admin for their amazing potential in unlocking sync 3 features. This can be done on any Ford/Lincoln Vehicle which has sync 3 from the factory or retro-fitted.

For this particular mod, I drove all the way to Chennai to get it done as Idumbakumar resides in Chennai and the eMMCinstallation part is complex for me.

Not quite long ago, I shared about enabling cruise control and that single mod had unlocked a lot of other mods such as TPMS and a way to enable TPMS on the Endeavour's speedo cluster using forscan(Yet to test this function in the endeavour, but I believe it's possible because I've seen some Ford Everests and Rangers display TPMS readings in the cluster).

Adding my speedometer mod link over here as this mod needs removal of the speedometer.
https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/test-...ml#post5021437

Reference TPMS pic for Ford Everest(don't know why Indian Endeavours don't get this enabled from Factory itself)


These mods made me more curious and I wanted to experiment with the functions of Sync 3 as well and I did find a way to do that. I took Idumbakumar's help in flashing the modded files onto the Sync 3 PCB. Remember that these mods will work on sync 3 version 3.4 and above.

I decided to go for this mod as it's worth the risk. I can use a custom background, play videos(though it works at all speeds, Nor do I watch videos on the go or encourage others to do so. I just brought this point out so that people know the value of sync 3 and its potential).

F-Mods website: https://www.fmods.net/

Pre-Requisites for this mod are:

1. Sync 3 module(also known as APIM module)
2. Soldering skills
3. eMMC Reader( If you use a high end one, no need for soldering then)- Mobitech and U-OBD are good but very expensive at 300$
4. Some basic tools like a screwdriver set
5. USB Drive
6. Patience

First, let's see the steps to unlock Sync 3 using a QNX Virtual Machine:

1. Copy the extracted USB Mods Installer package to a FAT32 formatted USB drive.
2. Open your Sync 3 housing and detach the two boards
3. Attach the Sync 3 smallest board to eMMC reader and plug it to the PC
4. Start your QNX Virtual Machine using VirtualBox or VMWare (i personally prefer Virtualbox but it's really up to you)
5. Login with user: "root" and password: 'password'. If it doesn't work leave the password blank.
6. Open the VirtulBox (or VMware) device manager and attach the USB pendrive with the USB Mods Installer package.
7. Open the QNX File Manager, navigate to /fs/usb0/ and copy the folder fmod_daemon_install to /tmp
8. Open the VirtulBox (or VMware) device manager and detach the USB pendrive with the USB Mods Installer package.
9. Open the VirtulBox (or VMware) device manager and attach the eMMC reader device.
10. Open the QNX Terminal and execute the following commands
11. The expected output is Changes to partition 0 complete and Changes to partition 1 complete. If you get it only on partition 0 or partition 1 it's still ok (if you did a Sync 3 reformat and never updated the system)
12. Open the VirtulBox (or VMware) device manager and detach the eMMC reader device.

To Access the Sync 3 module in EcoSport, you need to remove the speedometer cluster
For Aspire/Freestyle/Endevaour, the module is behind the sync 3 screen

The exposed APIM a.k.a Sync 3 module once the speedometer is removed.


Need to unscrew the 2 hex nuts which are diagonally placed, holding the module. Disconnect all the wiring and dismantle the board and use the smallest PCB for the mod.


The eMMC Bench, quite expensive at 300$(P.S this is only a reference image, I don't own one)


Prepare the Sync 3 Board with emmc reader once you dismantle the module casing.


Once the unlock is complete using eMMC card reader, you can download any type of mod from the F-Mods forum such as Video Player, Custom background, Enhanced Calm Screen, Date display. These can be installed from the USB port in the Sync 3 system and these can be done in under 2 minutes. TPMS display(still a Work in Progress in my car).

A Youtube Video Tutorial on how to unlock Sync 3

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dx8fM8UjFhU

To make the custom backgrounds work permanently after unlocking sync 3, here are the steps below:

• Create a folder named "customerBackgrounds"
• Inside that folder create two folders, named "day" and "night" and inside these folders, put the images. Do not use spaces and special char in the names of the images

Here are the results:

To detach the board once this message appears on QNX


Once the mod gets complete on Sync 3, this is message which will pop up.


In case if you try uploading the same mod, this message appears


With the Custom Background enabled


Built Ford Tough is apt! You can see the date enabled as well


Youtube video of video player enabled in sync 3

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W1oeH2U_2Ik

Youtube video of Custom Backgrounds+Date enabled in sync 3

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SJ8ei_KhnBo

Favourite one- Ford Performance


Note: Recommended Custom background resolution is 800x480. Without the blue tab(the settings, apps icon at the bottom), it's 800x378. Any picture format or any pic can be used for the custom background mod.

Part-2 Reverse camera mod (not dependent on Fmods)"

There's a bonus mod too. This was done in Bangalore itself. However, this particular mod does not require F-Mods. The Bonus Mod is enabling reverse camera in sync 3 cars that are not equipped with a rear camera. Most of the aftermarket guys in India use a module to enable the reverse camera and this causes some lag if you're using carplay or android auto. Also, some dealers try to push for a rear camera with the auto-dimming mirror which is not needed actually. This mod is so easy that you just need to enable rear vehicle camera in BCM and APIM modules and use any camera of your choice to connect the camera to the sync 3 system.

Only caveat is you need to add two pins in Pin 14(+) and Pin 15(- and Ground) to make the camera work in the 54-pin Sync 3 connector or APIM connector. This is also easy but tricky to add the pins. We took power source from the rear reverse lamp and did a wire tap(No wire cutting done).Plus sourcing the APIM connector from abroad is very expensive at the moment. So any car audio or electronics shop will be able to do this mod if you tell them the pinouts. However, please enable the modules for the rear camera in BCM and APIM modules in Forscan before heading to any accessory shop.

For Bangalore Folks, reverse camera or any electronics-related install, ElectroMind which is located in Double Road is quite good and charges are reasonable. The owner of ElectroMind is known as Venkatesh. Does a neat job of installing. The only gripe is the road is narrow. He'll do the install within an hour.

Google Maps Location: https://goo.gl/maps/kKQ7ckJ1f4PTnRnx7

The steps are the same used in my speedometer swap mod. I've mentioned the additional steps below in pictures

Pics for the rear cam install and Sync 3 connection.

Use a flathead screwdriver and push the lock gently away from the wires from the inner sides of the connector. The ones marked in red are the points where the 54 pin connector cover needs to be opened.



Once you slide the 54 pin connector cover, you can see the exposed pinouts


Rear cam wireline connected to the APIM wire. Foreign sellers charge a bomb only for this cable


Flush Fitting is just like OEM. ElectroMind provides the camera with a 720p resolution. I'm already using this in my car for 2 years and have no issues. This is a mod done on another EcoSport Titanium


Camera


Camera Clarity is decent. Its blurry because we were testing the camera if it works or not!


I think I've almost maxed out the possible mods in my Ford EcoSport. The smaller mods such as vanity mirror+light on the driver side, glove box light, steering adaptive guidelines for reverse camera, cargo management system, auto headlamps/rain sensors and auto-dimming mirrors are things which I can live without it.

Certain mods like Light upgrades, roof blackening, alloy wheel change or a remap I'm not very keen on at the moment. I'll do these only if I feel like upgrading so that I can retain the car for a longer time or when the car gets older say, 7-8 years old. This is one car I wouldn't want to part with. Every time I fire up the engine it feels too special to drive.

The only pending major out of the box mod is Global windows and will get that working too someday soon. I've made peace that my car can't be installed with ESP as I don't want to play around with the braking system of the car.

Till then, stay safe and keep revvin!

[Aditya]

Thread moved out from the Assembly Line. Thanks for sharing!

[ruzbehxyz]

Thanks for sharing. The mods looks very complicated and obviously I would love to do this only after expiry of warranty, as such mods will definitely void the warranty.
Nonetheless, I think the modules activated are very useful especially TPMS. After paying 40 lakhs, there is no TPMS display in the 2016-2018 models, surprisingly.

[corvus corax]

Is it possible to add a sync 3 module on Figo/Aspire and enable android auto/Apple carplay functionality?

[batladanny]

I say this on every thread and will say it again — this DIY series is an absolute goldmine of info and big thanks to you for pushing the boundaries of Ford mods. And the fact that all are so well integrated into the core system makes it even better.

[ajishanand]

Great job Jithin. These mods are wonderful.

[jithin23]

Originally Posted by ruzbehxyz

Thanks for sharing. The mods looks very complicated and obviously I would love to do this only after expiry of warranty, as such mods will definitely void the warranty. .

Yeah, with this kind of Sync 3 mods, you definitely need to say goodbye to sync 3 warranty unless you know some contacts in FASS. Since my car is out of factory warranty, I've been experimenting with a lot of stuff internally as the condition in my house was not to touch the externals.

Originally Posted by ruzbehxyz

Nonetheless, I think the modules activated are very useful especially TPMS. After paying 40 lakhs, there is no TPMS display in the 2016-2018 models, surprisingly.

The TPMS display can be shown on the speedometer and it's a 2 min job to enable it using forscan. I wonder why Ford missed out on enabling this simple yet super useful display. Forscan mods can be used for reverting to stock at any time and warranty won't be an issue for this mod.

Originally Posted by corvus corax

Is it possible to add a sync 3 module on Figo/Aspire and enable android auto/Apple carplay functionality?

Yes, Sync 3 can be added in Figo/Aspire/Freestyle but it's going to be expensive at 35-45k. Only 2 ways to source them. You either get is from any scrapyard in india or Ford body shop from a totalled car OR from scrapyards in Europe or Brazil. FYI the 6.5" sync 3 screen is what is required for the Figo triplets.

Originally Posted by batladanny

I say this on every thread and will say it again — this DIY series is an absolute goldmine of info and big thanks to you for pushing the boundaries of Ford mods. And the fact that all are so well integrated into the core system makes it even better.

Thanks batladanny! I'm working on enabling cruise control in the Figo triplets. Will share that info too once I complete it. And, yes the beauty of these mods are that every OEM feature is unlocked yet the car looks stock externally. Nobody will notice unless they're into cars.

Originally Posted by ajishanand

Great job Jithin. These mods are wonderful.

Thanks!

[saikatmandal04]

Originally Posted by jithin23

This can be done on any Ford/Lincoln Vehicle which has sync 3 from the factory or retro-fitted.

Congratulations and thanks for posting another stupendous DIY. Your posts make the mods look so simple. Anyone with the right tools and a little appetite for adventure can follow your posts like Bible. Keep up the good work!

[Turbo Head]

Hatts off for pulling and sharing such an amazing work and unleashing the true potential of the car electronics.
You call it DIY, while here I am still struggling, how to remove and clean my AC filter without breaking the glove box

[jithin23]

Originally Posted by saikatmandal04

Congratulations and thanks for posting another stupendous DIY. Your posts make the mods look so simple. Anyone with the right tools and a little appetite for adventure can follow your posts like Bible. Keep up the good work!

Thanks Saikat. If there's a basic understanding of PCB and circuits and a bit of coding, it's easy for anyone. Only concern is the willingness to take the risk.

Originally Posted by Turbo Head

Hatts off for pulling and sharing such an amazing work and unleashing the true potential of the car electronics.
You call it DIY, while here I am still struggling, how to remove and clean my AC filter without breaking the glove box

Thanks Turbohead. I also did feel skeptical for my very first mod. Once you get the hang of something, it'll be there for life. In fact even I'm kinda scared to remove the AC filter because in EcoSport it's in a very tricky slot between the RHS footwell and gearbox

[jithin23]

I have added a zip file for some of the best backgrounds for sync 3. Attaching a zip file for the same. Once the folder is unzipped, just put it in any pen drive nothing extra to be done.

sync 3 backgrounds.zip

[sundarsarma]

Hi Folks,

Have anyone seen this already and have given it a try?

https://naviupgrade.com/all/guides/t...eaking-sync-3/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ETabAvVt4HM

My ES is just 6 months old and other tweaks like Cornering Fog lamp, Theme Change, Speed limit warning indications have been done using Forscan and ObdlinkEX+ cable following the guidelines.

Didn't give this a try doubting the FASS might detect during the service. My ES is due for 10k service next week and until then couldn't attempt this.

Hope Jithin could check and let us all know how it goes!!

[Ace F355]

Originally Posted by sundarsarma

Hi Folks,

Have anyone seen this already and have given it a try?

Yep, I am running my Sync jailbroken through this method and with all the tinkering done already. Haven't had time to post the details - will do so soon.

[jithin23]

Originally Posted by sundarsarma

Hi Folks,

Have anyone seen this already and have given it a try?

https://naviupgrade.com/all/guides/t...eaking-sync-3/

https://www.Youtube.com/watch?v=ETabAvVt4HM

My ES is just 6 months old and other tweaks like Cornering Fog lamp, Theme Change, Speed limit warning indications have been done using Forscan and ObdlinkEX+ cable following the guidelines.

Didn't give this a try doubting the FASS might detect during the service. My ES is due for 10k service next week and until then couldn't attempt this.

Hope Jithin could check and let us all know how it goes!!

Hey,

FASS wouldn't detect these changes because there's no hardware tinkering like I had done previously. Everything is through USB and forscan. You can go ahead with this but you need to use forscan to reset the module in order for the changes to take place.

[ruzbehxyz]

Originally Posted by jithin23

The TPMS display can be shown on the speedometer and it's a 2 min job to enable it using forscan. I wonder why Ford missed out on enabling this simple yet super useful display. Forscan mods can be used for reverting to stock at any time and warranty won't be an issue for this mod.

Has anyone done this on the Ford Endeavour for the 2016-18 models with Sync 3. These vehicles have pressure sensors but only low air pressure alarm. The 2019 onwards model have the Tpms already installed.