So I recently purchased a late 2017 year model F150 XL STX.

It has the large screen, and I’m assuming it has Sync as there is a slide open compartment where the center console meets the Dash that says Sync.

I have connected my iPhone to the truck via Bluetooth and am able to talk on the phone and also listen to music through the truck.

The truck is not equipped with navigation.

So what really is Sync and is there something I am missing?

 

Think of Sync as an operating system like windows or macOS. The system you see on the screen is Sync version 3.x. If you are looking for non sync navigation you will need to connect your phone to the USB ports which then allows you to run CarPlay or android auto through the sync OS. I had a 2016 which I needed to swap the USB ports to enable CarPlay but I think 2017 should be good to go, someone correct me if I’m wrong as I now have a 2019.

(edit: clarifying navigation)

 

I’ll have to actually plug my phone into the USB ports sometime and see what all it does.

 

You can find Sync documentation at owner.ford.com.

 

I am also trying to figure out something related to Sync. Is Sync 4 now available on 2020 F150 Platinum (or other higher trim levels)?

A dealership told me it was. Other than that I can’t tell any differences between the 2019 and 2020. If there is a thread on that would love to review it. Thank you.

 

My truck is similar to yours. I have SiriusXM (not activated) but no factory Nav.

Capability depends a lot on your phone. For example, I have an iPhone X and when I get in the truck I plug in my phone. It loads CarPlay and changes the 8" screen to show Nav, my calendar schedule, and what music is loaded. The screen is configurable to show phone, text messages (it reads them and you can reply with voice), and I use Spotify for music. You can still go to the Ford menu and do everything you have now.

 

No, probably means SYNC 3.4
I'm pretty sure sync 4 does not exist.

 

And a series of Ford how-to videos on YouTube that show you how to use Sync and every other feature of your truck.

 

Thank you, makes sense. Just found this link which says the Mach-E is likely the first vehicle to get Sync 4. https://www.ford.com/technology/sync/sync-4/

 

It sounds like to take real advantage of everything I have to plug the phone in every time.

Most likely won’t do that unless I want the navigation to be on the screen or if I’m going to be on a long drive and listening to Pandora.

Otherwise it is nice having it connect via Bluetooth and I can talk on the phone without having to take it out of my pocket.