There is a module that is swapped out on the back of the display. These are enabled at the factory, and there is no way to activate one once it leaves the factory. It really is simple (somewhat, the pass air bag has to be removed) to replace the module, so you can look for one on Ebay, or a wrecking yard.

It could be something as simple as a jumper wire that is snipped, or left intact before they seal the unit up in epoxy that turns it on.

Besides, the Ford navigation sucks, most annoying navigation system I have ever used, it lags, missed turns quite often due to the road that I am to turn on showing up, AFTER I passed it. A good Garmin or Tom Tom with lifetime maps is much better and way less expensive than the factory Nav. I got a Nuvi that also has a HD dash cam built in. It has a large screen and turns show up before you are to turn, not as you are supposed to turn or just after.

I do miss sending to car though, something the Garmin doesnt have, yet.

 

It goes deeper than that in the cars as-built data.
I bought a new APIM and screen, the complete system off of a wrecked vehicle that was almost brand new. I also had the VIN from the wrecked car.
I swapped out all the modules and the headhunt, put in the map SD and it still says "Information" in the right corner and not the map database.
I know you can't reprogram MFT to use NAV but I thought replacing the entire system with a factory NAV unit would give me NAV.
Something in the trucks BCM module still knows the truck came without NAV and putting a new system authorized from the factory for NAV doesn't change that.
I have read the Focus forums, edge forums etc... I couldn't find where anyone has been able to do this.

Another option you have is to buy a lock-pic from Coastal...https://www.coastaletech.com/synclockpick.htm .
Then you can mirror your phone on your display and use your phone in Google maps and it mirrors it on the screen of the non-NAV MFT. You have to connect to an adapter to the RCA in plugs inside your console. It converts and HDMI cable into an Apple HDMI plug to the RCA inputs (digital to analog). Then on your MFT you go to AUX and your phone image is mirrored on the screen, regardless of what app you're on with your phone, its mirrored. So email, text, movies, videos, maps etc all play on your MFT screen from your phone.

It's actually pretty cool and you can also watch you rear view camera while driving forward at any speed. I can check my trailer and load at 80 MPH to make sure all is well.
It also lets you make changes to the system while in motion where Ford locks you out of some settings while vehicle is in motion.
Might be worth checking out verses adding another display like Garmin on the dash which just starts cluttering things up.
FWIW

 

Ipad, Ipad, Ipad......

 

Yeah, I know the Ford nav sucks, and I'm using an iPad as well as a Garmin. There's just something about keeping the factory look, with the large screen front and center, and everything neatly integrated.
Will see how the 2017 facelift turns out, and even though I wanted to keep my 2013 forever, I might jump up to something better equipped.

 

I honestly think the iPad setup is BETTER for those with the 4.2 inch screen. I moved mine into the cubby hole where the trailer brake controller was originally located, so I get to see the factory screen/info as well as what's on the iPad. Since Bluetooth connects to the iPad everything (sound related) still comes through the speakers so it seems very integrated. And nothing beats Google Maps when it comes to Navigation. I've always hated factory Navigation.

 

Why did I not know about lock-pick. Seems like it does everything I would want and isn't that expensive. This would also probably make me feel better about not waiting for a 2016 to get Carplay. Does lockpick just using the existing screen? Meaning it still looks stock?

 

If you're serious about doing this contact JRM061 on the Focus or Explorer forum, he has added factory nav, by swapping APIM's.

 

Yes, it integrates with the factory screen so you see nothing but how it came from the factory. Check YouTube as there are some videos on there showing how it works. I have had mine 3 years and it works great. I have the original version that plugs in behind the screen and doesn't have WiFi like the new version does.

I use Google maps on my MFT screen via my phone as it is the best map app in my opinion.

 

Interesting. I had found someone on the Focus forum who did this and that is where I got the idea. I bought the APIM and headhunt from a new wrecked car and did everything I read about to install it. I never could get it to recognize NAV.
I figured someone smarter than me (most people) would figure it out.
I think if you could change the as-built data then you could make it work.

Anyway, as most have said the factory nav is not all that. Use an iPad or your phone and lock-pick and have a better system for less money.

 

He's also a member right here:

https://www.f150forum.com/members/jm061-176197/

And - here's his site: http://www.fordpimods.com/


No need to go anywhere else, lol.

MGD