Apple CarPlay Upgrade for Ford 2015 & 2016

Last Updated on 2 years by admin

Apple CarPlay is something that has the capability to connect your iPhone with integrated car stereo system. It gives you all the freedom you need to focus on your drive while staying connected with calls, text, navigation & your favorite music collection.

Ford had the car setups with Sync 3 support (system with the big screen) from 2015 however, Apple CarPlay feature wasn’t available at that time. Therefore, our guide is to take you through the process of adding this feature to your Ford 2015 & 2016 models that came with Sync 3.

CarPlay upgrade required parts

1. Part Number – 
   1. HU5Z-19A387-A Mostly works with Ford Mustang.
   2. HC3Z-19A387-B or HC3T-14F014-BC Mostly Compatible with Fiesta 2016 titanium, f150, 2016 Ford Escape.
2. Plastic panel removal tool kit, you can also try with an old Credit Card.
3. PC with Internet with access.
4. USB drive with at least 32GB space.
5. Original iPhone charging cable.

How to upgrade

The guide is continued assuming that you have the compatible Apple CarPlay port & all the above parts are in hand.

Step Guide – Installation of the Hardware

1. Make sure that the vehicle is in the off state.
2. Pull out the existing USB port from the car dash or the center console, these are the main places that the USB should be available. Panel removal kit or the Credit Card might come in handy during this step.
3. Carefully pull out all the ports that are fitted to its base.
4. Inspect the newly purchased CarPlay and the existing USB has the same connector ports in its rear end. If this is different you might have to get it changed to a compatible unit.
5. Plugin the ports to the new Apple CarPlay port.
6. Push in the new port gently to fit the mounting locks.

Above all, concludes the hardware upgrade. Now begins the part where you need to PC with Internet and Pen Drive. 

Step Guide – Get relevant software

1. Go to https://owner.ford.com/
2. Sign in page should load.
3. Provide your vehicle details and get your login created.
4. Look for the software update that pops on the screen.
5. Plugin the USB drive with 32GB or more space on it, recommended for the drive to be empty.
6. Format the drive into exFat.
7. Click “Begin SYNC Update”. This will allow you to download the update for Apple CarPlay.
8. Transfer the files into the recently formatted Portable USB drive and safely remove the drive once the transfer is complete.

This means the software that is required for the upgrade is ready to be installed.

Step Guide – Upgrading System Software for CarPlay support

1. Make sure the vehicle is powered up until the upgrade is complete.
2. Plugin the USB drive to your newly fitted Apple CarPlay port and give it a few seconds.
3. You should now see the message “Upgrading System Software”
4. This process is totally automated. Therefore, just give it’s time to complete.
5. Once the process is done, you should see the message “Installation Complete”. On top of the screen on your car stereo.
6. To take effect the update you need to turn off the car.
7. Remove the USB drive while the car is in the off state.
8. Open the door to let the car turn off completely.
9. Plugin the original Apple iPhone charger cable to the new CarPlay port.
10. Turn the car back on.
11. Give it a few seconds to reboot with the new software on it.
12. Plugin the charger cable to your iPhone 5 or higher version.
13. Apple CarPlay terms and conditions should show up, click continue.
14. 911 Assist can skip, depending on your choice.
15. Allow the message that pops on the phone. It requests access to control while your phone is unlocked.
16. Now you have Apple CarPlay on the car.

Congratulations! Finally, you have successfully completed the Apple CarPlay upgrade. 

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