SYNC Ford F150

Using Voice Recognition
Using SYNC™ With Your Phone
SYNC™ Applications and Services
Using SYNC™ With Your Media Player
SYNC™ Troubleshooting

GENERAL INFORMATION

SYNC is an in-vehicle communications system that works with your Bluetooth enabled cellular phone and portable media player. This allows you to:

• Make and receive
• Access and play music from your portable music
• Use 911 Assist or Emergency Assistance and applications via SYNC *
• Access phonebook contacts and music using voice
• Stream music from your connected
• Text
• Use the advanced voice recognition
• Charge your USB device (if your device supports this).

*These features are not available in all markets and may require activation. Available AppLink enabled apps vary by market.

Make sure that you review your device’s manual before using it with SYNC.

Support

SYNC support is available at your regional Ford website. See SYNC™ Troubleshooting (page 496).

SYNC Owner Account

Why do I need a SYNC owner account?

• Essential for keeping up with the latest software downloads available for
• Access to customer support for any questions you may

 

Driving Restrictions

For your safety, certain features are speed-dependent and restricted when your vehicle is traveling over 3 mph (5 km/h).

Safety Information

WARNING: Driving while distracted can result in loss of vehicle control, crash and injury. We strongly recommend that you use extreme caution when using any device that may take your focus off the road. Your primary responsibility is the safe operation of your vehicle. We recommend against the use of any hand-held device while driving and encourage the use of voice-operated systems when possible. Make sure you are aware of all applicable local laws that may affect the use of electronic devices while driving.

When using SYNC:

• Do not operate playing devices if the power cords or cables are broken, split or Place cords and cables out of the way, so they do not interfere with the operation of pedals, seats, compartments or safe driving abilities.
• Do not leave playing devices in your vehicle during extreme conditions as it could cause them damage. See your device’s manual for further
• Do not attempt to service or repair the See an authorized dealer.

Privacy Information

When a cellular phone is connected to SYNC, the system creates a profile within your vehicle that is linked to that cellular phone. This profile is created in order to offer you more cellular features and to operate more efficiently. Among other things, this profile may contain data about your cellular phone book, text messages (read and unread), and call history, including history of calls when your cellular phone was not connected to the system. In addition, if you connect a media device, the system creates and retains an index of supported media content. The system also records a short development log of approximately 10 minutes of all recent system activity. The log profile and other system data may be used to improve the system and help diagnose any problems that may occur.

The cellular profile, media device index, and development log will remain in the vehicle unless you delete them and are generally accessible only in the vehicle when you connect the cellular phone or media player. If you no longer plan to use the system or the vehicle, we recommend you perform a Master Reset to erase all stored information.

No one can access system data without special equipment and access to the vehicle’s SYNC module. Ford Motor Company and Ford of Canada will not access the system data for any purpose other than as described absent consent, a

court order, or where required by law enforcement, other government authorities, or other third parties acting with lawful authority. Other parties may seek to access the information independently of Ford Motor Company and Ford of Canada. For further privacy information, see the section on 911 Assist. See SYNC™ Applications and Services (page 492).

USING VOICE RECOGNITION

This system helps you control many features using voice commands. This allows you to keep your hands on the wheel and focus on what is around you.

Initiating a Voice Session

Press the voice button. A list of available voice commands appears in the display.

 

Global Voice Commands

These voice commands are always available. You can say them at any time.

Global voice commands
Help	Gives you available commands you can use on the current screen.
List of Commands	Gives you a list of possible voice commands.
Cancel	This command ends the voice session. You can also cancel a session by pressing seek up, seek down, or holding the voice button for two or more seconds.

Helpful Hints

• Make sure the interior of your vehicle is as quiet as Wind noise from open windows and road vibrations may prevent the system from correctly recognizing spoken commands.
• Before giving a voice command, wait for the system announcement to finish, followed by a single Any command spoken before this does not register with the system.
• Speak naturally, without long pauses between
• You can interrupt the system at any time while it is speaking by pressing the voice button. You can cancel a voice session by pressing and holding the voice

 

System Interaction and Feedback

The system provides feedback through audible tones, prompts, questions and spoken confirmations depending on the situation and the chosen level of interaction. You can customize the voice recognition system to provide more or less instruction and feedback.

The default setting is to a higher level of interaction in order to help you learn to use the system. You can change these settings at any time.

Adjusting the Interaction Level

Press the voice button. When prompted, say:

Voice Command	Action and Description
Interaction Mode Standard	Provides more detailed interaction and guidance. (Recommended for first time users.)
Interaction Mode Advanced	Provides less audible interaction and guid- ance.

Phone Confirmation

Using phone confirmations the system asks you to verify before placing any calls.

To adjust this setting press the voice button, when prompted say:

Voice Command	Action and Description
Phone Confirmation Off	When enabled, this feature will prompt you to confirm any voice initiated call command prior to the call being placed.
Phone Confirmation On	The system will make a best guess; you may still occasionally be asked to confirm settings.

USING SYNC™ WITH YOUR PHONE

Hands-free calling is one of the main features of SYNC. While the system supports a variety of features, many are dependent on your cellular phone’s functionality. At a minimum, most cellular phones with Bluetooth wireless technology support the following functions:

• Answering an incoming call.
• Ending a
• Dialing a
• Call waiting
• Caller

Other features, such as text messaging using Bluetooth and automatic phonebook download, are phone-dependent features.

Pairing a Phone

Wirelessly pairing your phone with SYNC allows you to make and receive hands-free calls.

Note: Make sure to switch on the ignition and the radio. Shift the transmission into park (P) for automatic transmission or first gear for manual transmission.

Using the Audio System

Note: To scroll through the menus, press the up and down arrows on your audio system.

1. Make sure to switch on your phone’s Bluetooth feature before starting the See your device’s manual if necessary.
2. Press the Settings
3. Select Bluetooth from the
4. Press the OK
5. Select the option to This starts the pairing process.
6. When a message to begin pairing appears in the audio display, search for SYNC on your

Depending on your phone’s capability and your market, the system may prompt you with questions, such as setting the current phone as the primary phone and downloading your phonebook.

Using Voice Commands

Make sure to switch on your phone’s Bluetooth feature before starting the search. See

your device’s manual if necessary.

 

Press the voice button and when prompted say:

 

Voice Command	Action and Descrip- tion
Pair Phone	Follow the instruc- tions on the audio display.

Phone Voice Commands

Press the voice button. You can do things like place a phone call and access text messages.

When prompted, say a command. See the following table for examples of commands.

 

Voice Command

List of Commands

Help

Call

Dial

Text Messages

is a dynamic listing, meaning that it could be the name of anything, such as a contact or phone number.

Phone Controls

Use the phone buttons on your steering wheel to answer, reject, or hang up a call.

Accessing Features through the Phone Menu

You can access your call history, phonebook, sent text messages, as well as access phone and system settings.

1. Press the PHONE button to enter the phone
2. Scroll through the menu to view contacts, text messages, and the phone

SYNC™ APPLICATIONS AND SERVICES

• 911 Assist: Can alert 911 in the event of an
• SYNC AppLink: Allows you to connect to and use certain applications (if your phone is compatible).

These features may require activation. Available AppLink enabled apps vary by market.

911 Assist

WARNING: Unless the 911 Assist setting is set on before a crash, the system will not dial for help which could delay response time, potentially increasing the risk of serious injury or death after a crash.

WARNING: Do not wait for 911 Assist to make an emergency call if you can do it yourself. Dial emergency services immediately to avoid delayed response time which could increase the risk of serious injury or death after a crash. If you do not hear 911 Assist within five seconds of the crash, the system or phone may be damaged or non-functional.

WARNING: Always place your phone in a secure location in your vehicle so it does not become a projectile or get damaged in a crash. Failure to do so may cause serious injury to someone or damage the phone which could prevent 911 Assist from working properly.

Note: The SYNC 911 Assist feature must be set on before the incident.

Note: The SYNC 911 Assist feature only operates in the U.S., Canada or in a territory in which 911 is the emergency number.

Note: Before setting this feature on, make sure that you read the 911 Assist Privacy Notice later in this section for important information.

Note: If any user switches 911 Assist to on or off, that setting applies for all paired phones. If 911 Assist is switched off, either a voice message plays or a display message or an icon comes on when your vehicle is started and after a previously paired phone connects.

Note: Every phone operates differently. While SYNC 911 Assist works with most cellular phones, some may have trouble using this feature.

If a crash deploys an airbag (excluding knee airbags and rear inflatable safety belts [if equipped]) or activates the fuel pump shut-off, your SYNC-equipped vehicle may be able to contact emergency services by dialing 911 through a paired and connected Bluetooth-enabled phone.

See Supplementary Restraints System (page 51). Important information about airbag deployment is in this chapter.

See Roadside Emergencies (page 331). Important information about the fuel pump shut-off is in this chapter.

Setting 911 Assist On or Off

Press the Settings button then select:

 

Menu Item	Action and Description
911 Assist	Select the desired option, on or off.

To make sure that 911 Assist works properly:

• SYNC must be powered and working properly at the time of the incident and throughout feature activation and
• The 911 Assist feature must be set on before the
• You must pair and connect a Bluetooth enabled and compatible cell phone to
• A connected Bluetooth enabled phone must have the ability to make and maintain an outgoing call at the time of the
• A connected Bluetooth enabled phone must have adequate network coverage, battery power and signal
• The vehicle must have battery power and be located in the S., Canada or in a territory in which 911 is the emergency number.

 

In the Event of a Crash

Not all crashes deploy an airbag or activate the fuel pump shut-off (the triggers for 911 Assist). If a connected cell phone sustains damage or loses its connection to SYNC during a crash, SYNC searches for and tries to connect to a previously paired cell phone; SYNC then attempts to call the emergency services.

Before making the call:

• SYNC provides a short window of time (about 10 seconds) to cancel the If you fail to cancel the call, SYNC attempts to dial 911.
• SYNC says the following, or a similar message: «SYNC will attempt to call 911, to cancel the call, press Cancel on your screen or press and hold the phone button on your steering wheel».

If you do not cancel the call, and SYNC makes a successful call, a pre-recorded message plays for the 911 operator, and then the occupant(s) in your vehicle are able to talk with the operator. Be prepared to provide your name, phone number and location immediately, because not all 911 systems are capable of receiving this information electronically.

911 Assist May Not Work If

• Your cellular phone or 911 Assist hardware sustains damage in a
• The vehicle’s battery or the SYNC system has no
• The phone(s) thrown from your vehicle are the ones paired and connected to the

911 Assist Privacy Notice

When you switch on 911 Assist, it may disclose to emergency services that your vehicle has been in a crash involving the deployment of an airbag or activation of the fuel pump shut-off. Certain versions or updates to 911 Assist may also be capable of electronically or verbally disclosing to 911 operators your vehicle location or other details about your vehicle or crash to assist 911 operators to provide the most appropriate emergency services. If you do not want to disclose this information, do not switch the feature on.

SYNC Mobile Apps

The system enables voice and steering wheel control of SYNC AppLink enabled smartphone apps. When an app is running through AppLink, you can control main features of the app through voice commands and steering wheel controls.

Note: You must pair and connect your smartphone to SYNC to access AppLink.

Note: Android users need to connect the phone to SYNC using Bluetooth.

Note: For information on available apps, supported smartphone devices and troubleshooting tips please visit the Ford website

Note: Availability of SYNC AppLink enabled Apps will vary by region.

Note: Make sure you have an active account for the app that you have downloaded.

Some apps work automatically with no setup. Other apps want you to configure your personal settings and personalize your experience by creating stations or favorites. We recommend you do this at home or outside of your vehicle.

To Access Using the SYNC Menu

Press the Mobile Apps button to access the menu on-screen. Then select:

 

Menu Item	Action and Description
Find Mobile Apps	Scroll through the list of available applications and select a particular app.

Note: If you cannot find a compatible SYNC AppLink app, make sure the required app is running on the mobile device.

To Access Using Voice Commands

Note: For information on available apps, supported smartphone devices and troubleshooting tips please visit the Ford website

Note: Availability of SYNC AppLink enabled Apps will vary by region.

Note: Make sure you have an active account for the app that you have downloaded.

Some apps work automatically with no setup. Other apps want you to configure your personal settings and personalize your experience by creating stations or favorites. We recommend you do this at home or outside of your vehicle.

To Access Using the SYNC Menu

Press the Mobile Apps button to access the menu on-screen. Then select:

 

Menu Item	Action and Description
Find Mobile Apps	Scroll through the list of available applications and select a particular app.

Note: If you cannot find a compatible SYNC AppLink app, make sure the required app is running on the mobile device.

 

Press the voice button, then when prompted say:

 

Voice Command	Action and Description
Mobile Applications	Say the name of the application after the tone. The app should start. When an app is running through SYNC, you can press the voice button and speak commands specific to the app, for example «Play Playlist Road Trip».
List Applications	SYNC lists all of the currently available mobile apps.
Find Applications	Searches your connected mobile device for SYNC-compatible mobile apps.
Help	Use this command to discover the available voice commands.

App Permissions

App permissions are organized by groups. You can grant these group permissions individually. You can change a permission group status any time when not driving, by using the settings menu.

When you launch an app using SYNC, the system may ask you to grant certain permissions, for example:

• To allow your vehicle to provide vehicle information to the app such as, but not limited to: Fuel level, fuel economy, fuel consumption, engine speed, rain sensor, odometer, VIN, external temperature, gear position, tire pressure, and head lamp
• To allow your vehicle to provide driving characteristic information such as, but not limited to: MyKey, seat belt status, engine revolutions per minute, gear position, braking events, steering wheel angle, and accelerator pedal po
• To allow your vehicle to provide location information, including: GPS and
• To allow the app to send push notifications using the vehicle display and voice capabilities while running in a background Push notifications may be particularly useful for news or location based apps.

Note: You only need to grant permissions the first time you use an app with SYNC.

Note: Ford is not responsible or liable for any damages or loss of privacy relating to usage of an app, or dissemination of any vehicle data that you approve Ford to provide to an app.

 

Enabling SYNC Mobile Apps

In order to enable mobile apps, SYNC requires user consent to send and receive app authorization information and updates using the data plan associated with the connected device.

Data is sent to Ford in the United States through the connected device. The information is encrypted and includes your VIN, SYNC module number, anonymous usage statistics and debugging information. Updates may take place.

Note: You must enable mobile apps for each connected device the first time you select a mobile app using the system.

Note: Standard data rates apply. Ford is not responsible for any additional charges you may receive from your service provider, when your vehicle sends or receives data through the connected device. This includes any additional charges incurred due to driving in areas when roaming out of a home network.

USING SYNC™ WITH YOUR MEDIA PLAYER

SYNC supports digital media sources including: iPod, Bluetooth devices, and most USB drives. SYNC also supports audio formats, such as MP3, WMA, WAV and ACC.

Media Sources

The AUX or MEDIA button allows you to view and select available media sources.

Press the AUX or MEDIA button to view your sources. Use the directional arrows and OK button to select your source. You can also use the steering wheel audio controls.

Audio Voice Commands

Press the voice button. You can do things like play a specific song or album, or tune to a radio

station. When prompted, say a command. See the following table for example commands. Not all commands may be available on your vehicle.

 

Command

List of Commands

Help

Pause

Play

AM

FM

CD Player

Sirius Channel

USB

Bluetooth Audio

_is a dynamic listing, meaning that it could be the name of anything, such as an artist, station, or media source.

SYNC™ TROUBLESHOOTING

Your SYNC system is easy to use. However, should questions arise, see the tables below.

Use your regional Ford website at any time to check your phone’s compatibility, register your account and set preferences as well as access a customer representative via an online chat (during certain hours).

Market	Website(s)
North America	www.SYNCMyRide.com www.SYNCMyRide.ca www.sync- maroute.ca

 

Phone issues
Issue	Possible cause(s)	Possible solution(s)
There is excessive back- ground noise during a phone call.	The audio control settings on your phone may be affecting SYNC perform- ance.	Review your phone’s manual about audio adjustments.
During a call, I can hear the other person but they cannot hear me.	This may be a possible phone malfunction.	Try turning off the device, resetting the device, removing the device’s battery, then trying again.
SYNC is not able to down- load my phonebook.	This is a phone-dependent feature.	Go to the website to review your phone’s compatibility.

Phone issues
Issue	Possible cause(s)	Possible solution(s)
	This may be a possible phone malfunction.	Try turning off the device, resetting the device or removing the device’s battery, then trying again. Try pushing your phonebook contacts to SYNC by using the Add Contacts feature. Use the SYNCmyphone feature available on the website.
The system says Phonebook Downloaded but the phonebook in SYNC is empty or missing contacts.	This may be a limitation on your phone’s capability.	Try pushing your phonebook contacts to SYNC by using the Add Contacts feature. If the missing contacts are stored on your SIM card, try moving them to the device memory. Remove any pictures or special ring tones associ- ated with the missing contact. Depending upon your phone, you may have to grant SYNC permission to access your phonebook contacts. Make sure to confirm when prompted by your phone during the phonebook download.
I am having trouble connecting my phone to SYNC.	This is a phone-dependent feature.	Go to the website to review your phone’s compatibility. Try turning off the device, resetting the device or removing the device’s battery, then trying again.

Phone issues
Issue	Possible cause(s)	Possible solution(s)
	This may be a possible phone malfunction.	Try deleting your device from SYNC, deleting SYNC from your device and trying again. Check the security and auto accept and prompt always settings relative to the SYNC Bluetooth connection on your phone. Update your device’s firm- ware. Turn off the Auto phone- book download setting.
Text messaging is not working on SYNC.	This is a phone-dependent feature.   This may be a possible phone malfunction.	Go to the website to review your phone’s compatibility. Try turning off the device, resetting the device or removing the device’s battery, then trying again.
I cannot return to the Phone menu when selecting a contact.	You are on the Select a Character screen.	Press the Phone button to return to the Phone menu.

USB and media issues
Issue	Possible cause(s)	Possible solution(s)
I am having trouble connecting my device.	This may be a possible device malfunction.	Try turning off the device, resetting the device, removing the device’s battery, then trying again. Make sure you are using the manufacturer’s cable.
		Make sure you insert the USB cable correctly into the device and the USB port.

USB and media issues
Issue	Possible cause(s)	Possible solution(s)
		Make sure that the device does not have an auto- install program or active security settings.
SYNC does not recognize my device when I turn on the car.	This is a device limitation.	Make sure you are not leaving the device in your vehicle during very hot or cold temperatures.
Bluetooth audio does not stream.	This is a phone-dependent feature.	Review the device compatib- ility chart on the SYNC website to confirm your phone supports the Bluetooth audio streaming function.
	The device is not connected.	Make sure you correctly connect the device to SYNC, and that you have pressed play on your device.
SYNC does not recognize music that is on my device.	Your music files may not contain the correct artist, song title, album or genre information. The file may be corrupted.   The song may have copy- right protection, which does not allow it to play.	Make sure that all song details are populated.   Some devices require you to change the USB settings from mass storage to MTP class.
I cannot change the Sirius station.	Sirius Replay is active.	Switch radio bands and return to Sirius or switch the feature off. You can then change the Sirius station using the directional buttons.

Voice command issues
Issue	Possible cause(s)	Possible solution(s)
	You may be using the wrong voice commands.	Review the phone voice commands and the media voice commands at the beginning of their respective sections.
SYNC does not understand what I am saying.	You may be speaking too soon or at the wrong time.	After pressing the voice icon, wait until after the tone sounds and Listening appears before saying a command. Any command spoken before this does not register with the system.
	You may be using the wrong voice commands.	Review the media voice commands at the beginning of the media section.
SYNC does not understand the name of a song or artist.	You may be saying the name differently than the way you saved it.	Say the song or artist exactly as listed. If you say «Play Artist Prince», the system does not play music by Prince and the Revolution or Prince and the New Power Generation. Make sure you are saying the complete title, such as «California remix featuring Jennifer Nettles».
	The system may not be reading the name the same way you are saying it.	If the song titles are in all CAPS, you have to spell them. LOLA requires you to say «L-O-L-A». Do not use special charac- ters in the title. The system does not recognize them.
SYNC does not understand or is calling the wrong contact when I want to make a call.	You may be using the wrong voice commands.	Review the Phone voice commands at the beginning of the phone section.

Voice command issues
Issue	Possible cause(s)	Possible solution(s)
		Make sure you are saying the contacts exactly as they are listed. For example, if you save a contact as Joe Wilson, say «Call Joe Wilson».
	You may be saying the name differently than the way you saved it.	Using the SYNC phone menu, open the phonebook and scroll to the name SYNC is having trouble understanding. SYNC will read the name to you, giving you some idea of the pronunciation SYNC is expecting.
	The system may not be reading the name the same way you are saying it.	The system works better if you list full names, such as «Joe Wilson» rather than «Joe».
	Contacts in your phonebook may be very short and similar, or they may contain special characters.	Do not use special charac- ters, such as 123 or ICE, as the system does not recog- nize them.
	Your phonebook contacts may be in CAPS.	If a contact is in CAPS, you have to spell it. JAKE requires you to say «Call J- A-K-E».

AppLink issues
Issue	Possible cause(s)	Possible solution(s)
AppLink Mobile Applica- tions: When I select «Find New Apps,» SYNC does not find any applications.	An AppLink capable phone is not connected to SYNC.	Ensure you have a compat- ible smartphone; an Android with OS 2.3 or higher or an iPhone 3GS or newer with iOS 5.0 or higher. Addition- ally, ensure your phone is paired and connected to

AppLink issues
Issue	Possible cause(s)	Possible solution(s)
		SYNC in order to find AppLink-capable apps on your device. iPhone users must also connect to SYNC’s USB port with an Apple USB cable.
My phone is connected, but I still cannot find any apps.	AppLink-enabled apps are not installed and running on your mobile device.	Ensure you have down- loaded and installed the latest version of the app from your phone’s app store. Ensure the app is running on your phone. Some apps require you to register or login on the app on the phone before using them with AppLink. Also, some may have a «Ford SYNC» setting, so check the app’s settings menu on the phone.
My phone is connected, my app(s) are running, but I still cannot find any apps.	Sometime apps do not properly close and re-open their connection to SYNC, over ignition cycles, for example.	Closing and restarting apps may help SYNC find the application if you cannot discover it inside the vehicle. On an Android device, if apps have an «Exit’ or ‘Quit’ option, select that then restart the app. If the app does not have that option, you can also manually «Force Close» the app by going to the phone’s settings menu, selecting ‘Apps.’ then finding the particular app and choosing ‘Force stop.’ Don’t forget to restart the app afterwards, then select «Find New Apps» on SYNC.

AppLink issues
Issue	Possible cause(s)	Possible solution(s)
		On an iPhone with iOS7+, to force close an app, double tab the home button then swipe up on the app to close it. Tab the home button again, then select the app again to restart it. After a few seconds, the app should then appear in SYNC’s Mobile App’s Menu.
My Android phone is connected, my app(s) are running, I restarted them, but I still cannot find any apps.	There is a Bluetooth bug on some older versions of the Android operating system that may cause apps that were found on your previous vehicle drive to not be found again if you have not turned off Bluetooth.	Reset the Bluetooth on your phone by turning it off and then turning Bluetooth back on. If you are in your vehicle, SYNC should be able to automatically re-connect to your phone if you press the «Phone» button.

AppLink issues
Issue	Possible cause(s)	Possible solution(s)
My iPhone phone is connected, my app is running, I restarted the app but I still cannot find it on SYNC.	The USB connection to SYNC may need to be reset.	Unplug the USB cable from the phone, wait a moment, and plug the USB cable back in to the phone. After a few seconds, the app should appear in SYNC’s Mobile Apps Menu. If not, «Force Close» the application and restart it.
I have an Android phone. I found and started my media app on SYNC, but there is no sound or the sound is very low.	The bluetooth volume on the phone may be low.	Try increasing the Bluetooth volume of the device by using the device’s volume control buttons which are most often found on the side of the device.
I can only see some of the AppLink apps running on my phone listed in SYNC’s Mobile Apps Menu.	Some Android devices have a limited number of bluetooth ports apps can use to connect. If you have more AppLink apps on your phone than the number of available Bluetooth ports, you will not see all of your apps listed in SYNC’s mobile apps menu.	Force close or uninstall the apps you do not want SYNC to find. If the app has a «Ford SYNC» setting, disable that setting in the app’s settings menu on the phone.

SYNC System Reset

The SYNC system in your vehicle has System Reset feature that can be performed if the function of a SYNC feature is lost. This reset is intended to restore functionality and will not erase any information previously stored in the system (Such as paired devices, phonebook, call history, text messages, or user settings). To perform a System Reset, press and hold the Seek Up (>>) button while pressing and holding the Radio Power button. Release both buttons after 2-3 seconds. Please allow a few minutes for the reset to complete. After a few minutes has passed you can resume using the SYNC system.

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