2013 Fusion - Another Aftermarker Stereo Question with new possibility

[LoganK]

Hey everyone,

 

New to the forums. I know this question has been asked plenty of times, but I might be in a unique situation to make an aftermarket touch screen stereo work.

 

I am brand new to the world of installing anything like this, so i'm probably tragically misinformed on the reasons for preventing so many people finding a solution.

 

I contacted one of those sellers who market the only available aftermarket stereos, like the Navi Player and those sold on Ali Express (seen a few threads of these working fine), and asked if I could purchase just the face plate. Well it seems like it's going to be possible, so I asked about the harness and bracket mounts, just to see what they would say.

 

I initially thought the problem was just the lack of a faceplate and other parts of an aftermarket dash kit. But now i'm reading that it's really the Sync system that causes the problems? If I were to get the face plate, harness, bracket mounts, etc, what issues will I run into? I couldn't care less about the Sync system, I don't need it for voice commands or the phone if i'm going to purchase a different stereo. I've read that it controls many other aspects of the car and that's the issue, meaning the wiring harness is crazy expensive and then there's issues with the CANBUS you'll run into.

 

Am I missing something or is there a way For me to keep the Sync stuff intact when it comes to the aspects other than the actual stereo, and just only change the stereo.

 

If it's stuff like the AC i wouldn't be opposed to getting an aftermarket AC controller.

 

Any help would be hugely appreciated!

 

Thanks!

[Jayhawk.Keifer]

I am trying to do the same thing with no luck. I work car dealership with a pretty sweet dealer vehicle accessories company that works with us. They told me that Sync is one of those components that a required for the car to run...I'm not sure of the extent of it but I will not take no for an answer! I'll post something when/if I find a way.

[LoganK]

Yeah I wish you could keep Sync intact but just not have it be involved in the stereo...I don't know a thing about cars, but having said that j can't imagine that it's not possible. Like, couldn't you theoretically have the current radio stashed somewhere else in the car, still intact and then install an aftermarket simply for USB/Bluetooth etc?

[Jayhawk.Keifer]

I have seen people get a second radio and mount it underneath the A/C controls in that little hole and keep the stock radio. The Dealer Vehicle Accessories (DVA) said that they did a conversion for a F150 by mounting an iPad where the radio is. They also told me that if the wiring harness is the same on the Fusion, then it is possible to put in an aftermarket radio while keeping Sync. The only thing is that you need a radio compatible with Maestro or have a Sync retention kit for the aftermarket radio. I am looking to get a dash and 8" radio from a junk yard so I can at least have something better than the trash 4" radio. I have to talk to Ford and see if it is a "plug and play" or not.

[eGuru]

I have replaced the stock radio in my 2012 with a Sony unit that sits behind a 9.7" Android tablet.

 

The tablet controls the Sony via a Bluetooth interface (similar concept to Android Auto).

 

Steering wheel controls, etc remain functional.

 

I don't see why a similar concept is not applicable to the 2013's and up.

 

Some pictures linked in this thread.

 

http://www.fordfusionforum.com/topic/16223-has-any-documented-an-8-retrofit/

Edited November 25, 2016 by eGuru

[LoganK]

Wow, e-guru that is exactly what I was imagining. Did you have to make a custom dash plate to accommodate the tablet? Ss there are no aftermarket dash kits I would need to find a way to get a faceplate with an opening.

 

So pretty much you replaced the stereo, put in the tablet and kept steering wheel function? How as far as things like the back up camera starting on reverse, km

Guessing that isn't connected to Sync at all. The problem is every post I come by people seem to imply the Sync system is integrated so deeply that it prevents after market stereos? I don't know exactly what the Sync plays a role in, but if I can still have the car perform it's health reports and other really basic things it might be integrated with, i'm totally fine without voice activated phone calling and messaging. I can use something else for that. Would you mind posting a before and after, or give a few tips or snippets of how you went about doing this? With the wiring harness for your 2012, did you find an aftermarket one that was available? I can't seem to find one for the 2013. thanks! And

[eGuru]

Wow, e-guru that is exactly what I was imagining. Did you have to make a custom dash plate to accommodate the tablet? Ss there are no aftermarket dash kits I would need to find a way to get a faceplate with an opening.

 

So pretty much you replaced the stereo, put in the tablet and kept steering wheel function? How as far as things like the back up camera starting on reverse, km

Guessing that isn't connected to Sync at all. The problem is every post I come by people seem to imply the Sync system is integrated so deeply that it prevents after market stereos? I don't know exactly what the Sync plays a role in, but if I can still have the car perform it's health reports and other really basic things it might be integrated with, i'm totally fine without voice activated phone calling and messaging. I can use something else for that. Would you mind posting a before and after, or give a few tips or snippets of how you went about doing this? With the wiring harness for your 2012, did you find an aftermarket one that was available? I can't seem to find one for the 2013. thanks! And

 

I'll continue to add to this reply later but for the moment I'll just answer the questions that have short answers.

1. I initially had installed a double DIN head unit and there was a dash plate available from Scoshe. I had attached an 8.4" Samsung Tab S tablet to the face of the head unit with magnets. That worked fine but I didn't want to always deal with detaching the tablet and taking it with me whenever I was parked somewhere "ify".

I modified that faceplate to accommodate the 9.7" table - cutting it out, building up the perimeter around the screen with epoxy putty, using filler, painting, etc.

I could have modified the factory dash plate in a similar fashion.

2. If you are thinking of doing something similar, on your 2013, I would first remove the factory plate and carefully check the clearances so that you can determine the maximum tablet size that will fit.

3. My SE didn't have a back-up camera so I added one under the trunk lip and connected it to my rearview mirror's display. When I added the tablet, I added an amplified splitter to feed both the mirror display and the tablet. The tablet interface is through a USB EasyCap device. The software triggers the camera image to be displayed as soon as the camera is powered up by the backup lamp power feed.

4. The SWC is done directly to the headunit by a PAC SW-CP5 but the Android software can also control the headunit functions via a BT interface.

Added November 29

5. HU and SWI cabling

• - Since custom cabling was going to cost over >$100, I just cut off the existing connectors and soldered on the connectors that came with the HU and SWI.

 

6. Tablet Selection

• Consider how you will power up/down and volume control the tablet after it is embedded. In my case, that's what the 3 illuminated buttons at the top left do.
• Do you have the ability to setup the tablet to boot up when the charger is powered up?
• If the tablet has physical Home/Back/Active App keys you will need to leave those exposed.
• If you are planning to connect a hub or other devices to the USB, how will you handle charging? A separate charging port is very handy here.
• If you want to use your tablet for navigation, make sure that it has a hardware GPS. Many of the larger tablets do not. Read the specs carefully. Don't assume.

 

Edited November 29, 2016 by eGuru

[LoganK]

Interesting. Anyone even attempting to for the 2013 will have to have a custom face plate. Unless the seller on Ali is willing to get rid of one, which I think Is the case. Otherwise i'm going to purchase a junkyard faceplate and modify it. Or 3D print one.

 

I really do not see why I can't place the stock unit somewhere else, and keep it fully integrated, and then add a new 6.2" or whatever size, head unit in its place. Remove the stocks wiring from the speakers, connect to new unit, install 3rd party mic for voice activation, do something similar with the steering wheel, plenty of options there. Speakers, mic and play/pause on the steering wheel not being controlled by the stock SYNC unit does not seem like it would cause any issues. The only things on the small display that I even have to use currently are the functions related to the audio settings and media input settings/phone. This would all be done by the new head unit. Things like vehicle diagnostics and trip settings are all displayed on the small odometer display. So, no issue there.

 

It just baffles me to say that you can't essentially just have the current stereo set up so everything but playing music and performing other media tasks, without the whole Sync system come crashing down. i know I could grab a home stereo, remove the glovebox, stick in the stereo and connect it to speakers in the car and the SYNC system be just fine.

[eGuru]

This is another approach to adding navigation with a 10.1 display.

 

It isn't as integrated looking as some but does have a lot of features for the price.

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Joying-Single-1DIN-10-1-HD-Android-5-1-1-Car-Stereo-Navi-GPS-Navi-WiFi-3-4G-BT-/331902504691?hash=item4d46ee4ef3:g:3l4AAOSwTA9X7NX~&vxp=mtr

[LoganK]

How would this work if it can't be connected to Sync either? Because it's only a single din? I wish I understood these nuances better.

[eGuru]

How would this work if it can't be connected to Sync either? Because it's only a single din? I wish I understood these nuances better.

 

This company also has a double DIN unit available but there is no functional difference between their single or double DIN units (as is typical of most head units that are just enclosing air).

 

The single DIN is cheaper.

 

You could still mount the stock unit in another location - but really I don't see why you would bother since it would only provide voice control of phone and climate control systems which you may not care about anyway.

[MississippiMud]

I have a 2014 Ford Fusion S (Base model). I installed a s160 RoadNav M377, 10.1 " screen, and rearview camera. You lose Sync, but gain more.

 

The s160 is an Android 4.4.4 and WINCE system. I have Android Auto running just fine wireless using the Android "Headunit Reloaded "app on the s160 head unit and Android Auto on the phone. Hands free Bluetooth call by either voice command, or select Android Auto phone button, choose contact etc. GPS with Google Maps using Android Auto or GPS using the provided iGo software or any android downloaded GPS software. I use Sygic if just using the regular s160 Android interface or Google Maps through Android Auto. I use iHeart Radio, Amazon Music, Google Music, Spotify. Voice command which music you want to play. Installation is relatively easy; you have to open your Fusion front face with 4" screen and take the circuit card out to install in the s160 front face screen. This card controls your AC/Heating.

 

The problem with trying to use just the face plate is that it does not match up to the area to where the radio rests; the Screen Display is separate from the radio.

[eGuru]

Very "cool" (if that is still a term people use today).

The RoadNav seems like a worthwhile choice and not too expensive.

The RoadNav website says its a 8" screen - though that should be more than sufficient

Edited December 1, 2016 by eGuru

[MississippiMud]

Very "cool" (if that is still a term people use today).

The RoadNav seems like a worthwhile choice and not too expensive.

The RoadNav website says its a 8" screen - though that should be more than sufficient

 

You're correct - it is an 8 inch screen, very similar to the OEM Ford Fusion.

If you want to go 'all out" and have the Tesla look with 12.1 inch screen, there's this option:

 

https://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/12-1-inch-5-1-quad_60524991678.html

 

 

I'm tempted, but not sure if I would like not having all controls being touch screen

Edited December 1, 2016 by MississippiMud

[MississippiMud]

The only nagging issue I have with the Chinese Head Units is that the radios are horrible - they don't install the correct noise interference suppression.

There are clips that you can buy (ferrite core noise suppression) clips that you can simply clamp around the antennas cable leading to the head unit.

I listen to my local radio when interested using iHeart Radio app - good sound quality. The s160 has a decent built in amp and equalizer. I'm using the

standard installed Fusion speakers.

 

All depends what someones likes and dislikes are

[LoganK]

Wait, so if i am getting this right, why is everyone saying it's impossible to do this?

 

Everyone says SYNC is so integrated into the car that you cant NOT have it?

 

Because I have no need for Sync's media functions, at all. But I have been told you have to have a head unit with a compatible wiring harness, it has to be fully MFTsupported, etc. But if that is not the case, I can put in my own screen, take out the old unit, and be fine? It wont cause Synce to mess up live I've read over and over, and be told on phone call after phone call?

 

And when you say voice activation wont be avail, it can still be integrated with new headunit. As for the AC, how do you work around this??

 

If I can unhook the stock unit, and install an aftermarket, and be good, I don't understand why people say it would cost thousands. Every shop I've called has said so. Guess I'm fairly confused.

 

 

 

Anyone have any info on the 12.1" system on ali? I have been considering purchasing for some time now but can't find any real reviews. Anyone have any experience or have read any reviews?

[MississippiMud}

 

I am tempted to get either the 10.2" or the version you have, I NEVER listen to the radio, so I don't see that being a problem. The only thing holding me back so far is that I would need a shop to install, and I'm scared to recieve a product that will not work.

Edited December 1, 2016 by LoganK

[MississippiMud]

You would need the correct CANBUS and cables ( which comes with the M377 s160 Roadnav) .

If you put another radio in, would it be able to interface with the cars steering wheel controls (SWC) etc?

 

With the radio being replaced, you need to also keep in mind the AC/Heat controls

 

The big problem with radio replacement in the Fusion is the AC/Heat control circuit card. The stock unit

front face has a large circuit card that needs to be removed and then placed inside the new radio faceplate.

I'm not sure if the MFT faceplates have the circuit cards , but I would imagine so. If you where able to find

a way to have a correct size screen interface with your new headunit, and had the correct CANBUS cables

that would work to interface the car with the headunit, and the faceplate had the AC/Heat circuit card installed

inside with a port connection for it's cables then Yes; you could up your use your own choice of headunit.

Edited December 1, 2016 by MississippiMud

[eGuru]

LoganK

 

The complexity depends on what you have in your vehicle.

Which audio system, manual or automatic ac control, which screen?

[MississippiMud]

http://www.metraonline.com/files/catalogs/2016_METRA_TURBOTOUCH_KITS_BROCHURE.pdf

 

 

 

Metra 99-5841B FORD Fusion 2015-UP . Not sure how much it costs. Glad there's now an option, but unsure why it does not include the 2013 & 2014 models

[Rafdroid]

I looked at the installation manual for these tesla looking chinese head units. They are straight plug and play. Plug in the stock wording harness to the back of the unit and your good to go. It maintains all the steering wheel controls as well. I saw it on eBay for a little under 600. I thinking of pulling the trigger. I just wish I knew someone that has one to get an idea of how it sounds. I also do not use my radio so that doesnt concern me. I bought an SE... very basic. I have a 4ch amp (i replaced all my speakers) and a mono amp for sub. And I have an audiocontrol l6i that I have to clean up the stock head unit signal. Anyways. If anyone has installed on of these 12.1" displays let me know how it sounds. Thanks. 

Edited October 3, 2017 by Rafdroid
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[Gregavi]

Boy, I have been researching this option ever since I bought my 2013 FF Hybrid in 2014. I have the Non Sony Head Unit.

 

I was looking to sell my car which I love, (Except for the horrible sounding head unit. Mine has static that can be heard when the volume is low. Drives me nuts.) but now there's hope. I too have been considering one of the Chinese unit but have the usual concerns. The poor quality radio issue is a problem but not a big one. Has anyone taken the plunge? 

There's a guy on a different Ford Fusion Forum who purchased one of the China Units and he said it worked great, but that was a couple years ago and the thread appears to be dead (no posts for over 2 years). I PMed a question to him if he still had the car and if so how was the Head unit performing after a couple years. No reply at this point. Below is a link to the thread.

 

http://www.fordfusionclub.com/213-electronics-discussion/661290-after-market-radio-2013-fusion.html#post9734073