System Operation: Operation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2016 Ford Expedition. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Accessory Delay Feature

The accessory delay feature allows the audio system to be operated for a preset period of time after the ignition is turned off and a front door has not been opened.

AM/FM Radio

The AM/FM antenna receives radio waves and sends them to the antenna isolator module. The antenna isolator module amplifies the signals and sends them through the AM/FM antenna coaxial cable to the ACM. The radio waves are converted into fluctuating AC voltage and sent as left and right analog audio signals to the speakers.

Audio Input Jack Mode

When a portable audio device, such as an iPod ®, is connected to the vehicle audio system through the audio input jack, audio from the device can be played through the vehicle speakers. Only the volume can be controlled by the vehicle audio controls. All other functions such as seek, fast forward, pause, etc. must be carried out on the device itself.

No metadata (information such as artist, album title, song title, and genre) is transferred when a device is connected to the audio input jack.

Bluetooth Mode - With SYNC ®

Bluetooth is a secure, short-range radio frequency that allows devices to communicate wirelessly through radio waves. The operating range of a Bluetooth signal is a maximum of 9.75 m (32 feet).

The Bluetooth interface can accommodate both Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones and Bluetooth-enabled media devices. The SYNC ® system allows interaction with several types of customer Bluetooth devices, including mobile phones and media devices. The APIM contains an on-board Bluetooth chipset, which enables certain wireless devices to interact with the system. Any Bluetooth device used with the SYNC ® system must first be paired with the system before it is operational.

Only one Bluetooth phone and one Bluetooth media device can be connected to the system at any one time. If an additional device of either type is paired with the system and made active, the APIM disconnects any active connection and establishes a connection with the new device.

When a new Bluetooth device is added, the APIM and the Bluetooth device must be paired together. Most Bluetooth devices can pair with the SYNC ® system, although functionality may vary. To determine if a Bluetooth device is supported, verify the customer device is on the compatibility list for the current APIM software level.

Pairing a Bluetooth device is accomplished through the "Add Device" selection of the phone menu. When pairing a device, the SYNC ® system generates a unique PIN that must be entered on the Bluetooth device in order for the pairing process to be successful. There are also some device-specific actions that must take place. For information on the pairing process, refer to the Owner's Literature.

It is important to understand that not all mobile phones have the same level of features when interacting with the SYNC ® system. For a list of compatible phones, refer to SyncMyRide website.

Speed Compensated Volume

The ACM adjusts the audio system volume based on the VSS signal to compensate for speed and wind noise.

Steering Wheel Switch Functions - With SYNC ®

The RH steering wheel switches operate the volume +/-, seek +/-, and the audio system SYNC ® functions.

The RH steering wheel switches contain series of resistors. Each steering wheel switch function corresponds with a specific resistance value within the switch.

The SCCM sends a 5-volt reference voltage to the RH steering wheel switch on the input circuits. When a switch is pressed, the voltage is routed through the corresponding resistor(s), and then to ground through the SCCM. The SCCM monitors the resultant voltage drop to determine which switch was pressed. The voltage drop varies depending upon the resistance of the specific switch pressed.

The SCCM sends a network message to the APIM for the SYNC ® switches and to the ACM for the redundant audio controls.

SYNC ® System

The SYNC ® system is a hands-free communication and entertainment system that supports many features. All features are not available with every phone.

The SYNC ® system provides the ability to:

Connect media devices (such as an iPod ® or USB device) in order to play audio files.
Control the entertainment system using voice controls.
Initiate an emergency call (911 Assist™) when the airbags deploy.
Play media files via a paired Bluetooth-enabled audio device.
Produce vehicle health reports.
Send and receive phone calls via a paired Bluetooth-enabled phone.
Send and receive text messages via a paired Bluetooth-enabled phone.

USB Audio Mode - With SYNC ®

The USB port can be used for connecting a media device (such as an iPod ®) with the device's available cable, or for directly plugging in a portable mass storage device, such as a thumb drive. When playing media files stored on a mass storage device, the SYNC ® system only plays files that do not have DRM protection. The USB port can also be used for uploading vehicle application upgrades. The USB port is powered by the APIM, so no external power source is needed to power a device plugged into the USB port if the device supports this feature.

In addition to audio information, metadata (information such as artist, album title, song title, and genre) may also be sent to the APIM from a device plugged into the USB port. The APIM uses the metadata to create indexes that can be used to sort for particular music, based on customer preference. Not all USB devices can send metadata to the APIM. When a new media device is connected to the SYNC ® system, the APIM automatically indexes the information. This may take several minutes (depending on the amount of data on the device), and is considered normal operation. When a device that was previously connected to the SYNC ® system is reconnected, the APIM updates the index (rather than creating a new one), which reduces the amount of time needed to index the device.

Voice Recognition - With SYNC ®

Voice recognition is used for many vehicle functions, including the audio system. The microphone relays the microphone input to the APIM through dedicated wiring. The TTS and voice prompt features speak certain text information and interaction requests to minimize driver distraction by having to look at the audio system display while driving. The ringtone alerts the driver to an incoming call. The microphone is also used to detect outgoing audio during a phone call.

Audible prompts can range from a simple tone to more elaborate spoken text, based on the customer setting. When interaction mode is set to standard, detailed guidance is provided. When interaction mode is set to advanced, most prompts are tones only and minimal audible guidance is provided. Refer to the Owner's Literature for further information on voice interaction.

The audio signals for the TTS and voice prompt features, ringtones, and audio from the outside device during a phone call, are sent from the APIM to the ACM.