You may have heard of Ford’s SYNC® electronic communications. It is a factory-installed, integrated in-vehicle communications and entertainment system developed by Ford. It allows you to make hands-free telephone calls, get driving directions on-the-go, control the music you listen to, and perform many other functions, all with the use of voice-activated commands. SYNC® comes equipped with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ capability, as well as other built-in apps, and it is available on certain Ford SUVs and trucks. At Rockdale Country Ford in Rockdale, TX, we’re just like you. We’re Ford proud and Texas friendly. We understand that you need to stay connected with the people who are most important to you. You also want easy access to the information you need most often. That’s why we’re providing you with this simple, step-by-step process for getting set up with SYNC®!
First, a Word About Bluetooth®
Bluetooth® is the technology that enables the exchange of data between devices over a short distance. To use the phone features of SYNC®, such as making a call or receiving a text message, you must connect, or pair, your Bluetooth®-enabled Smartphone with your vehicle. In simple terms, pairing is what allows Bluetooth® devices to communicate securely with each other.
There are two main distinctions between the radio waves sent out by Bluetooth® and those from your favorite radio station. One is that Bluetooth® waves constantly switch frequencies, as often as hundreds of times per second. This is actually a good thing, in that it helps prevent the connection from being hacked. Also, Bluetooth® frequencies don’t travel very far. In fact, most Bluetooth® devices have a maximum connectivity range of about 30 feet, which is further reduced in the presence of an obstacle, such as a wall.
Got It! So, How Do I Get in Sync with SYNC®?
First, the vehicle must be completely stopped, with the transmission in Park. You will need to check to ensure that your phone has the Bluetooth® connection turned on. Next, you will press “Add Device” on your vehicle touchscreen. Scan your phone for devices until you find SYNC®. Select SYNC® and then you will receive a six-digit PIN. When prompted on the phone’s display, confirm that the PIN matches that on the vehicle touchscreen. At that point, the vehicle touchscreen will indicate that pairing has been completed successfully.
It is important to note that there may be slight differences in the pairing process, depending on the type of Smartphone being used. Drivers in Taylor, TX, should pay attention to all messages on both their phone and the SYNC® system to ensure that the process is done properly. Also, keep in mind that whenever a phone gets deleted from SYNC®, the pairing process will need to be repeated.
How Does SYNC® Make My Life Easier?
Once you successfully have paired your Smartphone to your Ford vehicle, then you will be all set to start using SYNC®. Drivers in Caldwell, TX, can make calls with the push of a button and the sound of their voice to hear the conversation through their vehicle’s speakers. For further convenience, you can allow SYNC® to automatically download the names and numbers programmed into your Smartphone.
Another great feature of SYNC® is the voice-activated navigation system which eliminates the need for drivers in Cameron, TX, to resort to the use of maps or stopping to ask strangers for directions to a destination. You also can take your music and podcasts with you to enjoy on long road trips.
The latest iteration of SYNC®, called SYNC® 4, offers several enhancements. Available in certain Ford SUVs and trucks, SYNC® 4 offers Cloud-based navigation with real-time traffic and weather updates. It also has a wireless capability for connecting to Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™. Impressively, SYNC® 4 integrates previous usage patterns, making the product even more effective for users.
At Rockdale Country Ford, we’re just like you. We’re Ford proud and Texas friendly. We want to stay connected with the people who matter most to us and the information that keeps us moving in the right direction. The Ford SYNC® system is designed to do just that. Contact us today to set an appointment for a test drive in a SYNC®-installed Ford vehicle!