Ford Sync Not Working? How to Fix Problems with Ford Sync Bluetooth Systems

By Nick Marchenko, PhD

Ford's SYNC system is an advanced piece of technology that allows drivers to stay connected while on the road. However, like any technology, it can sometimes experience issues.

This article will guide you through some of the most common problems with Ford SYNC Bluetooth systems and provide you with solutions to get your system back up and running.

1. Cell Phone Issues

A. Background Noise During a Call

If you're experiencing a lot of background noise during a call, it could be due to the audio control settings on your cell phone affecting SYNC performance.

Solution: Refer to your device's manual for instructions on how to adjust audio settings.

B. One-Way Audio During a Call

If you can hear the other person during a call, but they can't hear you, it could be due to a cell phone malfunction.

Solution: Try switching off your cell phone, resetting it, or removing the battery, then trying again. Also, ensure that the microphone for SYNC is not set to off.

C. SYNC Unable to Download Phonebook

If SYNC is unable to download your phonebook, it could be due to a cell phone-dependent feature.

Solution: Check your cell phone's compatibility. If there's a malfunction, try switching off your cell phone, resetting it, or removing the battery, then trying again. Ensure your cell phone and the automatic phonebook download feature on SYNC are both switched on.

D. Trouble Connecting Cell Phone to SYNC

If you're having trouble connecting your cell phone to SYNC, it could be due to a cell phone-dependent feature or a cell phone malfunction.

Solution: Check your cell phone's compatibility. If there's a malfunction, try switching off your cell phone, resetting it, or removing the battery, then trying again. Always check the security and auto accept prompt settings relative to the SYNC Bluetooth connection on your cell phone.

2. USB and Media Issues

A. Trouble Connecting Device

If you're having trouble connecting your device, it could be due to a device malfunction.

Solution: Try switching off the device, resetting it, or removing the battery, then trying again. Make sure you are using the manufacturer's cable and correctly insert the USB cable into the device and your vehicle's USB port.

B. SYNC Does Not Recognize Music on Device

If SYNC does not recognize music that is on your device, it could be due to incorrect or missing song details.

Solution: Make sure that all song details are populated. If the file is corrupted, try replacing it with a new version.

3. Voice Command Issues

A. SYNC Does Not Understand Commands

If SYNC does not understand what you are saying, you could be using the wrong voice commands or speaking too soon or at the wrong time.

Solution: Review the cell phone voice commands and the media voice commands at the beginning of their respective sections. Refer to the audio display during an active voice session to find a list of voice commands there.

B. SYNC Does Not Understand Song or Artist Name

If SYNC does not understand the name of a song or artist, you could be using the wrong voice commands or not saying the name exactly as the system saved it.

Solution: Review the media voice commands at the beginning of the media section. Say the song or artist exactly as the system saved it.

4. AppLink Issues

A. SYNC Does Not Find Any Applications

If you select "Find New Apps" and SYNC does not find any applications, it could be due to an AppLink capable phone not being connected to SYNC.

Solution: Ensure you have a compatible smartphone; an Androidwith OS 2.3 or higher or an iPhone 3GS or newer with iOS 5.0 or higher. Additionally, ensure your phone is paired and connected to 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.

B. Phone is Connected, but No Apps are Found

If your phone is connected, but you still cannot find any apps, it could be due to AppLink-enabled apps not being installed and running on your mobile device.

Solution: Ensure you have downloaded 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.

C. Phone is Connected, Apps are Running, but Still No Apps are Found

Sometimes apps do not properly close and re-open their connection to SYNC, over ignition cycles, for example.

Solution: 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 and 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.

5. SYNC Multimedia System Reboot

If the function of a SYNC feature is lost, you can perform a System Reboot.

Solution: To perform a Reboot, press and hold the Seek Up (>>) button while pressing and holding the Radio Power button. Release both buttons after 5 seconds. Please allow a few minutes for the reboot to complete. After a few minutes has passed you can resume using the SYNC system.

Remember, the availability of these features depends on your vehicle's options. By following these steps, you should be able to troubleshoot and resolve most common issues with your Ford SYNC Bluetooth system. Always refer to your vehicle's owner's manual or contact a Ford service center for further assistance.

Nick Marchenko, PhD

Industrial Engineer & Automotive Content Specialist

Nick writes in-depth guides on car clubs, engine specs, vehicle ownership, and modifications, combining engineering knowledge with automotive passion.

Full profile → LinkedIn →