radio FORD F-150 2018 Service Manual

Troubleshooting Tips
Action
Cause
Message
No action required. This
message should disappear
shortly.
Radio requires more than two
seconds to produce audio for
the selected channel.
Acquiring Signal
If this message does not clear
shortly, or with an ignition key
cycle, your receiver may have
a fault. See an authorized
dealer for service.
There is an internal module or
system failure present.
Satellite antenna fault
SIRIUS system failure
Tune to another channel or
choose another preset.
The channel is no longer avail-
able.
Invalid Channel
Contact SiriusXM at 1-888-
539-7474 to subscribe to the
channel, or tune to another
channel.
Your subscription does not
include this channel.
Unsubscribed Channel
The signal is blocked. When
you move into an open area,
the signal should return.
The signal is lost from the Siri-
usXM satellite or SiriusXM
tower to your vehicle antenna.
Satellite acquiring
signal\b
No action required. The
process may take up to three
minutes.
Update of channel program-
ming in progress.
Updating\b
Contact SiriusXM at 1-888-
539-7474 to resolve subscrip-
tion issues.
Your satellite service is no
longer available.
Questions? Call 1-
888-539-7474
Use the channel guide to turn
off the Lock or Skip function on
that station.
All the channels in the selected
category are either skipped or
locked.
None found. Check
channel guide.
No action required.
SiriusXM has updated the
channels available for your
vehicle.
SIRIUS Subscription
updated
HD Radio ™ Information (If
Available)
Note: This feature may not be available in
all markets. To activate HD radio, please see the Radio
Settings in the Settings Chapter. See
Settings (page 528).
Note: HD Radio broadcasts are not
available in all markets.
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F-150 (TFC) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201709, Fifth-Printing SYNC™ 3
(If Equipped)

HD Radio technology is the digital
evolution of analog AM/FM radio. Your
system has a special receiver that allows
it to receive digital broadcasts (where
available) in addition to the analog
broadcasts, it already receives. Digital
broadcasts provide a better sound quality
than analog broadcasts with free,
crystal-clear audio and no static or
distortion. For more information, and a
guide to available stations and
programming, please visit:
Website
www.hdradio.com
When HD Radio is on and you tune to a
station broadcasting HD Radio technology,
you may notice the following indicators on
your screen: The HD logo is grey when acquiring a digital
station, and then changes to orange when
digital audio is playing. When this logo is
available, you may also see Title and Artist
fields on-screen.
The multicast indicator appears in FM
mode (only) if the current station is
broadcasting multiple digital broadcasts.
The highlighted numbers signify available
digital channels where new or different
content is available. HD1 signifies the main
programming status and is available in
analog and digital broadcasts. Other
multicast stations (HD2 through HD7) are
only available digitally.
Note:
There is also an additional feature
for stations that have more than 1 HD
multicast (For example, HD1 or HD2). The
HD logo and Radio text appears as a button.
Pressing this button allows you to cycle
through all of the HD stations on that
specific frequency. For example, if you are
on 101.1 and it has HD1, HD2, HD3, pressing
the button repeatedly causes the radio to
cycle through the HD stations in a cyclic
increasing order.
When HD Radio broadcasts are active, you can access the following functions: Action and Description
Message
Allows you to save an active channel as a memory preset.
Touch and hold a memory preset slot until the sound returns.
There is a brief mute while the radio saves the station. Sound
returns when the channel saves. When switching to an HD2
or HD3 memory preset, the sound mutes before the digital
audio plays, because the system has to reacquire the digital
signal.
Presets
Note: As with any station you save, you cannot access the saved station if your vehicle is
outside the station ’s reception area.
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F-150 (TFC) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201709, Fifth-Printing SYNC™ 3 (If Equipped)E142616

HD Radio Reception and Station Troubleshooting
Potential Reception Issues
If you are listening to a multicast station and you are on the
fringe of the reception area, the station may mute due to
weak signal strength.
Reception area
If you are listening to HD1, the system changes back to the
analog broadcast until the digital broadcast is available again.
However, if you are listening to any of the possible HD2-HD7
multicast channels, the station mutes and stays muted unless
it is able to connect to the digital signal again.
When the system first receives a station (aside from HD2-
HD7 multicast stations), it first plays the station in the analog
version. Once the receiver verifies the station is an HD Radio
station, it shifts to the digital version. Depending on the station
quality, you may hear a slight sound change when the station
changes from analog to digital. Blending is the shift from
analog to digital sound or digital back to analog sound.
Station blending
In order to provide the best possible
experience, use the contact form to report
any station issues found while listening to
a station broadcasting with HD Radio
technology. Independent entities own and
operate each station. These stations are
responsible for ensuring all audio streams
and data fields are accurate. Potential Station Issues
Action
Cause
Issues
No action required. This is a
broadcast issue.
This is poor time alignment by
the radio broadcaster.
Echo, stutter, skip or
repeat in audio.
Increase or decrease in
audio volume.
No action required. The recep-
tion issue may clear up as you
continue to drive.
The radio is shifting between
analog and digital audio.
Sound fading or
blending in and out.
No action required. This is
normal behavior. Wait until the
audio is available.
The digital multicast is not
available until the HD Radio
broadcast is decoded. Once
decoded, the audio is available.
There is an audio mute
delay when selecting
HD2 or HD3, multicast
preset or Direct Tune.
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F-150 (TFC) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201709, Fifth-Printing SYNC™ 3 (If Equipped)

Potential Station Issues
Action
Cause
Issues
No action required. The station
is not available in your current
location.
The previously stored multicast
preset or direct tune is not
available in your current recep-
tion area.
Cannot access HD2 or
HD3 multicast channel
when recalling a preset
or from a direct tune.
Fill out the station issue form.1
Data service issue by the radio
broadcaster.
Text information does
not match currently
playing audio.
Fill out the station issue form.
1
Data service issue by the radio
broadcaster.
There is no text
information shown for
currently selected
frequency.
1 You can find the form here: Website
http://hdradio.com/stations/feedback
HD Radio Technology manufactured under
license from iBiquity Digital Corporation
and foreign patents. HD Radio and the HD
and HD Radio logos are proprietary
trademarks of DTS. The vehicle
manufacturer and DTS are not responsible
for the content sent using HD Radio
technology. Content may be changed,
added or deleted at any time at the station
owner's discretion. CD (If equipped)
Once you select this option, the system
returns you to the main audio screen.
The current audio information appears on
the screen.
The following buttons are also available: Function
Button
You can use the browse button to select a track.
Browse
Select this button and a small number one displays to indicate
the track is set to repeat.
Repeat
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F-150 (TFC) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201709, Fifth-Printing SYNC™ 3 (If Equipped)

Function
Button
Playlists
Artist
Albums
Songs
Genres
Podcasts
Audio books
Composers
This button allows you to choose a specific
letter to view within the category you are
browsing.
A-Z Jump
If available, this allows you to browse the
folders and files on your USB device.
Explore Device
USB Ports The USB ports are in the center console or
behind a small access door in the
instrument panel.
This feature allows you to plug in USB
media devices, memory sticks, flash drives
or thumb drives, and charge devices if they
support this feature. Select this option to play audio from your
USB device.
Apps
The system supports the use of certain
audio apps such as iHeartRadio through a
USB or Bluetooth enabled device.
Each app gives you different on-screen
options depending on the app's content.
See Apps (page 525).
Supported Media Players, Formats
and Metadata Information
The system is capable of hosting nearly
any digital media player, including iPod,
iPhone, and most USB drives.
Supported audio formats include MP3,
WMA, WAV, AAC, and FLAC.
Supported audio file extensions include
MP3, WMA, WAV, M4A, M4B, AAC, and
FLAC.
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F-150 (TFC) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201709, Fifth-Printing SYNC™ 3
(If Equipped)E211463

Action and Description
Menu Item
Text Messaging
You can then select: No sound plays when a message comes to your phone.
No Alert
(Silence)
You can select one of the three available notification sounds.
When enabled, a voice prompt alerts you when you receive a new
message.
Voice Readout
You can enable and disable the following options as well: Action and Description
Menu Item
When enabled, vehicle audio (such as radio or apps) is muted for the
duration of the phone call even when the phone call is in privacy.
Mute Audio in
Privacy
When enabled, an alert displays that your phone is roaming when
you attempt to place a call.
Roaming
Warning
When enabled, a message displays when the battery on your phone
is running low.
Low Battery
Notification
911 Assist
Enabling 911 Assist
Note: For this feature to work, your cell
phone must have Bluetooth and connect
with SYNC3. To activate 911 Assist from the settings
screen select: Action and Description
Menu Item
Press this button to enter the settings screen for this feature. You can
switch this feature on and off by sliding the scrollbar as follows.
911 Assist
Slide the scrollbar to switch this feature
on.
You can set your contacts in the phone
book for emergency quick dialing. Setting Emergency Contacts
Ensure the phone book of your cell phone
downloaded to SYNC 3.
From the settings screen select:
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F-150 (TFC) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201709, Fifth-Printing SYNC™ 3 (If Equipped)

Action and Description
Menu Item
Press this button to enter the settings screen for this feature.
911 Assist
Select this option as it displays on the screen.
Set Emergency
Contacts Action and Description
Menu Item
Select this option under .
Select a
Contact
The screen lists contacts in the phone
book. Select the contact that you want to
set as emergency contact. You can set
Emergency Contact 2 by same process.
You can set two Emergency Contacts in
total.
Note: After SYNC3 tries to place an
emergency call, the Emergency Contact
button displays on the touch screen. You
need to press the button to call the contact
through your Bluetooth phone. Note:
If the vehicle is equipped with
navigation, a map with your current street
information displays on the screen when 911
Assist is in process.
Radio
This button is available if a Radio source
such as AM or FM is the active media
source. Pressing the button allows you to
access the following features: Action and Description
Menu Item
Activation of this feature allows you to listen to HD radio broadcasts.
FM HD Radio
AM HD Radio
(Dependent on
current radio
source, If Avail-
able)
This feature is available when FM Radio is your active media source.
Activate this feature to have the system display radio text.
Radio Text
Refresh
Autoset Presets
(AST)
Selecting this option stores the six strongest stations in your current
location to the last preset bank of the currently tuned source.
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F-150 (TFC) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201709, Fifth-Printing SYNC™ 3 (If Equipped)

SiriusXM
This button is available if SiriusXM is the
active audio source. Pressing the button
allows you to access the following
features: Action and Description
Menu Item
If you select a category, seek functions only stop on channels in that
category.
Set Category for
Seek
Select to create a personal identification number (PIN), which allows
you to lock or unlock channels. Your initial PIN is 1234.
Parental
Lockout
Select to switch on or off songs, artists or teams alerts or delete an
alert or delete all alerts.
Edit Alerts
You can also view your satellite radio
Electronic Serial Number (ESN) from this
screen. You need this number when
communicating with SiriusXM to activate,
modify or track your account. Navigation
You can adjust many of the Navigation
preferences by selecting the following
menus.
Map Preferences Action and Description
Menu Item
Map Prefer-
ences
Then select any of the following: When this option is active, the system shows 3D renderings of build-
ings.
3D City Model
When enabled, your vehicle ’s previously traveled route displays with
white dots.
Breadcrumbs
Enable this feature to display up to 3 POI icons on the navigation map.
A rest area POI icon is displayed on the map regardless of this setting.
POI Icons
Select POIs
Once this feature is activated you can select
the icons you want displayed by selecting:
This menu allows you to choose which incident icons you would like
to have displayed on the navigation map.
Incident Map
Icons
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F-150 (TFC) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201709, Fifth-Printing SYNC™ 3 (If Equipped)

Camera Settings
To make adjustments using the touchscreen, select:
Action and Description
Message
Camera Settings
Then select from the following: You can enable or disable this option using the slider.
Rear Camera
Delay
You can find more information on the rear-view camera system in the parking aids chapter
of your owner's manual.
Onboard Modem Serial Number (ESN)
Selecting this button on the settings menu
shows you the ESN number for your
system. You need this number for certain
registrations such as Satellite Radio.
Display
To make adjustments using the touchscreen, select: Action and Description
Menu Item
The screen goes black and does not display anything. Tap the screen
to switch it back on.
Display Off
Make the screen display brighter or dimmer.
Brightness
You can select:
Mode
The screen automatically switches between day and
night modes based on the outside light level.
Auto
The screen displays with a light background to enhance
daytime viewing.
Day
The screen displays with a darker background to make
nighttime viewing easier.
Night
Enable this option to automatically dim the display brightness based
on ambient lighting conditions.
Auto Dim
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F-150 (TFC) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201709, Fifth-Printing SYNC™ 3 (If Equipped)

General
Possible solution
Possible cause
Issue
SYNC 3 only supports four languages in a
single module for text display, voice control
and voice prompts. The country where you
bought your vehicle dictates the four
languages based on the most popular
languages spoken. If the selected language
is not available, SYNC 3 remains in the
current active language.
SYNC 3 does not support
the currently selected
language for the instru-
ment cluster and inform-
ation and entertainment
display.
The language
selected for the
instrument
cluster and
information and
entertainment
display does not
match the
SYNC 3
SYNC 3 offers several new voice control
features for a wide range of languages.
Dialing a contact name directly from the
phonebook without pre-recording (for
example,
“call John Smith ”) or selecting a
track, artist, album, genre or playlist directly
from your media player (for example, "play
artist Madonna").
language
(phone, USB,
Bluetooth
audio, voice
control and
voice prompts). SYNC 3 System Reset
The system has a System Reset feature that can be performed if the function of a SYNC
3 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. After
approximately 5 seconds the screen will go black. Allow 1-2 minutes for the system
reset to complete. You may then resume using the SYNC 3 system.
For additional assistance with SYNC 3
troubleshooting, refer to the regional Ford
or Lincoln website.
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F-150 (TFC) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201709, Fifth-Printing SYNC™ 3 (If Equipped)