Windows Automotive "Ford Sync" Car Kit?

I’d like to install the “Ford Sync” Windows Automotive system in a new 2007 Jeep Wrangler.

Does anyone know if there is a Windows Automotive Car Kit that I can purchase to do this?

Can I buy the individual hardware components from the vendors directly (e.g., Alpine, Clarion and/or Siemens)?

I pinged the Microsoft Automative group about this.
Their email is inthecar@microsoft.com.

The Ford Sync system is exclusive to Ford until 2008.

An alternative solution to consider is the Pioneer AVIC Z1 system.

PocketXP wrote:


Can I buy the individual hardware components from the vendors directly (e.g., Alpine, Clarion and/or Siemens)?

I've done some work with Ford vehicles equipped with Sync and its close to impossible to install Sync in anything but a Ford, Mercury or Lincoln.

Sync relies on information from the vehicle's on-board communication networks. Sync and other vehicle electronics modules are programmed to the specific vehicle they are installed in. Programming includes vehicle specific network messages, module configuration and the vehicle VIN number.

To complicate things, every Ford is different. For example, a Fusion generates network messages indicating the status of the instrument panel illumination dimmer level out of the Smart Junction Box, yet a Crown Victoria generates the messages out of the Lighting Control Module.

dlabun said:

I've done some work with Ford vehicles equipped with Sync and its close to impossible to install Sync in anything but a Ford, Mercury or Lincoln.

Sync relies on information from the vehicle's on-board communication networks. Sync and other vehicle electronics modules are programmed to the specific vehicle they are installed in. Programming includes vehicle specific network messages, module configuration and the vehicle VIN number.

To complicate things, every Ford is different. For example, a Fusion generates network messages indicating the status of the instrument panel illumination dimmer level out of the Smart Junction Box, yet a Crown Victoria generates the messages out of the Lighting Control Module.

Thanks for the great info.

Its been 16 months now and still waiting for Ford Sync technology to come to Chrysler or GM vehicles.

Hoping that the bankrupcy filings will not slow things down much.

PocketXP said:

dlabun said:

*snip*

Thanks for the great info.

Its been 16 months now and still waiting for Ford Sync technology to come to Chrysler or GM vehicles.

Hoping that the bankrupcy filings will not slow things down much.

 

 

From what I heard, the technology is available on some Fiat models in Europe and on some Hyunday and/or Kia models in Asia. Dunno if and when any of that will be available in the US.

The technology is always open to all. Even the Korean Kia is going to have it. It wouldn't be called Sync, but it is using the same MS Automotive technology. Ford is the first one to take the risk and use it.