SYNC(R) System - Poor Cell Phone Sound Quality
TSB 09-13-507/13/09
SYNC - CALL SOUND QUALITY/BACKGROUND NOISE
ISSUES AND/OR VOICE RECOGNITION DIFFICULTIES
WHILE DRIVING
FORD:
2008-2009 Focus, Fusion, Taurus X, Taurus,
Edge, Explorer Sport Trac, Explorer
2009 Escape Hybrid, Escape, Expedition,
F-150, F-Super Duty, Flex
LINCOLN:
2008-2009 MKZ
2009 MKS
2008-2009 MKX, Navigator
MERCURY:
2008-2009 Milan, Sable, Mountaineer
2009 Mariner Hybrid, Mariner
ISSUE
Some customers of 2008-2009 SYNC equipped vehicles may express concern with their call sound quality while using the SYNC microphone, complaints of excessive background noise during a phone call, and/or issues with voice recognition accuracy while driving.
ACTION
Follow the service procedure to correct the condition.
SERVICE PROCEDURE
The following service procedure involves updating the Accessory Protocol Interface Module (APIM) software level and installing an external alternate SYNC microphone attached to the headliner.
NOTE
THIS PROCEDURE DOES NOT APPLY TO DEALER-INSTALLED SYNC SYSTEMS.
Do not perform Step 1 if vehicle is already equipped with SYNC 2.0 (911 and Vehicle Health Report) or has been upgraded to consumer interface processor (CIP) level 9L3T-14D544-AE. To determine the current APIM software level, Refer to the Professional Technician Society (PTS) website, enter the VIN in OASIS, click the GO button, and select the SYNC button.
1. Reprogram the APIM to CIP software level 9L3T-14D544-AE. For additional information Refer to other SYNC TSB's and WSM, Section 418-01. Service Pack files may also be obtained at www.syncmyride.com.
When diagnosing a concern related to voice recognition (VR) difficulties, instruct the customer to test VR functionality while the vehicle is parked. If customer concerns are still present, this procedure will not yield an improvement, and the service procedure should not be performed. Instead, Refer to the SYNC supplement guide and www.syncmyride.com for additional VR tips to assist customer.
The VR experience can be improved with user training and making improvements to the phone book entries (longer entries make the system more robust). Ensure the customer does not try to speak too loud or slow and remove any objects hanging on the rear view mirror as this will reduce system effectiveness.
When diagnosing a concern related to call sound quality, expect marginal improvements for calls described as speaking in a tunnel, chamber, etc. Expect substantial improvements for complaints where the call audio seems to drop out intermittently.
NOTE
THIS REPAIR WILL CHANGE THE APPEARANCE OF THE VEHICLE INTERIOR. REFER TO THE PHOTOGRAPHS FOR THE APPLICABLE VEHICLE LOCATED IN THIS PROCEDURE. DO NOT PERFORM THIS REPAIR WITHOUT CUSTOMER APPROVAL PRIOR TO PROCEEDING WITH MICROPHONE INSTALLATION.
2. Install SYNC microphone service kit. Installing the kit includes mounting an external microphone directly to the headliner and splicing in a jumper harness to the vehicle's existing wiring harness. The existing SYNC microphone will no longer be functional.
a. Refer to the appropriate vehicle line and microphone illustration(s) below for microphone installation and wire splicing locations. Refer to Wiring Diagram (WD), Section 5-1 for recommended splicing methods.
b. Ensure the SYNC microphone wires are secure and do not interfere with vehicle operation or functionality.
c. The microphone is directional. Make sure the microphone is always positioned so wire length is minimized from view. When installing the microphone adjacent to trim, place microphone as close to trim as possible to help minimize visible wire.
2008-2009 Edge / MKX
1. Remove the protective backing from the adhesive on the microphone and attach the microphone. (Figure 1)
^ Firmly press the microphone into place.
^ Ensure the microphone is parallel and adjacent to overhead console trim.
2. Lower the overhead console. Refer to WSM, Section 417-02 for additional information.
3. Route microphone cable up through existing hole in the headliner, and over to the driver side A-pillar. It may be necessary to slightly drop headliner to run microphone cable. Refer to WSM, Section 501-05 for additional information.
4. Install overhead console; ensure microphone cable enters the overhead console trim directly behind microphone as shown.
5. Gain access to connectors 210 and 211 in the left A-pillar. Refer to online WD, Section 124-1 for links to location and connector views.
6. Identify circuits VMM13 (YE-GN), RMM13 (BU), and DMM13 (shield) from C211. Cut the three circuits on the female side of the connector (14334 harness).
7. Identify circuits CBP41 (BU) and GD133 (BK) from C210.
8. Splice the five jumper harness wires into the following circuits:
^ Blue jumper harness wire to CBP41 (BU) and any black jumper harness wire to GD133 (BK).
^ Ensure original circuits remain connected in splice.
^ Yellow jumper harness wire to VMM13 (YE-GN) and remaining black jumper harness wires to RMM13 (BU) and DMM13 (shield).
^ Only splice into the cut wires heading in the direction of the connector. Tape off and secure the cut wire ends heading up the A-pillar as they are no longer used.
9. Attach the microphone connector to the jumper harness connector.
10. Bundle and tuck the remainder of the microphone cable over the front of the headliner.
2009 Escape / Mariner
1. Remove the protective backing from the adhesive on the microphone and attach the microphone as shown in the illustration (Figures 2 and 3). Firmly press the microphone into place. Ensure the microphone is parallel and adjacent to overhead console trim (if equipped), or positioned directly above A-pillar on headliner if not equipped with an overhead console. Proceed to Step 5 if not equipped with an overhead console.
2. Lower the overhead console. Refer to WSM, Section 501-05 for additional information.
3. Route microphone cable through existing hole in the headliner, and over to the driver side A-pillar. It may be necessary to slightly drop headliner to run microphone cable.
4. Install overhead console; ensure microphone cable enters the overhead console trim directly behind microphone as shown.
5. Gain access to connector 214 in the left A-pillar. Refer to online WD, Section 124-1 for links to location and connector views.
6. Identify circuits VMM13 (YE-GN), RMM13 (BU), and DMM13 (shield) from C214. Cut the three circuits on the female side of the connector (14334 harness).
7. Identify circuits CBP41 (BU) and GD182 (BK-GY) from C214.
8. Splice the five jumper harness wires into the following circuits:
^ Blue jumper harness wire to CBP41 (BU) and any black jumper harness wire to GD1 82 (BK-GY).
^ Ensure original circuits remain connected in splice.
^ Yellow jumper harness wire to VMM13 (YE-GN) and remaining black jumper harness wires to RMM13 (BU) and DMM13 (shield).
^ Only splice into the cut wires heading in the direction of the connector. Tape off and secure the cut wire ends heading up the A-pillar as they are no longer used.
9. Connect the microphone connector to the jumper harness connector.
10. Bundle and tuck the remainder of the microphone cable over the front of the headliner.
2008-2009 Navigator / 2009 Expedition
1. Remove the protective backing from the adhesive on the microphone and attach the microphone. (Figures 4 and 5)
^ Firmly press the microphone into place.
^ Ensure the microphone is parallel and adjacent to overhead console trim (if equipped), or positioned directly above A-pillar on headliner if not equipped with an overhead console.
^ Proceed to Step 5 if not equipped with an overhead console.
2. Lower the overhead console. Refer to WSM, Section 417-02 for additional information.
3. Route microphone cable through existing hole in the headliner, and over to the passenger side A-pillar. It may be necessary to slightly drop headliner to run microphone cable. Refer to WSM, Section 501-05 for additional information.
4. Install overhead console; ensure microphone cable enters the overhead console trim directly behind microphone as shown.
5. Gain access to connector 298 located behind the dash panel on passenger side. Refer to online WD, Section 124-1 for links to location and connector views.
6. Identify circuits VMN07 (GY), RMN07 (VT), and DMN07 (shield - BK) from C298. Cut the three circuits on the male side of the connector (17C712 harness).
7. Identify circuits CBP31 (BU-OG) and GD133 (BK) from C298 (2008 Navigator only). Identify circuits CBP41 (BU) and GD133 (BK) from C298 (2009 Expedition/Navigator only).
8. Splice the five jumper harness wires into the following circuits:
^ Blue jumper harness wire to CBP31 (BU-OG) and any black jumper harness wire to GD133 (BK) for 2008 Navigator only. Blue jumper harness wire to CBP41 (BU) and any black jumper harness wire to GD133 (BK) for 2009 Expedition/Navigator only.
^ Ensure original circuits remain connected in splice.
^ Yellow jumper harness wire to VMN07 (GY) and remaining black jumper harness wires to RMN07 (VT) and DMN07 (shield - BK).
^ Only splice into the cut wires heading in the direction of the connector. Tape off and secure the other cut wire ends as they are no longer used.
9. Connect the microphone connector to the jumper harness connector.
10. Bundle and tuck the remainder of the microphone cable above the headliner.
2008-2009 Explorer / Explorer Sport Trac / Mountaineer
1. Remove the protective backing from the adhesive on the microphone and attach the microphone. (Figure 6)
^ Firmly press the microphone into place.
^ Ensure the microphone is parallel and adjacent to overhead console trim.
2. Lower the overhead console. Refer to WSM, Section 417-02 for additional information.
3. Route microphone cable through existing hole in the headliner, and over to the driver side A-pillar. It may be necessary to slightly drop headliner run microphone cable. Refer to WSM, Section 501-05 for additional information.
4. Install overhead console; ensure microphone cable enters the overhead console trim directly behind microphone as shown.
5. Gain access to connector 248 in the left A-pillar. Refer to online WD, Section 124-1 for links to location and connector views.
6. Identify and cut circuits VMNO7 (GY), RMNO7 (VT), and DMNO7 (shield) from C248. Cut the three circuits on the female side of the connector (14334 harness).
7. Identify circuits CBP05 (YE) and GD143 (BK-VT) from C248.
8. Splice the five jumper harness wires into the following circuits:
^ Blue jumper harness wire to CBP05 (YE) and any black jumper harness wire to GD143 (BK-VT).
^ Ensure original circuits remain connected in splice.
^ Yellow jumper harness wire to VMN07 (GY) and remaining black jumper harness wires to RMN07 (VT) and DMN07 (shield).
^ Only splice into the cut wires heading in the direction of the connector. Tape off and secure the cut wire ends heading up the A-pillar as they are no longer used.
9. Attach the microphone connector to the jumper harness connector.
10. Bundle and tuck the remainder of the microphone cable over the front of the headliner.
2009 F-150
1. Remove the protective backing from the adhesive on the microphone and attach the microphone. (Figure 7)
^ Firmly press the microphone into place.
^ Ensure the microphone is parallel and adjacent to overhead console trim or front lamp.
2. Lower the overhead console or front lamp. Refer to WSM, Section 417-02 for additional information.
3. Route microphone cable through existing hole in the headliner, and temporarily tuck excess wire into headliner to the rear of the console or lamp.
4. Install overhead console or front lamp; ensure microphone cable enters the overhead console or front lamp trim directly behind microphone as shown.
5. Gain access to connectors 314 and 315 in roof panel near left hand side. Refer to online WD, Section 124-1 for links to location and connector views.
6. Identify circuits VMM13 (YE-GN), RMM13 (BU), and DMM13 (shield) from C314. Cut the three circuits on the female side of the connector (14358 harness).
7. Identify circuits CBP41 (BU) from C315 and GD133 (BK) from C314.
8. Splice the five jumper harness wires into the following circuits:
^ Blue jumper harness wire to CBP41 (BU) and any black jumper harness wire to GD133 (BK).
^ Ensure original circuits remain connected in splice.
^ Yellow jumper harness wire to VMM13 (YE-GN) and remaining black jumper harness wires to RMM13 (BU) and DMM13 (shield).
^ Only splice into the cut wires heading in the direction of the connector. Tape off and secure the other cut wire ends as they are no longer used.
9. Attach the microphone connector to the jumper harness connector.
10. Bundle and tuck the remainder of the microphone cable above the headliner.
2009 F-Super Duty
1. Remove the protective backing from the adhesive on the microphone and attach the microphone as shown in the illustration. (Figure 8)
a. Firmly press the microphone into place.
b. Ensure the microphone is parallel and adjacent to overhead console trim.
c. This repair is not recommended for vehicles not equipped with an overhead console.
2. Lower the overhead console. Refer to WSM, Section 417-02 for additional information.
3. Route microphone cable through existing hole in the headliner, and over to the passenger side A-pillar. It may be necessary to slightly drop headliner to run microphone cable. Refer to WSM, Section 501-05 for additional information.
4. Install overhead console; ensure microphone cable enters the overhead console trim directly behind microphone as shown.
5. Gain access to connector 264 in the right A-pillar. Refer to online WD, Section 124-1 for links to location and connector views.
6. Identify circuits VMM13 (YE-GN), RMM13 (BU), and DMM13 (shield - BK) from C264. Cut the three circuits on the female side of the connector (17K745 harness).
7. Identify circuits CBP41 (BU) and GD133 (BK) from C264.
8. Splice the five jumper harness wires into the following circuits:
^ Blue jumper harness wire to CBP41 (BU) and any black jumper harness wire to GD133 (BK).
^ Ensure original circuits remain connected in splice.
^ Yellow jumper harness wire to VMM13 (YE-GN) and remaining black jumper harness wires to RMM13 (BU) and DMM13 (shield - BK).
^ Only splice into the cut wires heading in the direction of the connector. Tape off and secure the other cut wire ends as they are no longer used.
9. Connect the microphone connector to the jumper harness connector.
10. Bundle and tuck the remainder of the microphone cable above the front of the headliner.
2009 Flex
1. Remove the protective backing from the adhesive on the microphone and attach the microphone as shown in the illustration. (Figure 9)
^ Firmly press the microphone into place.
^ Ensure the microphone is parallel and adjacent to overhead console trim.
2. Lower the overhead console. Refer to WSM, Section 417-02 for additional information.
3. Route microphone cable through existing hole in the headliner, and over to the passenger side A-pillar. It may be necessary to slightly drop headliner to run microphone cable. Refer to WSM, Section 501-05 for additional information.
4. Install overhead console; ensure microphone cable enters the overhead console trim directly behind microphone as shown.
5. Gain access to connector 925 in the right A-pillar. Refer to online WD, Section 124-1 for links to location and connector views.
6. Identify circuits VMM13 (YE-GN), RMM13 (BU), and DMM13 (shield) from C925. Cut the three circuits on the female side of the connector (14334 harness).
7. Identify circuits CBP41 (BU) and GD133 (BK) from C925.
8. Splice the five jumper harness wires into the following circuits:
^ Blue jumper harness wire to CBP41 (BU) and any black jumper harness wire to GD133 (BK).
^ Ensure original circuits remain connected in splice.
^ Yellow jumper harness wire to VMM13 (YE-GN) and remaining black jumper harness wires to RMM13 (BU) and DMM13 (shield).
^ Only splice into the cut wires heading in the direction of the connector. Tape off and secure the other cut wire ends as they are no longer used.
9. Attach the microphone connector to the jumper harness connector.
10. Bundle and tuck the remainder of the microphone cable above the front of the headliner.
2008-2009 Focus
1. Remove the protective backing from the adhesive on the microphone and attach the microphone as shown in the illustration (Figure 10). Firmly press the microphone into place. Ensure the microphone is parallel and adjacent to the dome lamp trim.
2. Lower the dome lamp assembly. Refer to WSM, Section 417-02 for additional information.
3. Route microphone cable up through existing hole in the headliner, and over to the passenger side A-pillar. It may be necessary to slightly drop headliner to run microphone cable. Refer to WSM, Section 501-05 for additional information.
4. Install dome lamp assembly; ensure microphone cable enters the dome lamp trim directly behind microphone as shown.
5. Gain access to connector 934 in the right A-pillar. Refer to online WD for location and connector views.
6. Identify circuits VMM13 (YE-GN), RMM13 (BU), and DMM13 (shield) from C934. Cut the three circuits on the female side of the connector (14334 harness).
7. Identify circuits CPL60 (BN-YE) and GD161 (BK-YE) from C934.
8. Splice the five jumper harness wires into the following circuits:
^ Blue jumper harness wire to CPL60 (BN-YE) and any black jumper harness wire to GD161 (BK-YE).
^ Ensure original circuits remain connected in splice.
^ Yellow jumper harness wire to VMM13 (YE-GN) and remaining black jumper harness wires to RMM13 (BU) and DMM13 (shield).
^ Only splice into the cut wires heading in the direction of the connector. Tape off and secure the other cut wire ends as they are no longer used.
9. Attach the microphone connector to the jumper harness connector.
10. Bundle and tuck the remainder of the microphone cable over the front of the headliner.
2008-2009 Fusion / Milan / MKZ
1. Remove the protective backing from the adhesive on the microphone and attach the microphone as shown in the illustration. (Figure 11)
a. Firmly press the microphone into place.
b. Ensure the microphone is parallel and adjacent to overhead console trim.
2. Lower the overhead console. Refer to WSM, Section 417-02 for additional information.
3. Route microphone cable through existing hole in the headliner, and over to the passenger side A-pillar. It may be necessary to slightly drop headliner to run microphone cable. Refer to WSM, Section 501-05 for additional information.
4. Install overhead console; ensure microphone cable enters the overhead console trim directly behind microphone as shown.
5. Gain access to connector 913 in the right A-pillar. Refer to online WD, Section 124-1 for links to location and connector views.
6. Identify circuits VMM13 (YE-GN), RMM13 (BU), and DMM13 (shield) from C913. Cut the three circuits on the female side of the connector (14334 harness).
7. Identify circuits CBP02 (GN) and GD139 (BK-YE) from C913.
8. Splice the five jumper harness wires into the following circuits:
^ Blue jumper harness wire to CBP02 (GN) and any black jumper harness wire to GD139 (BK-YE).
^ Ensure original circuits remain connected in splice.
^ Yellow jumper harness wire to VMM13 (YE-GN) and remaining black jumper harness wires to RMM13 (BU) and DMM13 (shield).
^ Only splice into the cut wires heading in the direction of the connector. Tape off and secure the other cut wire ends as they are no longer used.
9. Attach the microphone connector to the jumper harness connector.
10. Bundle and tuck the remainder of the microphone cable above the front of the headliner.
2008-2009 Taurus / Sable / Taurus X
1. Remove the protective backing from the adhesive on the microphone and attach the microphone as shown in the illustration. (Figure 12)
^ Firmly press the microphone into place.
^ Ensure the microphone is parallel and adjacent to overhead console trim.
2. Lower the overhead console. Refer to WSM, Section 417-02 for additional information.
3. Route microphone cable through existing hole in the headliner, and over to the driver side A-pillar. It may be necessary to slightly drop headliner to run microphone cable. Refer to WSM, Section 501-05 for additional information.
4. Install overhead console; ensure microphone cable enters the overhead console trim directly behind microphone as shown.
5. Gain access to connector 925 in the left A-pillar. Refer to online WD, Section 124-1 for links to location and connector views.
6. Identify circuits VMN02 (WH-BN), RMN02 (VT-BN), and DMN07 (shield) from C925. Cut the three circuits on the female side of the connector (17K745 harness).
7. Identify circuits CBP41 (BU) and GD133 (BK) from C925.
8. Splice the five jumper harness wires into the following circuits:
^ Blue jumper harness wire to CBP41 (BU) and any black jumper harness wire to GD133 (BK).
^ Ensure original circuits remain connected in splice.
^ Yellow jumper harness wire to VMN02 (WH-BN) and remaining black jumper harness wires to RMN02 (VT-BN) and DMN07 (shield).
^ Only splice into the cut wires heading in the direction of the connector. Tape off and secure the other cut wire ends as they are no longer used.
9. Attach the microphone connector to the jumper harness connector.
10. Bundle and tuck the remainder of the microphone cable above the front of the headliner.
2009 MKS
1. Remove the protective backing from the adhesive on the microphone and attach the microphone as shown in the illustration. (Figure 13)
a. Firmly press the microphone into place.
b. Ensure the microphone is parallel and adjacent to overhead console trim.
2. Lower the overhead console. Refer to WSM, Section 417-02 for additional information.
3. Route microphone cable through existing hole in the headliner, and out the front of the headliner above the rear view mirror.
4. Install overhead console; ensure microphone cable enters the overhead console trim directly behind microphone as shown.
5. Gain access to connector 911 at the rear view mirror. Refer to the online WD, Section 124-1 for links to location and connector views.
6. Identify circuits VMNO2 (WH-BN), RMN02 (VT-BN), and DMN07 (shield) from C911. Pull back the black harness sleeve and cut the three circuits near C91 1 or if equipped with a headlamp control module-2 (HCM-2), remove the HCM-2 access cover and cut circuits under trim cover. Refer to WSM, Section 417-01 for additional information.
7. Identify circuits CBP41 (BU) and GD133 (BK) from C911.
8. Splice the five jumper harness wires into the following circuits:
^ Blue jumper harness wire to CBP41 (BU) and any black jumper harness wire to GD133 (BK).
^ Ensure original circuits remain connected in splice.
^ Yellow jumper harness wire to VMN02 (WH-BN) and remaining black jumper harness wires to RMN02 (VT-BN) and DMN07 (shield).
^ Only splice into the wires heading away from the connector. The wires heading into the connector (mirror) are no longer used.
^ Ensure the wiring is neatly routed from the splice locations into the headliner, following the existing wire harness routing from mirror to headliner.
9. Attach the microphone connector to the jumper harness connector.
10. Bundle and tuck the remainder of the microphone cable above the front of the headliner.
OTHER APPLICABLE ARTICLES: 08-21-2
WARRANTY STATUS: Eligible Under Provisions Of New Vehicle Limited Warranty Coverage
IMPORTANT: Warranty coverage limits/policies are not altered by a TSB. Warranty coverage limits are determined by the identified causal part.
OPERATION DESCRIPTION TIME
MT091305 Claim Diagnosis And Labor Actual
Performed As Actual Time. Time
DEALER CODING
CONDITION
BASIC PART NO. CODE
17700 42
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