How to add a second USB port to SYNC

Here's how you can add a second USB port to SYNC-equipped F150 trucks. The great thing is that SYNC includes a second USB port but it's on the main SYNC module, so what you need to do is plug in a USB extension cable from that module and run the cable to wherever you need. Thanks to member pikappkaz for the photos and most of the write-up.

Note: The steps below generally apply to 2004-2014 Ford F150 trucks, however also apply to other Ford vehicles as well.

First off you'll need to buy a USB extension cable. One end should be a mini-USB end that plugs into the SYNC module. The other end can be whatever works for you, likely that will be a female USB end.

To access the module, go under the tray on top on the dash, pull up the rubber liner, remove the two 7mm bolts on the plastic tray, and you'll see the module. Here is a photo of what you should see:

Ford F-150 SYNC module exposed

Next, plug in a mini-USB wire to the grey port, Sync references it as USB2. Here is a photo of it connected, with the other end of the cable shown for reference:

Add a second USB port to Ford SYNC vehicles

I dropped the wire down into the right side of the hole, and grabbed it from the unlatched glovebox. The wire easily rests in the glovebox for access. Here's a shot of my installation:

USB2 SYNC cable in glovebox

Test it out and if it works great, put the top of the dash back together. I tested it out and it works great, I hooked up a 16 GB USB thumb drive (I needed a female to female adapter) filled with music. It detected a new device on USB2 and proceeded to index it. I pressed the voice button and said USB2, and there it was.

The BIG advantage to this is security. I don't take my iPod / MP3 player out of the truck ever, and I can now hide it either in the glovebox, or tucked up behind the glovebox. Good luck!

UPDATE: A note from thefordmaniac to be aware of: "in regards to this article...if i remember correctly...that second port is used by the dealer for sync module software updating...so if it needs to go to the dealer for an update this second cable needs to be removed or the dealer told about it or a female adapter brought along so they can communicate to the module."

SYNC USB2 Display

Other SYNC discussions in the F150 forums

Keywords: ford f150 sync second usb port cable module easy diy

User Comments

harley-earl : Didn't work on 2010 F-150 Platinum
I tried this 2nd USB Port Mod on my 2010 F-150 Platinum and it didn't work. The Unit did not recognize my Zune MP3 Player or a 8gb Thumb Drive when Plugged into the 2nd Port...
Mike : Worked like a charm
Some cables won't work for the "data" transfers but will charge the hard drive. In my case i had to change the cable one time and then it worked perfectly...
Bob : Dash tray
Hey guys can you point me to an article that explain how to remove the dash tray?
CDS : How to add a second USB connection
Does it matter if you have the Sony or the Ford stereo? Do they all have the second USB outlet?
Newbie : 1 terabyte HD loaded with music
is there a way to get the sync to recognize the hadrdrive via USB without it being a mp3 or Ipod?
Mike R : Usb2
I used this Mod in my 2010 F150 Platinum with Nav. As soon as I plugged in my IPod, the radio picked up the usb2 right away. It now skips over the USB option and goes right to usb2. Worked great and now my IPod stays in the glovebox out of sight. Thanks!
Skip
I just made this modification on my 11' F150 to the USB2 port and Sync see's USB-1 & USB-2 either by voice command or by touching the screen to toggle between USB Ports. Thanks for the information.
Bret : This worked like a champ!
I just installed the USB2 so I could put my harddrive in the glove box. Both the Sync's USB2 and my hardrive use USB mini B 5-pin male to mini B 5-pin male. I was able to order it online. Sweet! Thanks for the article.
Roger
That is cool. I will have to try it. You can purchase a very small 32g thumb drive and put all your music on it and play it with sync never having to leave your phone or mp3 in truck. Yea
Wai : Adding 2nd USB Port
Worked like a charm on my 2012 F150 Harley Davidson with Navigation/Sync. 10 minute job and my ipod is now hidden out of sight. I had dozens of mini USB Cables and only had to buy a female to female USB adaptor for $7.00 from Radio Shack. We had a 2008 Lincoln Navigator and have a 2013 Explorer Limited and I was complaining how the placement of the USB on the new F150 wasn't well thought out because both of the other vehicles had multiple ports and placements that were far "smarter"