It also has an AUX in jack at the bottom of the stack near the passenger side right? Easy to add Bluetooth with that. You can get modules for music only, or ones with mics and can do complete hands free calls and music as well.

All you need is a a USB power source (so if you also charge a phone need a dual port charger). None of my cars have aux in so had to hack them in, one on the CD changer input, the other into the cassette input. Instead of using the cigarette lighter USB power I get modules to hardwire and put it all under the dash, except the mic.

 

Yeah I just don't like the auxilary ones the plug in due to the fact you can not have the car radio playing music while the bluetooth is plugged in and going, meaning if you like i want and leave the bluetooth on at all times when in the car in order to accept calls coming in, then i dont have no music to listen to. i guess if i can't find a solution ill just have to the bluetooth unit that i got on my visor for now that just runs off of 12 volt power and has the speaker and mic built in. I was just kind of hoping you could add factory style bluetooth to the radio in there.

 

Yeah, I understand that, I don't listen to the radio I listen to streaming music from my phone 99.999% of the time so my solution is great for me. My 2017 Escape is the first one I have owned with an integrated full functional head unit, and really I wish it was just Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and not all that other junk I don't use.

 

I have never used one, and don't see any/many reviews, but for around 150 bucks there are modules you can add, and some of them allow the use of the steering wheel controls, I am not sure if this is closer to what you are looking for or not. Crux Interfacing Solutions BEEBF-24 is one.

 

I have never used one, and don't see any/many reviews, but for around 150 bucks there are modules you can add, and some of them allow the use of the steering wheel controls, I am not sure if this is closer to what you are looking for or not. Crux Interfacing Solutions BEEBF-24 is one.

Yeah that seems to be more of what I'm looking for. My question is w/ that module, how would I end and answer calls since there is no button for it on the steering wheel. Would it just work using the phone button on the center of the dash?

 

They have a manual available online, but depends on what buttons you have, either "Memory" or "Seek" it seems.

 

I think I may just have to purchase this once I can come up with the extra cash. Right now I don't have it though as I still got to get a 2nd key made for the Escape (only came with 1) and also pay to get the plates once my registration packet comes in the mail (since I bought it out of state).

 

Thanks for the info on it though, as it does sound exactly like I was wanting.

 

They made a sync upgrade kit for 2009-2012. It includes the sync module, a wiring harness, keypad microphone, etc. The part number is 9R3Z14D212A. Look for threads on this forum for more information. If you stalk eBay you should be able to get one for $200-$300. I got mine for $220

 

Hmm, strange, as I spoke to the local ford dealer service department today and he said Sync could not be added to it. So I'll have to do some further checking around. Don't have the money either way right now, so for now I've just been using my rechargeable bluetooth speaker that clips to the visor. I do want to get built in bluetooth for it later, just won't be for a little while, I just didn't know what my options were.

 

It is a rather obscure dealer installed option and given the age of the vehicle, it is not surprising that the dealer was not aware of it. It is 98% the same as having sync factory installed on a 2009-2012 and only slightly less on a 2008.

 

OK, I'm not sure what option I'll go with yet, once I have the money, but it's nice to know I have more then 1 option available. Thanks for all the info, now all I need to do is win the lottery to be able to afford any of these options right now. Oh wait I can't afford to play the lottery especially with the new payment.