Microphone Problems With Ford Sync? (7 solutions)

Ford Sync is an integrated entertainment and communications system that allows you to perform a variety of functions whilst driving your car without needing to lift a finger.

Obviously, a system that relies on voice commands needs to use a microphone.

So, if you’re experiencing problems with your microphone and Ford Sync you’ll want to find some solutions, and luckily for you, here they are.

Table of Contents

7 Solutions to Typical Ford Sync Microphone Problems

Ford Sync comes as standard in all Ford vehicles since its initial release in 2007.

Ford currently has created 4 generations of the Ford Sync, and although the first two generations use different operating systems from the more modern 3rd and 4th generations, they all employ the use of voice command.

The ability to use voice commands allows users to interact on their smartphones by using the SYNC system’s voice-recognition capabilities.

SYNC users can access thousands of compatible mobile apps.
Make and receive hands-free calls.
It can even control supported smart home devices such as Amazon Alexa.
Furthermore, this use of voice commands can allow drivers to access other in-car features such as controlling the music in their cars.

A microphone problem will seriously hamper the ability to use Ford Sync’s features effectively and that is why it is crucial to know how to fix any issues that might crop up.

Ensure there are No Bluetooth Connection Issues with your Ford SYNC

If your mobile is not connected to the SYNC system correctly then it’s no wonder that you’re having issues with your microphone whilst using your Ford SYNC.

Below you’ll find 3 troubleshooting tips that should quickly enable proper Bluetooth connectivity, and in turn, will resolve your microphone issues.

Try each method using the following order. If you are unsuccessful then simply proceed to the next:

Restarting your Ford’s Ignition

Begin by turning the ignition off on your Ford vehicle.
Next, open and close the driver’s door.
1. 1. - Ensure the door is properly closed.
Keep an eye on the MyFord touch screen and watch to see when it completely powers down, along with the clusters.
Wait 30 seconds before opening the driver’s door and restarting the vehicle’s ignition.
Once both MyFord and the clusters have powered on check your Bluetooth connectivity.

Bluetooth connectivity should now be restored, however, if that’s not the case move on to the next steps.

Restarting Bluetooth on Both your Mobile and MyFord

On your mobile device, go to your Bluetooth settings.
Toggle Bluetooth off, and wait a few seconds before proceeding to turn it back on again.
Next, on MyFord go to Phone> Settings> Bluetooth.
From here turn the Bluetooth off and wait a moment.
Now turn it back on again.

If That Does Not Work Try a Clean Pairing

Un-pair your mobile phone by disconnecting it from your MyFord. The process is simple.

On your MyFord touch screen go to – Phone> Settings> Bluetooth Devices> select your phone, then tap ‘Disconnect’.

Next, you will need to delete your phone from MyFord Touch.

Follow the previous steps to get to the ‘Bluetooth Devices’ menu on your MyFord.
Simply locate your mobile in the menu, select it, and tap ‘Delete’.
On your mobile’s Bluetooth menu, find and delete Ford SYNC.
Finally, begin the pairing process.

On your MyFord touch screen go to – Phone> Settings> Bluetooth Devices where you will see your phone. Select it and tap ‘connect’.

Restart your Mobile Device

Nothing can be more frustrating than when you can hear the person on the other end of the call perfectly, but they cannot hear a word you’re saying in response.

This can be due to a malfunction with your phone’s connectivity.

Your best bet is to reboot your mobile phone.

Switch off your mobile, then wait for a few minutes before you turn it back on again.
Remember to ALWAYS pull over before you begin attempting to solve an issue with your phone. Your safety comes first.
If this fails, try turning the radio off, waiting a few moments, then turning it back on again.

How to Prevent Excess Background Noise Inteferring with Microphone Quality

When you’re casually driving along chatting to someone hands-free and they complain it sounds like you are in a wind tunnel even though you’re only cruising at low speed, you might want to figure out what the issue is.

There can be several reasons why excessive background noise is disrupting the enjoyment of your calls, such as:

Your A/C is on too high – unfortunately, having an integrated mic does come with some downsides, and picking up the internal sounds of your car is one of them.
If it’s a hot day and you are blasting the A/C full power, you may not be able to notice the noise, but the person on the other end of the phone certainly will.
Try turning the A/C down when you go to make a call.

Understanding the location of your SYNC’s microphone can help you care for the component in general and prevent a loss of quality on calls.

The SYNCs microphone is embedded in the rear-view mirror. If this component is loose and knocking around it will definitely impact the quality of sound your microphone produces.
Double-check it is fitted securely.
Sometimes you may need to completely replace the rear-view mirror if it is a faulty part. Take it to a Ford dealer so it can be replaced by an expert Ford technician.
It’s also worth noting whether you have any items attached to or obstructing the rearview mirror.
Anything that is muffling the microphone will mean that your voice will not be as clearly audible as it should be. It can also create excess background noise.
Remove items such as these if possible.

Conduct a Master Reset on Your Ford SYNC

Performing a master reset on your SYNC permanently erases all previously stored data, so be sure to use this only as a last resort to get your microphone back in business.

All call history, phone syncs, and saved navigation entries will be removed.

Before doing this, try restoring your SYNC to its factory settings with a normal reset. How to do this differs slightly depending on what version of SYNC is installed:

For both the SYNC 4 and SYNC 4a – hold down the Power and Seek Right buttons simultaneously for 10 seconds. If your vehicle does not have the Power button then hold the Volume down instead.
For SYNC 3 – hold Seek Up and Audio Unit Power buttons down until the screen goes black. Wait a few minutes before pressing the Audio Unit Power button to turn the system back on.
For older models, visit the Ford website for advice.

If this does not work, then follow these next steps to perform a master reset.

Ensure your vehicle is running and in park. Also, make sure that you are in a well-ventilated area.

SYNC 4 & 4A

Tap the vehicle icon on the bottom right of your SYNC screen.
Select ‘Settings’.
Press ‘Reset’.
Then select ‘Master Reset’.

SYNC 3

On your SYNC screen press ‘Settings’.
Choose ‘General’.
Scroll down until you see the ‘Master Reset’ option and select it.
A pop-up will appear alerting you that all data will be permanently erased.
Select ‘Continue’.
A notification will alert you that the system is ‘Performing a Master Reset’.
This will then be followed by a black screen. This process will take a couple of minutes to complete.

SYNC with MyFord Touch

On your SYNC screen tap the gear icon.
Choose ‘Settings’.
Select ‘System’.
Locate and tap the ‘Master Reset’ option.
After a warning notification appears, disconnect all Bluetooth and USB devices and SD cards.
Finally, click ‘Yes’ to initiate.

SYNC with MyFord

Click the ‘Aux’ button.
Press ‘Menu’.
Choose ‘SYNC Media’.
Press ‘OK’.
Use the down arrow until you see ‘System Settings’.
Click ‘OK’.
Use the down arrow and click ‘OK’ on Advanced.
Go down and select ‘Master Reset’.
Click ‘OK’ to confirm the master reset.

For much older models please see the official Ford website for instructions on how to perform a master reset.

Update your SYNC Software

If you are experiencing microphone issues with your Ford SYNC it may need its software updated. To do this follow these steps:

Type Ford.com/support into your browser.
Select ‘Search by vehicle’.
When prompted, enter your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
Scroll through the options until you see a box for SYNC Updates. This will let you know whether there are any available updates for your SYNC system.
If there is an update available click ‘view updates’. Here you will see you can either update the software via USB or through Wi-Fi.
Now all you have to do is follow the instructions as they appear on the screen.