Ford 24-Pin Media Player & Infotainment Wire Harness Connector – Male & Female OEM | SYNC 1 / SYNC 2 / SYNC 3

This 24-pin connector is used in Ford media player (infotainment head unit) harnesses. Ford’s SYNC infotainment system requires a high-density connector to carry all audio, video, communication, and control circuits between the head unit and the vehicle harness. The 24-pin configuration integrates audio output, USB data, Bluetooth antenna, GPS antenna, CAN bus, MOST bus, power, ground, and accessory control circuits. Available in Male and Female variants, bare or with 15cm pre-wired leads.

Key Specifications

• Pin count: 24-pin
• Gender options: Male / Female
• Housing material: Nylon (PA66)
• Available as: Bare connector or 15cm pre-wired leads
• Application: Media player, SYNC infotainment head unit harness
• Compatible brands: Ford

Ford SYNC Infotainment – Why 24 Pins?

Ford’s SYNC infotainment system (SYNC 1, SYNC 2, SYNC 3) integrates navigation, audio, phone connectivity, and vehicle information in a single head unit. The 24-pin connector carries:

• Pins 1–6: Audio output to amplifier (front left/right, rear left/right, subwoofer — 6 channels)
• Pins 7–10: USB data (USB 2.0 — D+, D-, VBUS, GND)
• Pins 11–12: Bluetooth module antenna and control
• Pins 13–14: GPS antenna signal and ground
• Pins 15–16: CAN bus (CAN High / CAN Low — infotainment CAN)
• Pins 17–18: MOST bus (Media Oriented Systems Transport — optical audio network)
• Pin 19: Ignition-switched power (ACC)
• Pin 20: Constant power (battery backup for memory)
• Pins 21–22: Ground (chassis earth)
• Pins 23–24: Illumination and accessory control

SYNC 1 vs. SYNC 2 vs. SYNC 3 – Connector Compatibility

• SYNC 1 (2007–2014): Basic voice control and Bluetooth. Uses the 24-pin connector for audio and communication circuits.
• SYNC 2 (2012–2016): Adds touchscreen navigation. Same 24-pin connector family with additional navigation data circuits.
• SYNC 3 (2016–present): Full touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Updated 24-pin connector with additional USB and data circuits.

Verify the SYNC generation for your vehicle before ordering to ensure connector compatibility.

Common Fault Symptoms from Infotainment Connector Degradation

• SYNC system not booting or stuck on loading screen
• Audio system failure (no sound from speakers)
• Navigation not working or GPS signal lost
• Bluetooth not connecting or dropping calls
• USB ports not recognizing devices
• U-codes for infotainment module communication on Ford IDS/FDRS

Compatible Ford Models

• Ford Focus: C346 (2010–2018), C519 (2018–2025)
• Ford Mondeo: CD391 (2014–2022)
• Ford Kuga: CBS (2012–2019), CX482 (2019–present)
• Ford Escape: C520 (2012–2019)
• Ford Edge: CD539 (2014–2021)
• Ford Explorer: U502 (2011–2019)

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: My SYNC system works but audio drops out intermittently — is this the connector?
A: Yes. Intermittent audio dropout is a classic symptom of a partially corroded audio output pin (pins 1–6). The audio circuit has high enough current to work through mild corrosion most of the time, but drops out under vibration or temperature changes. Replace the connector to resolve intermittent audio faults.

Q: Can I use this connector for an aftermarket head unit installation?
A: Yes. The 24-pin pre-wired version is commonly used for aftermarket head unit installations where the installer needs to extend or repair the factory harness before connecting to an aftermarket wiring adapter.

Q: What diagnostic tool do I need for Ford SYNC fault codes?
A: Ford IDS (Integrated Diagnostic System) or FDRS (Ford Diagnostic and Repair System) for dealer-level diagnostics. For independent workshops, Forscan (free software with ELM327 adapter) provides full access to Ford SYNC module fault codes.