Add a touchscreen stereo, keep your car's factory features
An iDatalink Maestro makes it possible
An aftermarket upgrade saves you from hefty dealership prices
If you own a Ford equipped with SYNC®, a Chrysler vehicle with UConnect®, or a GM vehicle with OnStar®, you know they're some of the better factory systems around. But you also know that if your car didn’t have navigation when it rolled out of the factory, adding it later meant: A) installing an aftermarket nav receiver and losing your factory system, or B) having a factory nav receiver installed at the dealership and spending lots of money. Now, thanks to iDatalink, there’s a better solution.
The iDatalink Maestro lets you keep the handy factory features you use everyday.
Gain navigation, smartphone controls, and hold onto your SYNC or UConnect functions
With the iDatalink Maestro radio replacement package for 2006 and up Ford, Chrysler, GM, and VW vehicles, you can install a powerful navigation receiver and keep your familiar factory features intact. And with an iDatalink compatible receiver (available from many popular brands, including Kenwood, Pioneer, and JVC), you can stay on top of what's happening under the hood with touchscreen access to information like tire pressure, battery voltage, check engine codes, and more in certain vehicles.
So, how does it work? Basically, the Maestro speaks your car's language, allowing a factory system like SYNC to communicate with your new receiver and vice-versa. The features you use every day — voice commands, Bluetooth® connectivity, iPod® control, steering wheel controls, your back-up camera, even satellite radio in some vehicles — will work beautifully alongside aftermarket benefits like an HD Radio™ tuner, Garmin navigation, CarPlay™, and Android Auto™. And best of all, when you buy the Maestro with a new receiver, we'll offer you a deep discount on it.
You'll find all of your SYNC options on the easy-to-read menu screen.
A Crutchfield Advisor takes the Maestro for a spin
To see how the Maestro works in the real world, we asked Colt, an advisor in our Southwest Virginia call center, to give it a try. His 2008 Ford Edge came with the standard SYNC system, but he’d always wanted to install an in-dash nav receiver.
“The Kenwood Excelon receiver I installed offers a nice bang for the buck, because it’s a great stereo with built-in Garmin navigation and Bluetooth,” he said. “The Maestro makes it possible to get all that stuff without losing SYNC or the steering wheel controls.”
Colt installed the receiver and the Maestro bundle himself, then used the straightforward startup menu to set his preferences.
“The Maestro lets you choose what works best for you,” he explained. “If you like the factory iPod controls, select that option. If you don’t, you can choose the Kenwood controls. The same goes for Bluetooth. I decided to stick with the SYNC options when I did the setup on my car.”
The Maestro allowed Colt to retain the factory steering wheel controls in his Edge, and let him assign a secondary “press and hold” function to each button. He was also able to keep his vehicle’s factory SiriusXM satellite radio capability, which made him happy.
If you’re thinking about upgrading with the iDatalink Maestro and you want a receiver that maximizes your vehicle's factory system, you can give an advisor like Colt a call at 888-955-6000 to investigate your options.
Thanks to the iDatalink Maestro, Colt can enjoy full control of his SYNC system as well as the souped up sound and features of a new Kenwood stereo.
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Ashley Mantz from Front royal
Posted on 11/20/2018I just bought a 2011 Ford edge with the sync touch system only to find out they stopped supporting android after s7. I have an s9. 9 saw recently where pioneer came out with an android uto head unit. Using that in combination with this system will I be able to retain control of the heated seats that are controlled by the sync touch system? How will that integrate?
Mike from Florence
Posted on 6/3/2018I'm am very weary of information on here. For instance you told a guy you didn't recommend stock radio replacement because his temperature controls were integrated into the factory radio panel. He has a 2014 Impala Limited LTZ. This is the old generation Impala. It has no factory touchscreen. He wants to put in a touchscreen. The new generation Impalas are not Limited's. There is a 2014, 2015 and a 2016 Limited old generation Impala. There seems to be really bad information about Impalas in general going way back. Your site always says only a few double din receivers will fit. I can tell you they all fit except ones made specifically for a vehicle. Your site continually says front door speakers won't fit, this is your fault for not selling spacers to allow deeper depth which is easily done with Universal 1/2" Plastic Spacer Rings for 6-1/2" Speakers and other sizes that your competitor Sonic sells for $10. Your product information is not updated for over 4 years and the item has changed features several times. Many of these products you are an authorized dealer and should have a direct line contact and should email the companies at least yearly to make sure you have the latest revisions on the product specs, features and installation. It is 2018 and installing a car stereo should not be this much guess work for someone trying to install. Your installation do not take into consideration installing both a receiver and an amp. More Onstar info on interface adapters "no sound"
Alexander Hrabe from Crutchfield on 6/5/2018Mike, thanks for this. Regarding the head unit, that's my fault — I looked up a different trim level. You're absolutely right, the Limited LTZ does allow for quite a few head units, and our vehicle selector reflects that good information. Regarding speaker fit, I've passed your suggestion along to our buying team and they had this reply: "We use other speaker brackets with ears as universal brackets in many applications. In this case, however, we researched this car before adding some new brackets which we believe will fit in this application. We have submitted a problem report so we can re-visit this application now with the new parts in mind. So this should help on this application." If our research ever conflicts with your experience, we encourage you to give us a call and we'll look into it. Thanks again! Alexander Hrabe from Crutchfield
Posted on 4/10/2018Nic, you will be able to retain factory features with this stereo, just not using the Maestro. If you'd like to see your options, be sure to enter your vehicle information and then click "See the installation gear you'll need" on the Sony item page. That said, I've passed your question along to an Advisor, and someone will contact you soon to answer any other questions you have.
Nic from Waco
Posted on 4/9/2018Will the Maestro RR work with the Sony XAV-AX100 in a 2011 F150? Id like to retain steering wheel controls and Sync but I'd rather not spend $130 and find out it doesn't work. Also, which Sirius tuner would be recommended for that receiver?
Alexander Hrabe from Crutchfield
Posted on 2/19/2018Jeff, that Alpine receiver is vehicle-specific with the aim toward keeping the factory look of a select F-150s. Depending on your vehicle, altering climate controls may not play into an installation. That said, I've passed your question along to our team of advisors to help you find the right receiver for your needs. Someone will contact you soon.
Jeff Wescott from Rockford
Posted on 2/18/2018Is the Alpine X009-FD2 RESTYLE the only aftermarket in dash gps with climate control on it? Thanks, Jeff
Corey from Bismarck
Posted on 2/16/2018I have a 2017 ford fiesta will the maestro allow vehicle controls like hill start assist and traction control? Adjusting keyless entry settings, my key?
Alexander Hrabe from Crutchfield
Posted on 10/13/2017Mike, I've passed along your question to an Advisor for the best solution for your vehicle. Someone will be contacting you soon.
Mike jones
Posted on 10/9/2017Is it possible to add a touchscreen to a 2015 Ford Fusion
Grant
Posted on 6/28/2017I have a 2008 Ford Explorer Limited with factory navigation head unit and Sirius radio. Would like to upgrade to an aftermarket headunit, keep Sirius radio, sync, and steering wheel controls. Interested in either a navigation system or Car Play. What do you recommend that won't break the bank?
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Alexander Hrabe from Crutchfield
Posted on 5/22/2017Austin, because the climate controls are integrated into the factory radio panel, we don't recommend radio replacement for your vehicle. If you'd like alternative solutions for nav, Bluetooth, etc., just give us a call.
Austin from Bloomington Illinois
Posted on 5/20/2017I have a 2014 Chevrolet Impala Limited Ltz and I want to replace the stock stereo with a touchscreen, full Bluetooth capabilities, navigation.
Alexander Hrabe from Crutchfield
Posted on 5/1/2017Nick, unfortunately the iDatalink will not, but we do have different harnesses that will allow you to retain factory features when you install a new stereo. Give us a call if you're thinking about upgrading your system.
Nick Safady
Posted on 4/29/2017I have a 2014 Ford Focus SE. Would this work in my car?
Alexander Hrabe from Crutchfield
Posted on 4/17/2017Matt, depending on the factory audio system in your Chrysler, we may not recommend radio replacement. However, I've passed your question along to an advisor. Someone will contact you soon to help find a solution for your car.
CapitolMatt from Jefferson City
Posted on 4/16/2017When I pulled up the list for the 2016 Chrysler 200. Its saying there are no decks for my car. Would someone please email me so we can find a solution for me? Thanks!
Ken Nail from Crutchfield
Posted on 4/10/2017Paul, Thanks for the question. I've passed your information along to our sales team. An advisor will contact you soon to help you find the right stereo for your vehicle
Jon Paulette from Crutchfield
Posted on 12/12/2016Gary, Not necessarily. When you enter your vehicle's info into our Outfit My Car tool, you'll see which stereos fit your truck, plus the correct harness. In order to hear audio from the SYNC system, you should pick a receiver with a rear AUX input. If you have any questions, our advisors are available via phone or chat.
Jon Paulette from Crutchfield
Posted on 12/12/2016Roy, At the moment, radio replacement is not recommended for this Challenger, and you totally nailed the reason. With the climate controls so neatly integrated into the radio panel, there's just no way to make it work at the moment. Sorry for the bad news, but if you're interested in some other upgrades, give us a call.
Roy from Cordova, Tn
Posted on 12/10/2016I have a 2016 challenger can I retain my climate controls and other factory things suck as sat radio usb/aux using this? Thanks in advance.
Gary from Ofallon
Posted on 12/9/2016I was going along here reading and when I got to the 2014 F-250 you said they lose their Ford Sync completely. Is that true for the 2012 F-250 Super Duty also? Thanks...
Jon Paulette from Crutchfield
Posted on 11/28/2016Jared, I've sent your question to our sales team, and they'll be contacting you via email soon. For immediate help, you can contact them via phone or chat. And if you run into trouble while installing your new receiver, remember that Crutchfield customers get free tech support for the life of the gear.
Jared from Collegeville
Posted on 11/27/2016Hey Jon, Thank you for this article. I'm interested in the DNX573s or DNX673s with the Maestro ADS-RR in a 2012 Ford Fusion (SEL, Sony, No nav) and wanted to know if the Maestro will send the mirror camera over to the new deck from the wiring behind the stereo or if there is additional searching & splicing that will need to happen. I'm hoping to do the install myself but in my younger years, I was never able to get my car's panels back on tightly so I'm hesitant to pull too much apart. Thank you
Jon Paulette from Crutchfield
Posted on 11/7/2016Matt, We can find a good solution for your Fusion. I've sent your question to our sales team, and they'll be contacting you via email soon. For immediate help, you can contact them via phone or chat.
Matt from Dartmouth
Posted on 11/5/2016I have a 2013 Ford Fusion Titanium with 8 inch MyFord Touch and factory Sony sound system. I don't want to lose my heated seats and other climate controls. I am wondering what my options are for a better screen with more features without losing factory controls and steering wheel controls. Thanks
Jon Paulette from Crutchfield
Posted on 10/17/2016Addison, We can help you with that. I've sent your question to our sales team for the best answer, and they'll be contacting you via email soon. For immediate help, you can contact them via phone or chat.
Jon Paulette from Crutchfield
Posted on 10/17/2016Jamie, Your local guys are right -- there's no way to make that work at the moment. You'd need a dash kit for the new receiver, and there isn't one on the market yet. There are other ways to upgrade your car's sound and functionality without replacing the receiver, so give us a call.
Jamie Vassallo
Posted on 10/16/2016Is it possible you get an aftermarket touchscreen for a 2014 ford fusion? A few months ago I went to a local shop and they said it was not yet able to be done. I'm just trying to see if there are any options.
Addison from Las Vegas
Posted on 10/16/2016I have a 2013 Ford Focus with sync and all that.. I've been wanting to upgrade the system since I got the car. All I care about is keeping the factory functionality, while being able to add a full range amp and a sub amp. Is there a head unit you can recommend with Bluetooth media and maybe a 7 band EQ fully compatible with iDatalink?
Jon Paulette from Crutchfield
Posted on 10/13/2016Evan, I've sent your question to our sales team for the best answer, and they'll be contacting you via email soon. For immediate help, you can contact them via phone or chat.
Evan stalter from E Northport
Posted on 10/12/2016I have a 2015 expedition. Want to keep sync steering wheel backup camera and sirius. Will this unit talk to my base sync 4 inch screen? I realize there may not be a bezel yet I might buy genuine ford part with room for double din. So will it work with underlying system?
Jon Paulette from Crutchfield
Posted on 10/3/2016Joe, The Edge is a bigger, boomier space, which could account for some if the difference. As for an upgrade, when you enter your vehicle's info into our Outfit My Car tool, you'll see which stereos (and speakers) fit your Edge. If you have any questions, our advisors are available via phone or chat.
Joe Ficalora from Langhorne
Posted on 10/2/2016I have a Ford Edge, 2016 model year. Is there anyway to rip out the non-touch screen and use something else? The sound is horrible in this car. Funny thing is that the same system in my prior Ford Fusion wasn't half bad, not great, but passable.
Jon Paulette from Crutchfield
Posted on 9/26/2016We can totally help with this. I'll forward this to our sales team, and someone will be getting in touch with you via email soon.
MMN from Charleston
Posted on 9/26/2016I have a 2009 Ford Taurus with factory radio with Sync and SiriusXM but I am wanting to upgrade to a touchscreen option. I also want to keep all of my factory functions and capabilities. What would be the best options for me and a potential cost?
Jon Paulette from Crutchfield
Posted on 9/19/2016Acquinetta, I'll forward this to our sales department, and someone will be in touch via email soon.
Acquinetta Lovett from Rahway
Posted on 9/16/2016I have a 2009 Ford Edge that is equipped with SYNC and would like to upgrade my stereo system into a touch screen. Can you give me a quote for this upgrade?
Jon Paulette from Crutchfield
Posted on 9/6/2016Melissa, If you haven't already paid a visit to a mechanic or a Ford dealership, you should. This is not an unknown thing, and there might be a fix out there. Some Focus owners' forums have useful info about this, so check there before you visit a mechanic -- just to familiarize yourself with the issues and maybe get some helpful advice. When all that's done and your car's holding a charge properly, give us a call and let our expert advisors help you find a new receiver!
Jon Paulette from Crutchfield
Posted on 9/6/2016Salvador, Due to the climate control situation, we don't recommend replacing the stock radio. There are some ways to improve your sound without a new receiver, though, and they're less expensive than the other option you're looking at. Give us a call, and let one of our advisors help you find something that'll work in your Challenger.
Salvador from San Diego
Posted on 9/3/2016i have a 2016 dodge Challenger with stock uconnect 5.0 been wanting to upgrade to after market stereo instead of a uconnect 8.4 [800$+ and paying dealership to unlock features [300$+ BUT if i remove stock stereo the climate control options will be gone! is there any way to keeping those options or possibly keeping both stock and after market stereo running but located into glove department or somthing like that Thank you would help a lot.
Melissa from Gladespring
Posted on 9/2/2016Having sync problems with a battery drain in a 2010 Ford Focus. If we remove the factory sterio will that remove all of the Microsoft sync from the car and fix the battery drain?
Jon Paulette from Crutchfield
Posted on 8/30/2016Brian, I'm going to forward this to our sales team, and they'll get in touch with you via email soon. Our experts can answer all your questions and help you find the right gear for your truck.
Brian Timoons from Greencastle
Posted on 8/29/2016I have a 2016 F-150 with the 8" sync 3 no climate or navigation I was wondering what I can do I like the features it has but no navigation I was wondering how to add that and if I can swap out all the factory stuff for after market stuff it has the 5 speaker system the doors and the center speaker
Jon Paulette from Crutchfield
Posted on 8/25/2016Israel, Alas, replacing the radio in this truck means losing SYNC. We do have a number of receivers that can give you a lot of the same functionality, though. When you enter your vehicle's info into our Outfit My Car tool, you'll see which ones fit your truck, plus the correct wiring harness. If you have any questions, our advisors are available via phone or chat.
Israel C. from San Diego
Posted on 8/25/2016Hello, I have a 2014 f250 with regular am/fm mp3 radio and would like to upgrade to something similar to the Ford's "my touch Sync" system, but I don't want to lose the existing Sync functions.
Jon Paulette from Crutchfield
Posted on 8/18/2016Tony, A double-DIN receiver will fit, though you'll have to do some very minor filing on the trim panel. I've sent your question to our sales team for the best answer, and they'll be contacting you via email soon. For immediate help, you can contact them via phone or chat. Good luck!
Tony from Murfreesboro
Posted on 8/17/2016I'm debating on a double din touchscreen head unit for my 09 Ram 2500. I love the Uconnect, and steering wheel/mirror controls. Is there anything aftermarket that's compatible? Nav would be a plus, but not a must.
Jon Paulette from Crutchfield
Posted on 7/13/2016Matt, When you enter your vehicle's info into our Outfit My Car tool, you'll see which stereos fit your car, plus the correct harness. If you have any questions, our advisors are available via phone or chat.
Matt Price from Calgary
Posted on 7/13/2016I have a 2011 mustang without a touchscreen or nav and would like to take the factory head unit out but still want to retain all the sync functions, will this work with my car?
Jon Paulette from Crutchfield
Posted on 7/12/2016Ray, We haven't had a chance to look at a '16 Taurus yet, which is why we haven't posted any info. Assuming it's similar to the 2015 model (which I am, for better or worse), we don't recommend replacing the factory nav unit at this time. If you have questions or want to discuss your audio upgrade options, give us a call and one of our advisors will help you out.
Ray from Louisville
Posted on 7/11/2016I have a 2016 Ford Taurus SEL without Sony Audio but it does have a the 4.5 inch screen and comes with Sync. I was hoping to upgrade it with a touch screen solution similar to Sync 3 with or without Nav. The vehicle selector does not show me any options. Will this solution somehow be applied to a 2016 Ford Taurus SEL. Please advice.
Jon Paulette from Crutchfield
Posted on 7/1/2016Ray, You have plenty of options, actually. I've sent your question to our sales team, and they'll be contacting you via email soon. For immediate help, you can contact them via phone or chat.
Ray Nowaczyk from Lake Worth
Posted on 6/30/2016I have a 2014 Dodge Charger with a standard factory radio. I would like to upgrade to a radio with satellite, navigation and backup camera while retaining access to factory settings/tools already on my radio display. What are my options?
Jon Paulette from Crutchfield
Posted on 6/29/2016Darnell, If you have factory SiriusXM, you should be able to keep it. I've sent this along to our sales team, and they'll be contacting you via email soon. For immediate help, you can contact them via phone or chat.
Darnell Morgan from Beltsville
Posted on 6/29/2016With regard to the SirisXM, do you have to buy a separate tuner? For example, if you buy a Kenwood radio do you have to buy the Kenwood Sirius XM tuner as well but keep the factory Sirius antenna? I have a '13 F-150 Supercrew
Jon Paulette from Crutchfield
Posted on 6/9/2016Alfonso, I've sent your question to our sales team for the best answer, and they'll be contacting you via email soon. For immediate help, you can contact them via phone or chat.
alfonso from buena park
Posted on 6/8/2016i have a 2011 ford tar sel i just got a nav radio and is there a way to keep everything stock so i can plug and go . i call all different radio store and they say the kit for my car is going to $299 is there a way to do with out the kits.
Jon Paulette from Crutchfield
Posted on 6/1/2016Jay, I've sent your question to our sales team, and they'll be contacting you via email soon. For immediate help, you can contact them via phone or chat.
Jay from Burlington
Posted on 5/31/2016I have a Kenwood non-nav touchscreen head unit that will accept Sirius, and have Sirius and SYNC in my 2013 F150 - will the Maestro send the Sirius data to the new head unit as well? (I believe the Sirius system is connected to the SYNC system in this truck). Thanks!
Jon Paulette from Crutchfield
Posted on 5/19/2016Joe, If you bought your gear from Crutchfield, you can call Tech Support for free help with this issue. If you purchased your equipment elsewhere, you can still get expert Crutchfield Tech Support - 90 days-worth for only $30. Check out our tech support page for details.
Joe Krasko from Rembert
Posted on 5/18/2016I installed this system in a 2012 Ford Super Duty with Sync. My Sync is fully functional and interacts with the aftermarket head unit. Unfortunately I have no way to perform an firmware update since the factory head unit displayed the status and my aftermarket does not. Are you aware of a way the update the Sync system with the latest update another way?
Jon Paulette from Crutchfield
Posted on 5/16/2016Mark, Not at the moment, it seems. You can use our vehicle selector to see which stereos fit your car and get some info on what else is needed for the installation. Good luck!
Jon Paulette from Crutchfield
Posted on 5/16/2016Richard, At the moment, we don't recommend replacing the radio in the '16 Fusion. That's because there isn't an aftermarket dash kit available to hold the new receiver -- yet. The Fusion is a popular car, though, so that could change. Watch this space.
Richard Gossett from Madison
Posted on 5/14/2016I have a 2016 ford fusion with the non touch screen I want to install touch screen in my car but want to keep all my factory steering wheel controlls do you carry an option for this?
Mark from Whittier
Posted on 5/13/2016What about the 2015 Fiesta ST? Would it work in there?
Jon Paulette from Crutchfield
Posted on 5/5/2016Carlos, I've sent your question to our sales team for the best answer, and they'll be contacting you via email soon. For immediate help, you can contact them via phone or chat.
carlos
Posted on 5/4/2016I am interested in the same question for uConnect for a 2015 Chrysler 200
Jon Paulette from Crutchfield
Posted on 5/2/2016Rich, I've sent your question to our sales team for the best answer, and they'll be contacting you via email soon. For immediate help, you can contact them via phone or chat.
Rich Busser from Elk grove village
Posted on 5/2/2016Hi, I have a 2016 Ford Edge with Sync that came with the built-in 4.5(?) inch screen. Is it possible to upgrade my stock radio w/Sync to either just Sync3 or Sync3 with a better head unit? When I bought the vehicle I couldn't afford the 201a equipment group which included Sync3, 12 speakers, sub-woofer with a Sony head. I only have six speakers, no sub and stock Ford radio. Any comments or suggestions on 1) if I can upgrade at all, and 2) if so, what's the best recommended upgrade and the best services to do the upgrade? Thanks so much.
Jon Paulette from Crutchfield
Posted on 4/25/2016Dylan, We have everything you need to retain your truck's factory features. I've sent your question to our sales team, and they'll be contacting you via email soon. For immediate help, you can contact them via phone or chat.
Dylan Olson from Cloquet
Posted on 4/23/2016I would like to keep the steering wheel controls for the stereo and heat. Does this work for that? 2005 f150 supercrew.
Jon Paulette from Crutchfield
Posted on 4/8/2016JG, We can help with that. I've sent your question to our sales team, and they'll be contacting you via email soon. For immediate help, you can contact them via phone or chat.
JG from Crofton, MD
Posted on 4/7/2016I am interested in the same question for uConnect for a 2014 RAM 1500
Jon Paulette from Crutchfield
Posted on 3/20/2016BK, I've sent your question to our sales team for the best answer, and they'll be contacting you via email soon. For immediate help, you can contact them via phone or chat.
Bk from Omaha
Posted on 3/19/2016I have a uconnect system. I don't need Xm/serius or nav I would like to keep the climate control features and other vehicle settings, how can I upgrade the stereo and not lose those things?
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