Welcome to the Workshop 12 family. 🤘
Below is your step-by-step installation guide, designed to walk you through everything from wiring and setup to troubleshooting. Please follow each step carefully. If you run into any issues that aren't covered here, scroll to the bottom of the page to reach out via email, phone, or by booking a 1-on-1 video call.
STEP 1: Wiring Walkthrough
All the wires
- SIM Card Tray
- LTE Antennas
- GPS Antenna
- RCA’s Connections
- 2 Female USB Ports
- USB Connection for Reverse Camera Feed
- Main stereo harness
- Microphone
- BUZZER (This BUZZER does not require installation.) Backup camera trigger wire)
Wiring Diagram
STEP 2: Installation
Grab your tools and let’s get this 14.4" display installed in your 2011-2019 Ford Explorer.
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Tools needed: basic screwdrivers, trim removal tools, and possibly a socket set.
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Double-check that you have all the wires that come with your unit
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Keep your factory parts and hardware organized (dash trim, screws).
Remove Factory Center Screen
Dashboard Teardown
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Use a prying tool to gently remove the left and right side trim panels.
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Remove the four 7mm screws securing the factory screen trim.
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Pull the trim out and press the release tab to unplug the climate control connector.
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Remove the four 7mm screws holding the actual Sync 3 screen.
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Pull the screen out and disconnect all cables, including the GPS, USB retention, and the main harness (push the grey lever to release it).
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Install Workshop 12 Screen
Transfer over the SYNC 3 module to the back of our unit.
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Remove the three screws holding the Sync 3 module to the back of the factory screen.
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Disconnect the blue LVDS cable and set the old factory screen aside.
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Use a T9 bit to remove two screws from the old trim to detach the top air vents. Unclip the tabs to pop them out.
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Slide the vents into the new 14.4" display trim until they clip in, then secure them with the two provided black screws.
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Mount the Sync 3 module onto the back of the new unit using two of the original screws. Crucial: You must mount it in the exact same orientation it was removed to prevent GPS errors from the module's internal gyro sensor.
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If your vehicle's factory climate plug doesn't match the pre-installed board on the new unit, swap it out with the included alternate board (two screws).
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Plug the main harness into the Sync 3 module (push it in first, then lock the grey lever).
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Connect the red power cable and yellow audio cable. Note: The external buzzer is rarely used unless you rely heavily on the factory Sync navigation prompts over CarPlay/Android Auto.
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Plug in the LTE antennas and GPS antenna (blue plug).
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Connect the USB cables to the bottom middle row. Fish these cables through the dash into the glove box for easy access.
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Take the assembled unit to the car and connect the main harness, climate plug, and factory display plug.
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Push the unit into the dash, aligning the top vents, and secure it with the four factory 7mm screws.
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Snap the left and right side trim panels back into place, starting from the bottom up.
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STEP 3: Test & Finalize
Before fully tightening the panels, confirm the following:
- Screen powers on and displays correctly.
- Climate controls work if integrated.
- Reverse camera displays when the vehicle is in reverse.
- Steering wheel controls respond correctly.
- Wireless CarPlay / Android Auto pairs with your phone.
- If any feature doesn’t work, double-check all harness connections.
Once everything is working properly:
- Secure all screws and panels.
- Route cables neatly behind the dashboard.
- Tuck away any unused wires to prevent rattling.
- Enjoy your new Workshop 12 screen and its functionality!
You can also follow the install video below just so you can have an even better understanding of this process ⬇️
STEP 4: Changing your ambient lights
STEP 5: AC Control walkthrough
STEP 6: Console Screen Walkthrough
STEP 7: Apple CarPlay Walkthrough
STEP 7: Physical Button Walkthrough
STEP 8: WIFI Turning Off Walkthrough
STEP 9: Complete Software Walkthrough
Need Extra Help? Book a 1-on-1 video call.
If you have an issue that hasn't been covered, or if you just prefer a guiding hand, you can schedule a live troubleshooting and setup session with a Workshop 12 technician.
Book your 1-on-1 Video Call by clicking this link 👉 BOOK NOW
Don't see a time that works?
Simply email us at info@workshoptwelve.com with two preferred dates and times, and we’ll do our absolute best to accommodate your schedule.
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