CARABC Wireless CarPlay & Android Auto Decoder Box User Manual

1. Introducció

This manual provides detailed instructions for the installation, operation, and troubleshooting of your CARABC Wireless CarPlay & Android Auto Decoder Box. This kit is designed to add full CarPlay and Android Auto functionality to your existing Ford SYNC 2 system while retaining all original features.

The system supports control via original car buttons and steering wheel, and integrates with the console or glove box USB. It fully supports Apple and Android systems, allowing you to use apps like Apple Maps, Spotify, make/receive calls, or use Siri/Google Assistant for various tasks.

Image: CARABC Wireless CarPlay & Android Auto Decoder Box with included tools and an example of its interface displayed in a car.

2. Compatibilitat

The CARABC Wireless CarPlay & Android Auto Decoder Box is compatible with Ford models equipped with the SYNC 2 system and an original 8-inch LCD screen. Please verify your car's model, year, and screen type before installation.

2.1 Compatible Models (SYNC 2 System with 8-inch LCD screen)

2.2 Sistemes incompatibles

This module is NOT compatible with Ford cars equipped with SYNC 1 (2007-2012) or SYNC 3 (2016-2019) systems, or vehicles with non-8-inch LCD screens.

Image: Visual guide for Ford Sync system compatibility, highlighting SYNC 2 with an 8-inch screen as compatible.

3. Contingut del paquet

El paquet inclou els components següents:

• CarPlay Decoder Box
• Cable d'alimentació
• Cable CAN
• Cable USB
• Cable AUX
• Micròfon extern
• Placa PCB
• Installation Tools (Free tools)

Imatge: Més deview of the CarPlay decoder box and its accompanying cables and components.

4. Guia d'instal·lació

4.1 Toggle Switch and TF Card Slot Configuration

The decoder box features a toggle switch (dial) for system settings and a TF card slot for software upgrades.

• The TF card slot is exclusively for software upgrades.
• If your car has an original camera, ensure switch NO.1 on the dial is set to "on".

Image: Close-up of the decoder box showing the TF card slot and the dial switch for configuration.

Dial Setup Method:

Note: If the car has an original camera, the status of code NO.1 shall be "on".

4.2 Product Installation Videos

For detailed dashboard removal guidance and product installation, please refer to the video tutorials. Scan the QR codes below with your smartphone to access the videos:

• For Ford F-Series

  

• For Ford Kuga

  

• For Ford Mondeo

  

Image: QR codes linking to specific installation videos for various Ford models.

4.3 Taula de connexió de cables

Refer to the diagram below for the correct cable connections. Ensure all connections are secure.

Image: Comprehensive diagram illustrating the cable connections for the decoder box.

4.4 PCB Board Installation Video

Escaneja el codi QR següent a view the video for PCB board installation. Ensure the ribbon cable and slot are neat and properly snapped into place.

Image: QR code linking to the PCB board installation video tutorial.

4.5 System Switching Method

The method for switching between the original car system and the CarPlay system may vary depending on your car model.

• Long-press the "previous" or "next" button for 2 seconds.
• Alternatively, long-press the "ok" or "sound" button if available on your car's console.

Imatge: Examples of car buttons used for switching between original and CarPlay systems.

4.6 CarPlay Box & Wi-Fi Antenna Installation

The CarPlay box can be installed in the storage box in front of the passenger seat or other suitable locations. It is crucial that the Wi-Fi antenna is NOT placed close to metal objects, as this will significantly degrade the signal quality.

Image: Recommended placement for the CarPlay box and Wi-Fi antenna to ensure optimal signal.

4.7 Microphone Installation

A continuació hi ha un example of microphone installation and cable routing. Use this as a reference.

Imatge: Examples of microphone placement and cable management.

5. Sound Setup

To ensure proper audio output for CarPlay/Android Auto, follow these steps:

1. Disconnect any existing Bluetooth connection between your phone and your car.
2. Connect the provided Audio cable as shown in the diagram below.
3. **AUX Setup (AV IN Setting):** Before using CarPlay/Android Auto, you must complete the "AV IN" setting in your car's entertainment system.
   • Enter the "Entertainment" interface and select "Entertainment".
   • Click on "A/V In".
   • Return to the CarPlay interface once done.

Image: Audio cable connection for sound output.

Image: Selecting 'Entertainment' in the car's menu.

Image: Selecting 'A/V In' for audio input.

6. Configuració de la càmera

6.1 Original Camera Setting

If your car is equipped with an original reverse camera, ensure that switch NO.1 on the decoder box's toggle dial is set to the "on" position during installation.

6.2 Aftermarket Rear Camera

For aftermarket rear cameras, connect the cables as shown in the sketch map below.

Image: Wiring diagram for aftermarket rear camera installation.

6.3 Aftermarket 360 Camera

For aftermarket 360 cameras, connect the camera to cable NO. 3 and NO. 9 (REVERSE CAMERA IN and 360CAMERA CONTROL) on the main wiring harness.

Image: Wiring diagram for aftermarket 360 camera installation.

7. Instruccions de funcionament

CarPlay sense fil 7.1 / Android Auto

1. Disconnect or remove any existing Bluetooth connection between your phone and your car.
2. Turn on your mobile phone's Wi-Fi and Bluetooth switches.
3. Cerca the product's Bluetooth device. The Bluetooth name will be "Car Audio XXXX".
4. Pair your phone with the Bluetooth device.
5. Allow the system to sync.
6. You can now start using Wireless CarPlay or Android Auto.

Imatge: Example of Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto interfaces on the car screen.

7.2 Wired CarPlay / Android Auto

To use wired CarPlay or Android Auto, simply connect the decoder box to your phone using a USB cable.

7.3 Air Play and Mirror Link

This feature allows you to cast your iPhone or Android phone screen to the car's display.

7.3.1 Wireless Air Play (for iPhone)

1. If CarPlay is active, disconnect it by turning off your phone's Wi-Fi.
2. On the main interface of the car display, click the "Mirroring" icon. The hotspot name (e.g., "carplay_bf7e") and password (e.g., "88888888") will be displayed on the lower-left corner.
3. On your iPhone, search for and connect to the Wi-Fi network named "CarPlay_XXXX" (matching the one displayed on the car screen). Enter the password (only required for the first-time connection).
4. Open the shortcut menu bar on your iPhone, select "screen mirroring", and turn it on. You can now use the Air Play function.

Image: Main interface of the car screen, highlighting the Mirroring option.

7.3.2 Mirall sense fil d'Android

1. Download and install the "M-link" app on your Android phone. The QR code and link are provided below:
   

   Enllaç: M-link App Download

2. If CarPlay is active, disconnect it.
3. Click the "Mirroring" icon on the main interface of the car display.
4. On your Android phone, turn on Bluetooth, search for "Car Audio_XXXX", and pair it.
5. Go to your phone's "Mobile network" settings, select "Tethering & personal hotspot", and enable "Portable WLAN hotspot".
6. In the "Portable WLAN hotspot" interface, select "Configure WLAN hotspot". Set the hotspot name and password to match the ones displayed on the car's "Mirroring" interface.
7. In "advanced options", select "5.0 GHz Band" for the hotspot AP frequency band.
8. Return to the main interface of your phone and open the "M-link" app to use the mirroring function.

Image: Display of various features including AirPlay/AutoLink, music playback, call management, messaging, and navigation.

7.4 USB Flash Playing

Insert a USB flash drive into the USB connector to play music or video files. The system supports various media formats.

Imatge: Example of video playback from a USB flash drive on the car screen.

7.5 Control per veu (Siri i Assistent de Google)

Keep your eyes on the road and hands on the wheel by using voice commands. With Siri on CarPlay and Google Assistant on Android Auto, you can get help finding routes, playing your favorite songs, checking the news, or weather.

Imatge: Examples of Siri and Google Assistant voice command interfaces.

8. Especificacions

• **Functions:** Wireless CarPlay, iOS AirPlay Mirror Link, Android Auto, Android Phone Mirror Link, Rearview Camera Input (CVBS/AHD 720P), USB Play (Music, Video), EQ Adjustable.
• **Installation:** Original car wire plug and play, non-destructive installation.
• **Software Version:** Box-P270 V3.9.1.0618
• **Hardware Version:** 02-0010-06-00-00-00-00-00
• **System:** Linux_3.4.0_2021-05-28
• **Bluetooth:** BT825, V5.5.0
• **MCU:** 5.1
• **Package Dimensions:**
  • Longitud: 23 cm
  • Amplada: 14 cm
  • Alçada: 9 cm
• **Package Weight:** 1.056 kg

9. Consells d'usuari

• **Installation Guidance:** Detailed installation videos are available via QR codes provided in the manual for specific Ford models.
• **TF Card Slot:** The TF card slot on the decoder box is solely for software upgrades, not for general media playback or storage.
• **Dial Switch for Camera:** If your vehicle has an original camera, remember to set switch NO.1 on the decoder box's dial to the "on" position during installation to ensure proper functionality.

10. Resolució de problemes (FAQ)

Question 1: No sound during calls.

Solution: Disconnect the Bluetooth connection between your phone and your car's original system before connecting to the CarPlay/Android Auto system.

Question 2: Echo sound during calls.

Solution: Access the system settings (Setting > System > Factory Mode) and adjust the echo cancellation. Debug from the bottom-right side and confirm once the echo is resolved.

Question 3: Steering wheel control buttons not fully functional.

Solution: The CarPlay interface decoder box supports the following steering wheel control buttons:

• **Voice Control Button:** Fully supported.
• **Tel Button:** Fully supported for answering calls.
• **Volume "+" and "-" Buttons:** Fully supported.
• **"Sound" Button:** Long-press for 2 seconds to activate SIRI function.
• **"Previous" Button:**
  • Press once to return to the beginning of the current song.
  • Press twice consecutively to change to the previous song.
  • Long-press for 2 seconds to switch between the original system and CarPlay system.
• **Calling Button:** Press to answer incoming calls.

Other steering wheel buttons may not be supported.

Image: Supported steering wheel controls for the CarPlay system.

11. Garantia i Suport

Your CARABC Wireless CarPlay & Android Auto Decoder Box comes with comprehensive support and warranty:

• **After-Sales Service:** 24+ Hours After Service.
• **Guarantee:** One year guarantee.
• **Support:** Exclusive support service.
• **Updates:** Free software updates.

Imatge: Més deview of after-sales service and warranty benefits.

Contacta amb l'assistència

For assistance, please contact us via the purchase platform. To help us provide efficient support, please have the following information ready:

1. El vostre identificador de comanda.
2. Your car model.
3. The year of your car.
4. The screen size of your car's display.

You may also contact us via WhatsApp: +86 18923410098.