Support>More Vehicle Topics>Audio System>What do I do if I have sound issues with the radio in my Lincoln or my SYNC system?

What do I do if I have sound issues with the radio in my Lincoln or my SYNC®* system?

Use the troubleshooting recommendations in this article to address various audio issues with your Lincoln radio, SYNC Navigation guidance prompts, or SYNC system connectivity with AppLink®** or Android Auto™†. 

Troubleshooting Audio Issue(s)

Select the audio concern(s) you are experiencing from the drop-down options below to learn possible solutions.

No Radio Audio and Nothing is Connected to SYNC

If there is no sound coming from your stereo, no matter what source you are using (e.g., Bluetooth®††, FM radio, CD, etc.), contact your Lincoln Retailer for diagnosis.

No Audio While Connected to SYNC AppLink

If you have an Android device and are struggling to hear sound after you have launched an app, the Bluetooth†† volume on the phone may be low. 

Increase the Bluetooth volume of the device by using the device's volume control buttons, which are most often found on the side of the device.

No Audio When a Device is Connected with an Auxiliary Cable 

Lincoln recommends using a manufacturer-supplied cable or one of equal quality to connect your device to the radio. Try using a different auxiliary cable if no audio is coming from your speakers.

If you have tried a different cable and still do not hear sound from your radio, contact your Lincoln Retailer for diagnosis.

Popping and Crackling Speakers

If your speakers make a crackling or popping sound, or the audio only works sometimes, contact your Lincoln Retailer for diagnosis.

No Sound is Coming From SYNC Navigation

If you have turned down the volume on your SYNC Navigation guidance prompts, try adjusting the volume. It is also possible the map guidance is muted in your SYNC settings.

If you are still experiencing issues, contact a Lincoln Concierge at 1-800-521-4140, or by selecting Live Chat at the bottom right of lincoln.com/support.

Unable to Hear Incoming Call Audio While SYNC 3 is Connected to Android Auto

If you have connected your phone to SYNC 3 while using Android Auto and you cannot hear incoming calls:

  1. Disconnect your mobile device from Android Auto.
  2. Connect your mobile device to SYNC via Bluetooth††.
  3. Tap Settings on your vehicle's SYNC screen. 
  4. Select Phone. 
  5. Press Set Phone Ringtone. 
  6. Choose Use Phone Ringtone. 
  7. Connect to Android Auto. 

If you are still experiencing the issue after completing the above steps, contact a Lincoln Concierge at 1-800-521-4140, or by selecting Live Chat at the bottom right of lincoln.com/support.

Other SYNC Audio Issues

If you are experiencing an audio issue not listed above and feel it is related to your SYNC system, contact a Lincoln Concierge at 1-800-521-4140, or by selecting Live Chat at the bottom right of lincoln.com/support.

*Don’t drive while distracted. Use voice-operated systems when possible; don’t use handheld devices while driving. Some features may be locked out while the vehicle is in gear. Not all features are compatible with all phones.

**Commands may vary by phone and AppLink® software.

†Requires phone with active data service and compatible software. [SYNC® 3][SYNC® 4] Does not control 3rd-party products while in use.  3rd parties are solely responsible for their respective functionality. Android Auto is a trademark of Google LLC.

††The Bluetooth word mark is a trademark of the Bluetooth SIG, Inc.