How do I change the frequency on my Ford radio?
If you want to change the station your Ford is playing, you can do it by turning a dial, pressing seek/t tune controls, or using the touchscreen or voice commands, depending on your model.
This guide covers both older Ford radios with analog tuners and the latest SYNC infotainment systems, explaining manual tuning, automatic seeking, voice input, and how to save favorite stations. It also offers safety pointers for changing stations while driving.
Classic Ford radios with analog tuners
If your vehicle has a traditional dial-and-buttons radio, use the physical controls to tune and store stations.
- Turn on the radio and press AM or FM to choose the band you want.
- Slowly turn the tuning knob to move the frequency up or down until you hear a station you want; watch the display as you adjust.
- If available, press the Seek or Scan button to automatically search for the next strong station.
- To save a favorite station, tune to it and press and hold one of the preset buttons (often labeled 1–6) until it confirms the save.
Older radios rely on manual dialing to reach a specific frequency, but presets make it faster to return to beloved stations.
Modern Ford radios with SYNC 3 or SYNC 4
Ford’s newer infotainment systems use touchscreens, steering wheel controls, and voice commands to tune stations.
- Tap the Radio app on the touchscreen and select AM or FM (or the appropriate band if you use a different radio mode).
- Use the on-screen Tune control or a frequency slider, or tap the Seek arrows to automatically move to the next available station.
- On the steering wheel, press the Seek Up or Seek Down button to cycle through stations without taking your eyes off the road.
- Use voice commands when possible: say “Tune to 97.5 FM” or “Tune FM to 97.5.” Note that voice command availability can vary by model and firmware.
- To save a station as a preset, select the desired station and choose a preset slot on the touchscreen, or press and hold a preset button if your model supports physical presets.
These systems offer multiple pathways to the same end—finding and storing your preferred stations—through a combination of touch, wheel controls, and voice input.
Tips and safety considerations
Changing stations should be quick and non-distracting. For safety, prefer controls that keep your hands on the wheel and eyes on the road, and consider using voice commands when you’re driving.
- When possible, use voice commands to tune to a station instead of manually entering it.
- If you must adjust while driving, use steering wheel seek controls rather than fiddling with the touchscreen.
- If reception is poor, check the antenna and ensure the radio is configured for the correct band (AM vs. FM).
Following these practices helps you stay focused on driving while still enjoying your preferred stations.
Summary
In short, how you change the frequency on a Ford radio depends on the era of the vehicle. Older models rely on the tuning dial and preset buttons, while newer Ford models with SYNC offer touchscreen tuning, steering wheel controls, and voice commands. Regardless of the method, you can tune manually, seek automatically, save presets, and use hands-free options to stay safe on the road.
