How do you turn on ambient lighting in a Ford Expedition?
Ambient lighting in a Ford Expedition is activated through the center touchscreen by accessing the vehicle’s Settings. In most recent models, you can turn it on, choose a color, and adjust brightness in a few taps. The exact path depends on whether your Expedition uses SYNC 4 or the older SYNC 3 interface.
Where the ambient lighting controls live
Ambient lighting controls are located in the infotainment system’s Settings menu. On newer Expeditions with SYNC 4, look under Settings > Vehicle > Lighting or Ambient Lighting. On older Expeditions with SYNC 3, the path is typically Settings > Vehicle > Lighting or Ambient Lighting. UI labels can vary slightly by software version, but the concept is the same: enable Ambient Lighting and then customize color and brightness.
SYNC 4: 2021 and newer Expeditions
Use these steps to enable ambient lighting on models equipped with the SYNC 4 interface.
- With the vehicle on or in accessory mode, tap the Settings icon on the center touchscreen.
- Open Vehicle settings, then select Lighting or Ambient Lighting.
- Turn Ambient Lighting On.
- Choose a color theme and adjust brightness; some trims let you assign colors to specific zones such as the dash, doors, or footwells.
- Exit Settings; ambient lighting should illuminate in the configured manner.
Ambient lighting in SYNC 4 is designed to provide a soft cabin glow and can be customized to suit mood or driving conditions.
SYNC 3: 2018–2020/early 2021 Expeditions
For Expeditions running the older SYNC 3 interface, follow these steps to turn on ambient lighting.
- Start the vehicle or turn on the ignition to power the touchscreen.
- From the home screen, tap Settings.
- Navigate to Vehicle > Lighting or Interior Lighting, then select Ambient Lighting.
- Toggle Ambient Lighting On and choose a color and a brightness level.
- Exit the menu; the interior accent lighting should activate accordingly.
Note that some trims may require a software update to expose all color options or zone controls.
Troubleshooting and tips
If ambient lighting does not respond as expected, try these quick checks before seeking support.
- Confirm your trim supports ambient lighting and that the feature is not disabled by a recent update.
- Verify the infotainment system is running the latest software version available for your vehicle.
- Restart the infotainment system or the vehicle if the option does not appear.
- If needed, consult your owner's manual or contact a Ford dealer for model-specific instructions.
Software updates or dealer-installed configurations can affect how ambient lighting appears or which zones can be controlled.
Summary
Turning on ambient lighting in a Ford Expedition is a straightforward use of the SYNC touchscreen. Access Settings, navigate to Vehicle and Lighting or Ambient Lighting, enable the feature, and customize color and brightness. The exact steps depend on whether your vehicle uses SYNC 4 or the older SYNC 3 interface, but the general approach remains the same. With the feature turned on, you can enjoy a customizable cabin glow that enhances nighttime driving.
