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Sync Navigation update. a struggle and success.

Polizi212

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#1
I decided that I would update my SYNC Navigation maps last week, and it turned into a ordeal that may help others! For context, you do not have to update your maps. I chose to do so because on occasion I use the maps and after being taken out of the way to a simple location I decided I should update to a more current map version.
My vehicle was Current of the Sync Software using SYNC 3.4 build 23188 with maps version NA 118. Having experience with using USB drives and formatting them I opted to use the Download and make your own USB feature from the Ford Navigation software site. saving 40 dollars on getting a thumb drive with the software installed upon it.

I followed all the instructions, to purchase the software, download it, Formatted the proper USB 2.0 32gb USB Drive. and install the proper files to the drive. Only for the car to not recognize the drive. I attempted the process multiple times with a variety of USB drives. all with the same outcome. I contacted Ford CRC for assistance and again followed all there recommendations and instructions and no dice, wouldn't work. Obtained additional USB Drives to facilitate the update and still failure. Contacted a second Ford CRC rep, and again followed all instructions and verified all my vehicle info and still nothing would happen, Rep had me press and Hold the Power and Right Seek keys to as they called in reset the Module. they had me again redownload all the software and license and reformat my USB drive and attempt again. 3rd call back to Ford CRC and all the same. so I went ahead and place the order for the FORD SYNC USB from the website for $40.00 USD. it arrived the next day. you guessed it didn't work. Called into Ford CRC and this rep went through all my vehicle info and verified my Radio info and Sync version and maps. but this time he says I have seen this before. Reset you system to Factory and this should work. So as instructed I reset to Factory and after coming back on the USB read immediately and started the update. Ford will tell you it can take around 60 mins but my system took almost 2 hours to update. but again I was on maps 118 now I am on maps version 223. so if you have issues Factory reset your infotainment system and this may help save you from having to call the CRC or buy a $40 dollar 32gb Thumb drive that has SYNC on it! $150.00 dollars 4 phone calls and hours of my life wasted. I hope I can can save you from that fate!
 

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#2
Can you confirm what SYNC version you have. 23188 is the newest one, not 23118
 

OP
Polizi212

Polizi212

Member
U.S. Army Veteran
Firefighter/EMT
Messages
82
Reactions
55
Points
17
Location
Ohio
Vehicle
2020 Ford Explorer ST
Thread Starter #3
Can you confirm what SYNC version you have. 23188 is the newest one, not 23118
Fixed my fat finger typo. I am on 3.4 23188
 



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