DIY: Ford SYNC3 Update From Version 2.3 To 3.0

[A.G.]

SYNC3 is becoming synonymous with Ford as it is now being or would be offered in their entire refreshed product portfolio right from Freestyle to Mustang.

This thread lists out the steps to carry out the update successfully. Prerequisites require a Ford vehicle (which in my case if Ford Endeavour) with SYNC3 system and Ford Owners login page.

Getting the update package:
Step 1: Log-in on the Ford Owners and check if the update is available.


Step 2: Click on Update New Version which would open a new pop-up window.


Step 3: Clicking on Request Download will take you to a user agreement which if you agree would start the process of generating a customized VIN specific download package and it’s link would be shared with-in 24 hours.



Step 4: Depending on the load on the server, the email with directions to return to update page with embedded link in the text SYNC Software Update would be received. In my case, the email was received in a couple of minutes. Clicking on the link embedded text would take you to the pop-up with info on downloading the package where clicking on OK and then Start Download would start the download. The last pop-up also lists to have a FAT32 formatted 8GB or more pen drive ready. The package itself could be a large file and might take time in download. In my case, the package size was 3.2 GB. Soon after the download starts, an email would be received to report successful installation of SYNC Software update. More on this later.





Step 5: One the download is complete, the contents of the zip file need to be uncompressed and then copied to a pen drive of 8GB or more from a Windows PC as Mac adds certain unrecognized hidden files as well.

Update sequence which would be followed

 

[A.G.]

Re: DIY – Ford SYNC3 update from version 2.3 to 3.0

Once the package is downloaded and copied to pen drive, we can proceed with installation. This process can take quite sometime.

While nothing is mentioned, I am listing pre-conditions I had set for my vehicle before start of update:
a. Removed all the items from the USB ports.
b. Turned off all the extra electrical loads as the ignition would for a long duration.
c. Rolled the windows down for ventilation.
d. Rechecked hood, trunk and all the gates are closed before initializing update.

Note: Before disturbing the condition you set for your vehicle before the start of update, wait patiently for atleast 60 minutes. After that only you may take necessary steps for troubleshooting.

Installation in the vehicle:
Step 6: With the pre-conditions set which would not be disturbed for the next 60 minutes, insert the pen drive (which contains the uncompressed contents of the package as created after Step 5) and turn-ON the key to ignition mode and wait.

21:26 – Ignition turned ON after inserting pen drive


Step 7: After waiting for a couple of minutes, the contents of the pen drive were recognised by the SYNC3 system and it displayed Updating system software.

21:28 – Updating system software


Step 8: Once the update is completed, a pop-up message is displayed confirming successful application of update and asking you to remove the pen drive and informing update would be installed the next time vehicle is started. Keep the pen drive safe as it will be needed again.

21:53 – Update completed


Step 9: Turn the key to Off position and open the driver’s door for the SYNC3 system to shut down completely. After waiting for a couple of seconds, close the door and turn ON the key to ignition position. The update would be applied in a couple of minutes and a final message would pop-up which goes away quickly.


Sharing the version info

SYNC3 info (Before)


SYNC3 info (After)


Navigation info (Before)


Navigation info (After)


Once the update is successfully completed, the vehicle can be restored back to normal state. Incase the update is stuck even after 60 minutes, it is time to contact Ford India for troubleshooting steps.

 

[A.G.]

Re: DIY – Ford SYNC3 update from version 2.3 to 3.0

It is important to report the successful update to save the hassle of getting the same update again.

Reporting a successful update:
Step 10: As reported in Step 4, the email asking to report successful update would be received. Click on the link embedded text to Report your successful installation. This would take you to a page with pop-up asking the same.



Step 11: Clicking on Report Installation opens a new page to browse the file. Plug-in the pen drive used for update and then click on Browse. Select the last modified file from the SyncMyRide folder. Time of this file would coincide with the time when the update successful message was displayed on SYNC3.



Step 12: With the file selected, clicking on Report Installation would inform the status of reporting.



This would complete the installation process.

 

[A.G.]

Re: DIY – Ford SYNC3 update from version 2.3 to 3.0

What’s different?

Could notice following differences between SYNC3 Version 2.3 and 3.0

Pros:
1. Better and snappier animations
2. Larger fonts in Audio mode with better slider
3. Different icon set for Navigation and in settings
4. Direct option to turn off display in display settings
5. Voice recognition is improved
6. When a phone is connected, direct loading of Android Auto can be disabled now

Cons:
a. Android Auto connection is buggy
b. Google Maps cannot be accessed from SYNC3 Nav icon
c. Still no voice support for SYNC3's in-built navigation
d. Still no split screen support or navigation on Instrument panel in-line with Owners Manual

 

[A.G.]

Ford India has released an update for the SYNC3 version 3.0 from build 18025 to build 18093. The same can be applied with the steps outlined in the opening post. Change log mentions 'Continuous Software Improvement'.