Ford notified me NEW Sync 3 firmware update is available

[Mr Big]

It appears Ford falls behind when it comes to updating firmware on older models.
I was just notified by Ford that there is a new SYNC 3 firmware update available.
So, I went to the website to get it and the "website shows" I currently have SYNC Version3.0.20204 and the new update is 3.0.23219.
Funny thing is I already have 3.4.23188 installed thanks to Cyan Labs. My 2021 Explorer received the 3.4.23188 notification.
I wish Ford would stay more up to date with their older models.

 

[2018ExpyPlatinum]

I received notice of an update too. I haven't done it yet because I just haven't had the time. Not sure what version I have, or what version update it is without looking. I'd really like to know what's being updated before I do it.

 

[2020-MAX-Limited]

It appears Ford falls behind when it comes to updating firmware on older models. I was just notified by Ford that there is a new SYNC 3 firmware update available. So, I went to the website to get it and the website shows I currently have SYNC Version3.0.20204 and the new update is 3.0.23219. Funny thing is I already have 3.4.23188 installed thanks to Cyan Labs. My 2021 Explorer received the 3.4.23188 notification. I wish Ford would stay more up to date with their older models.

Ford would not know you updated at Cyan Labs. I disabled over-the-air updates and instead use the USB stick method of downloading and updating my SYNC 3. The final step is uploading the results of the update to the Ford Owner Website. This is the way Ford keeps track of the version you have. My version is 3.4.23188, and the website does not show any updates pending.

 

[Mr Big]

Ford would not know you updated at Cyan Labs. I disabled over-the-air updates and instead use the USB stick method of downloading and updating my SYNC 3. The final step is uploading the results of the update to the Ford Owner Website. This is the way Ford keeps track of the version you have. My version is 3.4.23188, and the website does not show any updates pending.

I disabled mine as well and use a USB drive for my updates.
And how did you go about updating your firmware version results to the Ford Website?

 

[aalbert]

Do they have release notes somewhere for the various versions... A google of the new version basically shows that it deletes the rear view camera continuing to display once you shift it into Drive.

 

[Dice Roll]

Does the truck automatically update itself?

 

[Left Coast Geek]

I couldn't get that XML file to work, it just opened in a browser as unformatted HTML like output, instead of doing whatever update with Ford's mothership.

 

[Left Coast Geek]

Does the truck automatically update itself?

It has to A) have a solid wifi connection to your home internet, and B) you have to enable auto update. updating via USB stick is far more reliable.

 

[2020-MAX-Limited]

And how did you go about updating your firmware version results to the Ford Website?

There are instructions on the website where you downloaded your update file to your USB stick. They are at the end of the procedure (obviously)

 

[2020-MAX-Limited]

I couldn't get that XML file to work, it just opened in a browser as unformatted HTML like output, instead of doing whatever update with Ford's mothership.

Correct, your computer doesn't know what to do with the XML file, but the Ford website does. The instructions are not clear, but you have to go back to the Ford Owner Website where you downloaded the update file and with your USB stick in the computer there is a button / file selection box to send your XML file back to Ford. It's been awhile since I last updated my SYNC3, so I don't remember exactly what the screen looks like.

 

[Mr Big]

The final step is uploading the results of the update to the Ford Owner Website. This is the way Ford keeps track of the version you have.

How did you go about updating your firmware version results to the Ford Website? There seems to be no provision to do so on Ford's website.

 

[Alwaysthinkin]

So, I just went through all this in updating my SYNC3 version. I used the USB to do the update and the system showed that it successfully completed. However, when I sent the XLM file to Ford it showed the following message:

"It appears there is an issue with the uploaded log file. Our team will review shortly and update your account to reflect the current version of SYNC in your vehicle. We recommend using Wi-Fi updates where available for your vehicle."

Of course that has been over a month ago and Ford continues to show the same message. I contacted them after seeing the message and was told the USB method is no longer recommended and I should do the Wi-Fi update. My garage doesn't have the best Wi-Fi coverage so I pulled around back and proceeded to do the update via Wi-Fi and the system indicated it was completed successfully. Anyway, that was my experience.
I then proceeded to update the Navigation Software using USB, I did the download method from Ford, which completed successfully.

 

[Mr Big]

So, I just went through all this in updating my SYNC3 version. I used the USB to do the update and the system showed that it successfully completed. However, when I sent the XLM file to Ford it showed the following message:

"It appears there is an issue with the uploaded log file. Our team will review shortly and update your account to reflect the current version of SYNC in your vehicle. We recommend using Wi-Fi updates where available for your vehicle."

Of course that has been over a month ago and Ford continues to show the same message. I contacted them after seeing the message and was told the USB method is no longer recommended and I should do the Wi-Fi update. My garage doesn't have the best Wi-Fi coverage so I pulled around back and proceeded to do the update via Wi-Fi and the system indicated it was completed successfully. Anyway, that was my experience.
I then proceeded to update the Navigation Software using USB, I did the download method from Ford, which completed successfully.

My case is different. I only mentioned it to show how far behind Ford is on older models.
My point was Ford shows several versions behind what I installed using Cyan Labs installer.

 

[Dice Roll]

If you have the att hotspot, will it do the updates?

 

[Left Coast Geek]

No, it needs a wifi connection to your home ISP.

 

[Mr Big]

If you have the att hotspot, will it do the updates?

Yes, as long as you have good WIFI through your ATT hotspot. I did mine in the past using my hotspot through my phone with no issues.
With that said, the safest way is to download the firmware, follow directions on how to use a USB stick, and install that way.

 

[Rob6805]

Yes, as long as you have good WIFI through your ATT hotspot. I did mine in the past using my hotspot through my phone with no issues.
With that said, the safest way is to download the firmware, follow directions on how to use a USB stick, and install that way.

This is two different things. The poster is asking whether the radio will update using the built in ATT hot spot. It will not. You need to connect to a wifi signal either through your home system or your phone wifi as you mentioned.

 

[Alwaysthinkin]

Yes, as long as you have good WIFI through your ATT hotspot. I did mine in the past using my hotspot through my phone with no issues.
With that said, the safest way is to download the firmware, follow directions on how to use a USB stick, and install that way.

I agree the USB is the safest route for downloading updates. So was surprised that Ford is pushing Wi-Fi, not USB, as the way to go in the future.

 

[bmk1]

I updated via usb successfully. Any idea what the update did? I googled with no luck.

 

[Left Coast Geek]

I updated my Sync3 and my Nav on my '19 Saturday night... didn't drive it anywhere til this morning, the Nav was seemingly confused and kept showing me on tertiary roads parallel to the relatively major road I was on. I normally use Android Auto w/ Google Maps so I don't really need the built in Nav, but I wanted to verify it works.

anyone else seen any such weirdness ?