2015/2016

[powerboatr]

i am not sure what all was updated?
i use my phone for calls, usb for music
factory nav for nav
weather from travel link
i am sure, i am not using 1/3rd of the system capability

 

[ExpeditionAndy]

i am not sure what all was updated?
i use my phone for calls, usb for music
factory nav for nav
weather from travel link
i am sure, i am not using 1/3rd of the system capability

I do pretty much the same thing. I'm technically competent but I listen to satellite radio, I use Waze for navigation, I wish I could put in on the main screen, and the rest, I just drive the truck. I have to teach my wife how to use Sync because she is my navigator when we go on long trips. I just drive.

 

[jeff kushner]

You guys had to manually update Sync? I seem to remember it asking me when I first initialized it how I wanted it to update....I think that since I have a fairly strong wi-fi signal at home, I told it to update using wi-fi. I'd have to check to see what version it's at now but I "might" have seen it telling me a while back that it was updating when I was getting ready to go somewhere....

Andy, the "apps" link may be greyed out if you don't have any mobile apps loaded on your phone?

jeff

 

[ExpeditionAndy]

You guys had to manually update Sync? I seem to remember it asking me when I first initialized it how I wanted it to update....I think that since I have a fairly strong wi-fi signal at home, I told it to update using wi-fi. I'd have to check to see what version it's at now but I "might" have seen it telling me a while back that it was updating when I was getting ready to go somewhere....

Andy, the "apps" link may be greyed out if you don't have any mobile apps loaded on your phone?

jeff

My Sync 3 came with 2.0 from the factory and it said there were no updates available. I was able to use the update provided by LokiWolf to update to 2.2.

I have mobile apps on my phone and I understand that I have to be connected to with the cable to access them. What that screen is supposed to do is allow the system to use the data plan in my phone to contact Ford for updates when you are connected via the cable but it doesn't seem to allow me to access that part and when I have the cable plugged in I cannot get to that screen. It's just a weird thing that I'm trying to figure out.

 

[jeff kushner]

I just went outside and checked and yes, mine is the 2.0 version. I tend to shy away from software or firmware updates before I can read the notes that usually accompany them...too many times I've read where people lost functionality with newer versions that they once had.


A quick search revealed these comments on various ford vehicles:

************

"There don't seem to be a lot of changes, other than as a whole the unit seems snappier, and the right side LCD display next to the speedometer is now displaying info from bluetooth sources."

************************

It works. I did it about a month ago. Android Auto works well, especially the navigation with traffic and the voice recognition and destination searching is far superior. Can send text messages via the voice interface as well. On the sync3 navigation the speed limit shows up larger and more clearly which is nice.
Here is the change log for the 2.2 update from the 2gfusions post:


************************
So I tried the update and got to 2.2, but now I can't change radio presets either by touchscreen or the steering controls. I did a master reset twice to no avail. I'm off to the dealer tomorrow for them to resolve it and an oil change.

******************
So it looks like the update looses the use of radio presets, adds Android Auto which does not allow the use any interesting apps, just gives you a sexier voice. Anybody found anything of value in this update. Make sure your phone will install Android Auto before updating. Can I go back to an earlier version.
**********************

BACKGROUND

Many of us who bought a 2016 model with Sync 3 are still on v. 1.0. As it turns out, there is a v2.2 that has been leaked to the public (presumably originally by a Ford employee) last December. This is the same Sync 3 update that many folks have used to update their F150’s, Fusions, and Mustangs. Many Transit owners at this point have done so as well. Other models have started to have v2.2 show up through the automatic wifi updates. But it appears that no Transit has so far. Thus, many of us are going ahead and manually updating using a file downloaded onto a USB flash drive. It’s not clear why Ford hasn’t released it to everyone through the normal update process. It seems that there are few or no bugs with a proper install.

There are two main advantages of updating to v2.2: Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. If you don’t want to wait for these improvements, go for it. There are a few other software refinements also. If you want to use Apple CarPlay, you also have to replace the lower USB port (hub) with a newer version costing about $50 - $70. Installation of the port is easy. Downloading the files onto a USB and getting Sync updated is more challenging but went smoothly once I figured out which files to use.

See other instructions online if your Sync 3 is not the version with navigation, or if you don’t have a North American model, or if you aren’t running 1.0 or 1.1. And if you have a 2017, you should already have an updated system.

******************
Change Log:

Sync 3 2.2.6

This software release is the latest update in our continued efforts to improve system performance, device connectivity, and the overall SYNC experience.

This software contains the following enhancements:

• Updated voice recognition engine.
• Bluetooth phone, media, and Wi-Fi improvements.
• Navigation user interface improvements (if equipped).
• Android Auto for supported devices.
• Apple CarPlay for supported devices. Owners of 2016 models with SYNC 3 are required to perform a software upgrade and purchase a hardware upgrade through your dealer.

The installation of this update will take up to 60 minutes to complete. DO NOT remove your USB drive or turn off your vehicle. You must wait until Installation Complete is displayed on the center screen before removing your drive or turning your vehicle off. Be sure your vehicle engine is running (not in accessory mode) throughout the entire installation process. Although your vehicle must be in park when you initiate the installation process, once the download process has begun, you may drive your vehicle.
***************************


I'm good with my 2.0...other than the voice control defaulting to turning the heat on HI when if fails to understand ENGLISH<LOL>..it's alright.

jeff

 

[ExpeditionAndy]

Jeff, I have not noticed any problems with my upgrade.

 

[powerboatr]

sync voice cracks me up..
my 2010 would let you search nav a bit better
i get frustrated when we are on road and want a particular place to eat...sync gets is wrong often
no to mention...the refusal to type in search stuff while moving. passenger should be able to do that

 

[gblakeb]

I was able to get mine up and running with the part mentioned earlier. Didn't take pictures as the video pretty much took care of everything.

 

[jeff kushner]

All you guys that have updated to 2.2 are now broadcasting all sound and video straight into China<ROTFLMAO>...just like that news bit from a couple weeks ago that said the CIA lost control of software that would allow the user to tap into your Samsung smart TV to video the room and listen to what's being said....

If anyone wants to waste their time spying on me, they really need to get a life!


LOL


jeff

PS--Andy, notice any difference at all in the way it works or in features?

 

[LokiWolf]

2.0 to 2.2 is a SMALL update, and changes very few things. We call it a Minor update. It has improvements to data sent to the right of the Speedometer for Media info as an example, and fixed a bug with some older iPhones(5s I have seen personally).

1.0/1.1 to 2.2 is a Major Update and gives you Android Auto, Apple CarPlay(With a supported Hub, more on that in a second), improved voice prompts(Quicker Speach), and better Font usage(In my opinion).

All 2017's have 2.0 or 2.2 and a CarPlay Supported hub out of the Factory. Some later 2016's have 2.0, and I have even run into a 2016(Really late production date) with a supported hub(VERY RARE).

In most cases like Brad discovered, 2016's need both the software and hardware change to support Carplay.

Ford has this update(2.2) in their system, because it is on cars currently shipping from the factory. The Dealers when they check to see if you need an update, do not see it, because ford has not released it for install, because of the Hub thing on the 2016's. Even Sync 3 can be updated over Wifi, they still have not released it via that method either, except to some Lincoln Vehicles.

Only way to get this update is to get it from the links that are now posted here, and pretty much any other ford owner site.

Jeff, as far as stability, and issues. I have seen no negatives because of the update, on the 30+ I have done in person for Family, Friends, and a local dealership on various 2016/2017 Fords. I personally took my 1.1 2016 Edge to 2.2 as one of the first 2 people that Jason used as tests for his install download. Still running it with no issues, and that was Dec 11/2016 that I installed it. Installed 2.2 on my 17 Expy before I even had bought it. Did it on the Test Drive(I knew the Salesman).

The Radio Preset issue is not an across the board issue, and I had not heard about that until you posted it. I can change mine on both of my vehicles. I have added and changed on Both vehicles since going to 2.2.

I would not be sharing this if I thought you lost any function, or it had issues. If you have 1.0 or 1.1, it is a no-brainer, DO IT. If you have 2.0, not that much of a big deal. Do it if you are having an issue, because it might resolve it.

 

[jeff kushner]

Loki,

I admire what you have done after seeing you personally stick with these guys all the way thru the upgrading of their trucks....all while not being paid a cent that I can see. I tend to be cautious as I've said and I appreciate the detail you provided. The comments I had found were from various models and the single radio issue was truly an outlier and not seen anywhere else.

I will probably leave mine as it is but that in no way suggests that others shouldn't go ahead and upgrade theirs if they choose. They certainly have a great "support system" in you!

jeff

 

[LokiWolf]

So a few things, and Andy touched on a few of those.

Loki,

I admire what you have done after seeing you personally stick with these guys all the way thru the upgrading of their trucks....all while not being paid a cent that I can see. I tend to be cautious as I've said and I appreciate the detail you provided. The comments I had found were from various models and the single radio issue was truly an outlier and not seen anywhere else.

I will probably leave mine as it is but that in no way suggests that others shouldn't go ahead and upgrade theirs if they choose. They certainly have a great "support system" in you!

jeff

Thanks, I appreciate the words! It is why these forums are great. We have the chance to help each other.

 

[mdntblu]

The only reason I upgraded mine was to get Sync 3 CarPlay for my phone. That made it so nice on our road trip this past weekend. Without that we would constantly be looking at our phones instead of having everything on the screen for playing Spotify or Apple Maps. We navigated from Calif to Arizona and all over Phoenix metro for 3 days with no issues. All buttons worked correctly, the system is very snappy and works well. I love when phone is plugged in via the cable you can press the steering wheel voice button and it activates siri very quickly and you can ask for directions in plain english to places you want and it works very well. Also being able to text using Siri is a big plus. Yes you can do Siri Eyes Free on the older firmware but the way CarPlay does it makes it much better. Thanks again Loki, because of your help my road trip was much more pleasant!!!

 

[LokiWolf]

The only reason I upgraded mine was to get Sync 3 CarPlay for my phone. That made it so nice on our road trip this past weekend. Without that we would constantly be looking at our phones instead of having everything on the screen for playing Spotify or Apple Maps. We navigated from Calif to Arizona and all over Phoenix metro for 3 days with no issues. All buttons worked correctly, the system is very snappy and works well. I love when phone is plugged in via the cable you can press the steering wheel voice button and it activates siri very quickly and you can ask for directions in plain english to places you want and it works very well. Also being able to text using Siri is a big plus. Yes you can do Siri Eyes Free on the older firmware but the way CarPlay does it makes it much better. Thanks again Loki, because of your help my road trip was much more pleasant!!!

You are very welcome Brad!

Yeah, Carplay skips Sync. Eyes Free has Sync in the Middle, therefore giving a bit of delay. Wife still prefers the built in Nav and functions over CarPlay, where as I use CarPlay more than the built in. The update to give the 3 quick change buttons in 10.3 of iOS was a great addition. Apple still has some work to do, but if they keep going in the direction they are I will be happy.

 

[ExpeditionAndy]

You are very welcome Brad!

Yeah, Carplay skips Sync. Eyes Free has Sync in the Middle, therefore giving a bit of delay. Wife still prefers the built in Nav and functions over CarPlay, where as I use CarPlay more than the built in. The update to give the 3 quick change buttons in 10.3 of iOS was a great addition. Apple still has some work to do, but if they keep going in the direction they are I will be happy.

If i press and hold the speech button on the steering wheel, Siri comes up when I'm not not connected by cable and it seems pretty fast.

If you are referring to the three buttons on the left hand side of the screen in car play I had that with 2.0 unless you are saying they came after the update to 10.3 if that is the case, I didn't notice the lack of the three buttons before I upgraded.

We have an iPad Mini we use for navigation. We love the Waze app. It reminds me of the old CB days because you can get police reports and if there is a traffic accident and tie up, Waze will reroute you around the problem. I only wish that Waze would work on the dash screen but it isn't configured for Car Play.

 

[LokiWolf]

If i press and hold the speech button on the steering wheel, Siri comes up when I'm not not connected by cable and it seems pretty fast.

It is Pretty Fast, but there is less delay with CarPlay enabled. Even more when you just use Sync voice prompting.

If you are referring to the three buttons on the left hand side of the screen in car play I had that with 2.0 unless you are saying they came after the update to 10.3 if that is the case, I didn't notice the lack of the three buttons before I upgraded.

Has nothing to do with Sync Version. Before iOS 10.3, there was only one icon that would show up to the left and that was Maps. Now you get 3. Maps, Messaging, and the most recently used Audio App.

We have an iPad Mini we use for navigation. We love the Waze app. It reminds me of the old CB days because you can get police reports and if there is a traffic accident and tie up, Waze will reroute you around the problem. I only wish that Waze would work on the dash screen but it isn't configured for Car Play.

AGREE! I would like to be able to use Google Maps, and Waze. Apple is currently only allowing their map app at this time, even though Waze and Google have requested.

 

[ExpeditionAndy]

It is Pretty Fast, but there is less delay with CarPlay enabled. Even more when you just use Sync voice prompting.


Has nothing to do with Sync Version. Before iOS 10.3, there was only one icon that would show up to the left and that was Maps. Now you get 3. Maps, Messaging, and the most recently used Audio App.


AGREE! I would like to be able to use Google Maps, and Waze. Apple is currently only allowing their map app at this time, even though Waze and Google have requested.

Thanks for the information Loki.

Now that you mention it, I vaguely remember seeing just the one icon right after I bought the truck.

I'll keep hoping that Waze gets approved before our trip in June.

 

[ElliottM]

Hello everyone.

I just picked up a 2016 Certified Pre-Owned Expy EL yesterday. We owned a 1st gen Expy years ago, several Explorers and an Excursion, too. The dealer is about 400 miles from home, so I had a nice long drive to see how much I liked the 2016. In a nutshell, I loved it - but I would like to see a few changes.

At any rate, I need to ask for help. One of my gripes is with the Sync 3 system. Upon getting home I did more digging, found this site, etc. The Sync system on our Expy is V1.0, so it needs updating. And I am not having luck updating the software myself. I configured the WiFi on the vehicle to access our network, but it doesn't update over WiFi. I followed the instructions on owner.ford.com for updating Sync using a USB stick, but it doesn't seem to recognize the stick. I have searched for tips to do the upgrade and have missed them on this site, if they are there.

Can anyone point me to tips for updating Sync 3 on a 2016?

 

[ElliottM]

OK, Technology 1, Elliott 0. First mistake - i pulled the USB stick out to verify it and discovered it was formatted NTFS. D'oh! So I reformatted it and am copying the Sync update to it now. The copying takes quite a few minutes, so in the interim I did the factory reset of the head unit. Once the Sync files are copied to the USB stick then I will try the update process again.

 

[ElliottM]

Posting the following in case it helps someone else.

I kept getting an error message that the installation failed, that it ran out of disk space or does not work with this version. This is after a Master Reset, formatting the 128GB SD card as exFAT, and using the Sync update from owners.ford.com. As a test, I tried the Nav version so kindly provided by LokiWolf next and that resulted in the same error message.

I went online in a chat with Ford's Sync support to see if they could help me, and she told me to use a 32GB USB stick. I had tried the 128GB stick because (a) I couldn't find one of 32GB and (b) more storage has to be better, right? Well, I found a 32GB stick, formatted it, copied the update to it and it worked. My Expy is now updated to V2.2.

So the moral of the story is:

• Use a 32GB USB stick for the upgrade, as the unit seems to have problems reading larger sizes.