2016 / 2017 Sync 3.4 Success?

[LokiWolf]

I think you are getting confused between Sync 2, and Sync 3 with 2.0 version of the OS. This thread is for Sync 3, going to 3.4 version of the OS.

In order to take Sync 2(My Ford Touch), sometimes called the 4 quadrant version, to Sync 3, you have to swap hardware, including the APIM, Screen, and Hub, and a few other small parts. There are several kits out there.


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[adwmac6]

I think you are getting confused between Sync 2, and Sync 3 with 2.0 version of the OS. This thread is for Sync 3, going to 3.4 version of the OS.

In order to take Sync 2(My Ford Touch), sometimes called the 4 quadrant version, to Sync 3, you have to swap hardware, including the APIM, Screen, and Hub, and a few other small parts. There are several kits out there.


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Gotcha . thanks

 

[chuck s]

I'd not spend a bunch of money on a hardware upgrade.

My 2007 XLT didn't have built in navigation so I kept a Garmin GPS on top of the dashboard. My 2017 has Sync 3 with navigation and just updated to the latest firmware. And the Garmin still sits on top of the dash. When the two systems propose different routes I take the Garmin's.

Screen size with Sync 3 is bigger but the landscape orientation is less than helpful, I really don't care what's 5 miles on either side of my route, I want to know what's ahead. The 'lil Garmin sits in "portrait" orientation.

-- Chuck

 

[LokiWolf]

I'd not spend a bunch of money on a hardware upgrade.

My 2007 XLT didn't have built in navigation so I kept a Garmin GPS on top of the dashboard. My 2017 has Sync 3 with navigation and just updated to the latest firmware. And the Garmin still sits on top of the dash. When the two systems propose different routes I take the Garmin's.

Screen size with Sync 3 is bigger but the landscape orientation is less than helpful, I really don't care what's 5 miles on either side of my route, I want to know what's ahead. The 'lil Garmin sits in "portrait" orientation.

-- Chuck

Chuck is spot on.

Sync 3 gets other advantages though. Like CarPlay and Android Auto, which is what I use to solve the problems Chuck is talking about. Waze on the bigger screen is nice!

If you are doing it for Maps, not worth it. If you are doing it to gain CarPlay/Android Auto and keep the Stock feel and function, it is worth it in my opinion if you are going to keep the Truck for a long time.


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[chicagodawg]

I just completed this update on my 2017 Expo. I used a 64GB Scan disk (Cruzer Glide) thumb drive. I downloaded the automatic down-loader and went that route. I have gig internet and it still took about 2 hours to download. Some of the files were only downloading at KB rates. So it can be slow, like using a 56K modem slow. Once that was complete, I simply plugged the stick into the USB port in the Expo and away the update went. During the first few minutes, I thought it was done, my screen went black. But after a minute or two, the screen changed to a status bar and was updating. It probably took about 45mins to update.

Happy to help!

 

[Snidley53]

2016 Expedition I am on 3.0 build 19205, do I need to downgrade to build 19200 before doing the most recent upgrade version of 3.4? Many thanks in advance for any assistance.

 

[chuck s]

Download the update program (linked earlier in this thread), run it, and it will tell you what versions have to be downgraded. And it will do it for you, just take your time and read the instructions.

-- Chuck

 

[Snidley53]

Thanks Chuck! Appreciate your help.

 

[LokiWolf]

2016 Expedition I am on 3.0 build 19205, do I need to downgrade to build 19200 before doing the most recent upgrade version of 3.4? Many thanks in advance for any assistance.

The answer is no...the downgrade it is talking about is to 3.4.19200, you are on 3.0.19205. There is version, minor version, and build revision.

After you install 3.4.19274 or above, sometimes you will need to downgrade first. But a downgrade is only required if you want to upgrade Maps. If you are just upgrading the Apps, then that does not require the format tool, and therefore no downgrade.

 

[Snidley53]

So the downgrade applies to only 3.4 19274 was a bit confusing for my poor old brain. Thanks for clarifying this.

 

[LokiWolf]

So the downgrade applies to only 3.4 19274 was a bit confusing for my poor old brain. Thanks for clarifying this.

Correct, 3.4 19274 or newer...and only if you want to install Maps.

 

[chuck s]

Maps are the only reason I upgraded although the ability to use the navigation system while the truck is moving is reason enough.

The downgrade + upgrade cycle is painless although it takes longer than just a simple upgrade I needed to downgrade and started that working out in the driveway with the engine idling (hood up, it was 95° or so) while I downloaded the upgrade on the PC onto a separate USB stick. Once the downgrade completed (45 minutes?) I went down cycled the ignition Off/On to insure a reboot of the system and installed the latest version (hood up again). Easy peasy -- but let both reloads complete, it takes what seems a long time.

Regardless of needing to downgrade I recommend NOT watching it as some have been fooled that the process is done before it is.

-- Chuck

 

[LokiWolf]

Maps are the only reason I upgraded although the ability to use the navigation system while the truck is moving is reason enough.

The downgrade + upgrade cycle is painless although it takes longer than just a simple upgrade I needed to downgrade and started that working out in the driveway with the engine idling (hood up, it was 95° or so) while I downloaded the upgrade on the PC onto a separate USB stick. Once the downgrade completed (45 minutes?) I went down cycled the ignition Off/On to insure a reboot of the system and installed the latest version (hood up again). Easy peasy -- but let both reloads complete, it takes what seems a long time.

Regardless of needing to downgrade I recommend NOT watching it as some have been fooled that the process is done before it is.

-- Chuck

Clarity, a quick cycle of the ignition does not reboot Sync. It is live for up to 30 minutes after the ignition is turned off. The only way to insure a reboot is to use the power button/next track hold to force a reboot...


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[verna2197]

I am so confused. Upgraded my sync, read that it included waze, now been reading on here you still have to plug your phone in? Then what is the upgrade for?

 

[LokiWolf]

I am so confused. Upgraded my sync, read that it included waze, now been reading on here you still have to plug your phone in? Then what is the upgrade for?

Ford added Waze support in Applink, but yes it requires a hardwire connection to work. It allows you to use Waze within Sync 3 without using CarPlay or Android Auto.

Other Applink apps work over BT in 3.4 like Pandora.


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[Snidley53]

Completed the upgrade yesterday afternoon and it went super smooth. Looking forward to our next trip and using the new map files. Thanks for all of the help Chuck S and Loki.

 

[cullinan18]

I just completed the upgrade, as well. I haven't tested everything, but the ForScan Bambi mode is still in my system (along with British spelling of "Favourites"). I will check NiM and text displays later today.

 

[chuck s]

Ummm... Mine reads "Favorites." And always has to my recollection. Did you choose the wrong region?

-- Chuck

 

[lotzeolli]

Even it is an old thread, I hope to find some help:

I have a 2016 Expedition and upgraded the Software to 3.0 via VIN by ford homepage.
The only reason to do so, I want apple carplay.
Do I have to update hardware AND software to get carplay?
What hardware is needed. When I search for the HC3Z-19A387-B hub, I only find the -F version.
I just moved in to the USA from Germany and have some language barriers to understand it all. I‘m for sure not the most techi person neither in hard nor software.
Is there any plug&play version to use?

The reason for me using carplay is simple: I love it and the navigation language is German.

Thanks!

 

[Yupster Dog]

I hope to find some help:

The best way is to start your own thread.
This might help,
https://www.expeditionforum.com/threads/correct-way-to-start-a-thread.47954/

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