Synch 3 Wifi update

[ExpeditionAndy]

Under the category of, "Should have left it well enough alone",...

After finding this thread in the weekly "Most Popular Topics" email, I decided to see what SYNC3 version my 2016 had. Version 1.0. So I went to owners site and saw my VIN has a Version 2.2 download available. I followed the instructions, downloaded the ZIP file to my hard drive, extracted the ZIP folder's files to my newly exFAT formatted USB thumb drive, then headed out to my Expy. Fired up the engine, plugged in my USB drive, and saw "Software Updating" come up on the display. Since the instructions on the web site said this update/files-transfer might take "up to an hour" (YIKES!!), I let the engine idle in the driveway, came back in the house, and then started checking on it from time to time. No change in the display after an hour, still not even after TWO hours. Shut down the engine, etc., etc., removed the USB drive, did an engine start-up as instructed, another engine shutdown, then brought the USB thumb drive back to my PC. There was no *.XML file written to the USB drive as the web site's instructions said there would be after a successful update. After letting the Expy sit for maybe twenty minutes (following instructions to let it sit engine-off for "at least five minutes"), I went back out to check. Display still showing "Software Updating" upon engine start-up. I went through the SYNC3's submenus to see what version it thought it had, and sure enough it shows version 2.2. But it still shows it in mid update. Harumph. :/

One of the things that we found is that you need to use a USB2 flash drive, not a USB 3 because there were some issues. My guess is there is a way to restart the install but I am not sure off the top of my head. I will see if I can find instructions to restart the install. I know that when I upgraded from 2.0 to 2.2 it took about 25 minutes. @LokiWolf may have additional insight.

 

[LokiWolf]

Under the category of, "Should have left it well enough alone",...

After finding this thread in the weekly "Most Popular Topics" email, I decided to see what SYNC3 version my 2016 had. Version 1.0. So I went to owners site and saw my VIN has a Version 2.2 download available. I followed the instructions, downloaded the ZIP file to my hard drive, extracted the ZIP folder's files to my newly exFAT formatted USB thumb drive, then headed out to my Expy. Fired up the engine, plugged in my USB drive, and saw "Software Updating" come up on the display. Since the instructions on the web site said this update/files-transfer might take "up to an hour" (YIKES!!), I let the engine idle in the driveway, came back in the house, and then started checking on it from time to time. No change in the display after an hour, still not even after TWO hours. Shut down the engine, etc., etc., removed the USB drive, did an engine start-up as instructed, another engine shutdown, then brought the USB thumb drive back to my PC. There was no *.XML file written to the USB drive as the web site's instructions said there would be after a successful update. After letting the Expy sit for maybe twenty minutes (following instructions to let it sit engine-off for "at least five minutes"), I went back out to check. Display still showing "Software Updating" upon engine start-up. I went through the SYNC3's submenus to see what version it thought it had, and sure enough it shows version 2.2. But it still shows it in mid update. Harumph. :/

Start your Expy, wait about 60 seconds, then do 2 reboots in a row. Wait after each reboot until the Maps load on the screen in the left frame.

To do a reboot, press and hold the Power button, and the Next Track button. It should be 5-10 seconds and you should see the screen go black. After the first reboot the updating message should not be there, and after the 2nd reboot verify you still have 2.2 in the version section.

Yell if that doesn’t work.

 

[ExpeditionAndy]

Start your Expy, wait about 60 seconds, then do 2 reboots in a row. Wait after each reboot until the Maps load on the screen in the left frame.

To do a reboot, press and hold the Power button, and the Next Track button. It should be 5-10 seconds and you should see the screen go black. After the first reboot the updating message should not be there, and after the 2nd reboot verify you still have 2.2 in the version section.

Yell if that doesn’t work.

Thanks Ray!

 

[GeezingInVA]

One of the things that we found is that you need to use a USB2 flash drive, not a USB 3 because there were some issues.

Thanks. That might be applicable here, since my USB thumb drive is USB 3. I don't remember anything in the web site instructions specifying a USB 2 thumb drive.

A couple hours after my first post I went out to go for a short drive to pick up our Golden Retriever from "Pack Play" day, and my SYNC3 seems to be okay. It was no longer displaying Update In-progress (or whatever it said). I double-checked again, and it shows it's been updated to version 2.2, so at least from the vehicle it thinks it's updated.

There's still no *.xml file anywhere on my USB thumb drive, so I can't "complete" the update notification on the owner web site by uploading the requested *.xml file.

Guess I'll just periodically sign in to the owners web site a few times per year to see if there's been another SYNC3 update, and if so, I'll be sure to find a USB 2 thumb drive to use next time.

Thanks everyone for your assistance.

...Karl

 

[ExpeditionAndy]

Karl,

I think the guys just figured that out by trial and error with regards to the USB thumb drive version.

 

[LokiWolf]

Karl,

I think the guys just figured that out by trial and error with regards to the USB thumb drive version.

Yep, when you have done close to 40 now on various Fords you figure out a few tricks. I have a USB 3 Drive that does appear to work, but it is a slower one, as far as read write speed. Most of the time I use my old dependable PNY 16GB USB 2.

You are more likely to hear about updates here than on the Owner site.

Place your Expy on a Wifi Connection and tell it to check for updates. While it won’t pull it that way it will check in, which is what the XML file would have done.

 

[GeezingInVA]

Place your Expy on a Wifi Connection and tell it to check for updates. While it won’t pull it that way it will check in, which is what the XML file would have done.

Thanks. Done already this afternoon after I discovered the version 2.2 update "took". I had to re-establish the password-protected WiFi connection to our home network.

 

[XMan]

Not being a tech handy individual I'm reluctant to get into this usb update I see a good deal of frustration and aggravation in it for me!
What exactly does the 2.2 update do that isn't in the 1.0? The Synch 3 probably already does more than what I will already use so unless there is something in the 2.2 update that is more than just a bell or whistle I can probably live in the 1.0 world just fine.

 

[jkayca]

I believe 2.2 will give you Android Auto and Apple Careplay support. Note that your truck must have the upgraded USB hub installed for this to work so it isn't just a software fix.

 

[ExpeditionAndy]

Not being a tech handy individual I'm reluctant to get into this usb update I see a good deal of frustration and aggravation in it for me!
What exactly does the 2.2 update do that isn't in the 1.0? The Synch 3 probably already does more than what I will already use so unless there is something in the 2.2 update that is more than just a bell or whistle I can probably live in the 1.0 world just fine.

If you are an iPhone user and want to use some of the "Car Play" specific apps on the main screen on your truck you will need the 2.2 version and the USB connector that goes in the center console. This is handy if you don't have GPS and want to use Apple Maps for Navigation. It will work wirelessly with an Android phone without the module.

If you have some time and you want to do some reading on the subject start reading this thread here. It will give you a good eduation.

http://www.expeditionforum.com/posts/258306/

 

[LokiWolf]

I believe 2.2 will give you Android Auto and Apple Careplay support. Note that your truck must have the upgraded USB hub installed for this to work so it isn't just a software fix.

Andy said most of it. 2.X gives you Android Auto and Car Play. If you have a Late 2016 or 2017 most likely you do not need an updated Hub. The Newer hub is only needed for Car Play, Android Auto works with any version of the hub that comes with a Sync 3 equipped vehicle.

2.X also had several improvements in the voice prompts, it has less delay, and seems to be more concise in it's response.

 

[GeezingInVA]

2.X also had several improvements in the voice prompts, it has less delay, and seems to be more concise in it's response.

It may be my imagination, but,... I think I need to go tweak a setting somewhere because after my update to 2.2 I have to touch the soft keys twice every time to get it to recognize I've pressed the screen. It's pretty consistent that way now. :/

 

[bobmbx]

I just updated to 2.2 with no issues, and lo and behold I now get traffic data. Prior to the update, I would only get traffic data if I left Virginia and entered Maryland. This morning, the data popped right up. A pleasant surprise that cures my only complaint about Sync 3.

 

[LokiWolf]

It may be my imagination, but,... I think I need to go tweak a setting somewhere because after my update to 2.2 I have to touch the soft keys twice every time to get it to recognize I've pressed the screen. It's pretty consistent that way now. :/

Have you done the reboot that I mentioned above. 2 in a row will normally clear those types of issues.

 

[GeezingInVA]

Have you done the reboot that I mentioned above. 2 in a row will normally clear those types of issues.

Yessir.

 

[chuck s]

Any map updates for Sync 3? Map seems to be 2015 (according to the copyright or version number).

-- Chuck

 

[ExpeditionAndy]

Any map updates for Sync 3? Map seems to be 2015 (according to the copyright or version number).

-- Chuck

Go here Chuck: http://ford.navigation.com/product-list/Catalog/Catalog_Ford_Expedition_2015/en_US/FordNA/USD

 

[jrc50]

The way I read the Ford note, it is only good for up to 2015 Expeditions. I believe it was done in 2016, and the one in my February 2017 production Expedition has been out of date on my daughters address. $159 is a price rate when Garmin includes it for free!!

 

[ExpeditionAndy]

The way I read the Ford note, it is only good for up to 2015 Expeditions. I believe it was done in 2016, and the one in my February 2017 production Expedition has been out of date on my daughters address. $159 is a price rate when Garmin includes it for free!!

That's what happens when you have the factory navigation that can't update itself from the internet. I like Waze on my iPhone, it's free, it's always update, and the only thing that I wish is that it would work in CarPlay on the center screen in the truck.

 

[mossback]

FWIW, I noticed that Sync 3 v2.3 seems to be the current version. Not certain what visible changes there are between 2.2 & 2.3