How to update Ford Sync 3 to 3.4 and Maps - Easy Step by Step

How to update Ford Sync 3 to 3 4 and Maps - Easy Step by Step

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In this video I walk you through easy step by step instructions on how to update your Ford Sync 3 to the newest version of Sync. These steps also show you how to update your maps for navigation if you have navigation already. You will not be able to add navigation with this method if you don't already have navigation. This video makes it easy for anyone to update their Ford Sync 3 radio.

If you're getting a USB hub error after updating -- your car is most likely a 2016 model that didn't come with a CarPlay Compatible USB hub. To get rid of this error and get CarPlay working you'll need to replace your hub with a newer model.

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This video is provided for informational purposes only. The information contained in this video is intended to provide general guidance for this DIY project. As with any DIY project, there is the potential for harm to yourself or others and because tools, products, materials, techniques, building codes and local regulations are continually changing, DIY Reid assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of the information contained therein and disclaims any liability for omissions, errors, or the outcome of any project. It is your responsibility to ensure compliance with all applicable laws, rules, codes, and regulations for any project. You must always take proper safety precautions and exercise caution when taking on any project. If there is any question or doubt in regards to any element of a project, please consult a licensed professional.

[grstech]

We just updated a 2017 Ford Fusion with Sync 3.0 to Sync 3.4 this afternoon on one of the sales reps vehicles. Took about an hour total from download to final install. This is with updated software and the latest map collection for this generation. The owner was complaining about laggy display and poor overall user interface. Now everything works. Thanks for the video and the link for the software.

[eileencyrus]

These instructions were so complete and concise. Saved me over $200 at the dealership. Thanks for sharing your wisdom and very complete instructions.

[JustLovett]

Just updated my 2018 Ford Fusion from sync 3.0 to 3.4. Thank you!! My radio was so slow before and I thought I needed a new APIM module. Now it looks great AND it’s not slow anymore! I love you, your video, and this was the best thing for my car. Thank you

[bobgirod]

Just successfully upgraded girlfriend's 2017 Ford Explorer XLT Sync from 3.0 to 3.4.22200 and maps to 2.20. Thank you 👍

[toddfandb]

Just update this afternoon. Extremely easy to do. Moved my 2018 Explorer from 3.0 to 3.4. Also upgrade my maps for 2/20 to 2/21.Thanks for this great video!

[yrualeg]

The build I used last night was 3.4 22200, and the Maps version NA_2_21 in my 2015 F150 that I upgraded the Sync2 to Sync3 APIM. Make sure you use a UNB3.0 it has faster transfer speeds. I drove into town and back home it took about 28 minutes to update.

[stevedelise]

Worked perfectly. Just updated my 2018 Ford Edge from v3.0 to v3.4 with no issues. Thanks for you very helpful video.

[bryan-skiw]

Works great, helped me upgrade a 2017 Fusion from factory version to 3.4 with recent map update. One issue I had came across was the maps not loading (after it restarted, post-completion) but a good ol' "turn it off and turn it back on again" fixed it. No way was I going to pay $100+ for something that only required 30 minutes of my time and a USB 😂

[avrgrip]

Worked as published. 2016 Ford Taurus SHO with updated USB hub for Apple Car Play. Updated from Sync 3 3.0 build 19205.
Took 5 min to update Sync, Nav Update finished at the 18-20min mark, Voice nav finishe at the 25:15 point, and Grace Notes finished at the 27:21 point.
System response seems to be quicker including Apple Car Play. Only issue I noticed is that the Nav was drifting around the neighborhood for a few minutes until it finally seemed to settle on my location. Also, as a note, my car notified me of an auto engine shutdown at 30 mins, so if you plan on leaving your car running unattended you may want to check that the engine doesn't shut down on its own during the install.

[ThePanic]

I did this install today on my 2016 F150 King Ranch, installed with no issues, all accessories work as before. The only thing I had to Sync was my phone with the upgrade and connect my WIFI. Sweet looking upgrade, they had 2020 maps available so that is what I installed along with everything else.

[six]

Much appreciated! Worked flawlessly and only took 6 minutes to run the update (no nav).

[MrDink]

Just did this update tonight. Coming from Sync 3 version 2.2 and maps from 2014 on a 17 Fusion it took 26 minutes. After the master reset it worked flawlessly. Much more responsive and smooth. Even the back up camera seems to have a higher FPS. Top notch guide and a great program. 👍

[wildcatt]

thank you! I've watched a few of these videos and wasn't able to get it done. This one worked on my 2018 F150. Sync 3 to 3.4. FYI, a 32 GB thumb drive was not enough. I changed to a 64 GB and boom! It worked perfectly. Cheers

[grfulbeingtldubya]

I am so NOT a techie! Given that, I was 1000% reliant on trusting the process and following all instructions exactly as outlined. My first attempt of updating from SYNC 3.0/Maps 2016 (for my 2018 Ford Explorer), I messed up when downloading the software by not toggling the switch to indicate that my system included Navigation: result was that that SYNC 3.0 got updated and my Maps became non-functional (error message, of course, to go to the dealer!) So I went back to download the software again using same USB and it gave me an option to just update Maps (because I finally toggled properly to let the website know that my original system did have Navigation capabilities) which I did. After downloading the proper Maps to the USB, I re-did the Updates in my vehicle and VOILA!!! I now have Sync 3.4/Maps 2020. THANKS FOR ALL THIS INFO AND careful guidance. Even though I messed up initially, it was not a fatal error; instead it was actually an easy fix. Who knows how much $$ I saved.

[JustinsSVT]

Currently in the process of doing this on my 2018 Raptor! Currently has Sync 3.0, but I am upgrading to the 3.4 with the 2021 Maps. I am downloading the software onto my USB and look forward to following up on my comment when I can plug my USB into my truck

[ludalu]

Awesome video. step by step. It is a bit different because the program has updated. But very similar. It took 30 min on mine 2016 ford flex. It was glitching dropping the calls freezing you name it. Once it is complete i took it for a spin. It worked like a charm with the new look. Thank you very

[goatmaster]

Thank you for the video, it worked perfect on my wifes 2017 Edge, took her from 2.0 to

[fastvsix]

Great video. followed the instructions and updated my 2018 F150. The sync 3 was becoming very sluggish. So far, this has fixed the issue. Thanks.

[stuckinthewave]

How does one update maps now the road from now? I my try this if I can get new up to date map updates for free

[bottomup]

I successfully updated my Sync 3 on my 2018 F150 today. It fixed the bad delay while pressing screen buttons. The USB took a good 10 minutes just to start booting then 25 minutes to complete.