Sync Navigation Map Update NA 2 23 Now Available

[Dude]

… When I mentioned to the Nav team rep that the owners manual still mentions updates through wifi that just went over her head and basically just kept repeating I am not supposed to be able to update over wifi.

Not surprising. I’ve also seen Ford documentation stating Sync 3.4 updates can be done over WiFi but NAV Maps updates must be done over USB.

Most likely this is a strong recommendation because Ford knows NAV files are very large and updating NAV over WiFi is a bad idea because it’s an unreliable way to update.

I’ve had the setting disabled for the automatic updates over WiFi since 2023 due to all the corrupted downloads owners reported using WiFi for downloading updates.

I no longer use the scan for updates setting in the vehicle. This has known issues and doesn’t always work.

What does always work for Sync updates and for NAV Maps updates is the USB Device method. Ford’s instructions for this are very clear and easy to follow. The file written to the USB Device after Sync updates complete has to be uploaded to the Ford website and that hasn’t always worked but doesn’t cause any issues.

To be safe, use the Setting on the 8” Display to disable automatic updates over WiFi* and don’t use the Setting to scan for updates.

https://www.ford.com/support/sync-maps-updates/

*Note: Disabling automatic updates could mean not getting updates for other modules - I’ve talked to Ford Techs, some say only Sync is updated over WiFi.
At least one Tech said WiFi is also used to update non-Sync and non-NAV Modules for the Sync 3.4 system.

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[DWG]

Not surprising. I’ve also seen Ford documentation stating Sync 3.4 updates can be done over WiFi but NAV Maps updates must be done over USB.

Most likely this is a strong recommendation because Ford knows NAV files are very large and updating NAV over WiFi is a bad idea because it’s an unreliable way to update.

I’ve had the setting disabled for the automatic updates over WiFi since 2023 due to all the corrupted downloads owners reported using WiFi for downloading updates.

I no longer use the scan for updates setting in the vehicle. This has known issues and doesn’t always work.

What does always work for Sync updates and for NAV Maps updates is the USB Device method. Ford’s instructions for this are very clear and easy to follow. The file written to the USB Device after Sync updates complete has to be uploaded to the Ford website and that hasn’t always worked but doesn’t cause any issues.

To be safe, use the Setting on the 8” Display to disable automatic updates over WiFi* and don’t use the Setting to scan for updates.

https://www.ford.com/support/sync-maps-updates/

*Note: Disabling automatic updates could mean not getting updates for other modules - I’ve talked to Ford Techs, some say only Sync is updated over WiFi.
At least one Tech said WiFi is also used to update non-Sync and non-NAV Modules for the Sync 3.4 system but I don't think that is correct.

Agree! Any further map updates will be via USB. I did have a Customer Satisfaction program 22N15 this past January for my 20 Escape that was completed OTA by Ford. They updated the Telematics Control Unit and I only knew that because Ford sent a ;letter after they updated it. So there can be other updates other than for Sync. I guess the letter would have told me to go to the dealer if the update couldn't be made over the air. That would have been ok with me.

 

[Sojourner]

Absolutely agree now that USB is the way to go. For Sync 3....

Because, with Sync 4 you don't have the option; all delivered via WiFi; no USB option shows on tne updates page. So I'm trying to see if there are ways around that for my third Ford.

 

[Dude]

Absolutely agree now that USB is the way to go. For Sync 3....

Because, with Sync 4 you don't have the option; all delivered via WiFi; no USB option shows on tne updates page. So I'm trying to see if there are ways around that for my third Ford.

Perhaps OTA using Sync4 is near 100% reliable right? Nothing is perfect but I have to guess that is very reliable on Ford vehicles with Sync4 and a decent OTA connection.

 

[DWG]

Absolutely agree now that USB is the way to go. For Sync 3....

Because, with Sync 4 you don't have the option; all delivered via WiFi; no USB option shows on tne updates page. So I'm trying to see if there are ways around that for my third Ford.

If I recall correctly with Sync 4 if you do not maintain the subscription the built-in navigation will not work.

 

[DWG]

After the failed map update over wifi and even with Ford's help I could not download the map update to my computer I purchased the preloaded USB and installed the map update. I liked the that the USB that you get has a red light on the end that flashes while it is downloading. Since some files must of already been downloaded via wifi the USB download took less than 1/2 an hour but it did get a little confusing because a couple of times a message flashed that part 1 of the download was complete, do a key cycle. I did not see that message in the instructions that came with the USB and before I could do anything the download started up again so I kept driving. The screen message finally said download complete you can remove the USB drive.

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