Hi folks,

Just a few questions.

In order to update the Ford map, what do I need - the VIN I'm guessing?

Is the map update free?

I've heard that the engine needs to be running and that it can take anywhere between 30 mins and 2 hrs to update the map - is this true?

If the above is correct rather than the engine running - can you not just switch the ignition on? (seems to be both a security risk and non too environmentally friendly)

For the latest map, does SYNC need to be up-to-date (I'm guessing yes)

If so, how do you update SYNC (is that another long process with the engine running?)

That's about it for the mo.

Thanks in advance,

Zaph

 

What version of Sync do you have?

Hi Alex.  Thanks for the quick response.

SYNC3 (Software Version 2.3 / Build 17109)

Maps F 6.1

Downloading an update via a Ford website.

I've got a 32Gb USB drive being formatted to ex-FAT as I type this ready to extract the .zip files.

Trying to download a more up-to-date map.

I go to syncnavigation.com/ford/home and enter my vehicle's 17-digit VIN code

Site tells me:

"Invalid VIN.  Please make sure you are entering the correct VIN."

So, is this the correct site for a UK owner (I had been taken initially to a Ford Canada site)?

Zaph

 

 

1 minute ago, Zaphod_B said:

"Invalid VIN.  Please make sure you are entering the correct VIN."

I would guess that you have entered an "O" when it is a '0' zero

53 minutes ago, unofix said:

I would guess that you have entered an "O" when it is a '0' zero

Ahh, quite possibly.

Why manuacturers insist on using a combination of letters and numbers that include 0 and O but don't differentiate them (like you do with computers for example by having a slash through the zero or a dot in the centre) is beyond me.

Similarly with lower case 'L' and '1'.  It isin't just car manufacturers either 0 - domestic appliance manufacturers spring to mind.

Will try with an 'O' instead of a '0'.

Zaph

On 5/27/2024 at 6:49 PM, Zaphod_B said:

I go to syncnavigation.com/ford/home and enter my vehicle's 17-digit VIN code

Site tells me:

"Invalid VIN.  Please make sure you are entering the correct VIN."

So, is this the correct site for a UK owner (I had been taken initially to a Ford Canada site)?

Zaph

 

 

 

https://www.ford.co.uk/support/sync-maps-updates
you need the uk update site, put your vin in here and it should give you your updates.

Well I managed to download the SYNC update and the USB stick is plugged into the car and the display is saying “Updating system software …”

Been like that for 25 mins or so, engine is running with car on my driveway!

Roughly how long does this stage take?

If I get a message that it has updated okay, is that the end of the saga or is there more to come?

Do I leave the USB stick plugged in or can I remove it at some point? Does it *tell* me I can remove it?

The idea is to update the maps. I gather that after SYNC has been updated it writes a log file to the USB stick which I then have to upload to Ford to get access to the map update - correct?

if that is correct, can the map update be done over WiFi with the car “off” and sitting on my drive or does the engine have to be on and I just go for a long drive?

This has to be one of the worst update procedures I’ve ever come across. Hardly “environmentally friendly” to have the engine running just to update the software.  In my other car - an Octavia - you remove the SD card, format it (yes!) and write the new map onto the card, pop it into the car’s nav unit and turn it on. After a minute or so as it reads the info on the card, you have your new map.  Why couldn’t Ford have implemented a similar system beats me!

Thanks

Zaph

5 hours ago, Zaphod_B said:

Roughly how long does this stage take?

About 90 minuets, sometimes a few minutes less if you're lucky.

I believe you can drive the car while it's updating?  Don't just have to leave it idling on the driveway.