SYNC 3 – Various SYNC Performance Related Concerns – 2016-2019 Ford & Lincoln

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NHTSA ID Number: 10198605

Manufacturer Communication Number: TSB 21-2175

Summary

Some 2016 MKS, 2016-2017 Navigator, 2016-2018 F-150/Focus/C-MAX/Edge/Fiesta/MKX/Transit Connect/MustangeBay, 2017-2018 Continental/Fusion/MKZ, 2017-2019 Explorer, 2016-2019 Escape/MKC/Flex/MKT/Taurus/Transit/Expedition/F-Super Duty, and 2018-2019 EcoSport vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 may experience various SYNC performance related concerns.

 


 


This bulletin supersedes 20-2255. Reason for update: Replace Awareness/Interim Message

 

Model:

FordeBay

2016-2018 C-MAX Hybrid
2018-2019 EcoSport
2016-2018 Edge
2016-2019 Escape
2016-2019 Expedition
2017-2019 Explorer
2016-2018 F-150
2016-2019 F-Super Duty
2016-2018 Fiesta
2016-2019 Flex
2016-2018 Focus
2017-2018 Fusion
2016-2018 MustangeBay
2016-2019 Taurus
2016-2019 Transit
2016-2018 Transit Connect

LincolneBay

2017-2018 Continental
2016-2019 MKC
2016 MKS
2016-2019 MKT
2016-2018 MKX
2017-2018 MKZ
2016-2017 Navigator

 

Summary

This article supersedes TSB 20-2255 to update the TSB Service Procedure.

 

Issue: Some 2016 MKS, 2016-2017 Navigator, 2016-2018 F-150/Focus/C-MAX/Edge/Fiesta/MKX/Transit Connect/MustangeBay, 2017-2018 Continental/Fusion/MKZ, 2017-2019 Explorer, 2016-2019 Escape/MKC/Flex/MKT/Taurus/Transit/Expedition/F-Super Duty, and 2018-2019 EcoSport vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 may experience various SYNC performance related concerns including but not limited to:

  • Display operation concerns
  • Navigation inoperative
  • Voice recognition concerns
  • Phone connection issues
  • Dropped phone connections
  • Applink related performance
  • Travel Link not present or showing incorrect traffic
  • Slow system response

This may be due to the SYNC software. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to update the accessory protocol interface module (APIM) software.

 

NOTE: FordeBay has found some of the APIMs replaced and returned for inspection contained an outdated software level and the APIM did not require replacement. The customer concern may have been resolved by updating the APIM with latest level of software. The SYNC 3 universal thumb drive will be able to update the APIM software without the use of a scan tool and does not require the process to be monitored. FordeBay will be monitoring APIM replacements to confirm TSB directed software updates have been performed.

Action: Follow the Service Procedure to correct the condition on vehicles that meet all the following criteria:

  • One of the following vehicles:
    • 2016 MKS
    • 2016-2017 Navigator
    • 2016-2018 F-150/Focus/C-MAX/Edge/Fiesta/MKX/Transit Connect/MustangeBay
    • 2016-2019 Escape/MKC/Flex/MKT/Taurus/Transit/Expedition/F-Super Duty
    • 2017-2018 Continental/Fusion/MKZ
    • 2017-2019 Explorer
    • 2018-2019 EcoSport
  • Customer complaint of one or more of the following symptoms:
    • Display operation concerns
    • Navigation inoperative
    • Voice recognition concerns
    • Phone connection issues
    • Dropped phone connections
    • Applink related performance
    • Travel Link not present or showing incorrect traffic
    • Slow system response

 

Service Procedure

1. Verify that the SYNC 3 universal thumb drive is titled SG3v202102 or later (later software levels will have a higher numerical value). Is the SYNC 3 universal thumb drive title SG3v202102 or later?

(1). Yes – proceed to Step 2.

(2). No – download the SYNC 3 Universal USB Updater Application under the Service Tips section of Professional Technician System (PTS). Review the instructions and use Scan for Updates and Update USB. Proceed to Step 2.

  • NOTE: If needed, this is a one time upload to the thumb drive. Downloading the files to laptop and updating the thumb drive could take up to 2 1/2 hours depending on internet speed. Once the thumb drive is updated, it can be used repeatedly to update all vehicles in this article.

2. Disconnect all customer connected universal serial bus (USB) items from all media hub locations in the vehicle.

3. Start the vehicle.

4. Insert the SYNC 3 universal thumb drive into the USB port on the media hub.

5. The module automatically updates with no user input required.

(1). Modules already at the latest software level will indicate this after approximately 30 seconds.

(2). Module programming for a non-updated module does not need to be monitored and can take approximately 20-30 minutes.

(3). Once the reprograming has completed, the screen will display a message indicating the module is up to date.

6. Remove the SYNC 3 universal thumb drive when complete. The screen returns to the SYNC 3 home screen. Reconnect any of the customer USB items. No vehicle or system restarts are required.

 


89 Affected Products

Vehicles

MAKEMODELYEAR
FORDeBayE-1502017
FORDeBayECOSPORT2018-2019
FORDeBayEDGE2016-2018
FORDeBayESCAPE2016-2019
FORDeBayEXPEDITION2016-2019
FORDeBayEXPLORER2017-2019
FORDeBayEXPLORER POLICE INTERCEPT2017-2019
FORDeBayF-1502016-2018
FORDeBayF-250 SD2016-2019
FORDeBayF-350 SD2016-2019
FORDeBayF-450 SD2016-2019
FORDeBayF-550 SD2016-2019
FORDeBayFIESTA2016-2018
FORDeBayFLEX2016-2019
FORDeBayFOCUS2016-2018
FORDeBayFUSION2017-2018
FORDeBayFUSION ENERGI2017-2018
FORDeBayFUSION HYBRID2017-2018
FORDeBayMUSTANGeBay2016-2018
FORDeBayPOLICE INTERCEPTOR SEDAN2016-2019
FORDeBayTAURUS2016-2019
FORDeBayTRANSIT2016-2019
FORDeBayTRANSIT CONNECT2016-2018
LINCOLNeBayCONTINENTAL2017-2018
LINCOLNeBayMKC2016
LINCOLNeBayMKS2016
LINCOLNeBayMKT2016-2018
LINCOLNeBayMKX2016-2018
LINCOLNeBayMKZ2017-2018
LINCOLNeBayMKZ HYBRID2017-2018
LINCOLNeBayNAVIGATOR2016-2017

 


1 Associated Document

Manufacturer Communications

21-2175
01 June 2021

MC-10198605-0001.pdf 89.041KB

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NHTSA ID Number: 10179117

Manufacturer Communication Number: TSB 20-2255

Summary

Some 2016 MKS, 2016-2017 Navigator, 2016-2018 F-150/Focus/C-MAX/Edge/Fiesta/MKX/ Transit Connect/MustangeBay, 2017-2018 Continental/Fusion/MKZ, 2017-2019 Explorer, 2016-2019 Escape/MKC/Flex/MKT/Taurus/Transit/Expedition/F-Super Duty, and 2018-2019 EcoSport vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 may experience various SYNC performance related concerns. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure.

 

1 Associated Document

Manufacturer Communications

20-2255
05 August 2020

MC-10179117-0001.pdf 208.128KB

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Ford SYNC Updates

 

Bestseller No. 1
2025 Latest A15 Navigation SD Card Compatible with Ford/Lincoln, F150 Explorer Fusion Expedition Escape Edge MKC MKZ MKX Sync Navigation Accessories Update USA/Canada Maps, GM5T-19H449-AJ
  • LATEST DATA: A15 navigation SD card updates A14, A13, A12, A11, A10, A9, A8, A7, A6, A5, A4, etc Map databases. This map update covers hundreds of cities, counties and metropolitan areas in all 50 U.S. states and Canada. Latest 2025 version navigation accessories fits for FordeBay/LincolneBay.
  • COMPATIBLE WITH FORDeBay MODELS: Fits for FordeBay (F-150 2013 - 2015), (EXPLORER 2011 - 2016), (FUSION 2013 - 2016), (EXPEDITION 2015), (ESCAPE 2013 - 2015), (EDGE 2011 - 2015), (FOCUS 2012 - 2015), (C-MAX 2013 - 2015), (ESCAPE HYBRID 2013 - 2015), (EXPEDITION XT 2015), (FIESTA 2014 - 2015), (FLEX 2013 - 2015), (MUSTANGeBay 2015), (SUPER DUTY (F-250 / F-350 / F-450) 2013 - 2016), (TAURUS 2013 - 2015), (TRANSIT 2013 - 2015), (TRANSIT CONNECT 2014 - 2016).
  • COMPATIBLE WITH LINCOLNeBay MODELS: Fits for LINCOLNeBay (MKZ 2013 - 2016), (MKX 2011 - 2016), (MKC 2015), (MKS 2013 - 2015), (MKT 2013 - 2015), (NAVIGATOR 2015).
  • INSTALLATION INSTRUCTION: You need to check if the CCPU of FordeBay/LincolneBay SYNC system is compatible or needs to be updated first, check the product image corresponding to the CCPU version. To install: 1. Turn vehicle off 2. Locate the SD card slot 3. Remove the old SD Card 4. Insert the new Navigatilon SD Card into the SD card slot untll it clicks 5. Start the engine to ensure the new Navigation SD Card is functioning. The word "Navigation" should appear in the upper right hand corner.
  • BUY WITH CONFIDENCE: Press Navigation to access navigation functions. lf “Insert Nav SD Card" appears, this means the system doesn't recognize that the new card was inserted. Ensure the card is inserted all the way until it clicks. If for any reason you are not satisfied with your Navigation SD Card, we offer 24-hour, 100% satisfaction customer support services.
Bestseller No. 2
2025 Latest Version A15 Navigation SD Card Compatible with Ford/Lincoln, Includes New Updated Roads USA and Canada - Sync 2 Navigation System
  • ✅✅✅ Lifetime Service& Add to Cart Now!: Reliable, simple, and made to last, each Lucksky A15 Navigation SD Card comes with an absolute lifetime guarantee – that's our promise of enduring quality.
  • ✅Compatible with FordeBay Navigation: C-Max (2013-2015), (Edge 2011/2015), Escape (2013/2015), Escape Hybrid (2013-2015), Expedition 2015, Expedition XT 2015, Explorer (2011-2016), F-150 (2013-2015), Fiesta (2014-2015), Flex (2013/2015), Focus (2012-2015), Fusion (2013-2016), MustangeBay 2015, Super Duty(F-250/FF-350/F-450) (2013-2016), Transit (2013 2015), Transit Connect (2014-2016)
  • ✅Compatible with LincolneBay Navigation: MKC 2015, MKS (2013-2015), MKT (2013-2015), MKX (2011-2016,) MKZ (2013-2016), NAVIGATOR 2015
  • ✅2025 A15 Newest System: The map includes the newest expanded coverage of hundreds of cities, counties, and metropolitan areas in all 50 U.S. states, Puerto Rico, and Canada. This fordeBay navigation sd card update is only available for SYNC systems that use SD cards for navigation. This A15 card Updates A14, A13, A12, A11, A10, A9, A8, A7, A6, A5, A4, etc Map databases.
  • ✅Built-in Premium Chips: The fordeBay navigation sd card is made of premium chips and 9 pins. It has 32GB of memory and high-speed data processing ability, which is not easily burned or damaged during use.
Bestseller No. 3
2024 Latest Version A15 Navigation SD Card Fits for Ford/Lincoln,Sync USA/Canada,Updated A15 GM5T-19H449-AJ
  • Package Contents:You will get 1*2024 Latest Version A15 Navigation SD Card, Including USA and Canada.
  • Fits For FordeBay Models:F150(2013-2015),Super Duty F250/350/450(2013-2016),Explorer(2011-2016),Escape(2013-2015),Expedition(2015),MustangeBay(2015),Transit(2013-2015),Transit Connect(2014-2016),Taurus(2013-2015).
  • Fits For LincolneBay Models:MKC(2015),MKS(2013-2015),MKT(2013-2015),MKX(2011-2016),MKZ(2013-2016),Navigator(2015).
  • Plug and play:You just plug the A15 Navigation SD Card into the truck with space for storage with SD maps and it loads everything on its own.
  • Quality Service:1 year manufacturer's warranty and 30-Day No Hassle Money Back,If you have any question please feel free to contact us.Maigoo provides you with the most satisfactory service.
SaleBestseller No. 4
2024 A15 Navigation SD Card for Ford & Lincoln, Latest Navigation System Map Update for F-150, Explorer, Escape, Fusion, Edge, MKZ, Includes New Updated Roads USA and Canada - Sync 2 Navigation System
  • 【Compatible with FordeBay models】F-150 2013-2015, Explorer 2011-2016, Fusion 2013-2016, Escape, Escape Hybrid 2013-2015, Super Duty (F-250/F-350/F-450) 2013-2016, Edge 2011-2015, Focus 2012-2015, Flex 2013-2015, Fiesta 2014-2015, C-Max 2013-2015, MustangeBay 2015, Taurus 2013-2015, Expedition 2015, Transit 2014-2015
  • 【Compatible with LincolneBay Models】MKC 2015, MKS 2013-2015, MKT 2013-2015, MKX 2011-2016, MKZ 2014-2016, Navigator 2015
  • 【A15 Navigation SD Card】This SD card updates previous versions such as A14, A13, A12, and so on, providing expanded coverage of hundreds of cities, counties and metropolitan areas in all 50 U.S. states, Puerto Rico, and Canada. This FordeBay navigation SD card update ensures that users have access to the newest map data, allowing for accurate and up-to-date navigation information.
  • 【Easy to Use】Before replacing the SD card, ensure the engine is OFF at least 10 mintes. Insert the new card (label side up), then turn ON the vehicle. The system will update automatically—DO NOT turn off the engine until it’s complete. The update takes about 10-20 minutes, with no additional programming required.
  • Navigation SD Card Warning】Do not insert the A15 Sync navigation SD card into non-vehicle devices, as this may damage the map data. Additionally, A15 Navigation SD cards are locked to the first vehicle once inserted and cannot be switched to another vehicle
Bestseller No. 6
2024 Latest Version A15 Navigation SD Card Fits for Ford/Lincoln, Updated Roads Map Card Sync USB/Canada, Ford Explorer Accessories A15 GM5T-19H449-AJ GPS SD Map Card Rocketek USB
  • 2024 Latest Navigation GPS Maps SD Card A15: Navigation update 2024 Version A15 GM5T 19H449 AJ card compatible with FordeBay & LincolneBay. The FordeBay navigation SD card map includes the newest expanded coverage of hundreds of cities, counties, and metropolitan areas in all 50 United States and Canada.
  • 2024 A15 Newest System: 2024 Latest Navigation GPS Maps sd Card A15 newest updates A14, A13, A12, A11, A10, A9, A8, A7, A6, A5, A4, etc Map databases. Note: This fordeBay navigation update card is only available for SYNC systems that use SD cards for navigation. Navigation System Map Updated for the United States and Canada.
  • Compatible with FordeBay Navigation: C-Max (2013-2015), (Edge 2011-2015), Escape (2013-2015), Escape Hybrid (2013-2015), Expedition 2015, Expedition XT 2015, Explorer (2011-2016), F-150 (2013-2015), Fiesta (2014-2015), Flex (2013-2015), Focus (2012-2015), Fusion (2013-2016), MustangeBay 2015, Super Duty(F-250/FF-350/F-450) (2013-2016), Transit (2013-2015), Transit Connect (2014-2016), Taurus(2013-2015).
  • Compatible with LincolneBay Navigation: This 2024 latest maps A15 navigation SD card fits for many LincolneBay Models, include MKC 2015, MKS (2013-2015), MKT (2013-2015), MKX (2011-2016,) MKZ (2013-2016), NAVIGATOR 2015. Latest 2024 version navigation accessories fits for LincolneBay.
  • Note: Please check if the CCPU of FordeBay/LincolneBay SYNC system is compatible or needs to be updated first, check the product image corresponding to the CCPU version. √ If your FordeBay or LincolneBay has the following text“Navigation” or “Insert Nav SD Card”on the central screen, the our A15 Navigation SD Card can be used. X If “Information” is displayed, this SD card will not be compatible with your car.
Bestseller No. 7
2025 Latest Version A15 Navigation SD Card Compatible with Ford/Lincoln Sync 2 System Navigation SD Card Map Update USA Canada GPS MAP GM5T-19H449-AJ GM5T19H449AJ The Latest Version of A15 SD Card
  • ONLY for SYNC 2: This map update is only for Sync 2 systems. It will not work on Sync 3 or 4. You must have an existing embedded navigation system to use this update
  • Preloaded Maps: The card contains updated maps of the entire continental US and Canada for seamless navigation anywhere in North America. This map includes expanded coverage in hundreds of cities, counties and metropolitan areas across the 50 United States, Puerto Rico and Canada.
  • Compatible with FordeBay (2013-2016 Vehicle): C-MAX 2013 - 2015; EDGE 2011 - 2015; ESCAPE 2013 - 2015; ESCAPE HYBRID 2013 - 2015; EXPEDITION 2015; EXPEDITION XT 2015; EXPLORER 2011 - 2016; F-150 2013 - 2015; FIESTA 2014 - 2015; FLEX 2013 - 2015; FOCUS 2012 - 2015; FUSION 2013 - 2016; MUSTANGeBay 2015; SUPER DUTY (F-250 / F-350 / F-450) 2013 - 2016; TAURUS 2013 - 2015; TRANSIT 2013 - 2015; TRANSIT CONNECT 2014 - 2016.
  • Please: Your vehicle may require a software update prior to installing this update. For more details please open the 'How to Determine Your Sync Software' file under the 'User Manuals' section of this page.
  • ATTENTION Please: Please confirm that your Navigation SD card is NOT A15 or B15 prior to buying this map update. If A15 or B15 is printed on the SD card found in your vehicle's SD Card slot do not purchase this update
Bestseller No. 8
2024 Latest Version A15 Navigation Updated sd Card GM5T 19H449 AJ Compatible with Ford/Lincoln, sync USA/Canada
  • Navigation update 2024 Version A15 GM5T 19H449 AJ card Compatible with FordeBay & LincolneBay. Card can be used in 50 United States and Canada. Card is Compatible with FordeBay/LincolneBay mod*ls: ( c max 2013-2015), ( Edge 2011-2015), ( Escape 2013-2015), ( Escape hybrid 2013-2015), ( Expedition 2015), (Expedition XT 2015), ( Explorer 2011-2015), ( Taurus 2013-2015), ( Transit 2013-2015), ( Transit connect 2014-2015).
  • Navigation update Card Compatible with FordeBay: f 150 2013-2015), (Super Duty: f 250 / f 350 / f 450 (2013-2015), (Flex 2013-2015), (Fiesta 2014-2015)
  • Gps update SD Card Compatible with FordeBay: Focus 2012-2015), (Fusion 2013-2015), (MustangeBay 2015), ( Taurus 2013-2015), ( Transit 2013-2015)
  • SD Card is Compatible with LincolneBay mod*ls: (Mkc 2015), (Mks 2013-2015), (Mkt 2013-2015), (Mkx 2011-2015), (Mkz 2013-2015), (Navigator 2015).
  • Your vehicle sync syst.m may require to be upda..d to the latest version, prior to installing this card and will ONLY WORK on sync syste.s that use an card for Navi..on.
Bestseller No. 9
A15 Navigation SD Card 2024 GPS Map Update, Latest Version GPS SD Map Card for Ford Lincoln, GM5T-19H449-AJ, USA Canada Maps
  • 【Compatible with FordeBay】C-Max 2013-2015, Edge 2011-2015, Escape/Escape Hybrid 2013-2015, Expedition 2015, Explorer 2011-2015, F-150 2013-2015, Fiesta 2014-2015, Flex 2013-2015, Focus 2012-2015, Fusion 2013-2016, MustangeBay 2015, Super Duty (F-250/F-350/F-450) 2013-2016, Taurus 2013-2015, Transit 2013-2016, Transit Connect 2014-2015.
  • 【Compatible with LincolneBay】MKC 2015, MKS 2013-2015, MKT 2013-2015, MKX 2011-2016, MKZ 2013-2016, Navigator 2015.
  • 【Map Coverage Area】USA & Canada. This map includes expanded coverage in hundreds of cities, counties and metropolitan areas across the 50 United States, Puerto Rico and Canada.
  • 【Easy To Install】Simple plug and play installation. Simply insert the card when the engine is off, then start the engine, and the installation process will automatically initiate. Wait for the screen to display completion once the installation is finished.
  • 【Please Note】This map update is only for Sync 2 systems. It will not work on Sync 3 or 4. You must have an existing embedded navigation system to use this update.
Bestseller No. 10
Navigation sd Card Fits Ford Lincoln USA Canada- 2025 New Map Updated A15 - GM5T-19H449-AJ
  • 2024 Latest Navigation GPS Maps sd Card A15 newest updated includes New Roads USA and Canada
  • Compatible with FordeBay Navigation: f150 (2013-2015), Super Duty f250/350/450 (2013-2016), Explorer (2011-2016), Escape (2013-2015)
  • Compatible with FordeBay Navigation: Expedition (2015), MustangeBay (2015), Transit (2013-2015), TRANSIT CONNECT (2014 - 2016),Taurus (2013-2015)
  • Compatible with LincolneBay Navigation MKC 2015, MKS (2013-2015), MKT (2013-2015), MKX (2011-2016,) MKZ (2013-2016),NAVIGATOR (2015)

 


Last update on 2025-04-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API


 

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