Updating your Ford Sync 3 system to the latest version ensures optimal performance and access to the newest features. This guide walks you through the process using CyanLabs Syn3 Updater, highlighting key steps and considerations.
Understanding the Update Process with CyanLabs Syn3 Updater
CyanLabs Syn3 Updater simplifies the Ford Sync 3 update process. The software automatically detects your current Sync version, region, and hardware, then downloads the necessary files and prepares a USB drive for installation in your vehicle. The process typically involves formatting the USB drive, downloading update files, and creating an Autoinstall.lst file that guides the Sync system during the update.
Two recent update attempts using different USB drives illustrate the process: one attempting a full system update to version 3.4.23188 and another focused on Gracenotes removal. Both utilized CyanLabs Syn3 Updater v2.12.5.0 on a Windows 11 machine.
Full System Update Attempt
The first attempt involved updating a system currently on version 3.4.22200 to 3.4.23188 using a 119.1GB iXpand flash drive formatted with exFAT. The updater successfully identified the required files:
- RWDataCleaner: A tool for preparing the system for the update (PU5T-14G386-BB_1690840002000.TAR.GZ – 3.2KB).
- APPS: The core update file containing the new Sync 3 version (NU5T-14G381-AD_1689364279000.TAR.GZ – 869.8MB).
Because these files were already present on the computer, the updater skipped the download step and proceeded directly to preparing the USB drive. It formatted the drive, copied the necessary files, and created the Autoinstall.lst file. The entire process, including formatting, took approximately one minute and thirty seconds. The log confirmed successful completion: “ALL FILES DOWNLOADED AND COPIED TO THE USB DRIVE SUCCESSFULLY!”
Gracenotes Removal Attempt
The second attempt used a 28.9GB PNY USB 2.0 flash drive, also formatted with exFAT, to perform a Gracenotes removal. This process involves a much smaller file:
- Gracenotes Removal Tool: (GB5T-14G386-SC_85041.tar.gz – 1.8KB).
In this case, the updater downloaded the necessary file, validated it, then prepared the USB drive. This process was significantly faster, completing in mere seconds. The log again confirmed success: “ALL FILES DOWNLOADED AND COPIED TO THE USB DRIVE SUCCESSFULLY!”
Ensuring a Successful Update
Both logs indicate successful USB drive preparation. However, successful preparation doesn’t guarantee a successful in-vehicle update. Ensure your vehicle is running and remains on during the entire installation process. Interruptions can corrupt the update and potentially damage the Sync 3 system. Consult your owner’s manual for specific instructions on performing the in-vehicle update. While CyanLabs Syn3 Updater streamlines the preparation phase, the actual installation in the car is crucial for obtaining the Latest Version Of Ford Sync 3.
