Navigation, Should I Update and What Does Sync Do For Navigation?

[Petec]

I have a 2014 MKX with navigation version A4. I understand they are up to A7 and want $150 to upgrade.

I have been testing the nav system and my problem is the current nav system can't find many local businesses. Many have been around for more then 20 years so they should be in the system. So, my questions:

(1) I have the latest Sync installed. Should that be of any help finding these local businesses?

(2) Should I update to A7? I am really hesitant because if a two year old version doesn't have POI that have been around forever, what are the odds that the new version will?

Thanks,
Pete

 

[Grey Ghost]

You are probably correct that old POI that are not on A4 will still not show up on A7. However, if you want to upgrade, I definitely recommend you stay away from your dealer and try that good old standby, eBay. A7 cards are going for about half of the list price, or less.

 

[SGilbert]

I upgraded my 2011 NAV to the latest version in 2016. Serious mistake! Many area roads that have been here for several years are not in the newest version.
If I were you, stay away!

 

[Petec]

That is totally ridiculous.

A person spends 5 figures for a vehicle with a nav system and the thing is crap compared to a $100 cellphone and free apps that are updated almost daily.

Is it time to pressure Lincoln/Ford?

Pete

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[420benz]

Is A7 the latest version? Is there a problem with it?

 

[MKZ_GA]

Is A7 the latest version? Is there a problem with it?

I purchased one of the A7 chips for my MKC and have not had any technical issues with it. That came with the A5, and I upgraded to A6 and then A7 over the years.

However, the data on the chip is not as current as Google Maps or Apple Maps. I live in a growing area and roads/new businesses/new interstate ramps/etc. that have been in place for 2-3 years are not on the A7 chip.

FWIW, I also have a new 2017 MKZ with Sync3. Sync3 is updated electronically - but the Nav data is still way out of date. Luckily with Sync 3 (and Apple CarPlay), you can show Apple Maps on the SYNC screen and have their updated mapping. It's just not as convenient as the regular Nav screen.

 

[Petec]

Long Ride

This system is getting more and more aggravating every day.
Take a look at the distance it is reporting.



It has my current location correct and I know for a fact that the location it found is about 12 miles away not the 100495 it is reporting.

Isn't there some way to embarrass Lincoln/Ford into fixing this?

Also, this business has two locations closer to me then the one it picked.

I had it dial Sync and Sync couldn't find any of them.

Ridiculous!

 

[mark95man]

We purchased a new 2014 Navigator & MKZH. From day one, neither vehicle could find a local hospital! HOWEVER our $139 Garmin--with lifetime FREE upgrades-- found it with no problem. Recently we got an 'offer' to upgrade each of our Lincoln's navigation for $149.99 EACH. From day one with factory navigation with its costly yearly updates, I would avoid that & use the Garmin to compare routes. I did call Lincoln as they could not explain what is contained in their updates.

My recommendation is to purchase a Garmin with lifetime updates at a cost of less than one year updates for the Lincoln or other manufactures factory system. The Garmin is the best "deal"

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[Petec]

I have a Garmin with lifetime maps also. But it is a pain to use with the power cord and window cup.
I say again, you spend 5 figures for a vehicle and the Nav. sucks.
If enough people started to complain on as many sites as possible we should be able to embarrass Lincoln/Ford into fixing this. All they have to do is contract out to a company that knows GPS and routing. I bet they could fix the software for a few hundred K$ then make the new software available for download.
This is a megabillion dollar company pushing out crap.

 

[Grey Ghost]

Ford is not responsible for the accuracy of the maps used in their vehicles. The maps come from Navteq. Maps will always be months, if not years, behind on new POIs, roads, etc. In some cases Navteq may never find out that a store has moved or closed, or that a right turn is now a traffic circle. Navteq states that they are not responsible for errors in their map data. They also, sort of, make you responsible for reporting errors.

Despite the above, the exorbitant pricing for the annual updates on an SD card is ridiculous. With what cars cost, it would certainly make sense to raise the price by a $100 or so and just provide the updates for "free". No one would really notice the price increase and their would be a lot of positive talk about Ford products coming with lifetime map updates.

As I said in an earlier post, the decision to do annual updates is up to each owner, but I would never pay Ford's price. Again, go to eBay and search for "Ford A7 SD". You can buy an A7 update for around $65, or so. I have never had an issue with hundreds of eBay purchases.

Grey Ghost
(A white haired guy in a tuned MKS ecoboost is the real "sleeper" at a stoplight.)

 

[Petec]

Navteq maps are used by most (if not all) GPS companies/services. Garmin, Waze, Co-pilot , etc. And they are all very up to date. If my cellphone with Waze or Co-pilot knows about these POIs and has for years before my vehicle was built, the vehicle should also.

It is the Lincoln/Ford faulty search and routing software that can't find its A-hole with both hands.