October 2021 Sync 3 Update

[MarkX]

I received a notification via Lincoln Way that there was a new update available to Sync3. I started the update and finally gave up after about an hour with about 30% downloaded. I know this can be a function of WiFi speed and other variables but this is ridiculous.

Has anyone had a successful update? Is it worth the aggro? I don't have immediate access to faster WiFi so I might have to suffer Sync3.4 (unimpressive) until the next time I turn the car over to service.

 

[bbf2530]

I received a notification via Lincoln Way that there was a new update available to Sync3. I started the update and finally gave up after about an hour with about 30% downloaded. I know this can be a function of WiFi speed and other variables but this is ridiculous.

Has anyone had a successful update? Is it worth the aggro? I don't have immediate access to faster WiFi so I might have to suffer Sync3.4 (unimpressive) until the next time I turn the car over to service.

HI MarkX. Several things to address:

First, you will still have SYNC 3.4 after the update, no matter what this update offers. It will simply update the version/build number to "SYNC v3.4.XXXXX" (or "SYNC 3.4 Build XXXXX), instead of whichever "SYNC 3.4.XXXXX" version you have now.

Next...Yes, WiFi updates are relatively slow, even when connected to a fast WiFi network. The vehicle can only update while sitting still and connected to a strong WiFi network, and only up to 30 minutes after the ignition is turned off. Then the system shuts down to save battery power. But it will finish eventually.

If the WiFi download is too slow for you, you can go to the SYNC 3 update website and manually download the update, then install it manually, via a USB Flash drive.

The SYNC 3 update website is here: https://help.lincoln.com/update-sync/

There are several existing threads explaining how to do this, along with helpful hints on how to do it successfully. The main hints being to follow the provided download and installation instruction precisely, and have patience.

If you have any other questions, feel free to ask, and someone will certainly help.

Let us know how you make out and good luck.

 

[MarkX]

Thanks, BBF, I had forgotten about the flash drive option.

Have you updated and is it worth it?

 

[bbf2530]

Thanks, BBF, I had forgotten about the flash drive option.

Have you updated and is it worth it?

Hi MarkX. My 2018 MKZ is equipped with the latest version of SYNC 3.0, but is not eligible to be factory upgraded to SYNC 3.4, or that update.

Quick explanation and maybe TMI: Just as your SYNC 3.4 equipped vehicle cannot be factory upgraded to SYNC 4, my SYNC 3.0 equipped vehicle cannot be factory upgraded to SYNC 3.4.

Concerning whether the update is worth it: I'm not sure which version of SYNC 3.4 your vehicle will be updated to. The latest version (I believe SYNC v3.4.21194), has a glitch which eliminates the temperature reading in the "bubble" that pops up on the SYNC screen when we change the temperature.
Lincoln has told owners that glitch will be corrected in the next SYNC update, tentatively due out in January.

These updates are nothing earth shattering. Usually consisting of bug fixes and updates to handle the latest iOS and Droid software versions.

So whether to perform this update really depends on the individual. Some people simply feel they must have the newest software versions of everything, the moment it is released. Some people like to leave well enough alone for at least a little while.

My opinion: In reality, if you perform the update, you probably will not notice a change in anything, unless it fixes a glitch/bug you already have, or it causes a new glitch and something stops working, like the temperature reading. So if everything working correctly at the moment, leav it alone and ait until the next SYNC update. Then you can avoid the missing temperature pop-up display glitch.

I perform the SYNC updates to my car, but again, mine is SYNC 3.0 and updates are rare. 3-4 in almost 4 years now.

Let us know how you make out and good luck.

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[MarkX]

Let us know how you make out and good luck.

It went alright. It took about 25 minutes from a flash drive, not in WiFi range. I have only driven about 25 miles since then and it seemed pretty-much the same. Maybe voice recognition better; time will tell. It does seem that the component apps have been updated judging from their version numbers alone.

 

[m1nkyb0y]

My 2017 has version 3.0.020204 so I don't get 3.4. Must have something to do with the newer driving aids.

 

[MarkX]

My 2017 has version 3.0.020204 so I don't get 3.4. Must have something to do with the newer driving aids.

Have you tried?

 

[m1nkyb0y]

Yea, it just offers me what I already have.

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[MarkX]

Odd. Worth a call to Concierge?

 

[bbf2530]

Odd. Worth a call to Concierge?

Hi MarkX. This subject has been covered here many times. SYNC 3.0 can not be factory upgraded to SYNC 3.4. Different software and hardware.

And yes, SYNC v3.0.20204 is the latest version of SYNC 3.0

Good luck.

 

[MarkX]

Hi MarkX. This subject has been covered here many times. SYNC 3.0 can not be factory upgraded to SYNC 3.4. Different software and hardware.

And yes, SYNC v3.0.20204 is the latest version of SYNC 3.0

Good luck.

Sorry, I can’t keep up with all this technology stuff.

 

[bbf2530]

Sorry, I can’t keep up with all this technology stuff.

Hi MX. I know the feeling.

Good luck.

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[Black Label]

Sorry, I can’t keep up with all this technology stuff.

'Smatta witchu?

 

[MarkX]

 

[Black Label]

I guess at some point they just want people to buy new vehicles with the latest tech instead of making it available as retro fits.

 

[m1nkyb0y]

I'm good with my version. Though I would like to have that "Jesus take the wheel" feature.
When I'm ready for my next car it will be electric. They will probably have them all figured out by that time (non-specific time reference).

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[MarkX]

... When I'm ready for my next car it will be electric. ...

I tend to agree. I drive my son-in-law's Chevy Bolt occasionally and I enjoy it although in almost no way is it comparable to a Conti. With the plethora of e-cars hitting the market in the next few years, I am sure we will have lots of attractive options. And I am sure the recharging infrastructure and charge range will only improve.

On the other hand, switching to electric should reduce demand for hydrocarbon fuel which in turn should drive the price of gas down, thereby extending the useful lives of cars like ours.

 

[dmorneau]

I had to do the download with a jump drive also. Only reason I needed the update was I purchased the Nav. Map Update. It would not load because I had Sync 3.0. It needed the 3.4. I also have a 2019 MKZ that had a Sync update also. That update did a lot of changes compared with the update in the Continental. Screen has totally changed and the system has improved.