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Why is there no uprising about Ford's failure to update maps?

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Grimmer Newbie

Grimmer

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Posted

I am not sure that this means anything (because I haven't yet called the dealership) but I've been checking periodically on the HERE website for map updates. It always said "No updates at this time"; however, the last time it said "You cannot purchase directly, you must contact a dealership". Does that mean that an update is finally available? Or did they just change their "too bad for you - go complain to your dealer, not here" message?

 

Additionally, my 2016 came with maps from 2014. I sat in a 2017 and it had maps from 2015. Why always 2 years out of date??? And WHY can't they use the same map database on the 2016 that was approved and release for the 2017? They are BOTH Sync 3, and probably the same firmware (my 2016 has been updated a couple of times). It cannot possibly take them 2 years to review and publish a new map database. Especially since they are only incorporating revisions and are not building the whole thing from the ground up. And why isn't their "proprietary" database in the same format so that it can be used on any compliant hardware / software? Did they really completely revamp the navigation system and database structure between 2016 and 2017 model years?

 

I should call the local shop and see if an update is really available, but I'm leery about the cost and the potential for all that $$$ to only get me another 2 year old map pack. At first I wasn't too worried about it since the voice interface for navigation was TERRIBLE. However, with the new Sync 3 updates, the voice interface has actually become usable. So now I'm looking for a navigation update. Hopefully it won't still be 2 years old (although I'm not holding my breath).

 

Android Auto was a total bust... Hardly ever worked, required that the phone be connected via USB (really? why do you think we use Bluetooth? I'll tell you... it is so that I don't have to take the phone out of my pocket). And the one and only redeeming feature of Android Auto (I would endure it's general worthlessness for this single feature) was revised out of it. The "leave me alone, I'm driving" auto-reply no longer functions. It was still on the options menu (at least it was when I dumped it from my phone), but it doesn't actually do anything. Several forums confirmed that it no longer functions because Android Auto killed it.

 

When are they going to get some QUALCOMM quick charge technology into their USB ports? Over a 30 minute commute, the stock USB ports only gain a few %, whereas the QUALCOMM adapter in the cigarette lighter plug will give me 15-20% increase...

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  • 2 weeks later...
Bluequail Newbie

Bluequail

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I found this information on the Ford Escape forum. I am going to call the dealership where I just bought my 2018 Edge and see if they can confirm and order it in.

 

From the Escape forum:

 

The part number is live and the update is on USB from Ford.

Part Number is VJJ5Z19H449A SYNC 3 USB W/ License file NA1.16 1

You must have:
Vehicle VIN
SYNC ECU Serial Number (ESN) found at the bottom of the General Settings. It is an 8 alphanumeric number. If it looks like it starts with a W, that actually is V V.
Must have software version 2.0 or higher installed If not, then Sync 3 will require additional updates before the software can be installed.
Must also have Nav 1.14 or 1.15. Those are current versions on 2016-17.
Install is estimated at 70 minutes.

Price is $150 + tax.

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Bluequail Newbie

Bluequail

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Posted (edited)

I found this information on the Ford Escape forum. I am going to call the dealership where I just bought my 2018 Edge and see if they can confirm and order it in.

 

From the Escape forum:

 

The part number is live and the update is on USB from Ford.

Part Number is VJJ5Z19H449A SYNC 3 USB W/ License file NA1.16 1

You must have:

Vehicle VIN

SYNC ECU Serial Number (ESN) found at the bottom of the General Settings. It is an 8 alphanumeric number. If it looks like it starts with a W, that actually is V V.

Must have software version 2.0 or higher installed If not, then Sync 3 will require additional updates before the software can be installed.

Must also have Nav 1.14 or 1.15. Those are current versions on 2016-17.

Install is estimated at 70 minutes.

 

Price is $150 + tax.

 

Update: I called the parts department at my local dealer and they said the part number above is not valid.

Edited by Bluequail
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Quila Newbie

Quila

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I think it's sad that you have to pay $150 for map upgrade (NA 1-16 to NA 1-17) which is probably already out of date. Ford needs to bite the bullet and offer it as an incentive. Also, am I to understand that the update is VIN specific? Thanks.

 

There is a license file that's placed on the USB drive with the map update that has the ESN (serial number) of the Sync3 system the update was purchased for. If you try to install the update in a different vehicle, the ESN won't match the license file and it won't update. The license file is signed with a digital certificate from "Ford Motor Company Internal SyncGen3 Issuing CA".

 

I agree that $150 USD is too much for a map update, but that's not unique to Ford. A lot of car manufacturers look at map updates as a cash cow. I'm not saying that makes it right, but if you want free map updates, buy a Garmin/Tom Tom GPS or use Android Auto or Apple Car Play.

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oldretiredsoldier Newbie

oldretiredsoldier

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I purchased a new 2016 Ford Escape with the Sync 3 system. The navigation feature was included. The Sync 3 system allegedly can obtain software updates via a Wi-Fi connection; however, to obtain the latest operating system software update, it required a computer download to USB drive. After unzipping the files, 40 minutes in the vehicle with engine running resulted in the operating system being updated. Although Ford has provided OS system updates since purchase, they have not provided any map data updates. The Sync 3 states the “NAV MAP VERSION” is NA 1 14. I think that stands for North America and January or first quarter 2014.

 

The dealership service advisor supervisor did not have any knowledge on the map data update issue.

 

Internet research reflected a web site at https://ford.navigation.com which reflected an update was not available. An email to the “contact us” feature of the web site resulted in a response from HERE Technologies, Orem, UT which stated Ford uses their data but they do not provide Sync 3 support. It appears they were involved in either MyTouch or Sync 2 on vehicles prior to 2013. They still have SD cards for sale as map updates for Sync 2 systems. Sync 3 does not use SD cards. Sync 3 is either Wi-Fi or USB drive.

 

Further internet research reflected a web site at https://why-update-ford.azurewebsites.net/ . Although this web site proclaims the benefits of updating map data, the “map updater” does not work. I have filled out the “Get Notified” but have not received any confirmation receipt. The brochure “Ford Sync 3 Map Updater” claims free map data updates on an annual basis for the first five years from the time of new vehicle purchase. (It has been two years without any update). The web site appears to be a product of NNG Software Developing and Commercial Llc, a company in Hungary. Use of their web site “contact us” feature resulted in an email which stated they do not directly support Ford Sync 3 devices.

 

Ford has a customer chat function for Sync 3 users located at web address: https://www.ford.com/help/contact/#chat and they also have a Ford Customer Care 1 800 phone. That contact reflected no map updates are available, and no projected date for issuance. Conversation by phone with customer care resulted in the provision of a phone number to call for assistance which turned out to be the HERE Technologies telephone number which offers nothing for Sync 3.

 

I have heard that Ford has stopped offering map updates via USB drive via purchase through the dealership parts departments and this was allegedly due to problems in updating via that method.

 

Ford Customer Care will not provide any information as to a resolution or a time frame for resolution. All dealership service personnel I have contacted have known nothing about the situation and some have not cared.

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Multitask Newbie

Multitask

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Posted (edited)

Think of it this way.... you have a computer that has Windows, and you have Applications on it.... if you did just the Windows updates, why would you think that your Apps would get updated as well?

 

So updating the Sync3 OS, does not mean the Maps gets updated. That is separate, and unfortunately an extra cost.

 

And even if you had NA 1 18, the maps there are still 2-3 years old... go figure.

 

I currently don't have builtin Nav and use Google Maps from AA.... when I upgrade it to have Nav, it'll just be for use in areas that I don't get cell phone signal.

Edited by Multitask
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Quila Newbie

Quila

Posted
Posted

I purchased a new 2016 Ford Escape with the Sync 3 system. The navigation feature was included. The Sync 3 system allegedly can obtain software updates via a Wi-Fi connection; however, to obtain the latest operating system software update, it required a computer download to USB drive. After unzipping the files, 40 minutes in the vehicle with engine running resulted in the operating system being updated. Although Ford has provided OS system updates since purchase, they have not provided any map data updates. The Sync 3 states the “NAV MAP VERSION” is NA 1 14. I think that stands for North America and January or first quarter 2014.

 

The dealership service advisor supervisor did not have any knowledge on the map data update issue.

 

...

 

I have heard that Ford has stopped offering map updates via USB drive via purchase through the dealership parts departments and this was allegedly due to problems in updating via that method.

 

Ford Customer Care will not provide any information as to a resolution or a time frame for resolution. All dealership service personnel I have contacted have known nothing about the situation and some have not cared.

 

There is an NA 1 16 update available for the 2016 Edge. It was released around April and I bought it for my car around that time. The NA 1 14 map that came with the car had an issue where it would not route over toll roads and the NA 1 16 version fixed that. It also had roads in my area there were new as of around 2015. I don't remember exactly what I paid, but I think it was around $200 CAD.

 

The dealer will need the SYNC serial number (ESN) and your VIN to be able to order the map update. The ESN is encoded into a license file that is on the USB drive that the maps are on. The dealer I ordered it from didn't know about it when I first asked about it, but the parts guy was awesome at tracking it down. The update took about 30 minutes. I waited until I had a longer drive to do the update rather than just running the car while parked.

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FordGuy Newbie

FordGuy

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Map updates for Ford Sync3 are not available. If you go to their site "ford.navigation.com" it says "Thank you for your interest in a navigation update for your SYNC 3 system.

This Product Is Currently Unavailable". I had my Ford dealer check on the map update about a week ago and the Tech there tried and said Fords site was still down and had been down for several weeks. He's had to tell about 20 people in the last month that the Fords site is down.

 

added: 11/4/2018

I've been e-mailing Ford IVT (In-Vehicle Technology) and they say that the map update for Sync3 is not out yet, also that it will only be released as a dealer install. 4 vehicle years (2016-2019) on the Sync3 and still no updates for Navigation.

Edited by FordGuy
I think that everyone should e-mail the Ford IVT (In-Vehicle Technology) at sync@ford.com, maybe this would get them to fix the Navigation with an update, 4 vehicle years and no update available.
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FordGuy Newbie

FordGuy

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Ford finally released a update for their Navigation, $109 for download and $149 for a USB mailed to you. Go to this site https://syncnavigation.com/ford/home for the update.

I downloaded it but have not loaded it in the vehical since it says it takes about 1hr of vehical run time. I understand that it is revision NA 1 18. Will post back once I load it in my vehical.

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FordGuy Newbie

FordGuy

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The load of the Navigation software took 58 minutes to complete. It is NA 1 18 revision. 

 

Ford should have provided this first revision for free to all Model Years since it took them 5MY to offer a Navigation revision and the maps that came with the new vehicals were 2 years old when purchased.

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NOTMY911 Newbie

NOTMY911

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9 hours ago, FordGuy said:

... Ford should have provided this first revision for free to all Model Years since it took them 5MY to offer a Navigation revision and the maps that came with the new vehicals were 2 years old when purchased.

 

Yeah, not very respectful to their customer.

 

If I don't trade it in, I'll get the update with the Bonus $ I got at the dealership.

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