Sync 3 - Any Impacts 3G Network Shutdown

[KCWCOWS]

I have a 2016 Edge.

Does anyone know if the 3G Network shutdown will affect Sync 3 vehicles? Is it possible that some vehicles operate with a 3G modem module or a 3G antenna?  I do realize there at 3G, 4G, & 5G phones.  I'm having issues with my 4G phone Disconnecting occasionally & No GPS occasionally plus some delay with the module screen.  I do need to update my vehicle from Version 1.0, Build 15139 to Version 3.0.20204.  Also have performed system reset a few times.

Hoping & praying that the APIM is not going out.

 

Any help?

Edited February 10, 2022 by KCWCOWS

[bbf2530]

1 hour ago, KCWCOWS said:

I have a 2016 Edge.

Does anyone know if the 3G Network shutdown will affect Sync 3 vehicles? Is it possible that some vehicles operate with a 3G modem module or a 3G antenna?  I do realize there at 3G, 4G, & 5G phones.  I'm having issues with my 4G phone Disconnecting occasionally & No GPS occasionally plus some delay with the module screen.  I do need to update my vehicle from Version 1.0, Build 15139 to Version 3.0.20204.  Also have performed system reset a few times.

Hoping & praying that the APIM is not going out.

 

Any help?

 

Hi KCWCOWS. Yes, some early SYNC 3 vehicles had 3G modems. And when 3G service is ended by phone carries, the 3G modems in those vehicles will no longer be operable.

 

Ford has a CSP (Customer Satisfaction Program) out for this 3G elimination issue. You can see if your vehicle is covered by visiting this website: https://www.ford.com/support/how-tos/recall/recalls-and-faqs/is-my-vehicle-included-in-a-customer-satisfaction-program/

 

You can also contact Ford Customer Service and/or the Service Department at your Ford Dealer for information as to your vehicle's particular situation.

 

Let us know how you make out and good luck.

[Muzicman61]

There is a lengthy discussion on this over in the Ford Fusion Energi forum. A lot of frustrated individuals, including myself.  My VIN, like many others, is not in the CSP list.  Ford says call your dealer and the dealers say call Ford.  The CSP is supposed to cover vehicles from 2014 through 2020.  However my 2017 for some reason, is not on the list.  So to upgrade my modem to 4G, will cost me around $525 since I'm forced to pay for the installation.  Installation is free if your vehicle is on the list.  

 

You can check your vehicle here: https://www.ford.com/support/recalls/

 

[KCWCOWS]

Thanks bbf2530 & muzicman61 for the info. Mine is not listed! Ford needs to help cover this if it's a definite issue!!! Called my Service manager & mentioned this & asked about 3G issues & CSP & he stated he would look into it.

[bbf2530]

2 hours ago, KCWCOWS said:

Thanks bbf2530 & muzicman61 for the info. Mine is not listed! Ford needs to help cover this if it's a definite issue!!! Called my Service manager & mentioned this & asked about 3G issues & CSP & he stated he would look into it.

 

Hi KCWCOWS. As Muzicman mentioned above, this is an exhaustively discussed issue. The problem is: This "issue" is not due to a defect or failure of the modems supplied by Ford, GM, BMW, Mercedes, Toyota, Honda etc. etc..

In those affected vehicles, it is due to the fact that the cell phone carriers (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile etc.) are dropping 3G cell service coverage. And that is something Ford and other automakers have no control over.

Therefore, all 3G modems in all 3G limited devices in the US will no longer have cell service. That includes cell phones, computers, etc. etc. etc.

 

To put this in context: All 3G limited cell phones will also stop working once 3G service is ended in the US. Can/do we expect cell phone manufacturers to update or replace all 3G phones for free? Of course not. And they will not do it. Nor will they offer any compensation. Our option will be to buy a new cell phone.

 

It certainly can not hurt to contact your Ford Dealer, Ford Customer Service etc., to ask if they will do something for us. Or perhaps Ford will expand the number of vehicles covered by the CSP in the near future.

 

However, it can not reasonably be expected that they owe it to us, since this is not a component defect or failure. And even if it was, legally/technically, our vehicles are warrantied for the warranty period. No longer than that. No auto manufacturer that we know of so far is replacing 3G modems for free. Most are not even offering any update cost coverage on their vehicles.

From another perspective, cell phone and other device manufacturers will certainly not even consider updating or replacing our 3G phones and other devices. And in the case of obsolete cell phones, they are now essentially expensive paperweights. However, in the  case of our vehicles, every other function still operates as designed.

 

And I am being fair. At some point in time, the 4G modem in my MKZ will become obsolete when 4G service is eliminated. I can not and will not expect Lincoln to replace it for free because the cell carriers eliminated service. 

 

I don't expect everyone affected by this to agree with my perspective, but it is the reality.

 

Let us know how you make out and good luck.

[Muzicman61]

I agree with bbf2530 but I wish Ford was offering a 5G replacement modem so we don't have to go through this again when 4G is discontinued.  Although they claim 4G will be around for at least another decade.  It may outlive me. ?

[KCWCOWS]

Briefly visited my dealership today. Service Tech looked up my VIN & stated my vehicle does NOT have a 3G modem. This will only affect certain apps from what I understood (ie: Remotely using your phone from another location to Lock/Unlock Doors, Start Up Car, etc.)  Setting up an appointment for diagnostics & to do upgrade version 3.0.20204 (a month away).  I already know it's an APIM problem (code). Still planning to try downloading the upgrade myself. Had issues with the USB flash drive but will get it worked out hopefully.  Has anybody had issues going from Version 1.0 to the 3.0.20204???  I have seen some others on another forum mentioned having even more issues than my vehicle.   Let me hear from anyone.

[bbf2530]

1 hour ago, KCWCOWS said:

Briefly visited my dealership today. Service Tech looked up my VIN & stated my vehicle does NOT have a 3G modem. This will only affect certain apps from what I understood (ie: Remotely using your phone from another location to Lock/Unlock Doors, Start Up Car, etc.)  Setting up an appointment for diagnostics & to do upgrade version 3.0.20204 (a month away).  I already know it's an APIM problem (code). Still planning to try downloading the upgrade myself. Had issues with the USB flash drive but will get it worked out hopefully.  Has anybody had issues going from Version 1.0 to the 3.0.20204???  I have seen some others on another forum mentioned having even more issues than my vehicle.   Let me hear from anyone.

 

Hi KCCOWS. There seem to be a few questions here. What was you original version of SYNC? Was it SYNC 3.0? You an not upgrade from version 1.0 (SYNC 3?) to SYNC 3.0.

 

Did you "upgrade" your SYNC with one of the aftermarket SYNC upgrades...such as CyanLabs etc.?

 

If you do not have a 3G modem, but have a 4G modem then your Dealer is correct.

Edited February 12, 2022 by bbf2530

[KCWCOWS]

I have Sync 3 Version 1.0 Build 15139 right now which is the original at time of purchase. Update needed is listed on Ford.com for my vehicle shows 3.0.20204. Currently working on downloading it, but got to get it downloaded correctly to USB flash drive (had issues previously).

 

Check out this link to a TSB that was issued in August 2020 that I found @ dieself150forum.com

 

https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2020/MC-10179117-0001.pdf

 

MC-10179117-0001 (1) (1).pdf

[KCWCOWS]

Another question: Have there been other upgrades specfic to 2016 Edge between 1.0 & 3.0.20204???

If so, please list.  Thanks

 

 

[bbf2530]

11 hours ago, KCWCOWS said:

I have Sync 3 Version 1.0 Build 15139 right now which is the original at time of purchase. Update needed is listed on Ford.com for my vehicle shows 3.0.20204. Currently working on downloading it, but got to get it downloaded correctly to USB flash drive (had issues previously).

 

Check out this link to a TSB that was issued in August 2020 that I found @ dieself150forum.com

 

https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2020/MC-10179117-0001.pdf

 

MC-10179117-0001 (1) (1).pdf

 

Hi KCWCOWS. Okay, so you have SYNC 3.0 Build 15139. Or "SYNC3 v3.0.15139". To avoid confusion in the future, leave out the "Version 1.0" part.

 

I'm not sure if anyone will have a list of all the various SYNC3 updates available for your Edge since 2016. However, I can tell you that SYNC3 v3.0.20204 is the latest.

 

If anyone has a list available, I am sure they will post it for you.

 

Let us knwo how you make out and good luck.

[KCWCOWS]

Sync 3, Version 1, Build 15139

[bbf2530]

49 minutes ago, KCWCOWS said:

Sync 3, Version 1, Build 15139

 

 

Hi KCWCOWS. I understand. However, to make it easier for others to help you in the future, leave out the "Version 1" part. It is an obsolescent descriptor which is not needed and can only lead to confusion. As it did in this thread.

Using Ford's newer descriptors, you currently have "SYNC 3 v3.0.15139". If/when you update, you will have "SYNC3 v3.0.20204" (which is what I also have in my 2018 MKZ).

 

EDIT- One other thing I noticed: Sorry if I am misunderstanding what you meant, but you stated earlier that you were "Currently working on downloading it, but got to get it downloaded correctly to USB flash drive (had issues previously)."

Just to clarify...You are not trying to download directly to the USB flash drive from the Ford SYNC3 website, are you? 

You need to download the SYNC update file to your computer first, then unzip and properly copy the files over to the flash drive.

 

Good luck.

Edited February 12, 2022 by bbf2530

[KCWCOWS]

Thanks for the clarification about version.  Yes I'm downloading it to computer first, unzipping & dragging to USB drive.  I tried today, but apparently I may have not performed one step EXACTLY correctly when downloading to USB. Hoping to get it completed tomorrow.

 

Check out my unusual date "Last Updated" on screen in car.

6/25/2002!!!

 

My Ford account shows 5/05/2016

Any thoughts???

[bbf2530]

2 hours ago, KCWCOWS said:

2 hours ago, KCWCOWS said:

Thanks for the clarification about version.  Yes I'm downloading it to computer first, unzipping & dragging to USB drive.  I tried today, but apparently I may have not performed one step EXACTLY correctly when downloading to USB. Hoping to get it completed tomorrow.

 

Check out my unusual date "Last Updated" on screen in car.

6/25/2002!!!

 

My Ford account shows 5/05/2016

Any thoughts???

 

 

 

Hi KCWCOWS. Not sure what to think. When was the last time you clicked "Check for Available Updates" (wording may be slightly different in your version), on your vehicle SYNC screen?

 

Try doing that at least twice in a row, and let us know what happens/if the date changes.

 

The reason to do it at least twice (or preferably even three times) is for some reason, the first update attempt sometimes seems to do nothing.

 

Also...for informational purposes: SYNC 3 WiFi updates are problematic at best. The only way to be sure a SYNC 3 vehicle is up to date is checking for updates on the Ford (or Lincoln) SYNC 3 update websites and updating manually via USB, as you are seeing now.

 

Good luck.

Edited February 13, 2022 by bbf2530

[Multitask]

If you think that going to Sync 3 3.xxxxxx will stop your troubles with the 3G modem, it will not.... 

But if the dealer tells you that you do not have a 3G modem, do you have one at all?

If you do not, then updating your Sync 3 to 3.xxxxx will not change anything.  ? ( from 1.xxxxx)

Other than looks and some added 'features' 

Edited February 13, 2022 by Multitask

[KCWCOWS]

Question: When downloading upgrade 3.0.20204, did the sync system occasionally reboot?  Or change in anyway?  Today when I tried it just constantly said "Updating System Software"

[bbf2530]

1 hour ago, KCWCOWS said:

Question: When downloading upgrade 3.0.20204, did the sync system occasionally reboot?  Or change in anyway?  Today when I tried it just constantly said "Updating System Software"

 

Hi KCWCOWS. Yes, it will state "Updating System Software" (or similar phrases) several times. It may/will also reboot up to several times. It will also prematurely tell you several times that the "Update is complete, you can remove the USB and restart the car to finalize..." etc. Keep in mind all my quotes are loose paraphrases of the actual message verbiage.

 

Don't listen to those early "Update is complete..." messages! Leave the USB in and read below! ?

 

Your SYNC 3 update probably encompasses at least 6 SYNC updates of more, so it is probably going to take an hour or more. You must keep the car running for that entire time. Just plan a long scenic drive somewhere and don't stare the screen. ?

 

Leave the USB in for at least 10 minutes after any "Your System update has completed" or any similar messages. This will give the system time to reboot if necessary and continue the update. It will almost certainly happen.

 

You may not see any reboots, other messages etc., until 20-25 minutes or more into the update. It is hard to predict this accurately. Simply put, you must have PATIENCE! (sorry for "yelling", but that is important?)

 

Once you have had a "Your System update has completed" (or similar) message stay on the screen for at least 10 minutes, you can then be sure the update is actually complete.

 

Then you can follow the instructions to remove the USB, open the drivers door, wait X minutes, restart the car etc.

 

Let us know how you make out and good luck.

Edited February 13, 2022 by bbf2530

[KCWCOWS]

56 minutes ago, bbf2530 said:

 

Hi KCWCOWS. Not sure what to think. When was the last time you clicked "Check for Available Updates" (wording may be slightly different in your version), on your vehicle SYNC screen?

 

Try doing that at least twice in a row, and let us know what happens/if the date changes.

 

The reason to do it at least twice (or preferably even three times) is for some reason, the first update attempt sometimes seems to do nothing.

 

Also...for informational purposes: SYNC 3 WiFi updates are problematic at best. The only way to be sure a SYNC 3 vehicle is up to date is checking for updates on the Ford (or Lincoln) SYNC 3 update websites and updating manually via USB, as you are seeing now.

 

Good luck.

All I have is Automatic Updates On & Off. No Scan feature. But will check it out again. Thanks 

[bbf2530]

18 minutes ago, KCWCOWS said:

All I have is Automatic Updates On & Off. No Scan feature. But will check it out again. Thanks 

 

Click on "View Current Software Version". Your very early SYNC 3 version may be different.

 

EDIT- And reread my previous reply. I added some information while our current replies were crossing in the mail.

Edited February 13, 2022 by bbf2530

[KCWCOWS]

16 minutes ago, bbf2530 said:

 

Hi KCWCOWS. Yes, it will state "Updating System Software (or similar phrases) several times. It may/will also reboot up to several times. It will also prematurely tell you several times that the "Update is complete, you can remove the USB and restart the car to finalize..." etc. Keep in mind all my quotes are loose paraphrases of the actual message verbiage.

 

Don't listen to those early "Update is complete..." messages! Leave the USB in and read below! ?

 

Your SYNC 3 update probably encompasses at least 6 SYNC updates of more, so it is probably going to take an hour or more. You must keep the car running for that entire time Plan a long scenic drive somewhere.

 

Leave the USB in for at least 10 minutes after any "Your System update has completed" or any similar messages. This will give the system time to reboot if necessary and continue the update. It will almost certainly happen.

 

Once you have had a "Your System update has completed "(or similar) message stay on the screen for at least 10 minutes, you can then be sure the update is actually complete.

 

Then you can follow the instructions to remove the USB, open the drivers door, wait X minutes, restart the car etc.

 

Let us know how you make out and good luck.

Oh Wow,  several updates, so maybe hours. How soon or long do you think it might take before I would see the first reboot?

[KCWCOWS]

16 minutes ago, bbf2530 said:

 

Click on "View Current Software Version". Your very early SYNC 3 version may be different.

I will try touching that area 2 or 3 times back to back to see if the date will change, but may not work since I do have the occasional delays 

[bbf2530]

25 minutes ago, KCWCOWS said:

Oh Wow,  several updates, so maybe hours. How soon or long do you think it might take before I would see the first reboot?

 

Hi KCW. Reread my previous long reply, as I edited and added information while our replies were crossing in the mail.

 

To clarify: Not "hours", but probably an hour or so. So plan a nice scenic drive and don't stare at the SYNC screen.

 

Any predictions on a first reboot time will turn out to be worthless, so I will not predict how long until a first reboot. You simply need to be patient and wait. And follow the 10 minute rule I explained about not removing the USB or turning off the engine until any "Your Update is complete" message has remained on the screen for at least 10 minutes. 

 

Keep us updated and good luck.

Edited February 13, 2022 by bbf2530

[bbf2530]

18 minutes ago, KCWCOWS said:

I will try touching that area 2 or 3 times back to back to see if the date will change, but may not work since I do have the occasional delays 

 

Hi KCW. Wherever you Edge is parked when you are doing this, it is connected to a strong WiFi network signal, correct? Not sure I understand what you mean by "occasional delays".

 

Good luck.

Edited February 13, 2022 by bbf2530

[KCWCOWS]

Why do you ask about WiFi? My system will not upgrade over WiFi. Only with USB. Do I need to try connecting to WiFi while do the download by USB?

 

Other questions: Should my Bluetooth be turned off on my phone?  And does the Radio need to be On or Off or does it matter?  I have read some instructions pertaining to these options.