Help updating MY20 SYNC 3 APIM retrofitted into 2016 Flex (currently 3.0.19205)

Ford SYNC 3 Support CyanLabs Update Support
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1

Hi all,
I have a 2016 Ford Flex sel that originally came with an older SYNC system. I retrofitted a newer SYNC 3 APIM into it “old one died”
On the screen, About SYNC shows:
SYNC 3, Software Version: 3.0
Build: 19205_PRODUCT
VIN: 2FMHK6C87GBA08280
Gracenote: 1.1.1.1139 (NA‑0010)
Navigation Maps Version: NA 1 14
I installed Syn3 Updater on my Windows PC and set:
Current version: 3.0.x, Region: NA, Navigation: Yes
New version: 3.4.23188 (NA maps)
When I try to proceed, I get the red error saying:
You have specified that you have a MY20 (Manufacture Year 2020+) SYNC 3 unit
You can not do the following:
– Upgrade from 3.0 or below to 3.2 or above if applicable
– Install ESN locked map releases
– Change region
My situation:
Car is a 2016 Flex sel, but the APIM is newer than the car (likely a MY20‑style unit).
I do not want to brick this APIM.
I’d like to get to SYNC 3.4 with North America maps if it’s safe for this hardware.
Questions:
With this MY20 APIM in a 2016 Flex, is there a safe path using Syn3 Updater to go from 3.0.19205 → 3.4.x?
If yes, what exact settings should I use (install mode, version, map package, and whether to keep MY20 protection enabled)?
If no, is my only safe option to have a dealer or FDRS update this APIM instead?
I’ve attached a screenshot of the MY20 error and can also provide the APIM part number if needed.
Thanks in advance for any guidance

SYNC Region: NA

Navigation Variant: Nav

Manufacturer Year: Unknown

Install Type: Retrofit

Old SYNC Version: 3.0.19205

New SYNC Version: 3.4.23188

Do you have a error message, if so what is it?
You have specified that you have a MY20 (Manufacture Year 2020+) SYNC 3 unit
You can not do the following:
– Upgrade from 3.0 or below to 3.2 or above if applicable
– Install ESN locked map releases
– Change region

Update Method: CyanLabs Syn3 Updater

Syn3 Updater Version: 2.12.2.0

Syn3 Updater Documentation Read: yes

Syn3 Updater Log File

didnt get one due to the error message stopping me from proceeding,
2

This is correct. If you say you have a 2020+ APIM than you cannot reformat the APIM to get the new maps and upgrade to 3.4 or you will brick the unit.

Do you know if your APIM is a MY2020+?

3

The APIM label shows part number GA8T‑14G370‑CL and MFG Date 12/16/2015, so it is not a MY20+ unit.

I am very new to this world and pre apologize for any ignorance.

I’m doing all this for my disabled veteran father, for his Flex. His oem unit died, found affordable replacements, and installed them. They work ok with minor nav bugs etc. Good enough. But would love to upgrade to 3.4.

I attached some pics from the unit. Thank you so much.

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4

You are correct sir, It is not a 2020+ so you can configure the updater as such. I would caution you though, A G series APIM is rather old but it will work. It will not be the fastest but it can run the 3.4 versions. If you need good AB settings than pull them off a 2017 Flex with close options.

As far as maps, If you goto 3.4 you will be doing a reformat so choose the latest maps.

All good, we all started somewhere with this stuff.

5

I really appreciate you being cool and helpful. I love getting into this stuff, it’s not easy like the early days of car audio.

I’ll try again tomorrow,

Thank you so much.

6

Well I have owned 3 Flex so I am pretty familiar with them.

7

Wow. That’s awesome, I feel like it’s a love hate relationship with the flex. Ha.

If I have any issues, I hope you can help. Your awesome man.

1 Like