The problem of updating Sync

Ford SYNC 3 Support Ford Update Support
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Hello everyone! I need help—I’ve read through the entire forum but couldn’t find a solution.

I have a 2018 Lincoln MKZ without built-in navigation. It came with Sync 3.4 (likely an unofficial install). After I bought it, it offered a Wi-Fi update, which I accepted, installing Sync 3.4 build 22251. Since then, it forgets settings on every startup. I’ve tried updating to newer versions, but no luck.

First attempt at updating gave me an INSTL_ERR12 error. Forum advice suggested a Master Reset, which I did—error cleared, and “Updating System Software” appeared. I waited over an hour, but nothing happened. Tried another version (23188) via Syn3 Updater—same result. Also used RW Data Cleaner—it finished in a minute and rebooted successfully, but I doubt it worked that fast. Soft reset didn’t help either.

The issue: “Updating System Software” hangs for over an hour with no progress, despite multiple attempts. The only error was INSTL_ERR12, which stopped after the reset—no other errors since. The APIM is original, MY18. I tried different USB drives and ports too.

Best regards,
Vlad

SYNC Region: EU

Navigation Variant: Non Nav

Manufacturer Year: Pre MY20

Install Type: OEM

Old SYNC Version: 3.4.22251

New SYNC Version: 3.4.22251

Do you have a error message, if so what is it?
There was an INSTL_ERR12 error, but I fixed it.

Update Method: Official Ford

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Hello.

That’s a bit contradictory. Ford would not push 3.4 your way if the car wasn’t entitled to, regardless of what version could be sideloaded. But I agree it seems really odd to have an official wifi update.

Just to be safe, disable auto-updates.

Since you mentioned it’s a no-nav version, check this thread out → Tutorial: Sync 3.4 NON-NAV APIM: Failure to Update to Newer Version Sync 3.4

Let us know how it goes.

1 Like
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Run the Interrogator Utility and post the xml here…