Ford Sync Downloader

FordSyncDownloader is a Windows application created to make the upgrade process of Ford Sync as simple as possible.

FordSyncDownloader will allow you to download your desired version of Sync from the official Ford links and once the download has completed it will automatically prepare the USB Drive ready for you to insert into your car. This application prevents user error from wrongly formatted or partitioned USB drives.

We previously wrote a guide on doing this which can be found here https://cyanlabs.net/tutorials/update-ford-sync-3-2-2-3-0-to-version-3-4-all-years-3-4-19200/ (note that the files are no longer available due to the potential for legal issues from Ford) but CyanLabs constantly got the same questions asked over and over, this aims to minimize user error.

Features

Dynamically updated “releases” check the app regularly for new releases.
Option to install “With Nav” or “Without Nav”.
Supports both reformat.lst and downgrade function if above 3.4.19200.
Automatic download of the Ford reformat tool.
Multiple validation processes to ensure downloads and copies are successful.
Detailed information for each release showing the “APPS” version and the “MAPS” version specific to your region.
Allow upgrading to newer versions of Sync than officially supported by Ford / your car.

New Features in 2.1

Manual Configuration, this allows you to create specific autoinstall USB’s with individual IVSU’s allowing for quick APPS upgrades etc.
Application is displayed in multiple languages, languages can be contributed here https://poeditor.com/join/project/SxA8TEAtaQ.
MD5 Checks on all files copied to the USB drive to ensure Integrity.

Here are some of the benefits of upgrading to Sync 3.4+

Android Auto navigation on the small screen in the Dash Cluster / Speedo dependent on your car.
Much snappier and more responsive user interface.
A nicer looking stock blue theme.
Newest map data for SatNav.
If you update your APIM firmware you can also get Radio logos and Calm Mode.
There are probably others, if you know of any let me know and i will add them here.

Documentation

Getting Started

The first thing you will need is a Ford or Lincoln car with a SYNC 3 unit, it can be running SYNC 3 3.X or SYNC 3 2.X but it needs to be a SYNC 3 unit.

If your car looks like the left side of this picture you are able to use this tool however If your car looks like the right side of this picture then you will require replacement hardware in order to have Sync 3.X

Now that we have determined what SYNC type you have lets guide you through using this application.

On first launch of FordSyncDownloader you will be asked to read a Disclaimer make sure to read this then continue below.

After accepting the Disclaimer you will be taken to the Configuration page.

You can select a download location or use the default location of C:\Users\XXX\Downloads\FordSyncDownloader
In the Current Version Information section select your current Version, Region and if it’s Navigation or not.
make sure to specify the correct information here.
In the New Version section select your Region (must be the same as existing currently), Version and if you have a navigation variant a Map Version.
Finally in the Select your USB Drive section select your USB Drive from the dropdown and press Start.
You will be asked a few questions, make sure to read these and correctly answer them.
Next you will be taken to the Status page, here it will show you the current download status.
Once the download has completed it will automatically start preparing the USB Drive, formatting it to MBR and ExFAT and copying the files.
You can refer to the Log section for additional information on the current progress/status.
Once the process has completed you will see the below message box, you can now safely remove the USB
(it can take a bit of time before you are able to safely remove it, we recommend waiting)

Help & Support

If either the Discord or Community Forum buttons are clicked after the process has completed a hastebin link will be copied to your clipboard, this link contains all the options you selected along with your reformat.lst, autoinstall.lst and SyncMyRide file contents. when asking for help make sure to paste this link if possible.

Downgrade

If you are on version 3.4.19274+ the application will automatically prompt you to do a Downgrade once this is done you can repeat the process to install your desired release.

Manual Configuration

This section can be used to create USB’s with autoinstall.lst’s used for quick updates such as an update to APPS or LOGO’s etc. This section is not supported by CyanLabs however CyanLabs will post a quick guide on how to do simple upgrades on the Community Forum as and when they become available so keep your eyes on the forum. Click the button to find out more.