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.

Some older cars can’t officially update to Sync 3.4 or above, this application allows you to do this.

Here are some of the benefits of upgrading to Sync 3.4

Android Auto navigation on the small screen in the Dash Cluster / Speedo. (potentially car play aswell)
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 running Sync 3.

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

After launching FordSyncDownloader for the first time you will be asked to read some terms and conditions and understand that any risks are yours and CyanLabs are not responsible. Once you agree to these terms you will be taken to the “Download” section of the application.

Download Section

This section asks you to enter a few details from the dropdowns provided, it’s important to enter this correctly so the files downloaded and generated match your car. You will be asked your current Sync Version, Region and whether your car is a navigation variant or not.

Once this has been entered you can choose your desired version, region* and whether you want maps or not.

After you have entered all the information press “Download” and wait for the download to complete.

*note changing region can require further customization to the asbuilt and may or may not fit on smaller Navigation models such as EU to NA etc..

Please note that downloads are saved to your default windows directory, by default C:\Users\Username\Downloads

USB Preparation

Now that the files have downloaded we can move on to preparing the USB.

Simple select your USB, understand, and confirm the prompt that all data will be lost and wait for the process to complete.

Once the process has completed you will have all files on your USB along with a autoinstall.lst and depending on your options a reformat.lst

Final Stages

Safely remove the USB from your computer and insert it into your car start the engine and wait. Depending on chosen options and region it can take up 1 hour.

Once the install is complete go to Settings > General and do a “Master Reset”.