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Sync 1 upgrade to version 4.6

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33K views 20 replies 8 participants last post by  ST-NC  
#1 ·
I see that there is a Sync update available for my 2014 ST. It has Sync generation SYNC 1 and my current version is 4.3. I see on the Ford website that it can be upgraded to version 4.6. I do have some questions which I could not figure out through search:

1. Can I do the upgrade myself or does it need to be done by the dealer? On the website, I did not see any download link or do-it-yourself upgrade.
2. Is the upgrade for free or does the dealer charge for it

Thanks
 
#5 ·
These are the official release notes:

The latest release of SYNC® (V4.6) software delivers a more robust driving experience for vehicles equipped with SYNC® and SYNC® with MyFord®.27 The latest version also includes new features:

Streamlined help commands save time. SYNC® offers the corresponding help prompts only to the area that you’re using.
Enhanced phonebook search allows you to browse and scroll through your contacts, alphabetically.
SYNC® AppLink™ now available in Canada and Mexico. Now, AppLink™ can be controlled in English, French (Canadian) and Spanish (Mexican).63
SYNC® reboot allows you to quickly restart the SYNC® system to facilitate communication between your Bluetooth® -enabled device and SYNC®, without repairing your device or performing a master reset.
 
#6 ·
Ford changed something in the self upgrade for this. I don't work for Ford but there is no longer an option for upgrading yourself with USB. This seems to be only around sync 1 after searching VINs that have upgrades available.

I have sync 1 and I was able to do it myself a few years ago.

It was a pain in the ass because I had to use a very specific USB drive for it to work. This one https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000FFLWLQ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I used 10 other different types that were formatted to their standard, but only the Verbatim 4GB worked. The update instructions were also hard to follow. There would be sections where sync would say it was done, but the instructions would say just ignore that.

If I had to guess the self upgrade was deemed too complicated and now they just refer people to dealerships. Is there anyone on here that can confirm whats going on?

Also, if someone has the files they can just give them to you, but you still need the instruction sheet. I can't stress this enough that without those detailed instructions it would have been almost impossible.
 
#7 ·
Ford changed something in the self upgrade for this. I don't work for Ford but there is no longer an option for upgrading yourself with USB. This seems to be only around sync 1 after searching VINs that have upgrades available.

I have sync 1 and I was able to do it myself a few years ago.

It was a pain in the ass because I had to use a very specific USB drive for it to work. This one https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000FFLWLQ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I used 10 other different types that were formatted to their standard, but only the Verbatim 4GB worked. The update instructions were also hard to follow. There would be sections where sync would say it was done, but the instructions would say just ignore that.

If I had to guess the self upgrade was deemed too complicated and now they just refer people to dealerships. Is there anyone on here that can confirm whats going on?

Also, if someone has the files they can just give them to you, but you still need the instruction sheet. I can't stress this enough that without those detailed instructions it would have been almost impossible.
Thanks much for the update, I'll let the dealer do it just to be safe :) Do you know if they do the update for free or is there a charge for this?
 
#15 ·
I put mine in, VIN, I have just the Sync1 and it shows up as Sync 1 but mine is up to date.

There used to be a link I saved where you could go, put in your VIN and if there was a update available you could download it to a flash drive. I tried the link I have and it's no good anymore.

Sorry no help here.(n)
 
#16 · (Edited)
Found some threads here but have not tried it out yet since my car is with the dealer to handle the fuel tank deformation recall.

Use the below links at own risk:



 
#17 ·
Quick update: I tried the above and it did not work. So at this point I am fine staying at version 4.3 since I do not have any bluetooth connection issues. Saw some threads where it was reported that there were some issues with 4.6 and the possibility that this is the reason why Ford pulled the direct download links. So I will not touch what is not broken at this point :)
 
#18 ·
Another update: After I tried the USB upgrade with the files in the above links with no success, I did have a chat with Ford Support. I was told that the 4.6 update is not available for download and that the upgrade needs to be done at the dealership. So as I indicated previously, I'll just leave this as is for the time being at my current version which is 4.3. Nothing urgent on my side since the basic Bluetooth pairing with my phone works fine and I can stream music (missing the song titles in the display but well, definitely a 1st world problem).
 
#19 ·
Anyone who has had success updating Sync Gen 1 to 4.6 and still happens to have the files PLEASE help a brother out, i've tried everything i've came across online with no success. I have a 2010 Fusion and use my car for DoorDash 12 hours a day. I'd love to be able to view song title and artist which i've heard the update allows. jjaaccoobb.jjATgmail.com
 
#21 · (Edited)
I tried so many different files but found one on f150 forums that actually worked.
My specific version was 4.3 - EJ5T-14D544-AA, 2014 Ford Focus SE.
This is post with download link and instructions. Sync Update that worked...!!! - Ford F150 Forum - Community of Ford Truck Fans
Good luck.
Many many thanks for reviving this thread and for the pointer, this finally worked for me!
My specific version was 4.3 - EJ5T-14D544-AA, 2014 Ford Focus ST. With the link you provided, I was able to upgrade to 4.6 - GG1T-14D544-AB
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One very important note on this update: You will hear the announcement "Your software has been updated" or the "Update is complete" but after hearing this announcement, you need to wait for maybe about an additional 15 minutes for the whole process to complete and then hear another "Update complete" message. Also, during this whole update process, I had the engine running and waiting inside the car since my media system otherwise would turn itself off after some short time before the update was even complete. Hope this helps.