What should I do if I am having issues installing SYNC 3 Navigation updates?

You may receive error messages or encounter other issues while attempting to install navigation updates on your SYNC®* 3 system.

Troubleshooting Navigation Installation Errors

Select the error or symptom you are experiencing from the drop-down options below to find possible solutions.

Error message: "SYNC must be updated before this map update can be applied. Please remove the USB drive."

The Navigation map update requires a SYNC update before installation.

Update your system to the latest SYNC version via Wi-Fi or a USB and install the Navigation map update again. 

If your vehicle shows Software version 3.0, and you are still experiencing issues, contact the Ford Customer Relationship Center using our Live Chat option or by calling 1-800-392-3673. See the What SYNC version do I have in my vehicle? topic to learn how to find your SYNC software version.

Error message: "Installation error.  This SYNC software is not compatible with the installed SYNC hardware on the vehicle."

Your vehicle's SYNC Software may not be the latest version. Verify that SYNC is the latest version.

Update the SYNC software via Wi-Fi or USB and try installing the Navigation update again. 

If your vehicle has the latest SYNC version installed, and you are still experiencing issues, contact the Ford Customer Relationship Center using our Live Chat option or by calling 1-800-392-3673.

Error: "Installation Failed: Error Code: VER_ERR06."

The SYNC Module has been replaced recently in your vehicle and the Map License file is incorrect. For assistance, contact the Ford Customer Relationship Center using our Live Chat option or by calling 1-800-392-3673.

Error: "Installation Failed: Error Code: LST_ERR05."

Find your SYNC 3 software version:

  1. Tap Settings on your vehicle's SYNC 3 screen.
  2. Select General.
  3. Tap About or About SYNC.
  • If your vehicle has SYNC 3 v3.0, there should be seven files in the SyncMyRide folder. If the "JR3T-14G242-CF.TAR.GZ" file is missing, you will see the "LST_005" error when attempting to install the map update.
  • If your vehicle has SYNC 3 v3.3 or SYNC 3 v3.4, there should be 15 files in the SyncMyRide folder. If the "4U5T-14G424-CD.TAR.GZ" file is missing, you will see an "LST_005" error when attempting to install the map update.

When you find that the license file is missing:

  1. Find the map license key zip file, which is Download #3 in the download instructions you received after purchasing the SYNC map update. 
  2. Drag and drop the zip file to the SyncMyRide folder. The file must remain zipped.
  3. Try to install the update again.

If the above steps do not resolve the issue, contact the Ford Customer Relationship Center using our Live Chat option or by calling 1-800-392-3673.

Error: "Installation Failed: Error Code: BGMAP_ERR01."

If you receive this error, the USB drive, also known as a thumb or flash drive, is still inserted into your vehicle's SYNC system after the installation is completed. 

To clear this error:

  1. Remove the USB drive.
  2. Perform a key cycle to verify the map version in your vehicle is correct:
    1. Turn off the ignition. 
    2. Remove the key. 
    3. Open the door.
    4. Close the door. 
    5. Wait for approximately three minutes.
    6. Turn on the ignition.
  3. Verify that the map is updated.
    1. Press Settings.
    2. Touch General.
    3. Press About SYNC.
    4. Select Navigation Map Version

If the map version matches the one you installed and Navigation voice commands are working, the issue has been resolved. If the map version is not up-to-date or Navigation voice commands are not working: 

  1. Perform a master reset
  2. Restart the map update with the instructions provided in the PDF on the SYNC 3 Navigation Update website or the printed instructions that came with the USB drive. Instructions can also be found on the SYNC Navigation website.

If you are still experiencing issues, contact the Ford Customer Relationship Center using our Live Chat option or by calling 1-800-392-3673.

Error: "Installation Failed: Error Code: INST_ERR14."

Some applications are installed and pending and need to be activated. 

To clear this error:

  1. Perform a key cycle to verify the map version in your vehicle is correct:
    1. Turn off the ignition. 
    2. Remove the key. 
    3. Open the door.
    4. Close the door. 
    5. Wait for approximately three minutes.
    6. Turn on the ignition.
  2. Verify that the map is updated.
    1. Press Settings.
    2. Touch General.
    3. Press About SYNC.
    4. Select Navigation Map Version

If the map version matches the one you installed and Navigation voice commands are working, the issue has been resolved. If the map version is not up-to-date or Navigation voice commands are not working: 

  1. Restart the map update with the instructions provided in the PDF on the SYNC 3 Navigation Update website or the printed instructions that came with the USB drive. Instructions can also be found on the SYNC Navigation website.
  2. If the voice commands are still not working, perform a SYNC Master Reset and try the update again. 

If the master reset does not resolve the issue, contact the Ford Customer Relationship Center using our Live Chat option or by calling 1-800-392-3673.

Error: "Installation Failed: Error Code: MEM_ERR03."

This usually happens due to space limitations in your SYNC system. 

Perform a master reset, and try the update again. 

If this does not work, contact the Ford Customer Relationship Center using our Live Chat option or by calling 1-800-392-3673.

Error: "Installation Failed: Error Code: PKG_ERR03."

This usually happens due to a corrupted file on the USB drive, also known as flash or thumb drive. 

To fix this:

  1. Delete the Navigation update files from your computer.
  2. Download the update files again. 
  3. Copy the new files onto a different USB drive.
  4. Try to install the update again.

If this does not work, contact the Ford Customer Relationship Center using our Live Chat option or by calling 1-800-392-3673.

Symptom: Voice destination not working

Something went wrong while performing the map update, or it was interrupted unexpectedly. 

Contact the Ford Customer Relationship Center using our Live Chat option or by calling 1-800-392-3673.

Symptom: Your vehicle was manufactured during the 2016 model year, and you are unable to find the Electronic Serial Number (ESN).

Update your system to the latest SYNC version via Wi-Fi or a USB.

If the ESN still does not display, contact the Ford Customer Relationship Center using our Live Chat option or by calling 1-800-392-3673.

Any error on your vehicle's SYNC 3 screen or symptom not listed above

Contact the Ford Customer Relationship Center using our Live Chat option or by calling 1-800-392-3673.

Additional Information

How do I perform a SYNC Navigation map update?


*Don’t drive while distracted or while using handheld devices. Use voice-operated systems when possible. Some features may be locked out while the vehicle is in gear. Not all features are compatible with all phones.