How do I troubleshoot USB-installed SYNC®* software update issues?

If you encounter an error while installing the SYNC software update from a USB drive, also known as a flash or thumb drive, verify the following:

  1. Ensure that the USB drive is formatted correctly to:
    • exFAT for SYNC 3.
    • FAT32 for previous versions of SYNC.
  2. Confirm that you correctly followed the steps to extract the file to the USB drive.
  3. Try deleting the downloaded files and downloading the update again.

For additional troubleshooting tips, please select from the errors listed below:

What do I do if I receive a Memory Error when updating SYNC?

When you insert the USB drive in your vehicle to install the SYNC update, it may take up to five minutes for the installation to begin.

Durante este momento, SYNC no mostrará mensajes. If you remove the flash drive before the start of the installation, SYNC will display a memory error message such as mem_003.


If you receive a memory error message, you will need to start the installation again.

  1. Remove the flash drive.
  2. Perform a Master Reset. 
    Note: A SYNC Master Reset returns the system to its factory default settings. You will need to conectar el teléfono de nuevo and restore any previously selected settings.
    1. Press Settings on your vehicle's SYNC screen.
    2. Select General.
    3. Tap the scroll bar or swipe vertically until you see Master Reset.
    4. Press Master Reset. Aparecerá un mensaje confirmando que se borrarán todas las configuraciones del sistema y volverán a la configuración determinada de fábrica.
    5. Select Continue. A Resetting to factory defaults message will appear, the system will turn off and the screen will go blank. Pueden pasar unos minutos hasta que el sistema se reinicie y reanude su funcionamiento normal. 
  3. Perform a key cycle.
    1. Turn the vehicle off.
    2. Open the driver’s door and lock the door.
    3. Close the driver’s door.
    4. Wait two minutes and ensure the radio display turns off completely.
    5. Restart the vehicle.
  4. Ensure that the Welcome animation appears.
  5. Wait for the Home screen to show. 
  6. Insert the USB drive to start the installation. Do not remove the USB drive until the installation is complete.

If the above steps do not resolve the issue, contact your Concesionario Ford para obtener asistencia.

¿Qué hago si recibo un mensaje de error "Windows Error 0x80004005" al actualizar SYNC?

If you use a USB drive to update your SYNC software, you may receive a Windows Error 0x80004005 message when files are not correctly transferred to the flash drive.

If you see this error, delete the downloaded files and re-download them. If you continue to receive the error after a few attempts, visit your Concesionario Ford para obtener asistencia.

What do I do if I receive an LST Extraction Error when updating SYNC?

If you use a USB drive to update your SYNC software, you may see an LST error message if the update was not properly extracted.

  • Use the Unarchiver app to properly extract the files.
  • Use Windows Explorer (File Explorer for Windows 10) to properly extract the files.

If you need additional assistance, contact your Concesionario Ford.

What do I do if I receive an Installation Error INSTL Message when updating SYNC?

If you receive the INSTL installation error when trying to update your SYNC software using a USB, you will need to visit your Concesionario Ford to diagnose the concern.

This issue can only be resolved at a dealer.

What do I do if Voice Recognition is not working after performing a SYNC update?

If you experience issues with voice recognition after performing a SYNC update, follow the troubleshooting tips below:

  1. Perform a master reset. Asegúrate de permitir que se reinicie el sistema por completo. 
    Note: A SYNC Master Reset returns the system to its factory default settings. You will need to de conectar tu teléfono again and restore any previously selected settings. 
    1. Press Settings on your vehicle's SYNC screen.
    2. Select General.
    3. Tap the scroll bar or swipe vertically until you see Master Reset.
    4. Press Master Reset. Aparecerá un mensaje confirmando que se borrarán todas las configuraciones del sistema y volverán a la configuración determinada de fábrica.
    5. Select Continue. A Resetting to factory defaults message will appear, the system will turn off and the screen will go blank. Pueden pasar unos minutos hasta que el sistema se reinicie y reanude su funcionamiento normal. 
  2. Ensure that the Welcome animation appears after the reset is done.
  3. Perform a key cycle.
    1. Turn the vehicle off.
    2. Open the driver’s door and lock the door.
    3. Close the driver’s door.
    4. Wait two minutes and ensure the radio display turns off completely.
    5. Restart the vehicle.
  4. Ensure that the Welcome animation appears.
  5. Wait for the Home screen to show.
  6. Insert the USB drive and start the update again.

If the above steps do not resolve the issue, contact your Concesionario Ford para obtener asistencia.

What do I do if I receive an Out of Space/Bad Installation File Error Message when updating SYNC?

If you receive an Out of Space/Bad Installation File Error when trying to update your SYNC software, follow the troubleshooting tips below:

  1. Perform a master reset. Asegúrate de permitir que se reinicie el sistema por completo. 
    Note: A SYNC Master Reset returns the system to its factory default settings. You will need to de conectar tu teléfono again and restore any previously selected settings.
    1. Press Settings on your vehicle's SYNC screen.
    2. Select General.
    3. Tap the scroll bar or swipe vertically until you see Master Reset.
    4. Press Master Reset. Aparecerá un mensaje confirmando que se borrarán todas las configuraciones del sistema y volverán a la configuración determinada de fábrica.
    5. Select Continue. A "Resetting to factory default" message will appear, the system will turn off and the screen will go blank. Pueden pasar unos minutos hasta que el sistema se reinicie y reanude su funcionamiento normal.
  2. Ensure that the Welcome animation appears after the reset is done.
  3. Perform a key cycle.
    1. Turn the vehicle off.
    2. Open the driver’s door and lock the door.
    3. Close the driver’s door.
    4. Wait two minutes and ensure the radio display turns off completely.
    5. Restart the vehicle.
  4. Ensure that the Welcome animation appears.
  5. Wait for the Home screen to show.
  6. Insert the USB drive and start the update again.

If the above steps do not resolve the issue, contact your Concesionario Ford para obtener asistencia.

What do I do if Android Auto™** is not showing after updating SYNC 3?

If you experience issues with Android Auto after performing a SYNC 3 update, follow the troubleshooting tips below:

  1. Perform a master reset. Asegúrate de permitir que se reinicie el sistema por completo. 
    Note: A SYNC Master Reset returns the system to its factory default settings. You will need to de conectar tu teléfono again and restore any previously selected settings.
    1. Press Settings on your vehicle's SYNC screen.
    2. Select General.
    3. Tap the scroll bar or swipe vertically until you see Master Reset.
    4. Press Master Reset. Aparecerá un mensaje confirmando que se borrarán todas las configuraciones del sistema y volverán a la configuración determinada de fábrica.
    5. Select Continue. Aparecerá el mensaje "Resetting to factory defaults", el sistema apagará y la pantalla quedará en blanco. Pueden pasar unos minutos hasta que el sistema se reinicie y reanude su funcionamiento normal.
  2. Ensure that the Welcome animation appears after the reset is done.
  3. Perform a key cycle.
    1. Turn the vehicle off.
    2. Open the driver’s door and lock the door.
    3. Close the driver’s door.
    4. Wait two minutes and ensure the radio display turns off completely.
    5. Restart the vehicle.
  4. Ensure that the Welcome animation appears.
  5. Wait for the Home screen to show.
  6. Insert the USB drive and start the update again. 

If the above steps do not resolve the issue, contact your Concesionario Ford para obtener asistencia.

What do I do if I receive a PKG_ERR03 while installing a SYNC update?

This error occurs when one or more downloaded files are not completely downloaded or are corrupted. To fix this issue, follow the troubleshooting steps below:

  1. Delete all downloaded update files from the USB and from the computer you are using to update SYNC. 
  2. Re-download all SYNC update files to your computer.
  3. Reformat the USB.
  4. Extract the files and move them onto the USB.

Once the files are extracted, you will be able to use the USB to begin the update process again.

If you are still experiencing issues, contact the Customer Relationship Center by calling 800-392-3673 or selecting LIVE CHAT.

Información Adicional

What do I do if my phone is not pairing?
What do I do if I am unable to download my contacts?
What do I do if I am having issues with text messaging?


*Don’t drive while distracted. Usa sistemas operados por voz cuando sea posible; no uses dispositivos portátiles mientras conduces. Es posible que algunas características estén desactivadas cuando el vehículo está en marcha. No todas las características son compatibles con todos los teléfonos.

**Android Auto is a trademark of Google LLC.