My new to me 2019 F-450 qualified for a new map update as well as Sync. So I signed up, downloaded and installed it on USB as per the instructions. While that was going on I remembered a couple years back doing a 3rd party Sync 3.4 update with latest maps using a Cyan Labs synchupdater app. So I looked and sure enough still have the updater, which automatically updated to the latest version, so popped a second USB stick in and ran that. I was planning to install that one instead of the "official" update, but deiced I want to use the Cyan one instead. So today I go out and pop the stick in, let it run while I go get fuel. Before I even get to the end of the drive, it failed. So I run in and get the other stick. It promptly loaded up successfully and started doing it's thing. It finished up while I was at the station.

Now keep in mind, I thought I had the Cyan labs stick from the start and it failed, so I checked the versions and, it's 3.4 and the latest maps. Somehow I got the sticks mixed up and the one that failed was the Official update, not the Cyan one! I LOL the rest of the way home.

The update from Ford is 3.3 something, don't know where Cyan gets their updates but it is 3.4. I think they pull it from the Ford Repos because it is all legit Sync software, Gracenotes and maps.

 

In their latest version of SynUpdater3 they now have the ability to create a custom map package. For me I excluded Canada and Mexico. Runs great no issues. Have updated 4 trucks now.

ZooDad

 

Nothing substantive to add here but I got the Ford email today and thought "why not?" Got all the software downloaded and transferred to a stick and started the process only to have the truck say "The Sync 3 update is not comparable with the hardware of this vehicle." Messed with it several different sticks, and the web site for about an hour and re-downloaded all the software to double check. Ford says "we do not provide troubleshooting for this update." Same story at the install failure. Found acdii's post while I was trying to trouble shoot this (cuz now I'm on a mission!) and did the Cyan labs fix. Not only do I have 3.4 (vs. Ford's 3.2) but also '21 maps (Ford was going to give me 19 maps) and I was done in 45 minutes. Anyway, solid endorsement for the Cyan Labs solution and I gotta say 3.4 dark mode is very sexy! ACDII has it right. Thanks!

 

Wife’s 2017 Explorer has never been updated because we didn’t want to pay for updates when you can use Apple Maps, Waze, or Google maps. Does the Cyan Labs cost anything? Are they pretty reputable? Never heard of them.

 

It was free. They ask for donations or subscriptions. I think they're reputable. Certainly more so than Ford.

 

IT's too bad there isn't something for the 2015 MFT. That system uses a flash card for the maps and is VIN locked. Discovering the Cyan labs was one of the best things I found for the Fords next to Forscan.

 

How does the Sync 3 map package interact with the original navigation map package from Ford?

The Ford Navigation has all of the exit numbers wrong in Massachusetts as the Highway Department finished converting to the “new” mile marker system August 20, 2021. I have been using Waze via the Apple CarPlay system but it would be nice to have the navigation system that I paid for give me the right exit numbers.

Thanks,

Bob

 

It updates or replaces it. I've done 3 Nav updates since owning my 2019. The most recent (NA 2 21) was a couple weeks ago. Not sure about that custom map package.

 

The Cyan updated maps does NOT include the new exit numbers for Massachusetts.

 

Before I sold my 2013 F150, I replaced the MyTouch/Sync 2 screen with a Sync 3 screen and used the Cyan labs updater to update it to 3.4 and the latest maps. My wife's 2018 Expedition platinum wasn't even as up to date as my 2013 F150 .

 

Thanks, that was the main reason I was looking to update.

Bob