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

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. During this time, SYNC will not display any messages. 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 restart the installation.

1. Remove the flash drive.
2. Perform a master/factory reset.
   
   Note: A SYNC master/factory Reset returns the system to its factory default settings. You will need to pair your phone again and restore any previously selected settings.
    
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 and wait for the Home screen to show. 
5. Insert the USB drive to start the installation. Do not remove the USB drive until the installation is complete.

You may receive different "VER_ERR" errors when updating SYNC 3 with a USB if the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is mistyped while downloading the SYNC update on the flash drive. The "VER_ERR" error will have varying numbers after it (i.e., "VER_ERR01", "VER_ERR02", etc.).

If you are experiencing this issue:

1. Delete all files from your USB and from the computer you are using to update SYNC. 
2. Restart the update process detailed in Installing SYNC Updates Over Wi-Fi^® or with a USB.

A "Windows Error 0x80004005" message indicates the files were not correctly transferred to the flash drive. Delete the downloaded files and re-download them.

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

The instructions to extract files will depend on the operating system (OS) you are using (MAC^® or Windows^®). For more information on how to extract files, refer to the device's manufacturer manual or website. 

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

This issue can only be resolved at a retailer. If a retailer is not available in your area, contact your preferred Ford Dealer.

If you experience issues with voice recognition after performing a SYNC update:

1. Perform a master/factory reset.
   
   Note: A SYNC master/factory Reset returns the system to its factory default settings. You will need to pair your phone again and restore any previously selected settings.
    
2. 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.
3. Ensure that the welcome animation appears and wait for the Home screen to show. 
4. Insert the USB drive and start the update again.

If you receive an "Out of Space/Bad Installation File" error when trying to update your SYNC software:

1. Perform a master/factory reset.
   
   Note: A SYNC master/factory Reset returns the system to its factory default settings. You will need to pair your phone again and restore any previously selected settings.
    
2. 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.
3. Ensure that the welcome animation appears and wait for the Home screen to show. 
4. Insert the USB drive and start the update again.

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

1. Perform a master/factory reset.
   
   Note: A SYNC master/factory Reset returns the system to its factory default settings. You will need to pair your phone again and restore any previously selected settings.
    
2. 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.
3. Ensure that the welcome animation appears and wait for the Home screen to show. 
4. Insert the USB drive and start the update again.

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.

Note: For more information, refer to the How do I install SYNC updates? article.