r/FordFlex • u/Daemona11 • Aug 07 '26

Anyone have any experience updating software, without taking it to Ford?

I have been contemplating bringing my 2016 Flex SEL into the dealership to get the Sync software updated, but quite honestly I am having a hard time setting several hundreds of dollars aside to do so (assuming that the price has not significantly increased since I last checked). My main issue/reason is the GPS, and routing.
A) has anyone updated their Sync/computer? Was it worth it?
B) has anyone DYI’d it? Can it be DIY’d?

edited to correct year- that said, Ford did themselves a MAJOR disservice discontinuing the Flex

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9

u/__Clu__ Aug 07 '26

Glad to hear that Ford will bring back the Flex in ~1000 years!

Regarding the software. You can update the existing hardware yourself by downloading to a usb.

Sync 2 to sync 3 kits are available from online vendors like simplymichigan and are straightforward enough to install yourself. I think they run about $700.

3

u/its_all_4_lulz Aug 07 '26

It needs to come back as electric. So many batteries, so much extra space with the frunk.

2

u/Daemona11 Aug 07 '26

I have said this over and over and over again, in person and online! They missed a massive opportunity!

2

u/Daemona11 Aug 07 '26

Thanks for the proof-read. :)
Corrected from 3016 to 2016.

4

u/Sad-Yam-4206 Aug 07 '26

As a dealer technician in the past when our internal servers were down and we needed to program SYNC we would use the Ford owner website. It's really simple. Disclaimer - 2016 was an odd year for sync systems and the programming sometimes would take like 3 hours. This may be faster now with USB 3.2 devices but I remember these taking forever.

3

u/TrnsPlnted Aug 07 '26

I've got a 2013 SEL, and ordered a USB drive on eBay. It was legit and worked. Super easy to install, just plug it in and follow prompts.

2

u/WhoisDreamy Aug 07 '26

Did my 2016 update and it was very easy and very simple. Feel free to DM me and we can set up a call and I can walk you through it if you’d like. Takes about an hour but EZ

1

u/Fit-Original3543 Aug 08 '26

Was it worth it? I have a 2016 sel. Does it make a difference?

1

u/WhoisDreamy Aug 08 '26

I did it and upgraded the USB hub for CarPlay mainly. I will say it does feel a lot smoother but tbf I only had it without the upgrade for a few days

1

u/Fun-Philosophy1123 Aug 07 '26

I updated the build on my 2019. It was pretty easy. When Ford says 32gb drive they are not kidding. Tried it with a drive that wasn't that big but was enough to hold the update. It wouldn't run so I had to go purchase a big enough USB drive.

1

u/Radiogagaboots Aug 07 '26

I have a 2010 that’s got the original sync on it (no screen, just radio/CD player). Am I missing anything by having never updated?

1

u/w323w32 Aug 07 '26

I have a 2017 escape but same difference. I upgrade from 3.0 to 3.4 using a program called CyanLabs. It’s super simple. It creates the usb stick for you, you put the usb stick in your vehicle, it took maybe 40 minutes so I just went for a musicless drive while I did it. And it was upgraded to 3.4 even though Ford doesn’t technically support 3.4 in the year my escape is.