Sync Programming Gen 1, Gen 2, Sync 3 (24-7088)

2025 Ford Escape ST-Line Select HybridSECTION Sync Programming Gen 1, Gen 2, Sync 3 (24-7088)
WARNING: This page is about the Escape Active, 4WD, which is a different variant/trim than selected.
Publication date: 2024-09-09
Reference number: 24-7088

SYNC PROGRAMMING GEN 1, GEN 2, SYNC 3

SYNC PROGRAMMING GEN 1, GEN 2, SYNC 3

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN

Reference Number(s): 24-7088, Date of Issue:  September 09, 2024
FORD: All Models

SUMMARY

The APIM  may require programming to add system enhancements/upgrades, improve system reliability and/or address consumer issues. The following information is intended to help determine when programming is necessary and address common programming issues using the FDRS  .

SERVICE INFORMATION

EQUIPMENT, TOOLING AND DEALER INFRASTRUCTURE

The FDRS  scan tool (IDS  tool if applicable) utilizes a cloud-based architecture. The benefits of such an architecture include the ability for Ford to make real time improvements without the need for dealers to complete a lengthy diagnostic tool update. A cloud-based architecture reduces scan tool installation time by reducing installation package size. A result of this architecture may be that dealers experience extended software download time during module programming events if their dealer infrastructure does not meet Ford recommendations. Poor internet connection or upload/download (megabytes per second [Mbps]) times may contribute to extended software download times during module programming. These minimum dealer infrastructure requirements depend on several factors, including the number of devices connected to the dealers' network.

INTERNET SERVICE MINIMUM BANDWIDTH SPECIFICATIONS

TABLE 1

Number Of Connected Devices Network Download (Mbps) Speed Requirements Network Upload (Mbps) Requirements
Less than 20 devices Greater than 100 Mbps Greater than 10 Mbps
20-100 devices Greater than 300 Mbps Greater than 30 Mbps
Greater than 100 devices Greater than 500 Mbps Greater than 50 Mbps

MINIMUM RECOMMENDATIONS - DIAGNOSTIC EQUIPMENT (EXAMPLE - FDRS)

TABLE 2

Item Minimum Recommendation
Processor Intel i5 10th Gen or AMD equivalent
System Memory (RAM) 16 Gigabyte (GB)
Hard Disk Drive Solid State 500 GB
USB  Ports 2 USB  3.1. 3.2)
Display 15 inch monitor minimum (1600x900 minimum resolution)
Network Adapter Wired: Recommend Ethernet-based if available (1 Gigabit); Wireless: 802.11ac, 802.11ax preferred
Operating System Microsoft Windows 11/latest 10 Windows

APIM PROGRAMMING

Due to decommission of Internet Explorer (IE), all generations of SYNC use FDRS  for APIM  programming. PTS  SYNC programming is no longer supported.

WHEN IS APIM PROGRAMMING NECESSARY?

If the APIM  is replaced, a PMI  is required. Each replacement module comes with the latest software and upgrades/improvements are provided with each software release. Review applicable SSM, TSB, FSA  , or GSB  for additional details.

NOTE: Gen2 equipped hybrid vehicle powertrain modules require the latest software in order to download the latest APIM  -SYNC software. Some vehicles may have a standard APIM  programming option in FDRS  only while others have a software update option. The software update option only downloads the latest available software. Once the update completes successfully, the FDRS removes it from the software update list.

APIM PROGRAMMING TIPS USING FDRS PROGRAMMING

Prior to performing any APIM  programming, confirm SYNC function by pressing the phone button on the steering wheel or on the instrument panel for especially for every Gen 1 or Gen 2 equipped vehicle. If SYNC does not play "Please Say A Command" through the front speakers, the APIM  programming will fail. Follow normal WSM diagnostics.

Refer to WSM  . Section 418-01 - General Procedures - Module Programming and/or Section 415-00 - General Procedures - SYNC Module Programming for detailed programming steps.

NOTE: Directions in the WSM  for earlier vehicles will advise to use PTS  for SYNC programming. All generations of SYNC including Gen 1, Gen 2, and SYNC 3 use FDRS  only. Continue with starting a vehicle session using the FDRS  scan tool > Go to the Toolbox Tab > Select APIM > Choose the appropriate APIM  programming procedure. PMI. Module Replacement Programming, or Standard Programming will be available.

GEN 2 SYNC APPLICATIONS - NORTH AMERICA

The required applications are listed in the table below. Traffic, Direction, & Information (TDI) and Vehicle Health Report (VHR) application with base part number 14D546 is no longer supported for any Gen 2 SYNC equipped vehicle. Global navigation with base part number 14F657 needs to be selected only when vehicles are built with navigation from the factory. Check the window sticker on PTS  located under the diagnostic tab.

Make sure to select the appropriate display applications during APIM  programming or when programming replacement APIM  . If vehicle is a Mustang, Black Label, Raptor, etc, select the correct custom animation application base part number 14F496 instead of the Ford or Lincoln graphics pack. Check the window sticker on PTS  located under the diagnostic tab as needed. All Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with Gen 2 SYNC can receive the latest v3.10 software version except various BEV Focus.

Ford Vehicles Lincoln Vehicles
Emergency Assistance application (911 Assist) - base part number 14D546 Emergency Assistance application (911Assist) - base part number 14D546
8 in. Ford graphics pack (only select for a Ford vehicle) -base part number 14F496 8 in. Lincoln graphics pack (only select for a Lincoln vehicle) - base part number 14F496
English (US) language pack (only select if the vehicle is in North America) - base part number 14F497 English (US) language pack (only select if the vehicle is in North America) - base part number 14F497
Global navigation application - base part number 14F657 Global navigation application - base part number 14F657

12-VOLT BATTERY TESTING, CHARGING, MAINTENANCE AND STATE OF CHARGE FOR MODULE PROGRAMMING - BATTERY HEALTH AND VOLTAGE MAINTENANCE

  • It is recommended to test the 12-volt battery(ies) using approved Rotunda tools prior to a programming event. Ford warranty supports the use of the GRX-3590 and/or DCA-8000 units to perform 12-volt battery testing. The battery(ies) should be fully charged or replaced prior to programming based on the test results from the approved Rotunda tools.
  • Once battery health is determined using approved Rotunda tools, the battery should be maintained in the 12.9 volt-13.6 volt range for APIM  programming. It may be necessary to verify that the voltage is within the desired range using displays on the charger, the battery monitor status at the bottom right corner of the FDRS  scan tool or using a digital volt ohm meter (DVOM) connected to the battery.
  • If equipped, the tool being utilized to maintain the battery should be adjusted to the maximum time limit possible, to prevent charger/maintainer time outs during long flash events. Battery charging should be performed per WSM  , Section 414-01 > General Procedures. Always refer to the specific WSM  , Section 414-01 for the vehicle in question.
NOTE: Connecting the battery charger negative clamp directly to the battery negative terminal might result in the SOC PID  not immediately reflect the improvement from charging. It is not necessary to perform a BMS reset unless the battery is replaced or the battery is disconnected when charged. If the battery is charged with the battery charger negative clamp directly on the battery negative post while the battery is fully connected to the vehicle, it may take hours for the BMS PID  to update.

BATTERY STATE OF CHARGE PERCENTAGE (BATT_SOC%)

The BCM  calculates the battery SOC  using inputs from the BMS, known battery capacity, battery voltage, battery time in service and battery temperature. The battery SOC  can be used to verify that the battery will support vehicle current consumption demands during module programming. If the battery is in poor condition and the BCM PID  for BATT_SOC reports that SOC is low, off board battery chargers may not be able to maintain the voltage or current demands required of both the battery and the vehicle, leading to programming faults. The FDRS  programming applications will call attention to the SOC% requirement. It is generally recommended that the battery SOC  % be at 50% or greater to be sure of successful programming.

Performing APIM  programming with poor SOC  is unacceptable. This applies to PMI  , Module Replacement Programming, Standard Programming, and software updating. Poor SOC  will induce module failures leading to excessive down time and potential module replacement that can be avoided. Make sure the battery charger is set to maintain 12.9v-13.5v. Confirm the BCM  12v battery SOC  percent is greater than 50%. Charging at 15v and higher is excessive and is not a suitable environment. The APIM  can go into a self-protection strategy preventing FDRS from programming the module.

NOTE: When charging the 12v, connect possible battery connection to positive battery post and negative battery connection to chassis ground. This makes sure the vehicle BMS sensor detects current flow and the SOC will continue increasing as result. Confirm the BCM 12v battery SOC percent is greater than 50% and perform the BMS reset as needed. Make sure the battery charger is set to maintain 12.9v-13.5v and continue with APIM programming. FDRS example error message during APIM programming with poor SOC present.

"Poor battery condition! Battery Voltage = 11.585v Minimum required = 10.0v Battery Estimated State of Charge = 29% Minimum required = 50% This will most likely cause issues with the USB software update process. Please connect an appropriate battery charger and/or run the BCM-Reset Battery Monitoring System Learned Values application. What would you like to do?"

A hard-wired internet connection is strongly recommended. If a hard-wired internet connection is not available, higher speed Wi-Fi connections are strongly recommended. Using a slower Wi-Fi source will result in programming errors. Recommend using a mobile hotspot as needed when internet provider connection issues are suspected.

Make sure the proper SYNC USB  2.0 A-Male to A-Male cable and SYNC USB  2.0 A-Female to Mini B Female 5-pin adaptor is being used for SYNC Gen1 and Gen2. This is recommended for APIM  replacement programming and APIM  CIP programming.

USB DRIVE SIZE

For SYNC 3 vehicles, recommended size for the USB  drive is 32GB or larger. The USB  drive must be formatted to exFAT. Using a 16GB, 8GB, 4GB, or incorrectly formatted flash drive will induce SYNC programming issues potentially resulting in APIM  failure.

For Gen 2 SYNC equipped vehicles, recommended size for the USB  drive is 16GB. The USB  drive must be formatted to FAT32. Using a 4GB, 8GB, or incorrectly formatted flash drive will induce SYNC programming issues potentially resulting in APIM failure.

Gen 1 SYNC does not require a USB  drive for APIM  programming.

USB FLASH DRIVE FORMATTING

Make sure the USB  flash drive being used is formatted correctly. To see the available drives, hold down the Windows icon keyboard key and press the E keyboard key. Right click on the USB  flash drive and select Properties. If File System under the General tab is not exFAT, the drive must be formatted.

To format the USB  flash drive:

  • Right click on the USB  flash drive
  • Select Format, select exFAT for the File System
  • Select Default Allocation Size for the Allocation Unit Size

De-selecting Quick Format is not necessary and will result in a lengthier operation.

NOTE: Do not select or use new technology file system (NTFS). The NTFS formatting option is not supported to program any generation of SYNC.
RENDER: 1.0x

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When to See a Mechanic

Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

  • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
  • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
  • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
  • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
  • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.