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

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.

Troubleshooting SYNC Updates

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

What should 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.

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 start the installation again.

  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.

    1. Press Settings on your vehicle's SYNC screen.
    2. Select General.
    3. Tap the scroll bar or swipe vertically until you see Master/Factory Reset. 
    4. Press Master/Factory Reset. A message confirming that all system settings will be erased and reset to factory defaults will appear.
    5. Select Continue. A "Resetting to factory defaults" message will appear, the system will turn off, and the screen will go blank. It may take a few minutes for the system to reset and resume normal operation. 
  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 Lincoln Retailer for assistance. If a retailer is not available in your area, contact your preferred Ford Dealer.

What should I do if I receive a VER_ERR Error when updating SYNC?

You may receive different VER_ERR errors when updating SYNC 3 with a USB.

  • The VER_ERR error will have varying numbers after it (i.e., VER_ERR01, VER_ERR02, etc.).
  • This error occurs when the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is mistyped while downloading the SYNC update onto the USB. 

Follow these steps:

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

Once the files are extracted, use the USB to begin the update process again. See Installing SYNC Updates Over Wi-Fi or with a USB.

If the above steps do not resolve the issue, contact your Lincoln Retailer for assistance. If a retailer is not available in your area, contact your preferred Ford Dealer.

What should I do if I receive the error message "Windows Error 0x80004005" when updating 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, contact your Lincoln Retailer for assistance. If a retailer is not available in your area, contact your preferred Ford Dealer.

What should 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.

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

If you need additional assistance, contact your Lincoln Retailer. If a retailer is not available in your area, contact your preferred Ford Dealer.

What should 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 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.

What should 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/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. 

    1. Press Settings on your vehicle's SYNC screen.
    2. Select General.
    3. Tap the scroll bar or swipe vertically until you see Master/Factory Reset.
    4. Press Master/Factory Reset. A message confirming that all system settings will be erased and reset to factory defaults will appear.
    5. Select Continue. A "Resetting to factory defaults" message will appear, the system will turn off, and the screen will go blank. It may take a few minutes for the system to reset and resume normal operation. 
  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 Lincoln Retailer for assistance. If a retailer is not available in your area, contact your preferred Ford Dealer.

What should 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/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.

    1. Press Settings on your vehicle's SYNC screen.
    2. Select General.
    3. Tap the scroll bar or swipe vertically until you see Master/Factory Reset.
    4. Press Master/Factory Reset. A message confirming that all system settings will be erased and reset to factory defaults will appear.
    5. Select Continue. A Resetting to factory defaults message will appear, the system will turn off, and the screen will go blank. It may take a few minutes for the system to reset and resume normal operation.
  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 Lincoln Retailer for assistance. If a retailer is not available in your area, contact your preferred Ford Dealer.

What should 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.

    Note: A SYNC Master Reset returns the system to its factory default settings. You will need to pair your phone 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. A message confirming that all system settings will be erased and reset to factory defaults will appear.
    5. Select Continue. A Resetting to factory defaults message will appear, the system will turn off, and the screen will go blank. It may take a few minutes for the system to reset and resume normal operation.
  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 Lincoln Retailer for assistance. If a retailer is not available in your area, contact your preferred Ford Dealer.

What should 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 a Lincoln Concierge at 1-800-387-9333 or select Chat Now on the Contact Us page of lincolncanada.com.

Additional Information

What do I do if my phone is not pairing?
How do I install SYNC updates over Wi-Fi or with a USB?


*Don't drive while distracted or while using handheld devices. Use voice-operated systems when possible. Some features may be locked out while the vehicle is in gear.  Not all features are compatible with all phones.

Android Auto is a trademark of Google LLC.