The Ford Everest is a robust and versatile SUV known for its advanced features, including its built-in GPS navigation system. This system ensures drivers are equipped with accurate routes and up-to-date information to make driving easier and more efficient. However, to maintain optimal performance, you need to keep your GPS updated. In this article, we’ll explore how to update Ford Everest GPS, why it’s important, and troubleshooting tips to ensure the process goes smoothly.
The Ford Everest GPS is part of the vehicle’s integrated infotainment system, commonly referred to as SYNC (in later models, SYNC 3 or SYNC 4). It utilizes satellites to provide real-time positioning and mapping services, allowing you to get turn-by-turn navigation, display points of interest (POIs), and even deliver live traffic updates.
The GPS system works by using stored map data to generate routes based on your current location. However, this data does not update automatically, and over time, the information can become outdated due to new road constructions, changes in traffic patterns, and new establishments.
Keeping your Ford Everest GPS up-to-date ensures that you are always navigating with the most accurate and current information. Here’s why it’s important to regularly update your system:
Accuracy: Roads change over time, and with updated maps, you get the latest routes, intersections, and points of interest.
Improved Traffic Information: Updated maps help you avoid detours, road closures, and traffic bottlenecks by providing real-time traffic updates.
Safety: An updated GPS allows you to avoid road construction, newly closed roads, or areas prone to accidents, helping you reach your destination safely.
Fuel Efficiency: By suggesting the fastest and most efficient routes, updated maps save you time and fuel costs.
Updating the Ford Everest GPS is a straightforward process, but it requires a few steps to ensure the system runs on the latest map data. Here is the step-by-step guide on how to update Ford Everest GPS.
Before proceeding with the update, you need to determine which version of the Ford SYNC system is installed in your vehicle. Newer models use SYNC 3 or SYNC 4, which have more advanced features. To check your version:
Go to the "Settings" menu on your infotainment screen.
Scroll down to “General” and select “About SYNC.”
The system will display the software version and map version currently installed.
Ford provides GPS map updates through its official website. Here’s how to get the latest map update:
Visit the Ford Australia Website or the Ford SYNC navigation update page.
Enter your vehicle’s VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) to ensure the correct update is provided for your specific model.
If an update is available, download the latest map data to your computer.
Once the update file is downloaded to your computer, transfer it to a USB drive that has sufficient storage space (at least 8 GB is recommended). To do this:
Format your USB drive to exFAT (this is important to ensure compatibility with your SYNC system).
Copy the downloaded map files onto the USB drive.
Now that the map data is on your USB drive, it’s time to install it in your Ford Everest. Follow these steps:
Start your vehicle and let the SYNC system fully load.
Insert the USB drive into the appropriate port in your Ford Everest (usually located in the center console).
The system will automatically detect the update and begin the installation process.
Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the update.
The update process can take some time, often up to an hour, depending on the size of the map data. Ensure your vehicle remains powered on throughout the process.
Once the update is completed, the SYNC system will notify you. To confirm the map update was successful:
Return to the “Settings” menu on the infotainment screen.
Go to “General,” then “About SYNC.”
Check that the map version has been updated to the latest version.
If you run into issues while updating your Ford Everest GPS, here are some troubleshooting tips to help resolve common problems:
SYNC doesn’t recognize the USB drive: Make sure the USB drive is formatted correctly to exFAT and has no other files except the map update data.
Installation fails midway: If the update is interrupted, restart the process by re-inserting the USB drive. Ensure that your vehicle’s battery is charged, and avoid turning off the engine during the update.
Slow or frozen update: Map updates can take a long time, depending on file size. If the update freezes for a prolonged period, remove the USB and start the process again.
Error message during installation: Verify that you downloaded the correct update file for your Ford Everest by double-checking your vehicle’s VIN on the Ford website.
Knowing how to update Ford Everest GPS is essential for getting the most out of your navigation system. Regular updates ensure that your GPS continues to provide accurate routes, up-to-date traffic information, and new points of interest, all of which make your driving experience smoother and safer. The update process is simple: check your SYNC version, download the update, transfer it to a USB drive, and install it in your vehicle.