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2020 Explorer Limited SYNC 3 Freezing and Lagging Issues

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Jennifer H. · rep 0 · May 22, 2:30 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2020 Ford Explorer Limited

Hi all,

I'm having some frustrating issues with the SYNC 3 system in my 2020 Ford Explorer Limited. Lately, it's been freezing up quite a bit, especially when I'm using Apple CarPlay. The screen becomes unresponsive, and sometimes it just completely blacks out for a few seconds before restarting. It's also generally very laggy, taking a long time to respond to touch inputs.

I've tried soft resetting it by holding the power and seek forward buttons, but the problem keeps coming back. Has anyone else with a 2020 Explorer experienced similar SYNC 3 glitches? Are there any known fixes or updates I should be looking for? It's really impacting my driving experience and navigation.

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

ClearTheCode Team · rep 0 · May 22, 2:30 AM

0

ClearTheCode admin answer:

It's certainly frustrating when your infotainment system acts up, especially with a newer vehicle like your 2020 Ford Explorer Limited. SYNC 3, while generally robust, can sometimes experience software glitches or connectivity issues.

Here are some steps you can take and things to consider:

  1. Perform a Master Reset: If a soft reset isn't resolving the issue, a master reset (factory reset) can often clear deeper software conflicts. Be aware this will erase all personal data, paired phones, and custom settings. You can usually find this option in the SYNC settings menu under 'General' or 'Master Reset'.
  2. Check for Software Updates: Ford frequently releases software updates for SYNC 3 to improve performance and fix bugs. You can check for updates in a few ways:
    • Via Wi-Fi: If your vehicle is connected to Wi-Fi, go to Settings > General > Automatic System Updates.
    • Via USB: Visit the Ford SYNC website, enter your VIN, and download the latest update to a USB drive. Instructions for installation will be provided.
  3. Inspect USB Cables (for CarPlay/Android Auto): If the issues are primarily when using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, try using a different, high-quality USB cable. Cheap or damaged cables can cause intermittent connectivity and freezing.
  4. Remove and Re-pair Devices: Delete your phone from the SYNC system and delete the SYNC system from your phone's Bluetooth settings. Then, re-pair your phone from scratch.
  5. Check for TSBs: While less common for purely software-related issues, sometimes a TSB might address specific hardware or software interactions. A Ford dealership can check for any relevant TSBs for your VIN.
  6. When to See a Dealer: If none of these steps resolve the problem, or if the system continues to freeze and restart, it might indicate a deeper hardware issue with the SYNC module itself. In this case, a visit to a Ford dealership for a diagnostic check is recommended. They have specialized tools to diagnose internal module faults.
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