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SYNC 3 Freezing/Unresponsive in 2019 Nautilus

0

Mike T. · rep 0 · May 25, 4:33 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2019 Lincoln Nautilus Black Label

My 2019 Lincoln Nautilus Black Label has been having persistent issues with the SYNC 3 system. The touchscreen often becomes completely unresponsive, or it just freezes mid-navigation or while playing music.

Sometimes it reboots itself, but other times I have to turn the car off and on again to get it working. It's really frustrating, especially when I'm relying on the navigation. I've tried doing a soft reset (holding power and skip forward), but it only helps temporarily.

Is this a known issue with the SYNC 3 in these model years? Are there any software updates or fixes I can do myself before taking it to the dealership?

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

ClearTheCode Team · rep 0 · May 25, 4:33 AM

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Issues with the SYNC 3 system freezing or becoming unresponsive are unfortunately not uncommon across various Ford and Lincoln models equipped with this infotainment system. Here's a breakdown of potential causes and solutions:

  1. Software Glitches: The most frequent cause is a software bug. SYNC 3, like any complex operating system, can experience glitches that lead to unresponsiveness or freezing.
  2. Corrupted Data: Over time, stored data or system caches can become corrupted, leading to performance issues.
  3. APIM Module Failure: In some cases, the problem can stem from a faulty Accessory Protocol Interface Module (APIM), which is the hardware component that houses the SYNC 3 system. This is a more serious hardware failure.

What you can do:

  • Master Reset: Try performing a master reset of the SYNC 3 system. Go to Settings > General > Master Reset. Be aware this will erase all personal data, paired phones, and navigation history. It can often resolve persistent software issues.
  • Check for Updates: You can check for SYNC 3 software updates via Wi-Fi in your vehicle (Settings > General > Automatic System Updates) or by downloading them from the Lincoln support website to a USB drive. Keeping the system updated can fix known bugs.

When to See a Shop:

  • If master resets and software updates do not resolve the issue, or if the problem reoccurs quickly, it's time to visit a Lincoln dealership. They can perform deeper diagnostics to determine if the APIM module is failing and requires replacement. There have been TSBs related to SYNC 3 performance and APIM replacements for certain model years.
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