TomV Posted September 22, 2020 Share Posted September 22, 2020 Starting a new thread where I can rant about stopping automatic system updates of Sync 3.x My 2019 MKZ with Sync 3.3 continues to receive an update from Sync 3.3.19052 to Sync 3.4.20136. I disabled automatic system updates via WiFi and turned off Lincoln Connect connectivity features, but the update keeps coming. I would keep it a 3.4 if there were not major issues. 1). First I can't stand the different GUI and display background colors. 2). When listening to CD's, the steering wheel controls for next track, change the source back to FM. 3). My USB with .flac files can not browse by artist or album. It can only browse by explorer. 4). The audio gain has been reduced, now allowing the system to get as loud. Equalization may have also changed, but I can't confirm it. Fortunately I have a prior USB image that I can downgraded back to 3.3.19052 . I believe the modem is within the Telematic Control Unit (TUC), in the trunk on the driver side. I believe it might also control GPS, so I don't want to disconnect it and find I lost navigation too. My latest effort was to downgrade, then do a Sync 3 Master Reset. After the reset, I did not re-enable (SYNC Connect). I'm hoping this stops automatic system updates. Unfortunately, I don't get to use the Lincoln Way mobile app any longer. I'm probably going to submit a complaint to Lincoln, but doubt anything will come of it. I'm also going to look into Forscan as an option to disable the modem or disable all updates. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TomV Posted September 22, 2020 Author Share Posted September 22, 2020 Got an email from the Master Reset. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Multitask Posted September 22, 2020 Share Posted September 22, 2020 Hmm... very odd.... I don't have the Modem enabled for updates, not paying the fee. So I don't get any updates unless I use USB. I do use the modem for auto starting my car (have it set to start in the AM to go to work, and again in the PM when I leave work) I get the monthly emails for it telling me the 'health', so I know it's talking to the server, even though it's not active via my abilities. my Lincoln App tells me the tire pressure etc... so again I know it's talking to the server. Beyond that it's hard to say why it's updating. Auto Updates is off, WiFi is off.... hmmm Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bbf2530 Posted September 22, 2020 Share Posted September 22, 2020 (edited) 2 hours ago, TomV said: Got an email from the Master Reset. Hi Tom. Just to add another $.02: Is it correct that you paid for, or are in the complementary subscription period for the AT&T modem? Just for informational purposes...My 2018 has SYNC 3.0. And like Multitask, I did not use the complementary period or open the AT&T account to enable cellular data access through the SYNC modem. I am not even sure that SYNC 3.0 can update via the cellular hotspot when enabled. I believe it can only update via WiFi network connection or USB. So that seems to be one big difference between SYNC 3 and later versions (i.e. 3.3-3.4). I think you have hit on the root of the problem when you say it would seem your SYNC 3.3 and 3.4 system is bypassing WiFi updates and is updating via cellular network. It seems this is all due to the AT&T/cellular network connection, since you are still getting updates pushed through after turning off WiFi updates. Registering a report with Lincoln Concierge can't hurt. In the end, it may be a matter of discontinuing the AT&T cellular network account, or having to keep your car disconnected from Lincoln Way/Lincoln Connect. I looked through my SYNC settings and can find no way to turn off updates via the cellular network modem. But perhaps that is because I don't have the AT^T cellular network enabled? Just thinking out loud here. Keep us updated and good luck. Edited September 23, 2020 by bbf2530 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TomV Posted September 22, 2020 Author Share Posted September 22, 2020 Thanks guys for chiming in. I don’t pay for any cellular content. I never even enabled the Hotspot trial. My WiFi Is definitely off. My MKZ was built during the summer of 2019, so it might have newer APIM hardware for Sync. I don’t think they are pushing updates to older hardware. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TomV Posted September 23, 2020 Author Share Posted September 23, 2020 Disabling the TCU or ( Cellphone passport module) could have been as easy as pulling a 5A fuse #10, but unfortunately our cars also use that circuit for the power trunk and key pad. I might just disconnect the TCU ground to the chassis and see what happens. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TomV Posted September 23, 2020 Author Share Posted September 23, 2020 (edited) Well I’m finally done with updates! I pulled the power plug from the Modem (aka TCU aka Cellphone passport module). It is easy to access in the trunk, drivers side panel. You’ll notice the TCU with two coax antennas and the plug disconnected. Edited September 24, 2020 by TomV Edited picture to identify plug Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TomV Posted September 24, 2020 Author Share Posted September 24, 2020 Another point of interest. The Cellular Antenna is on the rear package tray, right near your passengers heads. Not much different than having a cellphone at your ear, but RF is blasting them unknowingly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TomV Posted September 30, 2020 Author Share Posted September 30, 2020 I actually reconnected the modem a few days ago, for future connectivity. Thankfully the prior "Master Reset" and no sign-in seems to be keeping the updates away. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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