Support>SYNC>Troubleshooting>What do I do if my SYNC navigation cannot find a GPS signal?

What do I do if my SYNC®* Navigation is unable to find a GPS signal?

If you see an "X," a crossed-out symbol, or a similar symbol over the GPS icon of the navigation system, you can use the troubleshooting tips found in this article.

Notes:

  • The signal loss symbol may display in an area with poor GPS access, such as parking garages or other covered areas.
  • If this icon is displaying continuously, you are not in a poor GPS access area, and the map is not showing the vehicle in an accurate location, this likely means an issue has occurred and troubleshooting is required.

Lost GPS Symbol Troubleshooting

Important: Ensure that your vehicle is on and running in a well-ventilated area, and it is in Park (P). Confirm that you are not parked under structures or other objects that could block the connection from your vehicle to the GPS satellite.

Choose your SYNC generation (gen) from the drop-down options below for possible troubleshooting steps.

Note: If you need assistance determining the generation of your SYNC system, select the first drop-down option. 

Identifying Your Vehicle's SYNC Gen

Two resources to help you identify your vehicle's SYNC gen are the:

  • SYNC and Navigation Updates page. Either:

    • Enter your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and select Check for update.

    • Log in with your Ford credentials, choose a vehicle from your garage, and select Check for updates.

      Note: Your SYNC gen will appear on the right-hand side of the page.

  • SYNC Visual Reference Guide, which provides example images of SYNC gens that Ford has offered.

SYNC 4A, SYNC 4, and SYNC 3

To troubleshoot the GPS connection on your SYNC 4A-, SYNC 3-, and SYNC 3-equipped vehicle:

  1. Turn the Location setting off and back on within the vehicle:
    1. Tap Settings or the Home icon (some versions of SYNC 4A) on your vehicle's SYNC screen. 
    2. Select FordPass Connect. 
    3. Tap Connectivity Settings. 
    4. Toggle the Location Off and then On. 
  2. Perform a key cycle.
    1. Turn the vehicle off.
    2. Open the door.
    3. Exit the vehicle.
    4. Lock the vehicle.
    5. Shut the door.
    6. Step at least 5 ft away from your vehicle for 2 minutes.
  3. Perform a module reset.  

If the issue continues as you drive to different locations in the future, make an appointment with your Ford Dealer. 

SYNC with MyFord Touch®

To troubleshoot the GPS connection on your SYNC with MyFord Touch-equipped vehicle:

  1. Perform a key cycle.
    1. Turn the vehicle off.
    2. Open the door.
    3. Exit the vehicle.
    4. Lock the vehicle.
    5. Shut the door.
    6. Step at least 5 ft away from your vehicle for 2 minutes.
  2. Perform a module reset.  

If the issue continues as you drive to different locations in the future, make an appointment with your Ford Dealer. 

SYNC with Voice-Activated Navigation

To troubleshoot the GPS connection on your SYNC with Voice-Activated Navigation-equipped vehicle, perform a module reset.  

If the issue continues as you drive to different locations in the future, make an appointment with your Ford Dealer. 

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