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 SYNC®* 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.

Troubleshooting a Lost GPS Signal

Important: Your vehicle must be parked and running, and in an open location (e.g., free of overhead foliage, ceilings, etc.). 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 from the drop-down options below for possible troubleshooting steps. If you need assistance determining the generation of your SYNC system, select the first drop-down option. 

Identifying Your Vehicle's SYNC Generation 

Select a resource in the table below to help you identify your vehicle's SYNC generation.

Resource Instructions
SYNC and Navigation Updates page

Either:

Your SYNC generation will appear on the right side of the page under the “SYNC Current Version” heading.
SYNC Visual Reference Guide View example images of SYNC generations that Ford has offered.

SYNC 4A | SYNC 4 | SYNC 3

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

  1. Turn the Location setting off and back on within the vehicle:
    1. Tap Settings or the Home icon on your vehicle's SYNC screen. 
    2. Select FordPass Connect. 
    3. Tap Connectivity Settings. 
    4. Toggle the Location slider 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.