[The Ace]

So far I've performed 3 SYNC updates and 2 maps updates, have hit all sorts of problems but managed to complete all updates succesfully. So yes, it's not a 100% bulletproof process, it can get a bit tricky, but it does work in the end. Even performed a (small) SYNC update OTA, so that works as well

Make sure USB flash is a decent one (doesn't need to be a specific brand, type or even speed, as long as it's large enough), format it appropriately (doesn't need to be empty, I've done a couple of updates with my carry-it-with-me-all-purpose USB stick), make sure you unzip the file correctly, verify the contents, get in the car, plug it in the driver's USB and go for a drive. It might take up to 10 minutes to begin or it might start right away, had both happen to me as well. SYNC updates finish in one go, map updates require a key-cycle in the middle of the process. Afterwards, SYNC updates create the xml file which you need to upload to the Ford server, map updates (usually) don't, so you need to perfrom a Scan for Updates from within SYNC to let the Ford server know you updated (or you can use the specific tool found on the Ford site).

 

[The Ace]

Guys, it's rarely (if ever) a matter of type or manufacturer, most decent brands will work just fine, as long as they are genuine and not counterfeits (I've seen my share of bogus "Samsung" sticks and memory cards). Sandisk, Kingston, Samsung, AData, Verbatim, Intenso, these are all perfectly legitimate brands to buy and use their USB sticks/cards/drives.