This morning on the way to a Thanksgiving deal, my 2017 Lariat did something very strange.


I backed it out of the garage so we could load up the stuff we were supposed to bring. When we were ready, we all got in, fastened seat belts, started the vehicle and left.


About a mile from the house my daughter noticed and asked why the screen was BLACK. I tried turning on the radio, selecting different media sources and finally gave up and pulled into a parking lot to see if I could effect a change.


I turned the truck off and restarted it to no avail. So I turned it off again, got out, closed the door, walked away about 5 paces, returned, got in, fastened my belt, and started the truck up. It took almost 90 seconds for everything to come up properly, but it did come up. I noticed I got the Ford splash, then the arrow, then some light changes on the screen, then the radio, then the phone and finally the map.


When we went home the system was very slow to start up.


Is this common or do I have one of those extremely difficult things to track down and fix. You know, the ones that the tech writes "unable to duplicate" on? Is there a TSB on this?


Is this related to my A/C problem of 2 weeks ago? The one I decided to ignore until some idea of how to duplicate the problem. See: https://www.f150forum.com/f118/strange-c-issue-399683/

 

I wouldn't worry about it unless it keeps happening. You have to remember, these trucks are giant computers... sometimes they need a reboot.

I had a similar issue previously that was rectified (at the time) by pulling the ground clamp off the battery to affect a hard reset. The problem did get worse, and eventually resulted in an APIM replacement, however.

 

Have you tried the, disconnect the negative battery terminal fix?

 

Could have been a software update. I think I saw mine do it once. I thin I remember seeing something about updating right before it went black. It definitely went black for a while though. Haven't seen it since.

 

Since you didn't state the version of Sync 3 you currently have installed I am going to assume v2.0 or v2.2. I suggest updating to v2.3. The latest Sync 3 update can be downloaded from the Ford Owner website, no need for a trip to the dealer.

SSM 46834 - 2016-2017 Various Vehicles - SYNC 3 - Intermittent Blue Or Black Screen

Some 2016-2017 Ford and Lincoln vehicles with SYNC 3 may exhibit an intermittent blue or black screen. Check for SYNC software update under the OASIS Tab SYNC selection. If update is available refer to WSM, Section 415-00 and update APIM software. After Installation Complete pop-up appears, remove USB flash drive and install into IDS tool to update Ford database. Perform a complete ignition cycleby turning the key off for 5 minutes which is critical for a successful installation. If no updates are available or a blue or black screen is present after anupdate refer to WSM, Section 415-00 for diagnosis or SYNC 3 intermittent blank screen GSB for tips. For claiming, use causal part 14G371 and applicable labor operations in section 10 of the SLTS manual.

 

Had a similar problem with my ‘17 with only 2,300 miles on the odometer last month. I pulled the fuse in the passenger foot well area and replaced it after a minute. The system rebooted and everything was back to normal. No problems since then. Pretty much like unplugging your router or cable box at home when it refuses to work properly. Rebooting works wonders for anything computerized.

 

Hmm... last time I recall peeking it WAS 2.2. Thanks, I will do some research. Got a significant trip planned for Sunday and don't have time to mess with it until Monday. Maybe should carry paper maps since going to several different remote locations. Gotta keep the War Department happy

 

There were some unusual glitches & quirks with Sync 3 v2.0 & V2.2. v2.3 resolves most of these issues.

 

The system does periodic maintenance on itself. I've seen it 2 or 3 times in the past 2.5 years when turning off the truck. The black screen says it's doing maintenance and there's a progress bar, and then it goes black. If you restart the truck shortly afterwards, it could still be doing its maintenance cycle and won't come back on until it's done. Wait long enough and it comes back. Expect to see it happen again at some point.

 

Hmm... Version 2.2 and I have not been able to get it to update. On WiFI, strong signal, and it just hangs (for 30+ minutes) scanning for updates. Auto update is on.


Now what.