Sounds like im in the same boat with my 2017 xlt. Apim replaced 6 months in under warranty and failed again 2 weeks after warranty expired. Does anyone know if switching to a linkswell system would resolve the issue?

 

Sync 3 died in 2018 f150, found a screen an APIM from same year truck. Do I need to reprogram the APIM to get it to work correctly?

 

If it’s from the exact same trim and feature package, maybe not. Chances are, yes, though.

 

If you have FORScan, I'd copy the APIM config of your existing APIM and then apply it to your new APIM. That way, you know it is configured exactly the same. Chances are it is very similar, and maybe the same. Only way to know is to look at both. Even though it is from the same year truck, is it the same trim? And even if it is the same trim, it may have different options (NAV vs non-NAV, HD radio?, etc). If you don't have FORScan, put it in and see if anything "seems" different. I cannot see that you'll hurt anything even if it is different.

 

Thank you, both trucks are STX”s. But easy enough to change. I have been wanting to learn forscan. Any advice on starting with that? Also, you think it is worth changing and keeping factory, or should I just go to aftermarket because of issues with APIM. Was considering switching to linkswell Tesla style screen. My concern is boot up time

 

For me, I stuck with the Ford APIM and replaced it. I cannot say what you should do, that will have to be up to you. It is good there are options if you choose to do so. Might search the forum for info on the Linkswell and I'm sure the internet has plenty of information as well.
As for FORScan, the information you need is in the 1st post in the linked thread. Very detailed and pretty easy to follow. It is relatively inexpensive to get started, and once you do, you'll probably decide you want to make a few more changes (it is addicting....).
FORScan - software to enable/disable features in your truck - Ford F150 Forum - Community of Ford Truck Fans
Good luck with your decision and enjoy the truck!

 

2 months out of the 3/36 warranty and the Sync 3 in my truck has started acting up. Mostly its just slow to respond(Sirius XM) with the steering wheel controls. A few times the screen has gone completely black for a minute or 2. The fone function does not seem to work even though the system still shows my fone connected when I enter the truck. Haven't tried the Nav lately, frankly I'm afraid of the system crashing for good? What is the solution?

2018 XLT Supercab with the 8" screen

 

99.9% chance, the solution is a new APIM. Apparently, the APIMs are right there next to cam phasers on the list of "things we aren't going to fix and get a reputation for" down at Ford. Fortunately, for whatever reason, it seems that most time once the APIM is replaced once, it functions fine. Both my 16 and my 18 ate one... fortunately, the wife's 17 Explorer Sport is still percolating along nicely.

Considering this is a well known problem, I'd start with a conversation with your dealer. The term is "after-warranty assistance". The dealer can help you obtain this, or you can contact Ford Corporate directly and open a case.

 

I’m 3 years late, but in the last year of my 18 with navigation my radio have gotten much worse, I took the truck in before the warranty expired to have them reprogram the system. Here are the problems: losing BT connections, Apple Car Play doesn’t work; slow reaction from controls, sometimes it may take 30s to get a reaction from the input selection. I had an appointment to take it into the dealer again but got a severe bronchitis attack and thought it may be Covid so I cancelled the appt. I’ve been looking around on the internet for a used ACM but to no avail and then even If I find one they will be $500 plus and it’s not guaranteed that it will work. Anyway, has anyone had these issues?

 

Yep, you've got a bad APIM (not ACM). Ford requires them to attempt a reprogram before replacement. If they documented the concern and did the reprogram, they should still cover the replacement even if you're out of warranty. Take it back to the dealer.