A used 2021 module? Did it have two usb ports like they picture?

 

Yes it does..
One yellow and one blue USB.
My old one had just 1 and I plugged in to the new one same as the old one..
Works as promised, actually better than I expected.

It shipped from San Jose, CA so I'm guessing it came out of a junkyard vehicle.

 

Then its not new. Its likely a parts built unit with a counterfeit label. You may want to read this: https://www.flvpmods.com/sync3-document

Chinese parts built APIMs are covered at the end.

Also I have never heard of yellow and blue USB connectors on an APIM.

 

The plastic around the ports are colored blue and yellow.
My old module was blue around the port and original equipment.
The "new/used" is stamped FoMoCo with all related lables, made in Mexico.
I updated my previous reply to you.

 

The plastic around the ports are colored blue and yellow.
My old module was blue around the port and original equipment.
The "new/used" is stamped FoMoCo with all related lables, made in Mexico.
I updated my previous reply to you.

 

I am currently having the same issue. The dealership did a reprogram and it did nothing, now they're telling me they don't know if I need to replace the APIM or the antenna and I would have to pay for whichever one I guess is the problem so I am looking for verification they would have to cover this even out of warranty.

 

Unfortunately I don't think so.
Kinda like the radio system.
It's covered under the bumper to bumper warranty but once that expires it's all out of pocket.
When mine started going bad I looked up solutions to resolve it. Found a few videos how to get it to restart, master reboots, etc. Those all worked for me for about a year and then nothing.
I'm pretty sure mine was going bad when I bought the truck. I couldn't get my phone to save and connect without the USB cable nor could I get the existing phones to delete no matter what I did.

You can try the videos on YouTube and see if they help but it's most likely the APMI on it's last legs and not the antenna.

Good luck.

 

If it were me, I'd probably start with the APIM. It is hard to find a good shop that really understands these devices. You'll probably find much more information on this forum than you'll get on APIM specific issues from the Ford Service Department. I'm not knocking them, I just don't think they specialize in electronic devices as much as they do the overall vehicle. If they can verify the issue, they replace the device, they don't get into the details of the device itself. There is a lot of information available on this forum if you have the interest and desire.

If you have to pay out of pocket, you have several choices. There are vendors who will pre-program the APIM to your specific truck and all you have to do is install it (several on the internet). The APIM is pretty easy to access (several YouTube videos) You can find one at a junk yard (which is what I did), get FORScan and program it yourself and install the latest software (threads on this forum will show you how), or have the dealer do it for you. CyanLabs is another option (but use their forum if you use their process/tools). I'd guess you are anywhere from about $200 (do it yourself) to $1500 for a dealer.

Not sure what year or model truck you have, but if you don't have Navigation and want it, you can install a NAV APIM. Of course, NAV will likely cost a bit more...

If you get an APIM from another vehicle, try to get the VIN of the vehicle. You can use the VIN on FordPass to get the FORD SYNC3 software for that VIN even though it is in your truck. The APIM (with NAV) I purchased from a junkyard was under $200 and then I installed SYNC3 version 3.4 using Airborne_Apes thread. I'm quite happy with the results.
Good luck, I know it is frustrating when it doesn't work.

 

I am new to the thread. I have 2018 F150 with Sync3 Non-Nav. I'm getting Black Screen after initial Ford Splash Screen for 5 minutes before reboot and works fine for the most part after 5 minutes of non-responsive black screen. Backup camera works when in reverse so it isn't the FDIM unit. I have tired master reset, mulitple attempts to manual update. Opened a case with Ford Sync team after they walked me through gain trying the update. Dealer says I need to get new APIM for $1000. I see many issues and am pressing to make sure they are doing all the diagnosis. Here are some details and I'm curious if anyone can answer some questions.

- Current build is 3.0.17276 and there is an update available. Have tried update but am not sure the version number it is trying to update to.
- Have gotten error message a time or 2 when trying to update (Usually nothing happens) of VER_ERRO2 which is VER_FPN_EMPTY. what does ver fpn empty mean?
- Have also had message that update was attempted in April 2022 and was not able to complete (this would have been trying to update over wifi because I haven't tried to update with USB prior)
- It is trying to update over Wifi but Sync says it shouldn't update over wifi because non-nav version.
- Could trying to update over WIFI have done something to corrupt the system?
- GSB below mentions possible ground or power fault - wiggle test, check pin connectors, etc - not sure if dealer is doing anything to really test all of this or just wants $1000.
- I have new case eleviated with Customer Experience Specialist. I want documentation that they have tried all of these diagnosis steps to determine. I will install the damn thing myself rather than the $1000 if I have to ($500 savings).
- I have found service bulletins 20-2255, SSM 47380 as well as General Service Bulletin (GSB): SYNC 3 INTERMITTENT BLANK/BLACK SCREEN DIAGNOSTIC TIPS & FLOWCHART.

Any help or suggestions appreciated in understanding what the FPN empty error is or any other suggestions. Thanks

 

Like many of you, I was dealing with the same issues of lagging, loss of GPS, etc that is mentioned repeatedly in this thread (2017 F150 XLT Super Crew SYNC 3).
I was on the verge of paying for a new APIM and the labor to get it replaced. As luck would have it, the unit I was going to purchase got sold so I was back at square one looking for another.

In the meantime, I decided that I could not justify continuing to pay for a SIRIUS subscription since I rarely used it. As soon as I cancelled my SIRIUS subscription, every last one of the problems with my infotainment system disappeared and it has worked flawlessly ever since (4 months and counting). Anyone who has had any experience with electronic components will tell you that things don't just fix themselves so it is my belief that something with the SIRIUS receiver was interfering with the rest of the system. Could it possibly be that simple?

Either way, not only did I eliminate that monthly charge, I also avoided a very costly (and apparently unnecessary) replacement. YMMV