Here's the deal: 2018 F150 XTR and my Sync screen has completely gone black. No radio, no back up camera, nothing! Over the last year it would occasionally not connect my apple carplay when plugged in to my phone, then it progressed to occasionally a black screen, and now for the last 2wks straight black screen. Checked my fuses and they're all good, tried a soft reset which did nothing, so I'm starting to think my APIM has gone bad (from my google degree in research). Can anyone confirm I'm on the right track with thinking its a bad APIM?

Secondly, I've found a new APIM is stupid expensive! I'm looking on Ebay for used/refurbished APIM's (they come with a 1yr warranty) but I have some questions regarding a used APIM purchase. The company I'm interested offers to program it once I purchase and send them my VIN. What exactly are they programming and does it need to be programmed specifically for my VIN? Also, I can't seem to find an exact model number match for my APIM. Even the dealership part department couldn't find an exact match. I'm wondering if its because it is a Canadian truck?

I like to learn all I can but I'm still an entire noob with all this so any information is appreciated. Thank you!