2011 F150. I believe I shorted out the APIM. One day with radio playing closed the door and passenger heard a "pop" and the sound quit. The radio actually turns on and "functions" but no sound. There was a strong smell of burnt electronics, and after a suggestion I removed the panel on the dash, and the smell was very strong. I have since found four broken wires in the same door that caused the issue, so pretty sure it shorted out, as I was also having issues in that door with window and door lock. I have repaired the wires, and locks and windows now work, and want to fix the radio. I was told it was the APIM. I got the part number off of mine, and have two questions. If I find the exact same part number, does it still have to be programmed, and if not the exact same part number, how can I tell which ones would be compatible?

Part number on my APIM is B3LT-14B428-AB

 

What did you do to "short it out", or did it just die out on its own? Who told you that the problem was with APIM, a Ford dealer? From what I understand, APIM is an interface module that allows Sync to communicate with the sound system. It is a completely separate system from your head unit. Does your Sync system have any functionality? If you have FORSCAN, I would run a diagnostic and see if you are getting any trouble codes related to APIM before you start shelling out cash. Or have a reputable dealer take a look at it if you haven't done that already. A dealer should have provided you with a VIN specific part number and would know what programming would be required, assuming the APIM is truly the problem. Your other issues with the windows and locks makes me think its not APIM related...

 

On the ford owners website, put in your VIN to check for recalls. I've seen on some trucks it says the APIM has warranty extension?? Worth trying maybe they'll replace it for you??? Idk the whole details but it's worth a look.

 

I'll check out the recall. As for the APIM being bad I was chatting with a Ford tech and he indicated that was the issue. I have noticed however that the radio does turn on and "function" I can change stations, change CDs, etc;, and the bluetooth even connects to my phone everytime I get in the truck and start it up. The only real issue is that the sound is gone. I guess it is possible something other than APIM is bad, including the head unit, but going by what a tech suggested via a chat.

As for what I did to short it out, pretty sure it was the broken wires I found in the rear drivers door. Before I fixed them, if i used the driver door button to put the rear driver window up, I would hear loud feedback through speakers. I was also having issues with door lock and window in that door, and shutting that door is what triggered the short out. When I shut that door the one time, we heard the pop sound and a very strong smell of burnt electronics. When I removed the cover up on the dash a few days later to inspect, the burnt electronic smell was very strong. I have now fixed the broken wires, the locks and window now work properly.

After thinking about it and reading your post, wondering if it is possible just a portion of the head unit went out? Like I mentioned, everything to do with the radio works, including BT sync, except for no sound out of any speakers.

 

My 2013 does have a TSB out for an extended warranty on the APIM. I'm taking my truck in for the transmission recall this evening and the dealer said they would initialize my APIM warranty at that time as well. Free insurance I guess?

IMO I really do think that your speaker problems are related to your prior lock and window problems, and your description seems to point to a wiring issue. Definitely have the dealer check it out in person before shelling out the cash for a new APIM. Even better if your 2011 is covered by the extended warranty TSB.

 

Also, this train of thought was based on info that I was told that my truck does not have a separate amp. I do not have the Sony unit. If someone can tell me otherwise, that there IS a seperate amp please let me know, as that would make much more sense. There is a fuse marked amplifier (20A) #19 which is good.

 

I think the amplifier is only for sub-models that have the sony subwoofer under the rear seat. Like the amplifier only runs the subwoofer and not any other speaker, but I could be wrong.

 

Yeah, did a whole bunch of seaching, and I think technically there is a "seperate" amp but it is built into the head unit. Which is why the radio "works" but no sound. I think I should be able to just get a new head unit (going to find a factory replacement) to resolve.