You can download the files by selecting the ‘Download’ button at the bottom of the firmware programming page. The 5 red dots should turn green. (Ignore the “Image” USB line, that is not applicable for this.) With the EX connected to the computer, you should be able to do this without being connected to the vehicle.
First thing after connecting to the vehicle, make a new vehicle profile with the EX adapter. The other profiles will not work with the EX so junk those.
Then write the files again to the APIM. Make sure that the 3 selections at the bottom are selected. (Silence Busses, Recovery mode, Overwrite firmware.) If FORScan says the firmware is already updated, write it anyways. The programming will take a few minutes, be patient. Hopefully it says it all wrote successfully.
NOTE: When you program the firmware with ‘Silence Busses’ checked, the vehicle will have some weird things happen, like lights flash, etc. This is normal as the communications on the CAN Busses is stopped. Make sure that after you program to search for DTC’s and clear them.
Important: Watch the vehicle battery voltage. If it drops to under 11.6 VDC, FORScan will complain and may stop you from programming. It is best to have a battery charger connected to the battery while programming. If you do not have a vehicle battery charger, run the vehicle for about 15 minutes before you attempt programming. (FORScan has a voltage readout at the bottom right of the GUI.)
Tip: Shut off the HVAC and vehicle lighting while in ignition mode to save battery. Also, don’t play the music loud. It is amazing how much current these vehicles draw just in ignition mode. When I am programming, with a battery charger connected, the amp meter on the charger shows 6-8 amps consistently in ignition mode.
Well, good job! First time through this and using the software and it all went fine. However, the screen still has not come back. I think the APIM looks fine and will program without issue. The asbuilt is fine. This really looks like a screen issue.
Did you try a master reset after the programming?
Try this:
In the wrench icon menu in FORScan, choose reset APIM. Reset the APIM. Let the procedure complete. Turn off ignition, shut down vehicle. Wait a few minutes. Open vehicle, start vehicle, see if the display comes to life. This works on some MY20 screens if the drivers were messed up. If this does not work, I would say the screen has issues.
I think you have tried everything and then some. We know for sure it’s not MY20 and the APIM seems to be working fine. I would have to say it’s a hardware fault and most likely the monitor out of the 2 of them. Only thing left is to insure there is a good connection between the two.
Also on a side note, This APIM is not in the database.
I just wanted to exhaust all options, and you are correct, as I suspected this has come down to a hardware issue. I don’t think there is a way out other than hardware replacement at this point. You could replace the screen only, or APIM only, but I think you’ll find it might be cheaper to replace both as a unit than buying each one of these separately. Just stay away from the APIM’s that indicate they are from China, as those may not be as they seem.
You do not need to have the unit programmed by anyone, as you have the ability to do that and make the changes you want. So remember that when making an offer, especially on eBay.