I recently upgraded my truck to Sync 3.4.23188. I have a 2018 F-150 XL that originally had a jump seat. I just swapped a center console that came with a powered USB hub. I purchased a harness from 4DTech to get power from the APIM to the USB hub. I am using the cable I got from a donor 2017 F-150 to connect the USB from the APIM to the hub. It does not seem to work as when I plug in my phone, nothing happens. It does not charge or anything.
The old cable that has the same ends (connector that plugs into the APIM on both sides) for my old single port USB hub that my truck originally came with works fine to charge my phone and play audio via USB, but no Apple CarPlay. Is there something I am doing wrong? Any advice would be much appreciated!
Hey @SaNdMaN, I have not tried Android Auto as I do not have an Android phone, but I can always ask someone to see if it works. I pulled the hub out and I do not see a part number. The sticker seems to be missing. I am going to order one just to see if it works. I’ll also check power and ground at the connector from the harness supplied by 4DTech.
Make sure everything is well seated.
That’s a good thing to try, to see if all connectors are receiving what they should.
The reason I’m asking about Android Auto is because Android Auto is more forgiving, even with an older hub users could use Android Auto, but not Car Play, so it’s a good test to perform.
Also, Car Play is pretty susceptible to what cable you are using, so make sure it’s a certified one.
There are 2 cables required for the hub, a usb mini male to the same on the other end, and a power cable, 4 pins. The usb cable attaches to the usb on the APIM to the hub. You should have a 2 port hub in the truck. The power cable should be nothing but an extension from the dash to the hub in the console, probably 2 wires. To test this, turn on the truck and turn on the headlights, the usb ports should light. If they don’t either the hub or cable is bad.
Hello @SaNdMaN and @F150Chief and anyone else who may run into this issue. I am strictly speaking for a 2018 F-150 XL.
My issue has been resolved. The USB hub was either bad or the incorrect one. From everything I saw online, it was the correct hub.
a refresher on what I did. I have an XL with the jump seat and 4” Sync 3 at version 2.something. I upgraded to a 8” screen and 3.4.23188. I also added a center console from a 2017. The console came with a 2 plug powered USB hub. I thought it was the one I needed since it looked like the ones online and was a from a 2017. I also got a harness from 4DTech to provide power to the USB hub since my vehicle did not come with one. I plugged everything in and nothing.
I had already ordered a new powered USB hub with a USB-C and USB-A port from Four Sync Tech. I swapped hubs and now everything works as it should! I’m truly thinking the hub was bad from the center console I added.
Just wanted to update! Thanks everyone for the help, this community is awesome!