Bricked APIM from using GB5T-14G374-AF

Ford SYNC 3 Support Ford Update Support
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1

I have an APIM from a 2016 Ford Escape NA with NAV, model GB5T-14G371-CFC. I’m trying to update firmware to enable CarPlay. The new USB hub is already installed. I attempted to use the firmware upgrade steps for G units and assumed the FORScan downloaded GB5T-14G374-AF file was fixed, but it appears to have bricked the unit. I’m trying to find GB5T-14G374-CA or CD to follow the firmware recovery steps, but I’m unable to find it.

SYNC Region: NA

Navigation Variant: Nav

Manufacturer Year: Pre MY20

Install Type: OEM Replacement

Old SYNC Version: 3.0.20204

New SYNC Version: 3.0.20204

Do you have a error message, if so what is it?
black screen

Update Method: Official Ford

2

The FORScan supplied -AF file is fine, but if you did not force program the file it will not work.
See your PM…

3

I’ve tried both -AF and -CD multiple times without success:

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This is using Recovery Mode (reboot) and I have Force program unchanged files checked.

What else should I try? Removing power before each try?

4

You are using a NA APIM, you need to load all the files at once, them when the unit reboots, reload your asbuilt from your recovery file.

5

Dies that mean, that for an EU Apim I am able to flash for example only one file (e.g. Strategy) or do I have to flash all files at once too?

6

For EU you can flash Strategy and Calibration files separately from the rest, but you need to match the versioning on the files and keep them in the fileset Ford released in production. For NA files you need to load all the files at once, and again, keep the fileset.

See this information in relation to the filesets…APIM Firmware Production Releases

Keep in mind the Calibration file will be dependent on region and nav equipped or not.

This also holds true for the APIM software files. Although the files can be loaded separately, it is important to keep the filesets as released for production as this is how they are validated. Mixing older and newer files, especially files for nav, can cause issues with the performance of the APIM, especially so with the older Sync 3.0 versions. Sync 3.2+ seem to be more forgiving in this regard.

1 Like
7

Also for my20+?

8

Yes. But do not use the reformatter on your MY20+ APIM…just a reminder.

9

I was confused because in this thread it says alle files must be flashed at once for EU Apim (Germany).

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10

They SHOULD if you are chaging the firmware, but you can change the ones you need individually. I recommend they all be done at once…

11

I want to Go to:

3.4 APIM NAV & NON-NAV Unit Firmware (Production Release, 2020 L Series)
Secondary Boot Loader: GB5T-14G376-AA
Strategy (F188): 1U5T-14G374-EH (9/25/2019)
Calibration (F124) : 1U5T-14G375-HA (NAV)
ECU Configuration/Sound Profiles (F10A): GB5T-14G379-AA
ECU Configuration/Illumination Strategy (F16B): 5U5T-14G379- BB (9/25/2019)

Currently the fw on my apim matches exactly, only the strategy is -DA.

I need to Install the Stock strategy

1U5T-14G374-EH

So will I be able to flash only the strategy File or ist IT recommended to owerwrite the other Files although they are the Same?

12

If all you need is 1U5T-14G374-EH you can do that individually. You will or should anyways need to load your asbuilt after that once the APIM reboots. This is to ensure the correct settings for the asbuilt. Once you do that perform a master reset to clear all user settings and flush any cache. You should end up with an updated Sync with no user settings or phones, etc.

If after flashing the single file you get a message about the APIM being bricked, load the asbuilt files and reboot. If there is still an issue, load all the files at once. It’s not normal to have issues but occasionally it happens. Don’t panic, the APIM is nearly always recoverable in this process by loading the original files.

Download all the original files first before you do any firmware programming. See your PM…

2 Likes
13

How long does the Firmware flash process take with ObdlinkEX?

14

Depends on the size of the files. For a TCU it can take hours. For an APIM it usually only takes a few minutes.

15

Meant apim thanks