Bricked sync 3 apim from firmware update

lolford · 3 June 2025 18:55

I retrofitted sync 3 into my sync 1 car, everything worked properly execept carplay (even with the right usb hub) I tried updating to sync3 version 3 (was originally on 2.2 build 16280) which afaik was the first with carplay, and wanted a newer one to see if it fixed the issue.

I used the syn3 updater and the “update installed” very quickly, and rebooted to a black screen. I can’t get any response out of the screen, and plugging in an interogation usb does nothing. The car rings if I get a phone call though.

I have forscan but a bleh adapter so wanted to ask for advice before doing anything dumb. Not sure what to do next?

This is the output from forscan if it’s any help.

APIM - Accessory Protocol Interface Module
Part number: HB5T-14G371-CCA
Calibration level: HB5T-14G371-CCG (latest known: HB5T-14G371-CGF)
Strategy : GB5T-14G374-CB
Calibration: GB5T-14G375-CA

The asbuilt still matches the original 2017 donor car.

https://i.imgur.com/Ou3h5Wf.png

SYNC Region: NA

Navigation Variant: Nav

Manufacturer Year: Pre MY20

Install Type: Retrofit

Old SYNC Version: 2.2.16280

New SYNC Version: 3.3.19052

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

Update Method: CyanLabs Syn3 Updater

Syn3 Updater Version: 2.13.3.0

Syn3 Updater Documentation Read: yes

Syn3 Updater Log File

CYANLABS - SYN3 UPDATER - V2.13.3.0
Branch: Stable
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 11 Pro (2009)

PREVIOUS CONFIGURATION
Version: 2.2.16280
Region: NA
Navigation: True
Install Mode: Auto-Detect (reformat)
Install Mode Overridden: False
My20 Protection Enabled: Auto-Detect

DESTINATION DETAILS
Mode: Directory
Path: C:\Users\USER\Downloads\sync3\

REFORMAT.LST
APPS=4U5T-14G381-AN_1552583626000.TAR.GZ
VOICE=4U5T-14G391-CJ_1552513842000.TAR.GZ
GRACENOTES=4U5T-14G423-CA_123766.tar.gz
MAP=4U5T-14G421-CAH_1739451493000.TAR.GZ
MAP=4U5T-14G421-CBH_1739452251000.TAR.GZ
MAP=4U5T-14G421-CHH_1739455946000.TAR.GZ
VOICE_NAV=4U5T-14G422-CAP_1739450358000.TAR.GZ


AUTOINSTALL.LST
; CyanLabs Syn3Updater 2.13.3.0 Stable - reformat  Mode - Sync 3.3.19052 NA

[SYNCGen3.0_ALL_PRODUCT]
Item1 = RWDataCleaner TOOL - PU5T-14G386-BB_1690840002000.TAR.GZ
Open1 = SyncMyRide\PU5T-14G386-BB_1690840002000.TAR.GZ
Item2 = REFORMAT TOOL  - 1u5t-14g386-cb.tar.gz
Open2 = SyncMyRide\1u5t-14g386-cb.tar.gz
Options = AutoInstall

FILES (9)
1u5t-14g386-cb.tar.gz (8.5MB)
4U5T-14G381-AN_1552583626000.TAR.GZ (479.7MB)
4U5T-14G391-CJ_1552513842000.TAR.GZ (381.5MB)
4U5T-14G421-CAH_1739451493000.TAR.GZ (1GB)
4U5T-14G421-CBH_1739452251000.TAR.GZ (1.1GB)
4U5T-14G421-CHH_1739455946000.TAR.GZ (1GB)
4U5T-14G422-CAP_1739450358000.TAR.GZ (1.2GB)
4U5T-14G423-CA_123766.tar.gz (724.2MB)
PU5T-14G386-BB_1690840002000.TAR.GZ (3.2KB)

LOG
[6/2/2025 11:11:34 PM] Selected Region: NA - Release: Sync 3.3.19052 - Map Version: NA - 2025-06-03 - 1748919992 
[6/2/2025 11:11:34 PM] Install Mode: Auto-Detect (reformat) Forced: False 
[6/2/2025 11:11:34 PM] MY20 Protection: Auto-Detect 
[6/2/2025 11:11:34 PM] Checking Existing File: 1u5t-14g386-cb.tar.gz 
[6/2/2025 11:11:34 PM] Downloading: 1u5t-14g386-cb.tar.gz
[6/2/2025 11:11:36 PM] Validating: 1u5t-14g386-cb.tar.gz 
[6/2/2025 11:11:36 PM] Downloaded: 1u5t-14g386-cb.tar.gz 
[6/2/2025 11:11:36 PM] Checking Existing File: PU5T-14G386-BB_1690840002000.TAR.GZ 
[6/2/2025 11:11:36 PM] Downloading: PU5T-14G386-BB_1690840002000.TAR.GZ
[6/2/2025 11:11:37 PM] Validating: PU5T-14G386-BB_1690840002000.TAR.GZ 
[6/2/2025 11:11:37 PM] Downloaded: PU5T-14G386-BB_1690840002000.TAR.GZ 
[6/2/2025 11:11:37 PM] Checking Existing File: 4U5T-14G381-AN_1552583626000.TAR.GZ 
[6/2/2025 11:11:37 PM] Downloading: 4U5T-14G381-AN_1552583626000.TAR.GZ
[6/2/2025 11:12:05 PM] Validating: 4U5T-14G381-AN_1552583626000.TAR.GZ 
[6/2/2025 11:12:10 PM] Downloaded: 4U5T-14G381-AN_1552583626000.TAR.GZ 
[6/2/2025 11:12:10 PM] Checking Existing File: 4U5T-14G391-CJ_1552513842000.TAR.GZ 
[6/2/2025 11:12:10 PM] Downloading: 4U5T-14G391-CJ_1552513842000.TAR.GZ
[6/2/2025 11:12:32 PM] Validating: 4U5T-14G391-CJ_1552513842000.TAR.GZ 
[6/2/2025 11:12:36 PM] Downloaded: 4U5T-14G391-CJ_1552513842000.TAR.GZ 
[6/2/2025 11:12:36 PM] Checking Existing File: 4U5T-14G423-CA_123766.tar.gz 
[6/2/2025 11:12:36 PM] Downloading: 4U5T-14G423-CA_123766.tar.gz
[6/2/2025 11:13:18 PM] Validating: 4U5T-14G423-CA_123766.tar.gz 
[6/2/2025 11:13:25 PM] Downloaded: 4U5T-14G423-CA_123766.tar.gz 
[6/2/2025 11:13:25 PM] Checking Existing File: 4U5T-14G421-CAH_1739451493000.TAR.GZ 
[6/2/2025 11:13:25 PM] Downloading: 4U5T-14G421-CAH_1739451493000.TAR.GZ
[6/2/2025 11:13:45 PM] Validating: 4U5T-14G421-CAH_1739451493000.TAR.GZ 
[6/2/2025 11:13:54 PM] Downloaded: 4U5T-14G421-CAH_1739451493000.TAR.GZ 
[6/2/2025 11:13:54 PM] Checking Existing File: 4U5T-14G421-CBH_1739452251000.TAR.GZ 
[6/2/2025 11:13:54 PM] Downloading: 4U5T-14G421-CBH_1739452251000.TAR.GZ
[6/2/2025 11:14:20 PM] Validating: 4U5T-14G421-CBH_1739452251000.TAR.GZ 
[6/2/2025 11:14:30 PM] Downloaded: 4U5T-14G421-CBH_1739452251000.TAR.GZ 
[6/2/2025 11:14:30 PM] Checking Existing File: 4U5T-14G421-CHH_1739455946000.TAR.GZ 
[6/2/2025 11:14:30 PM] Downloading: 4U5T-14G421-CHH_1739455946000.TAR.GZ
[6/2/2025 11:14:52 PM] Validating: 4U5T-14G421-CHH_1739455946000.TAR.GZ 
[6/2/2025 11:14:55 PM] Downloaded: 4U5T-14G421-CHH_1739455946000.TAR.GZ 
[6/2/2025 11:14:55 PM] Checking Existing File: 4U5T-14G422-CAP_1739450358000.TAR.GZ 
[6/2/2025 11:14:55 PM] Downloading: 4U5T-14G422-CAP_1739450358000.TAR.GZ
[6/2/2025 11:15:20 PM] Validating: 4U5T-14G422-CAP_1739450358000.TAR.GZ 
[6/2/2025 11:15:24 PM] Downloaded: 4U5T-14G422-CAP_1739450358000.TAR.GZ 
[6/2/2025 11:15:24 PM] Preparing selected directory (No USB Drive Selected)
[6/2/2025 11:15:24 PM] Checking Existing File: 1u5t-14g386-cb.tar.gz 
[6/2/2025 11:15:24 PM] Copying: 1u5t-14g386-cb.tar.gz 
[6/2/2025 11:15:24 PM] Validating: 1u5t-14g386-cb.tar.gz 
[6/2/2025 11:15:24 PM] Copied: 1u5t-14g386-cb.tar.gz 
[6/2/2025 11:15:24 PM] Checking Existing File: PU5T-14G386-BB_1690840002000.TAR.GZ 
[6/2/2025 11:15:24 PM] Copying: PU5T-14G386-BB_1690840002000.TAR.GZ 
[6/2/2025 11:15:24 PM] Validating: PU5T-14G386-BB_1690840002000.TAR.GZ 
[6/2/2025 11:15:24 PM] Copied: PU5T-14G386-BB_1690840002000.TAR.GZ 
[6/2/2025 11:15:24 PM] Checking Existing File: 4U5T-14G381-AN_1552583626000.TAR.GZ 
[6/2/2025 11:15:24 PM] Copying: 4U5T-14G381-AN_1552583626000.TAR.GZ 
[6/2/2025 11:15:24 PM] Validating: 4U5T-14G381-AN_1552583626000.TAR.GZ 
[6/2/2025 11:15:26 PM] Copied: 4U5T-14G381-AN_1552583626000.TAR.GZ 
[6/2/2025 11:15:26 PM] Checking Existing File: 4U5T-14G391-CJ_1552513842000.TAR.GZ 
[6/2/2025 11:15:26 PM] Copying: 4U5T-14G391-CJ_1552513842000.TAR.GZ 
[6/2/2025 11:15:27 PM] Validating: 4U5T-14G391-CJ_1552513842000.TAR.GZ 
[6/2/2025 11:15:28 PM] Copied: 4U5T-14G391-CJ_1552513842000.TAR.GZ 
[6/2/2025 11:15:28 PM] Checking Existing File: 4U5T-14G423-CA_123766.tar.gz 
[6/2/2025 11:15:28 PM] Copying: 4U5T-14G423-CA_123766.tar.gz 
[6/2/2025 11:15:29 PM] Validating: 4U5T-14G423-CA_123766.tar.gz 
[6/2/2025 11:15:31 PM] Copied: 4U5T-14G423-CA_123766.tar.gz 
[6/2/2025 11:15:31 PM] Checking Existing File: 4U5T-14G421-CAH_1739451493000.TAR.GZ 
[6/2/2025 11:15:31 PM] Copying: 4U5T-14G421-CAH_1739451493000.TAR.GZ 
[6/2/2025 11:15:33 PM] Validating: 4U5T-14G421-CAH_1739451493000.TAR.GZ 
[6/2/2025 11:15:36 PM] Copied: 4U5T-14G421-CAH_1739451493000.TAR.GZ 
[6/2/2025 11:15:36 PM] Checking Existing File: 4U5T-14G421-CBH_1739452251000.TAR.GZ 
[6/2/2025 11:15:36 PM] Copying: 4U5T-14G421-CBH_1739452251000.TAR.GZ 
[6/2/2025 11:15:38 PM] Validating: 4U5T-14G421-CBH_1739452251000.TAR.GZ 
[6/2/2025 11:15:42 PM] Copied: 4U5T-14G421-CBH_1739452251000.TAR.GZ 
[6/2/2025 11:15:42 PM] Checking Existing File: 4U5T-14G421-CHH_1739455946000.TAR.GZ 
[6/2/2025 11:15:42 PM] Copying: 4U5T-14G421-CHH_1739455946000.TAR.GZ 
[6/2/2025 11:15:43 PM] Validating: 4U5T-14G421-CHH_1739455946000.TAR.GZ 
[6/2/2025 11:15:47 PM] Copied: 4U5T-14G421-CHH_1739455946000.TAR.GZ 
[6/2/2025 11:15:47 PM] Checking Existing File: 4U5T-14G422-CAP_1739450358000.TAR.GZ 
[6/2/2025 11:15:47 PM] Copying: 4U5T-14G422-CAP_1739450358000.TAR.GZ 
[6/2/2025 11:15:49 PM] Validating: 4U5T-14G422-CAP_1739450358000.TAR.GZ 
[6/2/2025 11:15:53 PM] Copied: 4U5T-14G422-CAP_1739450358000.TAR.GZ 
[6/2/2025 11:15:53 PM] Generating reformat.lst
[6/2/2025 11:15:53 PM] Generating autoinstall.lst
[6/2/2025 11:15:53 PM] ALL FILES DOWNLOADED AND COPIED TO THE SELECTED FOLDER SUCCESSFULLY!

F150Chief · 3 June 2025 21:21

GB5T-14G374-CB is probably the culprit. This is a known issue. You would need to replace this file with GB5T-14G374-CD.
You can try to recover the APIM by loading in new firmware, no guarantees that will work. You will need a USB OBD adapter like the OBDLink EX.

APIM Firmware Flash Rescue - Ford / Information - CyanLabs Official Community

lolford · 3 June 2025 22:06

Hey thanks for your reply! I looked through the guide before posting but couldn’t find a copy of the suggested files. Forscan had red boxes on the firmware page initially but I re-checked and this is what is showing for me.

https://i.imgur.com/6yqMr12.png

I see the strategy forscan suggested was HBT5-14G374-CA, Where can I get a copy of GB5T-14G374-CD?

Also sorry to ask questions but how did the CB file make it’s way if I used the sny3updater? Wanted to make sure if I update again I don’t mess things up

F150Chief · 3 June 2025 22:14

See your PM…

You should bring the APIM up to this ate least:
3.0 APIM NAV & NON-NAV Unit Firmware (Production Release, 2017-Pre-2018.5, H thru Early J Series)
(Originally Found On 2017/Early 2018 Units That Ship with 2 USB Ports on Back)
Secondary Boot Loader: GB5T-14G376-AA
Strategy (F188): HB5T-14G374-CA
Calibration (F124): HB5T-14G375-DA or HB5T-14G375-FA (NAV) / HB5T-14G375-CA (NON-NAV)
ECU Configuration/Sound Profiles (F10A): GB5T-14G379-AA
ECU Configuration/Illumination Strategy (F16B): HB5T-14G379-BA

But you could go to:
3.2/3.3 APIM NAV & NON-NAV Unit Firmware (Production Release, 2018.5, Late J thru K Series)
Secondary Boot Loader: GB5T-14G376-AA
Strategy (F188): 1U5T-14G374-DA (6/27/2018)
Calibration (F124): 1U5T-14G375-DA (NAV) / 1U5T-14G375-CA (NON-NAV)
ECU Configuration/Sound Profiles (F10A): GB5T-14G379-AA
ECU Configuration/Illumination Strategy (F16B): JB5T-14G379-BA (6/7/2018)

Going further will not be beneficial since you have a Taurus which is a CGEA 1.2 vehicle. Beyond Sync 3.3 firmware really won’t be supported by the vehicle systems as they are previous generation platform.

lolford · 4 June 2025 22:19

Hi, I got a better adapter and don’t get any forscan warnings anymore.

I tried flashing the files you suggested ( Strategy (F188): HB5T-14G374-CA
Calibration (F124): HB5T-14G375-DA) and got a module bricked error from forscan

I tried the 2nd set of files ( Strategy (F188): 1U5T-14G374-DA (6/27/2018)
Calibration (F124): 1U5T-14G375-DA) and same story unfortunately.

What should I try next if anything?

F150Chief · 4 June 2025 22:33

You have corrupted firmware on the unit, and FORScan can’t read the files. Are you following the procedure here…Updating Sync 3 APIM Firmware Using FORScan 2.4.x Release - #2

lolford · 4 June 2025 22:44

Ok, I reflashed using all the files and not just the bold ones, the screen is still black, though now the programming worked and I can see DTC’s in forscan.

Code: U3000 - Control Module

Additional Fault Symptom (:41):

General Checksum Failure

Code: U2100 - Initial Configuration Not Complete

The radio doesn’t shut off now either when I close the door

lolford · 4 June 2025 23:04

I tried the flash rescue guide here: APIM Firmware Flash Rescue

and did the 2-step programming (ecu after shutting the car off)

It programmed successfully but the screen is still black unfortunately.

F150Chief · 5 June 2025 02:56

Reload the entire ASBUILT for the APIM at one time. It lost it’s programming, common with this issue. Reset the APIM and/or master reset once it boots . If you can, run the Interrogator Utility and post the XML file here.

lolford · 5 June 2025 03:03

I hate the ask a forscan question but how can I reload it at once? (If I click download it will get the asbilt data for my car not the donor) right now all the lines match what I got from the ford service site for the donor car.

Also I have additional asbuilt lines now likely due to the newer firmware and I think that the car didn’t support before, wondering if this is why it’s triggered the code?

Even if I end having to buy a new apim i appreciate all your help and effort!

F150Chief · 5 June 2025 03:11

Well, that would be the file you saved when you installed the APIM.

Exactly.

Post the APIM asbuilt and take a pic of the APIM asbuilt in FORScan. Post it here.

lolford · 5 June 2025 16:52

Ok, I pulled the DTC’s and asbuilt data.

Here is the original ford website asbuilt for the donor vin

7D0-01-01	A221	0503	06AA
7D0-01-02	0283	0004	0A6D
7D0-02-01	4341	0101	40A0
7D0-02-02	0200	0000	00DD
7D0-02-03	0005	E1
7D0-03-01	0000	0002	00DD
7D0-04-01	0100	0500	05E7
7D0-04-02	0001	DE
7D0-05-01	1B58	1B8F	2C26
7D0-05-02	1AF8
7D0-06-01	805E
7D0-07-01	0800	3300	001A
7D0-07-02	0000	157C	0071
7D0-07-03	0056	5680	000D
7D0-07-04	7254

Minus the line I changed for the radio to turn off when leaving the car it looks identical, the “extra” asbuilt data in the apim now starts at 7d0-08-01

I’ve also posted the current firmware settings

F150Chief · 5 June 2025 16:56

Do you have the VIN…?

lolford · 5 June 2025 17:11

sorry, 1fAHP2J88HG124508

F150Chief · 5 June 2025 17:47

Attached is a new asbuilt for your APIM. This has the additional block 8/9 data for the MY18.5 firmware. This is taken from the VIN you supplied (2017 Taurus).
To load this into the APIM, connect FORScan and go to the APIM asbuilt screen. At the bottom of the screen is a button labeled ‘Load All’. Select that and find this file, select ‘Open’. The file should load. Select ‘Write All’ at the bottom of the screen. FORScan might have a pop up about checksum bits, if so , select YES. Also might be a pop up about data overwrite, select Force Overwrite if asked. The APIM should reboot. Go to the tools menu in FORScan and reset the APIM twice. Wait for the procedure to finish each time. The screen should hopefully be back now. If not, you might need to source another screen…
If you know, what is the part number of the screen?

1FAHP2J88HG124508_7D0_APIM 20250605.abt (495 Bytes)
1FAHP2J88HG124508.txt (670 Bytes)
1FAHP2J88HG124508.ab (21.1 KB)

You are in Canada?

And, by the way, you did have corrupted firmware on the APIM before you ever started with it. Once you used the reformat tool is broke.
7D0 OEM APIM:
F110>DSGB5T-14G371-CB
F111>HB5T-14G380-BA
F113>HB5T-14G371-CCA
F124>GB5T-14G375-CA
F141>WW446YY7
F188>GB5T-14G374-CB
F18C>��
F1D0>985DADC85FFB
F1D1>985DADC85FFC

lolford · 5 June 2025 18:17

Hi, I tried writing file 1FAHP2J88HG124508_7D0_APIM 20250605.abt in forscan and it wrote successfully, I didn’t have a reset option just reboot in forscan, I ran that 2x on the module and still the black screen

Would I be able to source an apim from a 2017 or 2018 escape and re use the display portion or is that junk as well?

I can’t see the sticker on the LCD just see that it ends in 55-SC

And you’re correct! Both my car and the donor are from Canada

F150Chief · 5 June 2025 18:44

GG1T18B955SC for Taurus. This is an OEM screen.
As long as the Escape screen is the same physical size it will work.
These are all compatible. You will need to swap the mounts.

2016 Ford Escape GJ5T18B955CA 8" Standard Flat Sync 3
2016 Ford Escape GJ5T18B955CB 8" Standard Flat Sync 3
2016 Ford Escape GJ5T18B955SA 8" Standard Flat Sync 3
2016 Ford Escape GJ5T18B955SB 8" Standard Flat Sync 3
2017 Ford Escape GJ5T18B955CA 8" Standard Flat Sync 3
2017 Ford Escape GJ5T18B955CB 8" Standard Flat Sync 3
2017 Ford Escape GJ5T18B955SB 8" Standard Flat Sync 3
2018 Ford Escape GJ5T18B955SB 8" Standard Flat Sync 3
2019 Ford Escape GJ5T18B955SB 8" Standard Flat Sync 3

lolford · 5 June 2025 19:01

Ok, and assuming I’ll need to change the asbuilt as well to match the original 2017 config?

F150Chief · 5 June 2025 19:45

If you change the APIM, then yes.

F150Chief · 6 June 2025 02:09

Did you run the Interrogator Utility on the APIM since you loaded the new firmware? Does it recognize the new firmware?
Any DTC’s still there?