Ford Escape 2014 SYNC 2 to SYNC 3 Retrofit – Climate Control Compatibility Issues

Ford SYNC 3 Support CyanLabs Update Support
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Hello CyanLabs Support Team,

I am seeking technical assistance with a SYNC 2 to SYNC 3 retrofit performed on my 2014 Ford Escape.

Vehicle and system information:

  • Vehicle: 2014 Ford Escape Titanium
  • Original system: SYNC 2 / MyFord Touch with Sony audio
  • Replacement APIM: JJ5T-14G370-ABC (2018)
  • Current software: SYNC 3.3 Build 19052_PRODUCT
  • Previous software: SYNC 3.4
  • Climate control: Dual-zone automatic
  • Diagnostic software: FORScan
  • Original HVAC and FCIM modules retained
    Problems encountered:
  1. Climate control temperature display: The physical climate control panel works correctly and displays the selected temperatures. The SYNC 3 touchscreen also allows climate control adjustments, but both temperature indicators display “Off” instead of the actual temperature values.
  2. APIM configuration: I have tested several As-Built settings using FORScan. Climate Control Strategy is set to North America, Climate Control Type is Automatic, and the climate domain and dual-zone overlay are enabled.
  3. Clock: The clock initially had problems after the retrofit. Its operation was restored through APIM configuration changes.
  4. Steering wheel voice control: The original steering wheel voice command button does not function correctly with the replacement APIM.
  5. Screen flickering: The SYNC 3 display occasionally flickers, particularly during changes in vehicle lighting conditions. The instrument cluster and audio remain operational.
    Assistance requested:

Could you please advise:

  1. Is there a known compatibility issue between the original 2014 Escape HVAC/FCIM modules and a 2018 SYNC 3 APIM?
  2. Is there a specific As-Built configuration that enables correct dual-zone temperature display?
  3. Could an FMods modification resolve the climate control display issue?
  4. Would upgrading from SYNC 3.3 Build 19052 to SYNC 3.4 help, or is this primarily a hardware/communication compatibility issue?
  5. Is replacing or reprogramming the original FCIM necessary?
  6. What is the safest installation method for upgrading this particular APIM to SYNC 3.4?
    I have saved my current APIM As-Built configuration and can provide FORScan screenshots, configuration files, and additional diagnostic information.

Thank you for your assistance.

Best regards.

SYNC Region: NA

Navigation Variant: Non Nav

Manufacturer Year: Pre MY20

Install Type: OEM

Old SYNC Version: 3.3.19066

New SYNC Version: 3.4.26057

Do you have a error message, if so what is it?
no

Update Method: CyanLabs Syn3 Updater

Syn3 Updater Version: 2.14.2.0

Syn3 Updater Documentation Read: yes

Syn3 Updater Log File

4U5T-14G423-CC_1615429225000.TAR
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The power button is a known issue as is the flickering screen.

The power button requires jailbreaking the APIM and installing the FMods add in, there is no known fix for the flicker issue. Some people use one of the lower builds like 3.4.21194 that allowed you to turn off the auto brightness on the screen and set it to a fixed level.

The Voice and Home buttons are a config issue in the APIM AB.

Try using this as a base (remove the .txt extension) and compare if to your current AB using Asbuilt Explorer.

2014 Escape Ti Sync3 APIM.abt (495 Bytes)