Okay so just to clarify; I’m going to re-install the Syn3Updater files to a USB drive, using Sync 2.216280 as my current version, and 3.0.20204 as the target version, correct?
Also, I’m going to return this vlinker OBD scanner as it’s clearly not going to be any use to me to solve this issue. Is there any information that I should pull from the car before I return it?
No, you can’t update to 3.0 with the Syn3 Updater. Use Sync 2.2.16280 as the current version and Sync 3.4.21265 as the version to upgrade to. You do not need to include maps if you want, as we are just trying to get the unit fixed.
Also, do not just copy the files to the drive manually, use the Syn3 Updater app.
The adapter will not help with this issue since it is BT. Just return it and get the USB version if you want.
Just to clarify, the system was working fine for a week AFTER it was updated to 2.2.16280.
It wasn’t until I tried updating to the newest version using Syn3 Updater that the screen turned black.
I should also mention that it turned black as SOON as I turned on the car with the USB inserted and the syn3 updater newest version files loaded onto the USB
UPDATE: I tried doing these steps as listed. I left my car on for 45 minutes with the USB (loaded with 3.4.21265 from the Syn3 Updater app) inserted. Nothing changed and the screen is still black.
I don’t think it’s anything to do with any cables. The screen blacked out the moment I turned the car on with the USB inserted and loaded with the syn3 updater files. Everything was working completely fine prior to that (other than being unable to update using conventional methods)
I’ve found that some things actually aren’t working.
None of the “next/previous song” buttons on the steering wheel work, the Bluetooth calling button doesnt work, but the volume up and down works.
None of the dash buttons work (source, sound, power, tune, prev/next song)
The USB lights up and works, but when I connect my phone to it it doesn’t enter android auto (it was able to connect to android auto after I successfully updated to 2.2)
I’m also going to order the recommended forscan OBD tool, but I’m in Canada so it’s going to take a while to get here.
Most likely the issue is the Strategy (F188) file, GB5T-14G374-AF. This file has been identified as problematic with bad or incorrect addressing which can cause the failure of the APIM to boot. It is possible to re-flash this file with a newer corrected version with FORScan and the USB adapter.
You will need to reprogram the Strategy file.
After you reprogram the Strategy file, you must reload the asbuilt for the APIM all at once. Use the “Load All” button at the bottom of the asbuilt configuration page. Force write the asbuilt.
This will hopefully recover the unit.
I re-programmed the Strategy file as instructed, but I got the “Programming Successful, but something went wrong” message.
I assumed that this was because the APIM was already bricked, so I proceeded to try to reload the APIM asbuilt. I can’t open the AS-BUILT service procedure anymore because it keeps saying “service procedure has been interrupted”
UPDATE: I’ve spent the past 8 hours trying to get SOMETHING working… The only thing that has been achieved here is that now more things don’t work in the car. The USB in the centre console no longer works, the audio no longer works, there are no longer any audible dings when changing climate control settings… Nothing seems to be working to remedy this issue.
I’m guessing that the only fix would be to remove the motherboard and force reprogram the eMMC with all firmware and software, which is not guaranteed to work if the eMMC has issues. This APIM seems to definitely have eMMC issues with storage. I know this may be frustrating, but you proved at least that the APIM is defective. These procedures should have brought it back, and the fact that the calibration files seem to successfully program but do not bear this out. Sorry, but I think the APIM has issues that can’t be fixed without replacing parts, which is not worth the cost over that of a replacement.