Hello, I’m looking for some help upgrading my 4" SYNC 1 to the 8" SYNC 3 in my 2018 Explorer Police Interceptor Utility. I’m pretty sure I have all the hardware but I need help with programming in forscan. Any help is greatly appreciated
SYNC Region: NA
Navigation Variant: Non Nav
Manufacturer Year: Unknown
Install Type: Retrofit
Old SYNC Version: 5.1.1
New SYNC Version: 5.1.1
Do you have a error message, if so what is it?
n/a
Update Method: Official Ford
I’m sure @bill32399 can help you out with this as he has an Explorer PIU that is extensively modified.
Thanks. I saw a comment of his on a similar post and was trying to reach out but I haven’t figured out how to navigate this forum yet. If he has some programming for a sync 3 upgrade it would be absolutely amazing. Hey @bill32399 can you help a brother out?
I am here, Just working days now on the old man schedule. Post what you got for AB on your 8" Sync 3 APIM now and what is not working or what you want working.
I have the S1-S3 harness, the backup camera adapter and the 8" screen bezel. Can I just plug in a new sync 3/APIM and start programming it with forscan, or does the APIM need to be programmed with my VIN # before I can do anything?
I had better questions earlier but the sync 3 seller is requiring me to install some sketchy software on my laptop to program the module, and I’m not comfortable with that. So now I’m back to square 1,do I need to do anything special for my interceptor to acknowledge a new APIM module? Many thanks
The APIM pulls the VIN from the BCM so you don’t have to worry about changing that. For the most part it’s plug and play depending on what AB settings are on the new APIM.
No one needs to install software on your laptop, please do not do this. If you are uncomfortable with the seller you should return it all and ask for a refund. That said, you can do it all yourself relatively easy. You will need FORScan free version and a quality recommended OBD2 adapter.
Awesome, thanks for the reply. Do I need to change the actual as built codes, or can I do all the APIM programming using the regular read-out module menu? And is the APIM the only things that needs to be programmed for this conversion?
I read online that I can just plug in the new APIM and write my default as built codes to it, then change any settings that need to be changed from there. Is that what you would recommend? Any tips you can give me when purchasing a new APIM and screen would be really appreciated. Thank you very much for your help
You will need to change some coding due to the nature of the vehicle, PIU, but this is very straight forward. @bill32399 can easily recommend the setting for the asbuilt.
That’s a mixed bag because we don’t know what vehicle the APIM came from. For the most part this is true, and the A{IM will likely work.
For the APIM, the K series is the recommended choice. The part number will start with a K. Nav or not is your choice, but an example would be a KU5T-14G371-BDF for non-nav or a KU5T-14G371-CDF for nav. The KU5T designation is the year and car model the unit is installed into. You just need the K really, but if you can find one for an 2019 explorer, that would be the easiest fit.
Thanks, yeah as soon as they told me that I requested a return. I have FORScan and a quality OBD2 adapter, last night I made backups of every module. Can you tell me the steps I need to follow in order to get the new APIM programmed correctly? You’re a lifesaver, thanks!
Just for giggles will you take a pic of the labels on the APIM and post here before you box it up?
I don’t have the new APIM, I cancelled the order when they told me they needed to have remote access to my computer in order to program the module. The seller was playing games and telling me the order had already shipped so I couldn’t cancel, now this morning the order shows as cancelled. Looks like I dodged a bullet. So now I’m gonna try to do everything myself, just need a little guidance.
Yea I would bet you were gonna get one of the Chinese garbage APIM’s to.
I’m glad you said something, I’ll make sure to get a genuine Ford part. When I get the APIM, which settings do you recommend I change?
Its more of what you are going to have to turn off depending on what your AB is when you get it. Can’t really tell you what to change till you get it.
I understand. Thanks
I’m very nervous to spend this amount of money on something that I still don’t fully know how to program though. Is it ONLY the APIM that needs to be programmed? If that’s the case I think I could figure it out eventually through trial and error, but if I have to change settings in multiple modules then I’m clueless.
You’re not programming anything. Just changing As Built values that can easily be changed back. To get it working you will only need to change values in the APIM. You can physically upgrade the IPC so you have more features but not necessary. The only thing you might add is if you want the 911 assist. You than have to go into the RCM and turn it on so the APIM gets the signal to call 911 if needed.
You will find once you get into this it’s pretty simple. Try not to over think it.
Thanks. I just spent some time going through all the modules and trying to get the interceptor more civilian friendly. One thing I cant figure out is the locking feedback. I have enabled the horn and light feedback in both the BCM and IPC and it still doesn’t work. Any ideas why? And for some reason my interior lights only turn on when the door is open and the key is in the ignition in the on position. Can’t seem to figure it out
You turned off the Blackout mode for Police right? I only ask because I believe as long as that is turned on than the feedback lights won’t work.