Transit Custom 2018 – Sync 3 retrofit works but APIM not visible on CAN (JK2T-15604-FAE BCM)

[alarmylebork]

Hello.

I need help with a Sync 3 retrofit into my 2018 Ford Transit Custom (post-facelift).

I will describe everything clearly so someone who knows this platform can point me in the right direction.

CAR: Ford Transit Custom 2018 (facelift)

BCM: JK2T-15604-FAE (photo attached)

Original radio: Sync 1 (basic)

Retrofit: Sync 3 APIM + screen + ACM from donor Transit Custom (2021).

Wiring: I built the harness myself, partially using wires from the donor loom (KK2T-14K024-CCC) and partially from my original loom.

Everything works except one thing:

APIM is NOT visible in FORScan at all.

ACM is visible, sound works, screen works, Sync 3 boots normally.

Reverse camera also works.

Only APIM does not appear on any network, so I cannot configure it.

What I know:

1. The vehicle originally had Sync 1, so I reused the original CAN wires from the old ACM.

2. I connected CAN from original ACM (green-blue & white-green) to APIM on pins 19/20 – same as donor.

3. APIM still not visible.

4. I tried connecting APIM also to pins 53/54 – no voltage and no CAN activity there.

5. I have a full donor loom and on the donor the CAN pair to APIM goes through BCM connectors.

6. My BCM (JK2T-15604-FAE) has 7 connectors.

On Connector #5 (40-pin), there is one twisted pair only on pins 24 and 26.

Colors are slightly different on my loom vs donor, but positions match.

7. I don’t know if this twisted pair is HS2-CAN or something else.

8. IPMA also does not fully work – likely same CAN issue.

9. I need to know which BCM connector and which pins are the correct HS2-CAN line for APIM/IPMA in Transit Custom (post-facelift), and whether my BCM variant routes APIM on HS2 or another network.

SYMPTOMS: – Sync boots normally

– Radio plays

– Rear camera works

– APIM invisible in FORScan

– No CAN voltage on APIM pins 53/54

– Only 19/20 connected (from ACM line)

ASKING FOR HELP:

Can someone provide the correct pinout / wiring diagram for APIM CAN for Transit Custom 2018+ with BCM JK2T-15604-FAE?

Which BCM connector carries HS2-CAN for APIM/IPMA?

Which exact pins should I use?

Thank you.

[F150Chief]

First, make sure your APIM connections are proper.
APIM Connector Versions.pdf (201.5 KB)

Your APIM needs HS3-CAN and possibly HS1-CAN.

[alarmylebork]

Thanks for your reply.

I understand now that the most likely reason why my APIM is not visible in Forscan is that the HS2 CAN / HS-CAN2 connection is missing. I know this is the “missing link”, but the problem is that I don’t know exactly where to connect it on the BCM in my Transit Custom 2018 (post-facelift).

My vehicle uses a different BCM layout than most diagrams online, and I do not want to start cutting or probing wires blindly. That’s why I need the correct BCM pinout / wiring diagram, and a clear confirmation of:

1. Which BCM connector contains HS-CAN2

2. Which exact pins should be connected to APIM pins 53 and 54 (or whichever are correct for HS2 CAN on APIM in this model)

Without this information it’s impossible to complete the retrofit safely.

If I understand correctly, this HS-CAN2 link is the only thing missing for the APIM to finally come alive on the network.

Any BCM diagrams or exact pin references for the 2018 Transit Custom (facelift) would be greatly appreciated.

[F150Chief]

A 2018 Transit Custom is a CGEA 1.2 network so you will not have HS2 or HS3 but will have ICAN. This is the equivalent. You do not need to connect to the BCM directly, just a point on the ICAN network. You will need to find an accessible point by looking at wiring diagrams for your vehicle. This is the DLC connection for the ICAN network.

[alarmylebork]

Issue resolved.

I managed to locate the correct HS-CAN2? line in the connector shoit’s the one located under the steering column, next to the BCM.

After connecting the APIM to this CAN bus, the module was immediately detected and all functions started working properly.

The SYNC 3 retrofit is now fully successful and everything works as it should.

Thanks again for all the help.

[bill32399]

I can tell you 1000% you don’t have HS2 in an 18 TC. You found the right network though so thats all that matters.