This 2012 Ford Explorer came in with the LCD screen black and no radio or backup camera. Then it fixed itself for 3 weeks. Then it came back for the same issue plus water in the passenger floor board. Part 2: • Ford Explorer APIM and...
As a senior/master Ford tech I can verify that the APIM is the cause of most cases of an intermittent black screen. Good work on diagnosing it. I enjoy your work from Ontario, Canada. Yes, the new one will need to be programmed.
Does the update from ford help this at all my car has missed updates and ppl tell me that will stop it from happening right now I'm hard resetting once a week or so it's a 2013 fusion
No thank you. I like my modern vehicle, complete with features, convenience, and safety - all thanks to modern technology. I would much rather enjoy these things 99.9% of the time and have to learn new skills to troubleshoot the rare issue, rather than suffer a clunky old truck 99.9% of the time and fixing the constant barrage of simple, but prolific failures.
@@watcherofwatchers What you are saying is correct providing the manufacturer builds quality parts. I worked on Chrysler for many years and they only got worse. Just to crank the engine the path must go through 4 modules. Their moto I felt was good enough. If it drives on the truck at the factory, it's good enough to sell. The vehicles are such junk the customers only come for warranty work or a safety bulletin.
I had a Ford F-150 that was having very strange symptoms such as blower fan continued to run after shutting off and removing key. Door chimes going off, headlights coming by themselves when turned off. Ford could not figure it out. Said it could be a problem with the ECM (Electronic Control Module). I decided to remove it myself and possibly replace the circuit board myself. What I found was a few droplets of water in the enclosure which was touching an electrical tab connection. After 6 months or so of this intermittent problem, I figured out the windshield seal was leaking water into the dash. A very very small amount. Hard to detect. When I had the windshield replaced I watch the guy replace it. There was little to no sealant on the upper half of the windshield. He pushed the top out with little to no effort. I bought this truck new and this was like this from the factory? He did a great job sealing in a new windshield. Afterwards the problems never returned. Any water or moisture that might be leaking into the dash can cause all types of weird issues... It does no take much, literally a drop or two. you mentioned water getting in so just thought I would share my experience.
As soon as I heard water in cabin, after seeing all those intermittent no comms codes, I thought something similar. May even be harness related somewhere.
I've heard this exact same story but substitute a HAIR - ONE HAIR- across the inside of an optical connector. Ford really does NOT understand the environment they're building for.
Yeah I've heard of water getting onto the PCM from the windshield as well. I liked the Ford design, putting the PCM in the firewall into the dash to keep water off of it, but what good is it when you can't seal the windshield worth a crap ?
Yes, no hesitation when asked for a plan.PIZZA. How she wrangles that boy all day and doesn't go postal is a miracle in itself. You look tired kiddo, tell Wes to bag the shop and take the boy off your hands for a few hours!
Pizza is always a good answer to "dinner?". Homemade is a lot of work, Papa Murphy is our go-to around here, but streets are clear and you can do it online!
Hey Wes, love your videos man. This one is dear to my heart, lol. I'm a Ford tech and we see these all the time. IT's an APIM for sure, and it has to be programmed by a dealer. We replace a lot of these, and the newer ones tend to be worse. If you need any help with this in the future, let me know!
Locally we have tracked it to faulty USB phone charge cords shorting and overloading the APIM 5V bus because those morons didn't put protection on the system.
Both my wife and I deal with this issue I believe. Stinks that potentially will cost a small fortune to fix. When I asked the dealership they wanted to charge me $250 JUST to diagnose the issue since it may be “my fault” and not warranty related, if I spilled liquid on the dash/console. Sucks cuz both vehicles were used “certified” so there could be “liquid damage” from previous owner... Any recommendations for that?
@@trevorferris8284 Yeah.... Never buy a "certified" pre-owned (used) car ever again. It is what they call a "term of art" and has absolutely ZERO meaning. Normally the word "certified" means a neutral 3rd party "certifies" that something does something. WHO exactly is issuing this "certification?" yeah, the dealer.. It means nothing but adds thousands to the price.
@@richardbrobeck2384 the "industry" has wanted you to buy new every 2-3 years since after WWII...Studebaker even had Certified Used program in 1950---just saw the ad last night.
I worked for a company that always modified any gear that they purchased. One the engineers told me that if the company wanted a dog they would buy a cat and modify it. LOL!
As good as you are as a technician sometimes there are jobs that just can’t be handled outside of the stealership and that’s what they count on. Your victories definitely outweigh your beat down jobs. Keep up the great work.
After watching you play with data buses and electronic modules, I'm glad I drive an old british car. All I have to worry about is a set of points and a SU carburetter.
For whoever also didn't know what SYNC is: Ford Sync (stylized Ford SYNC) is a factory-installed, integrated in-vehicle communications and entertainment system that allows users to make hands-free telephone calls, control music and perform other functions with the use of voice commands.[1][2] The system consists of applications and user interfaces developed by Ford and other third-party developers. The first two generations (Ford Sync and MyFord Touch) run on the Windows Embedded Automotive operating system designed by Microsoft,[3] while the third generation (Sync 3) currently runs on the QNX operating system from BlackBerry Limited.[4]
Nice job on the diagnosis on that APIM. I worked for Ford during the first few years of Sync. It was a nightmare. About 60% of the time you could yank the fuse for 5 min, reinstall and the system would work.
I remember the first car I drive when I was a young feller, a 1951 Chevy 6 banger with three in the tree, dimmer switch was in the floor, am radio that when you turned it on it had to warm up before you heard any noise and in the winter when you finally got it going (6 volt) it had a light on the dash that said COLD. you could beat that car with a hickory cane and never even scratch the paint. Now days you have to have about 6 college degrees to even open the door on one.
Good video! Wife has a 2013 ford explorer with nav. We now have little over 100k on it. There have been a few time that the screen froze, blacked out or something. Shutting it down, or maybe the battery disconnect seemed to reset. A few times in 7 years...I'm not complaining. Great car.
“lightly” tap on that module while it’s in a failed state, if it comes back on then most likely it has a cold solder joint on the board or loose/intermittent wire in the harness somewhere.
@@WatchWesWork Tap harder. Harder. HARDER! Ok - time for a new Kenwood. Dealing with same issue in 2006 Exploder and yeah, most likely stupid board resistors with crappy solder. A good 'tap' will get mine to come on, then fade out and laugh (heartily) as I guess which station I'm listening to.
@@WatchWesWork RE: used radios... or 'modules' (whatever FoMoCoHoHoHo calls them...): The older ones have a code that you can x-reference, or at least the boneyards can. From what I gather - it then needs to be given the 'Dealership Magic Touch' which involves touching the customer's wallet to turn on the functionality. I do not know if a non-oem scan tool can do that. Heck - I don't know a lot of things, most of which I don't know what they are.
...from antique bulldozer to 21st century automotive computer technology....Wes, you have amassed a wealth of skills...very impressive...love your video's...keep it up...thanks...
Dear Ford Explorer owner, your vehicle got into a fight with an antique bulldozer. Despite extended efforts to revive, it was pronounced dead at the scene. The remains have been taken to Rusty's scrap yard, you may make funeral arrangements at your convenience. I am sorry for your loss.
It does need an APIM, and if the backup camera isn't working, it needs one of those too. Both need programming. If you can find a used one (APIM) with the identical features it should plug and play. (I'm a svc. manager at a Ford dealership)
How many of us old guys out there were happy with our Pioneer Supertuners and Jensen 6x9 coaxial speakers? Maybe even a graphic equalizer and power booster. Gimme a Motorcraft 2 bbl and Duraspark ignition please.
You just described the system I had in my 1983 Mustang GT! The radio had two outputs which ran to two equallizer/ boosters that had four speaker outputs each. Plus the stereo also had an amp output which drove an amp with two speaker outputs for a total of 10 Jensen Speakers. 😁😁
What a nightmare. Glad I just have to sip coffee and watch. I think they should of stopped upgrading cars in the 90s maybe early 2000s. Maybe I'm just getting older and grumpier. Keep up the good work! Audio on that connected mic was nice and clear.
So I don't offend any one (because we know 2021 people are very sensitive aka cry babies) I NEVER say "GM" is stupid or "FORD" is stupid, I just say "ALL CARS ARE STUPID" and then no one gets mad at me. It all about the terminology my friend 😁
He did say "all" are stupid. It's called design,then try to find somewhere to put stuff in a limited amount of space and still make it "look" appealing.
A nice honest video of one that wants to get away. It will be back, and you will not let it just go. Good luck with the exhaust. That is a more vital fix than the squawk box and its friends.
So on the exhaust flex part I found it on Rockauto for $65. It’s AP Emissions 28874. The picture shows what looks like the part you need but it’s not a picture of the actual part. If you look it’s under Exhaust&Emission pipe/resonator section. Love your channel hope this helps.
Yea, they get to pick the location so the average person can't find it and try to save themselves some money on service. Service departments are WAY more profitable for dealerships than selling cars.
Thank you again Wess. You are a Man of extreme patience. I hope you have a punching bag in a sound proof room to release your pent up frustration. It amazes me that car manufacturers make computer systems so complicated. I knew very little about personal computers. Our first pc was a Dell. We used it till the progression of operating systems were no longer compatible. I had learned enough at that point that you could build a better computer for yourself for alot less money than the proprietary systems offered by Dell and all the other companies especially Apple. I learned everything I needed by watching videos from Newegg and Tom's hard ware and some other sites. I studied for about 6 months. Then I began buying the components as they went on sale. Case mother board and so on. Once you know what type of pc you want it's pretty much all plug and play. And as long as any new upgrades you want to make match the type of system you have any compatible part from any manufacturer will just plug in and talk to your system and become friends. Why do these auto makers feel the need to prioritize everything on these cars and over complicate them to the point that even dealership service technicians can not trouble shoot them. My computer has a military grade mother board and the capacity for upgrades that reach far into the future. And way less expensive than the crap they put in these cars. Just look at the electronic fuel injection systems offered by holley and edelbrock. So simple and they self learn. Sorry to go so long. Have a wonderful day.
I never knew so much about my car's electrical system! Your diagnostics are spot-on for the tools and training you have. You're careful, thorough, and verify results. That's literally ALL you can do. These modern mobile entertainment systems are insanely complicated, it's a damn miracle they work at all. :-D You're a gutsy guy to tear one down and pick through its innards!
The wet floor is definitely the sunroof drain. My son's has clogged numerous times, after many trips to the dealer under warranty now he unclogs it himself like you did. Also it looks like it has an aftermarket remote start system on it??? Maybe that's an issue??? Keep up the good work Wes!!! Always nice to see Mrs. Wes and Kiddo too!!!!
Wes, I have so enjoyed watching your videos. I like fixing things and restoring things myself, but I do declare, you have the patience to hang in there and get it figured. I like your honesty and good work. Obviously you are getting compensated well to have a shop like you do, but watching you on video and knowing you are not recording every moment ..... either you are taking a lick’n or your customers are very good to pay you! Thank you for the details. I wish you well!
I thought I would share there is a RU-vid channel who is a technician for Fords he goes by the name , FordTechMakuloco. He might have a video that will help
I love your videos . Been teaching myself automotive diagnostics for about 3 years now and between you and SMA, Geotec channel i learn alot . Please keep em coming. Hopefully I can start helping out with some funds soon. Beings im starting a new job Monday. ⏳🇺🇸👍🏻🗜🛠🧰🔧🔩 We had a 03 and it was a tank in the snow but it got total. It was AWD with high & low lock
It’s the radio! I have the same one in my f150. it went out, you could smack it a few times on the case and it would start working. eventually I just found one on the ole internet plugged her in and it works like a dream. When you pulled the face cover off and I saw that same radio module I knew. Good new is it’s just the internal module with CD player not the whole control head and you can just replace it. They are interchangeable.
Hi Wes can I just say I really admire your Honesty, Integrity and Diligence, 3 traits that are very hard to find in this modern world of ours. Really enjoy your videos, you are a very genuine person and I take my hat of to you. Hope I haven't given you a big head lol. Mick 👍🍻🛠
Wes, you did find that aftermarket box. ive seen stuff like this before. someone has messed with the wiring so you should check all the wires around that thing and rip it out...
I noticed the blinking blue light behind the rear view mirror. That usually shows a remote start in valet mode. Have you tried cycling the remote device to see if that changes any of your voltages. I also saw that all the voltages on the scans were below 12v. Could that be a starting/charging/remote start issue under powering the protocol module?
Hey T Jones, I have a 2012 Ford Explorer and needing a new apim module. I was wondering if I could fit any year apim module on as a replacement. Found some used ones off scrap cars. Also can I grab one from an edge? Would that work. Let me know if you have any advise. Trying to save a few dollars as a college student. Any help would be awesome!
I've repaired a few of these 'communication issues' on Ford vehicles. The clue here are the two ends of communication loss the instrument panel and the APIM. All of the faults I have fixed are because of micro fractures where the receiving plug is soldered to the board - you can spot it underneath a microscope. Get some flux and resolder all joints on the board and it will usually fix the issue immediately. Microfractures tend to happen as modern day solder is lead free and is less tolerant to movement.
Wes, I had intermittent problems with my Ford F250 SD, the backup camera would go out, the speedometer cluster would stop working. Took it in twice to Ford, they couldn't find any problems. Went to another dealer when the problem was still active. Found to be a pin fitment problem near the foot parking brake, no bus communications to most modules. I believe that when the parking brake slams home when being released that it shakes the connectors nearby, because the problems started to show up again, so after I stopped using the parking brake I never had a problem. When I did use the parking brake, I put my foot on the parking brake pedal to slowly let the pedal up (preventing the slam of the pedal when released). May not be his problem, but it was mine.
OH NO, an EXPLODER‼️ Wes, it looks like you have acquired a steady, regular customer 😖 (Fix Or Repair Daily) In addition to all you are going through with it, it also has Ford/Microsoft/ Sync😖 (or should I say - Stink) We should be seeing PLENTY of content from this one. Hoping this comment finds you and your family healthy and safe! (Love seeing the family)
When my daughter first started driving I bought her a used Ford Taurus. I couldn't get rid of it fast enough. It was the biggest piece of shit ever, just behind my Dodge Caravan.
Hey Wes. My name is Bob Little and i reside up here in the great white north (Ontario can.). I just found ur channel and just wanted u to know i find u quite informative. I been trucking and fixing for over 35 years now ( 1st truck 69 autocar w/ 250 cummins, 20 spd twin stick tranny lmao). Keep talking and everyone thinks they know it all. To them i say g f y (not 'good for you'). Keep up the great videos. The clark fl first i ever drove.
Trying to work a deal with my son. He has an '80 F150xlt short wheelbase w/a 302. Had about 80k miles on it all original. I've got him down to 1500$. Two things I wish, I wish I was closer to you, and I wish I could afford to pay you what you would charge to do all the little mundane things associated with all the little things. The only thing that has been changed since the truck rolled off the line? The exhaust. The welds look like a flock of buzzards took a dump there. Probably a Midas shop job. Thanks Wes
Carry out a pin drag on the connectors to the module and slightly tighten any loose ones. Spray the connectors with a auto electrical contact spray. Should solve your problem
Terrible how technology just eats up time like this. I commend your commitment to try and resolve the problem for the owner. Even a Ford main dealer would struggle with this type of fault. At the end of the day it's meant to be a car that you drive. Stupid unnecessary bling tech' that we can actually live without in a car but its now de-facto. lots of cars going to the scrap heap because of this
I have a 2013 Explorer and had a similar issue (radio would no longer have audio after a Bluetooth call). The screen and APIM were replaced (but didn’t complexly fix the problem, but both can be replaced without any programming. The ACM does require programming, supposedly by a dealer. My Ford dealer does not have competent enough techs to fix the problem and I refuse to go back so I try to put up with what I have and hope Ford has fixed by the time I buy my next vehicle. Thanks for the honest and great videos and I look forward to your future videos.
2013 ford explorer xlt display just went out (already spent 2k on getting the water pump fixed) how much would I be looking at to get this issue fixed. (Only had this vehicle for going on 3 yrs still owe a quite a bit on it can I say I hate vehicles at this point.)
Well there's your problem right there. It's clearly the gcm talking shit with the apu because frp was pissed off about the hty being lazy. Go get em Wes!!!
Thanks for the video. These touch screen devices are touted as a "feature" when the vehicle is being sold new, but they should be labeled a future liability. Also I think this is an area where "unbillable time" becomes a factor for an independent repair shop - seems like an attempt at diagnosing the thing and how much that's going to cost has to be discussed with the customer before spending much time on it.
My mom had a similar issue in her similar vintage SYNC edge when she bought it. Ford released a new software / firmware for the radio that you could download on WWW and install via USB stick. That took care of those problems for her. You might want to see what firmware or software (cant remember what FORD calls it) and see if there is an update. It is downloadable by owners at ford owners site.
Yeah, being a software guy myself I wonder if it's bricking itself due to a SW problem. It'd be interesting to see if "rebooting" the module would get it back. (might have to disconnect the battery or something if it gets constant power)
At this point in the video, about 2:00 minutes is the best example for taking a used vehicle to your favorite mechanic to have them do a quick once over, that way you'll know if you are getting lemon pie or just a lemon. I'm glad my son did, he was looking at a nice looking vehicle, but after they put it on the hoist and did some quick checking they gave him an estimate of what the repairs would be in the near future. Of coarse the used car lot denied knowing there was anything wrong even though if you looked you could see bad tire wear on just part of the tire. Whatever their fee is to do a look see, it is well worth it to you in the long run. What was that commercial, you can pay me now OR pay me later.
The exhaust part is called a "exhaust bellow"! There are 2 types (A braided stainless steel inner covered with a bellow an a pipe in pipe, ( slip fit covered with a bellow) and a flex style is a bellow with with a braided outer stainless cover (typically inverted versions of each other )and they are interchangeable.
Doesn't need to be the module, a connector in the footwell (or whereever the water runs along) getting wet might be enough to short out inputs to any module. Already seen that happening. Backup camera cable, GPS receiver and their power supply usually run through the footwell, or USB connection in the center console (if applicable).
It was gone for what 3 weeks and only went out on the day it was coming back to Wes. I pretty sure that's not it. I think it would have went out before then.
Used to work at Ford and you just did exactly what we do for these common problems with the explorer! APIM modules need to be programmed for sure for specific vehicle. With Fords ADS 2 we extracted the file from the module then replaced the module with new blank one and downloaded the old file with an update. And the sun roof always gets clogged that was your problem for sure.
I was deeply into thinking this thing thru for you Wes and I think my brain was within seconds of offering up the solution for you but then I heard pizza is for supper and my analytical process went to deciding if I want black olives on half of it this time. Sorry. 😬
South Main Auto has done a lot of work on that style of thing and all the frustrations with it. And so has Pine Hollow auto diagnostics he just went through a whole raft of problems with a GM car himself. All the best from Canada
I spent my 8 years at Ford working on generation 1 & 2 Stynk systems. You would be surprised (or not) at the number of issues that could be repaired by unplugging and plugging back in the APIM and FCDIM. Pulling fuses wouldn’t do it. They had several years of severe “pin fretting” issues where alleged micro-corrosion would cause high resistance on module connector pins. By unplugging and plugging back in, it would “clean” them and all would be happy again for a year or two. Same issue affected airbag systems.
My 2005 Mustang GT had the airbag light staying on. The battery had died in the car on the previous owner, and the windows had stopped dropping when the doors were opened. Once I reset both of the power windows, the dang airbag light started turning off after the engine was started! I almost prefer carburetors, distributors, and analog radios...
The system is equipped with either one or the other when it comes to the Front Controls Interface Module & the Front Controls / Display Interface Module (FCIM or FC/DIM). SYNC Gen 1 entertainment systems have the FC/DIM & SYNC Gen 2 has the FCIM. So its normal for no communication to be on one of those modules I am a Master Mechanic who has specialized in Engine, Transmission, Electrical, water intrusion & leaks, and Drivability issues. I have about 15yrs at GM Dealers working on GM & all other brands; including exotics - Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati, etc. *I have a couple videos on my channel of some bigger jobs, mods, fabrication, & exotics I've done as well if anyone is interested in checking them out.* _The ones that i happened to take pictures of at least..._ I dont personally like Fords or Chrysler products, because of their design. Every mechanic has their brand/s they dread to work on... But I'm actually working on a 2013 Escape this very moment with a dead Radio display (non touch 4" screen) & thought I would put that info out there so nobody assumes they have a bad module - when in reality the module isn't even equipped on the vehicle
Thanks for showing the oscilloscope on the CAN network. It proves the network is alive, though still suspect if you can't drive it while observing conditions. Agree don't like half fixed or worse magical fixes. Pizza doesn't fix problems it sure makes them easier to digest.
You may be able to use a used APIM. You need FORSCAN (Aftermarket Diagnostic Software basically). If you download the Explorer's AS-BUILT data from the Motorcraft Website (which should be free), you can use FORSCAN to reprogram the APIM to the Explorer. The Mustang and F-150 guys do this all the time to convert from the stock radio to SYNC-3.
From what I understand, all the apim are universal for all ford models. They are programmed to their models features. There is a program that lets you change settings within the apim. I think maybe getting a junkyard version and reprogram it for the cars features. I believe it is called forscan. Terrible name I think.
That electronic voodoo is why I don't like modern cars. Huge respect to you and every other mechanic who can handle this stuff. Something must be substantially wrong with ford, when they don't have basic exhaust system parts availlable.
