Accessory Protocol Interface Module (APIM) Programming

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY

Vehicle Communication Module (VCM) and Integrated Diagnostic System (IDS) software with appropriate hardware, or equivalent diagnostic scan tool

Accessory Protocol Interface Module (APIM) Programming 

• If a new Accessory Protocol Interface Module (APIM) is being installed, install the new APIM before carrying out the following procedure. Refer to the appropriate Information and Entertainment Systems article for the procedure.

• This programming procedure deletes any phones that are paired with the SYNC ® system.
• To prevent timeout errors and to minimize programming time, a hardwired Internet connection is strongly recommended when programming.
• A USB flash drive with a minimum storage size of 32 gigabytes (GB) is required for this procedure (obtain locally).
  • Some programming files are large, allow extra time for the files to download.
  • It is important that the diagnostic scan tool has enough available hard drive space to accommodate the programming file download.
  • If a "Disk Space Error" is received, create additional free space on the hard drive.
• The diagnostic scan tool is required.
  • Make sure the IDS version and patch software levels are up to date.

1. 1.
   
   Connect a battery charger to the vehicle and select the low setting. The negative battery charger lead must be connected to a clean chassis ground, not the negative battery post.

1. 2.
   
   Connect the diagnostic scan tool to a power supply due to the length of time the programming requires.

1. 3.
   
   Connect the diagnostic scan tool to the VCM, and the VCM to the DLC.

1. 4.
   
   Close the IDS software program.

1. 5.
   
   Ignition ON.

1. 6.
   
   Using the diagnostic scan tool, open the Internet Explorer ® and access the technician service publication website.

1. 7.
   
   
   NOTE: If the "SYNC - Software Programming" document is not followed, the programming may stop or encounter errors due to improperly configured browser settings.

   Run OASIS using the "Read VIN & DTCs" button.

   • If the "Read VIN & DTCs" button is greed with a red VCM icon, refer to the "SYNC - Software Programming" document under the "Service Tips" tab.
   • If the "Read VIN & DTCs" button is red with a grey VCM icon, make sure pop-ups are enabled, follow the Internet Explorer ® pop-ups, and refer to the "SYNC - Software Programming" document under the "Service Tips" tab.

1. 8.
   
   From the OASIS tab, select the "SYNC" button. The Last Recorded State - Software is displayed.

1. 9.
   
   
   NOTE: There are 3 types of Accessory Protocol Interface Module (APIM) programming available:
   • Standard - Used to update the Accessory Protocol Interface Module (APIM) and any currently installed Applications to the latest software levels.
   • Custom - Used to show all the available software options (including Applications that may not have been installed previously) that can be programmed into the Accessory Protocol Interface Module (APIM). Use this selection when upgrades become available or as directed by a TSB or FSA.
   • Module Replacement - Used when the Accessory Protocol Interface Module (APIM) has been replaced. This type of programming carries out the required provisioning (restores software for newly installed hardware).

   Scroll to the bottom of the screen, select 1 of the 3 options (Standard, Custom, or Module Replacement) and then select the "Read SYNC" button. The VIN, current Accessory Protocol Interface Module (APIM) assembly, VIP, and CIP software levels are compared to the last recorded state in the Ford online database. The available software is displayed.

1. 10.
   
   
   NOTE: Do not disconnect the VCM during Accessory Protocol Interface Module (APIM) programming unless directed by the diagnostic scan tool on-screen prompts.

   Select the "Program SYNC" button to begin the Accessory Protocol Interface Module (APIM) programming process.

1. 11.
   
   Follow the diagnostic scan tool on-screen instructions.

1. 12.
   
   When prompted, connect the USB flash drive to the diagnostic scan tool.

1. 13.
   
   Make sure the USB flash drive being used is formatted correctly. To see the available drives, hold down the Windows icon keyboard key and press the E keyboard key. Right click on the USB flash drive, and select Properties. If "File system" under the General tab is not exFAT, the drive must be formatted. Right click on the USB flash drive, select Format, select "exFAT" for the File system, and select "Default allocation size" for the Allocation unit size to format the USB flash drive. De-selecting Quick Format is not necessary, and results in a more lengthy operation.

1. 14.
   
   Follow the on-screen instructions to download software onto the USB flash drive.

1. 15.
   
   When prompted by the diagnostic scan tool, remove the USB flash drive from the diagnostic scan tool and connect it to the USB hub to install the software into the Accessory Protocol Interface Module (APIM). The update should start automatically and may take 10 minutes or longer. It is normal for the Accessory Protocol Interface Module (APIM) to reset during this step.

1. 16.
   
   After programming is complete, the diagnostic scan tool displays "Programming has been successfully completed."

1. 17.
   
   Reinstall the flash drive into the diagnostic scan tool and select "OK" to report the software installation to the Ford online database.