Pinpoint Tests A: APIM Hardware Test Routine

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2019 Ford F-150. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: This test is designed to check the function of the APIM (SYNC module) hardware only; therefore, you should only perform this test routine if directed by the service information. It is very important that no other issues are present with systems or components that interface with the APIM. The APIM hardware test determines whether the APIM module hardware is functioning as designed or has an identifiable issue. As each block of tests is completed, the results are provided and directions given for the next step. At the completion of the test, a recommendation is provided where the "APIM replacement IS NOT recommended" or "APIM replacement IS recommended". Within the test routine you will notice that there may be several actions or tests that you may have performed previously in a different procedure or Pinpoint Test (PPT). However, please follow the directions provided as this test routine specifically checks the operation of the module hardware. For vehicles equipped with SYNC 3, entry into the bezel diagnostics procedure is necessary. Have the procedure available or be familiar with the steps required to enter the bezel diagnostics prior to beginning this test. Refer to Information and Entertainment System - General Information article>General Procedures>Bezel Diagnostics.
The tools required for this test are:

Rotunda Integrated Diagnostic Software (IDS) software
Vehicle Communication Module (VCM)

Original Multi-Media Interface Tester (MIT), 105-00120-RCA, new Multi-Media Interface Tester (MIT), 105-00120-GEN2.

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

multimedia:A supplement to the article is available.

NOTE: A personal device can also be used for this test only if the device hardware and firmware are present on the Ford Support Website.

NOTE: On vehicles equipped with a touchscreen without an SD card slot, use the MIT Gen 2 or later version when attempting to pair the tester with the APIM. The MIT Gen 1 must not be used or the test will incorrectly fault the APIM.

A1: CONFIRM THAT THE APIM HARDWARE TEST WAS REFERENCED BY THE SERVICE INFORMATION

NOTE: This test routine is required to validate whether the APIM hardware has an identifiable concern.

You should only be in the APIM hardware test routine if you were directed here from the service information.
Were you referred here from the service information?

Yes	No
Go to A3.	Go to A2.

A2: DESCRIBE THE REASON FOR ENTERING THE APIM HARDWARE TEST
- Please explain how you were sent to this test and why.
  * - Indicates Mandatory Field
  
  How did you arrive at this test procedure?* Enter value
  
  What was the symptom or reason for navigating to this test procedure?* Enter value
  
  REFER to the Information and Entertainment System - General Information article
A3: INPUT REQUIRED INFORMATION
- Input the required information in the provided fields below.
  * - Indicates Mandatory Field
  
  Repair Order (RO) Date* Enter value
  
  Repair Order (RO) Number* Enter value
  
  Repair Order (RO) Line Number* Enter value
  
  Go to A4.
A4: TEST ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
NOTE: Low vehicle battery state-of-charge can affect this test. Battery state-of-charge can be monitored on the scan tool. A red battery icon indicates low vehicle battery state-of-charge.
- Carry out the following steps:
  - connect a battery charger and set the charge to the appropriate level based on the battery SOC.
  - apply the parking brake.
  - if equipped with an automatic transmission, place the vehicle in Park (P), or if equipped with a manual transmission, place the vehicle in Neutral (N).
  - disconnect all customer devices from the USB port(s), audio input jack (if equipped), Radio Corporation of America (RCA) jacks (if equipped) or Secure Digital (SD) slot (if equipped).
  - delete any paired Bluetooth devices from the SYNC® system.
  - connect the VCM to the IDS desktop or laptop (do not start IDS).
    Go to A5.

A5: CARRY OUT THE APIM ON-DEMAND SELF-TEST

Select the button below to carry out the APIM self-test.
Carry out the APIM self-test.
Are any DTCs present?

Yes	No
If service information diagnostics for the APIM DTCs have not been carried out, REFER to Diagnosis and Testing in Information and Entertainment System - General Information article. If service information diagnostics for the APIM DTCs have already been carried out prior to entering this test, Go to A6.	Go to A6.

A6: CHECK THE VEHICLE OPTION CONTENT

Determine if the vehicle is equipped with a touchscreen.
Is the vehicle equipped with a touchscreen?

Yes	No
Go to A11.	Go to A11.

A7: CONTINUE THE APIM HARDWARE CHECK (SYNC 1)

NOTE: After selecting the APIM Test Button below, do not attempt to cancel the routine or the APIM re-enters the test routine whenever an APIM reset is initiated.

NOTE: The APIM Test routine can take up to 10 minutes to complete.

Select the APIM Test button.
APIM Test
Did the test time out or did any test element fail?

Yes	No
If the test timed out, check all internet connections, ensure the battery charger is maintaining battery voltage and vehicle IDS connections are good. If any network connection, low battery voltage or vehicle IDS concerns are found, repeat step A5. If any element of the test failed, Go to A19.	Go to A8.

A8: MONITOR THE VOLUME UP/DOWN STEERING WHEEL SWITCH INPUT

Turn the audio system on.

Press the volume up and volume down buttons.

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Does the audio volume respond to the switch positions?

Yes	No
Go to A9.	This test is meant to check the APIM response to the VOLUME switch input. This test will NOT function as designed if the switch or the connection to the APIM (wiring, pins or connectors) have failed. If the VOLUME input to the APIM (wiring, pins or connectors) has not been diagnosed, REFER to Information and Entertainment System - General Information article If the switch and wiring are confirmed to be operational then this test of the APIM has failed. Go to A19.

Yes

Go to A9.

This test is meant to check the APIM response to the VOLUME switch input. This test will NOT function as designed if the switch or the connection to the APIM (wiring, pins or connectors) have failed.
If the VOLUME input to the APIM (wiring, pins or connectors) has not been diagnosed, REFER to Information and Entertainment System - General Information article
If the switch and wiring are confirmed to be operational then this test of the APIM has failed.
Go to A19.

A9: CHECK THE BLUETOOTH FUNCTION (SYNC 1)

NOTE: Multi-Media Interface Tester (MIT) instructional videos are provided on the technical service publications website under the Service Tips tab.

NOTE: A personal device can also be used for this test only if the device hardware and firmware are present on the Ford Support Website.
Ford Support Website

Connect the MIT Tester (or equivalent) to the vehicle.
Pair the MIT Tester with the vehicle and carry out the Bluetooth test. Follow the MIT Tester operating instructions.
Did the Bluetooth function connect and pair with the APIM successfully?

Yes	No
Go to A10.	Clear the MIT pairing within the APIM. If service information diagnostics for the Bluetooth function has not been carried out, REFER to the diagnostics in the appropriate Information and Entertainment System - General Information article If service information diagnostics for the Bluetooth function has been carried out, Go to A19.

A10: CHECK THE APIM USB FUNCTION (SYNC 1)

NOTE: Multi-Media Interface Tester (MIT) instructional videos are provided on the technical service publications website under the Service Tips tab.

NOTE: A personal device can also be used for this test only if the device hardware and firmware are present on the Ford Support Website. Ford Support Website

Using voice commands and the MIT Tester, carry out the APIM USB test. Follow the MIT Tester operating instructions.

Does the USB function pass and play through the audio speakers?

Yes	No
Clear the MIT pairing within the APIM. Go to A19.	Clear the MIT pairing within the APIM. If Service Information diagnostics for the USB and Bluetooth functions have not been carried out, REFER to the diagnostics in the appropriate Service Information article. If Service Information diagnostics for the USB and Bluetooth functions have been carried out, Go to A19.

A11: VALIDATE THE APIM SOFTWARE VERSION (SYNC 3)

Press the button below to verify the APIM software.
Validate Software and ESN
Does the software validation check indicate the APIM requires software reprogramming?

Yes	No
Go to A12.	Go to A13.

A12: UPDATE THE APIM SOFTWARE (SYNC 3)

Update the APIM software to complete this step.
- On vehicles NOT supported by FDRS, select the SYNC button from the OASIS TAB on PTS to start the software update.
- On vehicles supported by FDRS, update the APIM software using FDRS scan tool software.
- After the APIM programming has completed, is the concern resolved?

Yes	No
Go to A20.	Go to A13.

A13: CONTINUE THE APIM HARDWARE CHECK (SYNC 3)

NOTE: After selecting the APIM Test Button below, do not attempt to cancel the routine or the APIM re-enters the test routine whenever an APIM reset is initiated.

NOTE: The APIM Test routine can take up to 10 minutes to complete.

Select the APIM Test button.
APIM Test
Did the test time out or did any test element fail?

Yes	No
If the test timed out, check all internet connections, ensure the battery charger is maintaining battery voltage and vehicle IDS connections are good. If any network connection, low battery voltage or vehicle IDS concerns are found, repeat step A5. If any element of the test failed, Go to A19.	Go to A14.

A14: CHECK THE BLUETOOTH FUNCTION (SYNC 3)

NOTE: Multi-Media Interface Tester (MIT) instructional videos are provided on the technical service publications website under the Service Tips tab.

NOTE: A personal device can also be used for this test only if the device hardware and firmware are present on the Ford Support Website.
Ford Support Website

Connect the MIT Tester (or equivalent) to the vehicle.
Pair the MIT Tester with the vehicle and carry out the Bluetooth test. Follow the MIT Tester operating instructions.
Did the Bluetooth function connect and pair with the APIM successfully?

Yes	No
Go to A15.	Clear the MIT pairing within the APIM. If service information diagnostics for the Bluetooth function has not been carried out, REFER to the diagnostics in the appropriate Information and Entertainment System - General Information article If service information diagnostics for the Bluetooth function has been carried out, Go to A19.

A15: CHECK THE APIM USB FUNCTION (SYNC 3)

NOTE: Multi-Media Interface Tester (MIT) instructional videos are provided on the technical service publications website under the Service Tips tab.

NOTE: A personal device can also be used for this test only if the device hardware and firmware are present on the Ford Support Website.
Ford Support Website

Using voice commands and the MIT Tester, carry out the APIM USB test. Follow the MIT Tester operating instructions.
Does the USB function pass and play through the audio speakers?

Yes	No
Clear the MIT pairing within the APIM. Go to A16.	Clear the MIT pairing within the APIM. If service information diagnostics for the USB and Bluetooth functions have not been carried out, REFER to the diagnostics in the appropriate Information and Entertainment System - General Information article If service information diagnostics for the USB and Bluetooth functions have been carried out, Go to A19.

A16: CHECK THE REAR VIDEO DISPLAY (SYNC 3)

Ignition ON, engine OFF.
Place the vehicle in REVERSE (R) and observe the FDIM display screen.
Does the FDIM display the rear video camera image?

Yes	No
Go to A17.	If the rear video camera was not previously diagnosed. DIAGNOSE the rear video parking aid. REFER to Parking Aid article. If the rear video camera was previously diagnosed in the service information and referenced here, Go to A19.

A17: CHECK THE GPS FUNCTION (SYNC 3)

Enter the bezel diagnostics. Refer to the Information and Entertainment System - General Information article, Bezel Diagnostics.
Select: APIM Diagnostics>Location Information>Satellite Signal.

NOTE: Each column in the graph represents an identified satellite and the strength of the signal is indicated by the height of the fill in each column. Refer to the images below for examples of good signal strength and bad signal strength.

Vehicles with touchscreen

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Vehicles with touchscreen

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Vehicles with non-touchscreen

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Vehicles with non-touchscreen

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Observe the satellite indication in the graph.
Are there at least 3 columns (indicating 3 satellites) shown with good signal strength?

Yes	No
Go to A20.	Go to A18.

A18: CHECK THE GPS FUNCTION IN AN OUTDOORS LOCATION

Ignition ON, engine running.

NOTE: With the vehicle is running, wait 1 minute to acquire the satellites.

NOTE: Make sure there is a relatively clear sky and the vehicle is in an open area clear of buildings that could obstruct the satellite signals before beginning this test step.

Enter the bezel diagnostics. Refer to the Information and Entertainment System - General Information article Bezel Diagnostics.
Select: APIM Diagnostics>Location Information>Satellite Signal.

NOTE: Each column in the graph represents an identified satellite and the strength of the signal is indicated by the height of the fill in each column.

Observe the satellite indication in the graph.
Are there at least 3 columns (indicating 3 satellites) shown with good signal strength?

Yes	No
Go to A20.	If the GPS input to the APIM was not previously diagnosed. DIAGNOSE the GPS input to the APIM. Refer to Information and Entertainment System - General Information article. If the GPS input to the APIM was previously diagnosed and referenced to this test. Go to A19.

A19: CLEAR ALL APIM DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES AND RE-CHECK THE APIM OPERATION

Ignition ON, engine OFF.
Clear the APIM DTCs.
Carry out the APIM self-test.
Test the SYNC system for normal operation.
Does the SYNC system operate correctly?

Yes	No
Go to A20.	Go to A21.

A20: APIM PASSED HARDWARE TEST - APIM REPLACEMENT IS NOT RECOMMENDED
NOTE: If the customer reported issue persists, review the job aid on the SYNC Resource listing.
- Test results: The results of the test show that the APIM passed and that the APIM hardware has no identifiable issues. Replacement of the APIM in an attempt to resolve a customer reported issue IS NOT recommended.
- For a Ford paid repair, obtain the APIM hardware test validation code. This validation code is required to claim the APIM hardware test labor operation.
If this is a Ford paid repair, make sure the APIM hardware test validation code is included on the claim form.
A21: DESCRIBE THE FAILURE
- Which manual processes are failing during your diagnosis?
  * - Indicates Mandatory Field
  
  Bluetooth pair/connect Enter value
  
  Voice recognition Enter value
  
  Steering wheel controls Enter value
  
  USB connection Enter value
  
  Display functions Enter value
  
  Line in audio Enter value
  
  Please provide a description of the customer symptom:* Enter value
A22: APIM FAILED HARDWARE TEST - APIM REPLACEMENT IS RECOMMENDED
- Test results: the results of the test show that the APIM failed and that the APIM hardware has an identifiable issue. Replacement of the APIM IS recommended.
INSTALL a new APIM.

Order a replacement APIM and include the validation code on the form.

If this is a Ford paid repair ensure that the APIM hardware test validation code is included on the claim form.