by Transitory Travel2 » Sat Sep 24, 2022 1:54 am
Thank you, joke 35, for the details regarding the removal process for the Sync 3 head unit and location of wiring and locations of the APIM for a Ford Transit. I stumbled on this forum after exhaustively searching all over the internet for someone that has experienced issues related to the Sync3 system. I assume that this is the British-UK/Ford Transit Forum as opposed to the Ford Transit Forum USA, to which I also belong. I have addressed my issues on the USA Ford Transit Forum as well as other Ford Forums, with little response on resolution of my Synci3 problems. So, will have a go at it on this forum.
I own a 2017 Ford Transit 350 XLT passenger wagon Mid Roof. It is equipped with the factory installed Sync3 Navigation System. Up until several months ago the system performed flawlessly. With no warning the speech recognition function quit working. Specifically, on phone calls I could initiate a call or answer a call, with the steering wheel controls, and could clearly hear the called party, however they cannot hear me. I also discovered that the voice commands for changing the radio, calling a party in my phone directory, or calling up music mp3’s no longer functioned either.
I have reached out to various “fixit” websites, Ford, you tube, online Q & A mechanics and have performed all of the suggestions for correcting this problem which did not of these solved the issue; the suggested fixes were as follows:
1) Upgraded software which I performed as instructed on the Ford Sync software website, downloading to a desktop computer and installing upgrade via the van USB port with a thumb drive.
2) A general reset several times before and after the software upgrade.
3) A master reset several times before and after the upgraded software
4)Pulling the Sync3, 7.5 amp fuse for 10 minutes, reinstalling, open door, close door and start van.
5)Disconnect battery terminal for 10 minutes and reconnected.
6)Tried several difference Samsung android phones, all satisfactorily syncing with the Bluetooth functionality.
None of these suggestion fixed the problem.
Since this happened rather suddenly, I have suspected that maybe there could be loose connection(s) between the APIM module and the microphones mounted in the light switch panel under the forward storage shelf. The mileage is a little over 30,000 miles and we have not traversed washboard roads, but suppose large bumps could have jarred something lose. I have found some pinout diagrams for the 51 pin connector on the back of the APIM module and see there is a MIC + & - connection, however, wondering if there are any other connectors in the cabling between the APIM plug and the microphones that could have jarred loose.
And so that may be my next step , but have been reluctant to tear into the dash without knowing what I’m doing, but thanks to your steps, guess I’m ready to do this before taking to a Ford dealer and be charged $1,300 + to “fix” it or buying a new APIM unit on ebay, which is significantly less than what Ford would charge.
And so before I do tear into the dash I have two questions:
1) Have you or anyone you know of on this forum experienced the problem I’m having with the lack of Sync system response to voice commands? And what was the resolution to the problem?
2)You, having delved into the innards of the Sync system, are you aware of any other connection points that may be suspect? If so, could you point me to them?
Thanks for all suggestions, recommendations and info.
I