Replace SYNC3 APIM Radio in 2015 to 2020 Ford F150

SImple way to replace the APIM, Radio, Nav unit in a 2018 Ford F150. Process is similar for a 2015 to 2020 F150 and Mustang. APIM supplier and tools needed are listed below. Thanks for watching!
Sync3 APIM Unit: amzn.to/47w58SP
2" Masking Tape: amzn.to/40wFjjd
Trim Tool Set: amzn.to/47qsCZm
7mm Socket: amzn.to/47xkdU9
7mm Nutdriver: amzn.to/476gT2h
1/4" drive socket set: amzn.to/3uaRVAp
Metric Nutdriver Set: amzn.to/49wOrZ6
Needle Nose Pliers: amzn.to/49uA5Zj
Pliers Set: amzn.to/49qO9Df
Small Slotted Screwdriver: amzn.to/3MEhbFq
Screwdriver Set: amzn.to/3syaldR
Tools I use in my shop:
Gearwrench 3/8" Ratchet Set: amzn.to/48m0jMJ
Craftsman Screwdriver Set: amzn.to/3SbBY6I
Gearwrench Plier Set: amzn.to/3RFXQWc
Klein SAE Nutdriver Set: amzn.to/3TPltOT
Klein Metric Nutdriver Set: amzn.to/3vqvHuS
Gearwrench SAE/Metric combination wrench set: amzn.to/3vryOCR
Kreg Pocket Hole Jig: amzn.to/3H9tdni
Rhino Ramps: amzn.to/3pDcRtD
3-Ton Floor Jack: amzn.to/3w0JQKx
MITER SAW: DeWalt DWS779S amzn.to/2K7Su5x
PLANER: Porter Cable PC-305TP No Longer Available
Recommended Planer: Delta 22-555 (similar) amzn.to/47mnPHQ
DUST COLLECTOR: JET DC-650 amzn.to/2I4tOZA
BISCUIT JOINER: Porter Cable 557 Plate Joiner amzn.to/2IrCiJj
ROUTERS: Bosch 1617EVSPK 2.25hp amzn.to/41EXqnz
Makita Compact 1-1/4hp Router RT0701C amzn.to/3zZ1Hnk
CORDLESS DRILL and DRIVER: PORTER-CABLE PCCK619L2 20V amzn.to/4aEb6Dq
WELDER: Hobart 500559 Handler 140 MIG Welder amzn.to/2WrCLAe
GRINDER: Delta Power Tools 23-197 8-Inch amzn.to/4azyIJr
DRILL PRESS: ShopFox W1668 Benchtop w/Spindle Sander amzn.to/3l4SxPV
NAIL REMOVER: amzn.to/2XxSmzq
MULTI-TOOL: amzn.to/2Xu3TQl
Photo/Video/Audio Equipment I use:
Neewer Ring Light: amzn.to/2ZCCM7R
Canon Rebel SL3 (250D) camera: amzn.to/41FOPko
Canon 55-200mm STM lens: amzn.to/3DG9Qlk
Diety D3 Microphone: amzn.to/3SofWuJ
The above are affiliate links, while they do not cost you any additional money, I do earn a small commission when you use them. thanks!
CoffeyCraftsmanCo
Dennis Coffey
Replace APIM Sync3 in Ford F150

[@trashsmithfab]

Came here just to figure out the trim removal! Thank you for the detailed, clear video.

[@dwcoffey]

Thank you for watching!

[@iPossum]

OUTSTANDING!!! Exactly what I was looking for… My 2019 APIM just failed and have been scrambling for a fix. Ya’ saved me - thank you Sir.

[@dwcoffey]

You're welcome! Thanks for watching!!

[@scottyb8313]

Thanks so much, Dennis! My 2018 F150 just went over 100k and the APIM slowly died over a two week period after that. Thanks to you I saved about $1000 by replacing it myself. You the man!

[@dwcoffey]

That's great, Scotty! Mine did the same and I was not prepared to spend the kind of money Ford wanted to replace it. Thanks for watching, sir!

[@persiah7779]

Very simple, clear and conscientious video. Much appreciated!

[@dwcoffey]

Thank you for watching!

[@user-rp1lt1jy1p]

Hi Dennis, received the APIM and installed and it works perfect and is also the updated version. Thanks for sharing this video and the Stance Company is great to work with.

[@dwcoffey]

I was impressed with them also, they did a great job on mine. Thank you for watching!

[@jg5056]

Good informative video. I was fortunate enough to have this replaced at Ford under my extended warranty and seeing what this would cost out-of-pocket to have it done at the dealer makes me feel better about the cost of the extended warranty itself. Your video is going to save people a significant amount of money, well done.

[@dwcoffey]

I agree, the extended warranty cost is probably covered by this one replacement. Thank you for watching!

[@flavorsonfire8785]

This is an amazing and detailed video. Thanks so much kind sir! I just replaced my APIM on a 2020 F150

[@dwcoffey]

Thank you for watching!

[@mattbialko4832]

Amazing video. This worked perfectly for my 2017 F350. Sir thank you for your amazing content.

[@dwcoffey]

Thanks for watching, Matt!

[@rafeesalauddin4847]

Thanks for the details here, very helpful!

[@dwcoffey]

Thanks for watching!

[@thistledownwoodcraft3426]

GREAT video! My settings will not save so I guess this is the problem, and the start of more woes to come. Thanks for a very detailed procedure to do this. We both have the same model, year, color, engine. Bright minds think alike. :)

[@dwcoffey]

I really like this truck, but I have had a couple of issues with it. I'm still chasing down an ABS error. Replaced all the speed sensors, so it's starting to look like the controller is the culprit. I'm glad this APIM vid is helpful. Hopefully once you replace yours, there will be no more problems! Thanks for watching!

[@thistledownwoodcraft3426]

Me too, I have the 5.0 tick that Ford says is 'Normal' and will do nothing about. I wonder how normal it will be when I go to trade it in.@@dwcoffey

[@cottonbo]

Finally found an answer. Mine went out around a month ago on my 18. Great video. Local ford dealer quoted $2200 on top of a $350 “diagnostic fee” i already paid, for this exact fix. Ordering this today. It’s a shame that ford leaves customers out to dry that are beyond the factory warranty with an obviously faulty part. Dealer said they average 10-15 aipm replacements per week. Thank you sir!

[@dwcoffey]

I agree, this should be a recall or something. They apparently have a common problem of failing. I'm glad this helped, thanks for watching!

[@Millionair95]

Did replacing this part fix your black screen issue?

[@arreguinracing2732]

@@Millionair95I’m about to find out if it fixed my screen blacking out. My APIM is “bricked”. Putting an update on a USB and plugging it in did not work for me. Hopefully the new APIM fixes it. I’ll edit this comment if it fixed it or not. 🤞 Edit/Update: Replacing the APIM worked! Thank you Dennis for making the video straight forward. 10/10 would recommend this video for anyone needing to replace the APIM.

[@dwcoffey]

@arreguinracing2732 I'm glad this helped! Mine never blacked out, but was regularly flipping out. Others have told me that replacing the APIM took care of the black out problem too. Thanks for watching!

[@Vivianauxito]

Good video,Dennis.

[@dwcoffey]

Thank you for watching!

[@Vivianauxito]

@@dwcoffey Do you do product review?

[@Vivianauxito]

@@dwcoffey We'd love to invite you to test out our product.

[@TheXLPASTABOSS]

May 4 2024 I was quoted $2,150.00 at my local dealership in Ohio if your truck doesn’t have a lot of features you can buy these from a junk yard for around 90 bucks most have all the radio number on the tag on the back of the apim in their system, so everything will work without programming

[@dwcoffey]

Great tip!! Thanks for watching!

[@andrewbragwell2022]

Thanks for making this video, youve reduced my anxiety significantly about tackling this replacement on my own. How fast did Stance USA email you when you ordered your APIM?

[@dwcoffey]

Thanks for watching, Andrew! I got an email from them within an hour of ordering the APIM.

[@rbrun11]

Thank you!!!

[@dwcoffey]

Thank you for watching!

[@DerekHolmes]

Great video. I noticed at the end of your video when you started your truck the auto start stop was automatically turned off. Do you have any details on how you did that? I have an adapter that I've connected into my button that does it, but I didn't see that when you took apart your dashboard and I'd prefer to not have additional hardware.

[@dwcoffey]

Thank you for watching, Derek! I have a plug-in installed on my harness to that button. It basically keeps the last setting,so once I turn auto stop/start off, it stays off, even when powering the truck off/on.

[@selchankavamerike573]

2018 ford flex Tell me please. I bought a used module in good condition, when I installed it the screen continues to be dark and there are no changes. What should I do ? My original module failed and I bought another module. What to do ?

[@dwcoffey]

Thanks for watching, sounds like the used APIM might be bad also. I would only consider one that has been tested and is guaranteed to work.

[@user-rp1lt1jy1p]

Hi Dennis, I just ordered the APIM today from the link you provided. How long before they email me for the VIN and also does this also work with the Sirius/XM. Look forward to hearing back from you. Thanks

[@dwcoffey]

Thanks for watching! Hopefully you got your email shortly after ordering and all has gone well. I got my email the same day I ordered my APIM.

[@iPossum]

Hi Dennis, I just went to the Amazon link and did you get yours from Stance Tunning USA? I started the order but no where could I add my VIN… Thanks again!

[@dwcoffey]

Thanks for watching! Yes, if you order thru that link, Stance will email you to get your VIN, then program the APIM to match your vehicle.

[@Inesbett]

I watched your video but I was really curious to why you changed your APM. I must’ve missed it somewhere. I watched it from the beginning then I started jumping around, looking for the reason why you replaced it. did it go bad I must’ve missed it somewhere but I was curious to why you replaced it, usually you do it as an upgrade from the sync 2. You already had the sync three so just curious why 3:19

[@dwcoffey]

Thank you for watching! Mine was originally a Sync3, I replaced it because the original died. Apparently it is a common problem with some of these Sync3 modules.

[@RodDevries-jm6bb]

Hey in my 250 my screen and audio went out , is this what happens or is it just the screen? Thanks

[@dwcoffey]

Thanks for watching! Sometimes the audio will go out when the APIM dies, sometimes not. If your screen is dead, it's almost certain your APIM died.

[@rkgabel63]

Hey dennis ... how did you confirm the apim was the issue? I have no screen after trying hard and soft reset, checked fuses, etc.

[@dwcoffey]

My APIM just started glitching. Changing screens, blanking to black, etc. I've read that a lot of people have seen theirs just stop working. Thanks for watching!!

[@AR_Aero_Engineering]

Hey, why did you end up replacing it ? Was the radio making popping sounds or no sound?

[@dwcoffey]

Thank you for watching! Mine just died, black screen, no response at all.

[@lempwood]

I'm with iPossum, 2019 started misbehaving when the temps got down to 0. Must have been as unhappy about it as I was

[@dwcoffey]

Sounds about right! Thanks for watching!

[@lempwood]

Hey Dennis...the link sends me to Amazon, but I don't see where the VIN programming links or happens. Can you advise?

[@dwcoffey]

Thanks for watching! Once you place your order, the vendor will email you requesting your VIN. I got my email in about 10 minutes after I placed my order.

[@joshwindjue5483]

I just took my '16 to the dealer because the Sync system won't update, voice controls don't work, but the on screen functions seem fine. They told me the apim is shot. They quoted me $2300 to replace/install/program. Does this even sound like an apim issue?

[@dwcoffey]

Thank you for watching, Josh! It definitely sounds like it could be an APIM failure. I can't guarantee it, but it sounds plausible. The APIMs fail in different ways.

[@mikeygoodtimes79]

How has this apim held up? Is it still working? I’ve had my apim replaced about 1.5 years ago and now my radio/GPS is acting up again. Gps works half the time and the radio is not working at all. The blinker and backup warning chimes are not coming through the speakers either. I was going to try to replace my apim myself.

[@dwcoffey]

So far, so good with mine. I've had no other problems since replacing it. Thanks for watching!

[@mikeygoodtimes79]

Thanks for getting back to me. I will like and subscribe!

[@dwcoffey]

Thank you, Mikey!

[@kevinfoutch1]

I took my 2016 ford flex to the dealership and they brick my apim now I got to buy a new one dealership are rip off

[@dwcoffey]

I avoid them whenever possible. Sorry to hear about your APIM. Thanks for watching!

[@andrewbrown6643]

Where can I order this…. I was trying to get ford pass did a hard reset like the app told me and my screen went out

[@dwcoffey]

Thanks for watching, Andrew! The link is in the video description. They were great to deal with for me and others I've talked to. Once you place your order, they'll email you and ask for your VIN. That allows them to program the APIM properly and so you don't lose any features. I have a LAriat with a lot of features/options and all of mine worked perfectly after the replacement.