Ford Explorer APIM and Exhaust Flex Replacement

The 2012 Ford Explorer is back for a new APIM and some exhaust work. Did we make the right call in the last video?
Part 1: • Ford Explorer Radio / ...
flvpmods.squar...

[@2003MARSSKILLS]

You're a life saver, my friend. A non Ford dealership wanted to charge me $1500 for parts, labor and reprogramming the APIM module. Fortunately for me, the module was on backorder indefinitely, so I decided to order the APIM module from Ebay for $600 reprogrammed (w/navigation). I ended up installing it myself, thanks to you and your video. Salute!

[@oswaldofajardo1773]

Same to me $1500

[@colinboyd4371]

One of the top 5 channels on KZbin, thanks Wes.

[@WatchWesWork]

Wow, thanks!

[@sbc383zz]

I second that.

[@gmcman355crazy]

I'll third this !!! Pne of the only channels I get excited to watch new videos on . Ziptiesnbiasplies is the other lol lol

[@TreyCook21]

When the car came on and the LCD didn't, I felt that pain. I've been there so many times. Then it woke up, did its checks and fired up. All good.

[@vehcor]

That module will make a great addition to the pile!

[@WatchWesWork]

Along with the rest of the vehicle!

[@charlieboyok]

I hope you sent it to your fix it fixbit , lol. Never know another ford may need that very special box...... As they say come back to bite YOU on the ASS ?

[@TheBigLeeg]

@@WatchWesWork Wes, how much was the aftermarket apim? We bought an 2014 explorer interceptor via auction. Pretty much decent accept a coil and she said that the radio display went blank. We are in MN. So mostly highway miles. But want to get everything resolved.

[@brianm7191]

@@TheBigLeeg do yourself a favor and replace that with a sync 3, the sync 2 is useless.

[@farmerpete5936]

I like how designers and engineers never take into account the mechanics that have to repair these vehicles. Great video

[@chrisstephens6673]

Their only concern is ease of factory build, anything after the sale is made the customer pays for. Assuming it survives the warranty period.

[@markturner7459]

It will get worse if Sandy has his way!

[@jsboke]

Thank you so much for posting this video. It was very helpful in solving the same problem I was having with my 2012 Explorer. As you suggested, I ordered a replacement APIM from FLVP Mods and watching your video made it easy for me to remove and replace it. My display is up and running again. And, thanks to you, I saved over $600 doing the repair myself.

[@morgansword]

First for me to see behind one of those intelligent dashboards... yet they come in cheap radios from stores that sell systems for auto/truck applications and you too can see better behind than in front. Those camera systems make me feel a bit naked when it comes to privacy an not telling the whole world where you are at all times including roads that haven't made google earth yet and show you driving over trees an other fun stuff. Glad thats behind you as I knew that only a short time ago when it first came that it would be back. "as arnie said" so The water on floorboards wasn't a faulty heater core... good to know as that could kill so many electrical things.... the fluids are really nasty anymore. Why haven't they figured out how to get rid of mosquitos and flies that buzz around our foreheads an ears. Just when you needed a boost in work, the work comes in like the snow leaving the driveway... great show Lad

[@malanvogt]

Nice to see the end of this. I really enjoy watching you diagnose oddball stuff. Your diagnostic skills are top notch

[@crazyfvck]

"Words are hard today." - Wes 2021 ;)

[@leninmi7579]

It's got to make ya feel all warm and cozy inside when a guess becomes truth😏. Then a BIG sigh of relief.... Keep plugging away my man. Hey to the family unit! ✌️

[@justjoe7313]

Held my breath till "Sync" came up :) Love your work, Wes, thanks for doing the videos!!!

[@joshjablonicky171]

Just made my morning wess. Keep up all the hard work.

[@hondaveetc82]

Shut up

[@mattmopar440]

@@hondaveetc82 classic honda guy always angry

[@FlatThunder]

Hi Wes! These new cars and fancy electronics make me envy the good old days. Great job on that weld repair! 👍Mine would look like crap and I'd struggle to weld upside down especially on a round.

[@WatchWesWork]

The top is always the hardest. No access.

[@tomtheplummer7322]

After a summer working at Midas you can weld anywhere 😏

[@bradhanson4803]

I don't work on vehicle s never will but I like listening to you peaceful

[@paulwomack5866]

The relief was audible in your voice when it all ... worked. Well done.

[@Mike.Howard]

151st! Great work as always Wes. Looking forward to seeing the new lifts in situ - they'll give you space to clear out some of the parking lot at least!

[@WatchWesWork]

That's the plan!

[@87FordMudder]

Wes: Don't ever try to take these interior panels off when they're cold. Me in 0°C weather with a heavily corroded Phillips screwdriver:

[@paulwomack5866]

Scope for a hair dryer or gentle hot air gun?

[@bryantblake1877]

Wes, you are a better diagnostic and repair TECHNICIAN than you give yourself credit for.😊 Another nice job!👍

[@73Shakes]

Ford Exploders the bane of my existence

[@jamessimmons5066]

This is the only channel that I actually follow and watch every video.

[@zx8401ztv]

Well done wes, you diagnosed it spot on :-D The man that reprogrammed the unit did a great job, i think the unit did an auto re-learn at the start. Very neat flexible coupling install, the fabricated mount looked solid as a rock. Wes Works Wonders lol.

[@WatchWesWork]

Thanks 👍

[@harrywalker5836]

@@WatchWesWork its a mosfet,,its allways a mosfet..why,,why,,do they make mosfets..

[@adamsalerno881]

Bonus points for the the Se7en reference.

[@anderleof]

Thank you for not being a commercial for sponsors, pushing merchandise, asking for likes and subscribers or begging for money on patreon. I notice and appreciate it. I hope you always stay humble and don't get commercial.

[@boubaros]

Yes, he should be our slave. Working and making videos just for our pleasure...

[@jeffreyhaynes5774]

From farm tractors to electronics and everyhing in between,Wes you are the man,keep up the good work.

[@duanek9892]

Universal flex joints are a great way to go...cost effective, readily available and works like the OEM part when done.

[@petefletcher]

Tip - when shifting plastic trim, ease up the edge, squeeze a straw in and squirt a bit lube on the clips

[@JohnCarder]

Nice one Peter; I recommend silicone spray rather than WD40 or oil-based products. Also good for getting hoses and exhaust grommets onto metal. But never, ever spray silicone near another component that you're about to paint or solder...

[@o.c.smithiii2626]

Great step by step demonstration of muffler bearings replacement and correct setting of the pre-load for thousands of quiet, trouble free miles. 😉 I’m surprised the module reseller doesn’t take them in as cores for repair.

[@MikeyMack303]

I'm surprised there is no core/exchange for that module. Good job, as always, Wes! Thanks for bringing us along!

[@WatchWesWork]

No, they are not repairable.

[@dakotamueller4478]

Cool stuff Wes. We’ve enjoyed that little break in the weather as well up here in Wisconsin.

[@slypig24]

Wes, A similar horror story from Australia. A Ford Territory, had a broken windshield replaced in a remote area, but they failed to fully seal the windshield. A small water leak, allowing water to enter the car, find its way under the plastic A pillar cover, & track down electrical wiring loom to ECM, over long time, corroding all connectors, ECM & causing electronic instruments to randomly fault. It took weeks to trace, repair and find initial cause. The damp carpet was a hint that everyone ignored, till later.

[@ksokie63]

Electric and exhaust all of the fun you can have in a day. Have a great weekend. Can't wait to see more videos.

[@ArnieTF]

Another great video, you treat all these repairs like they are your own vehicle. you are a quality conscience tech

[@WatchWesWork]

I try...

[@zscswift32]

Just a follow up to my previous response on the last video, the dealership had replaced my hvac module and returned the vehicle to me no sooner had to take it back due to a suspected wiring issue. Fast forward a week and they found a broken wire that went to the 16 pin harness, ran a new wire and presto everything is functioning as should. Excellent video as usual. 👌

[@boblor2484]

nice job on taking off those plastic trim parts, they have to add a pucker factor to the job. I am sure you have a happy customer now. I always enjoy watching and listening to you work and explain your work and wish you were my neighbor. I'm looking forward to watching your next job.

[@WatchWesWork]

Thanks 👍

[@rysacroft]

My friend M has an old Nissan that will be in the scrapyard soon. The demist fan stopped working. It has a LCD screen that displays the HVAC status but it's not a touchscreen. You adjust the fan speed with the buttons below it. I bought a PWM controller on ebay for £10, wired it to the cigarette lighter and screwed to the side of the console. I could not let M drive around in the winter with misted-up windows. Anyway, it works and M is happy and safe. P.S. no need for air-con here, we're in the far North.

[@blake8297]

Ive seen those sunroof drains freeze up, just happened this winter actually. Snow on roof melts from heat in the vehicle and since its well below freezing, the tubes freeze up and it overflows.

[@tiredoldmechanic1791]

Never purchase a vehicle with a hole in the roof!

[@DanEBoyd]

@@tiredoldmechanic1791 Especially one with two holes in the roof...

[@stevespangler6042]

Thanks Wes. You'll try anything, and it always works! Good content, too.

[@barrb6134]

Obviously Ford has a problem with that module, since it's on an indefinite backorder! Thks for taking us along.

[@repro7780]

I had to have the water pump in my 13 Explorer replaced, and it was on national backorder. Seems common with Ford!

[@kenhart6330]

UK 🇬🇧 here. Know the problem well. In the 70s I worked on BMC Minis. I have had to remove seats to get under the, what was known as the "dash" or because I was only 130lbs then I had to contort myself to get there.

[@josephreisinger33]

Isn't it nice when a plan comes together Wis. Great info from a tractor mic that can do it all. Take care Bro.

[@wingdwolf56]

The weekend is off to a great start! VGG last night, Dirt Perfect and the number one Watch Wes Work Saturday morning! Whoo boy!!! Now I get to do my taxes! Can’t get much better than this!!!!

[@bluegrallis]

Lord Muck and Diesel Creek both have new ones up too.

[@arr7561]

Non-chlorinated brake clean makes rubber super slick and dries without a residue makes getting rubber exhaust hangers off very easy

[@BikerBloke600]

Feast or Famine Wes, glad you're busy. Think you would be the only mechanic I would let work on my cars. Keep up the good work. Mick 👍🍻🛠

[@WatchWesWork]

Thanks 👍

[@Larry-325]

Wes, it was hard to find parts before the pandemic now I can’t believe how much non billable work you spend chasing parts now. I am retired but a big part of my job was chasing parts I know what you must go through at times. Ice fix on this one! Real glad your busy also! 👍👍

[@WatchWesWork]

Yeah it's ridiculous. I tried to get parts for the Oliver 770. No one has cylinder liners. He said they might get some by July.

[@CrazyPetez]

Had a similar module on the back of the screen of my 2019 Edge ST due to inability to use the Nav system. By dealer, under warranty. They scratched the screen, so, just had a new screen put in, again under warranty. Man, those Ford parts are expensive. Glad I bought the extended warranty.

[@shackman9566]

Well done Wess always good. Im a little surprised the guy doesn't want the one you replaced for a core. So you're swamped with work that's a good thing. After your big move you had to build a new customer base and you have. You're a good honest person and a fantastic mechanic. Your cup runneth over. Have a great day.

[@pinky2757]

new error code NOPTICS "no observable problem that I can see" Love your channel

[@951willie]

Almost all vehicles are made to put together never made to take apart and your correct the Engineer's are the ones!!

[@lloydrobinson7081]

I think u made the right call on the module, keep the videos coming

[@TelescopeJunky]

Dont feel bad sir Wes, words are hard for me most days as well. That is why I live in my garage wrenching or on the tractor most days. 😄

[@WatchWesWork]

Very true!

[@sparks869]

Lots of module rebuilders out there. I once had my Bosch EBTCM rebuilt from someone online. Saved a fortune.

[@hullinstruments]

And I would love it if you would get into more electronics stuff! You’re one of the best explainers on KZbin and your electronics videos have helped me a ton. I love power electronics… And your VFD drives and other electronics videos have been so much fun to watch

[@caintfindme4735]

Always glad to watch you're videos, definitely entertaining.waiting for the next one.

[@dansevern3291]

Nice job on welding that exhaust pipe up, I wish I could weld that well in tight quarters, (or for that matter, in a cow pasture).

[@weshawkins7165]

WES you have a very good KZbin channel. Another valuable resource, this old man thanks you. I swear these cars today are made to be just a throw away item with the unavailability of parts.

[@DangerousSportsForSeniors]

Nice camera work on the module replacement. Always appreciated and thanks for sharing

[@christianatv381]

This is my favorite channel! Wes you rule!

[@WatchWesWork]

Wow, thanks!

[@hollandduck79]

👍😄 from the Netherlands thanks for the video Wes

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

The flex pipe went all wifi lmfao 🤣 @Watch Wes Work

[@gerryforeman1618]

Great job. Customer should be thrilled with results and price.

[@klc317]

Nice work. Ive used FORscan for some things, mainly just to play with settings and stuff like adding the ability to have the fog lights on along with the high beams, requiring the key fob panic button to not work until two presses of the button, etc....just personalization mods. Its a pretty useful tool once you get the hang of it and dirt cheap, just an app basically. But like you said, trying to learn it and use it would take much longer than just getting that module ready to go, I certainly would do the same.

[@stevenhelgren2305]

When you are taking off those bezels that are giving you problems coming off, if you can squirt a little WD-40 or silicone lube onto the clip it will allow it to undo easier.

[@WatchWesWork]

I should get some silicone spray.

[@jeffrypresutti3139]

Great job Wes. I would no hesitate to have you work on my auto’s.

[@jafo9346]

The owner must be ecstatic. I KNEW you'd figure it out. That flex pipe looks great, too.

[@mariehov1]

You would be in the hooks when vehicles break down. Nicely worked as usual. Greetings from Sweden

[@Very_Angry_Citizen]

I'm waiting for the follow up to the All terrain forklift. I'm anxiously waiting to see that yellow beast on your property.

[@WatchWesWork]

Soon.

[@Arnthorg]

First step to electronics repair is check voltages. There are probably a dozen voltage regulators on the board and they fail pretty often. tho I can't fault you for not wasting your time on it :)

[@aceofheartz101]

I like it wess you should send the broken board to the chap who fixed it cheers from new Zealand man

[@WatchWesWork]

They did not want it.

[@williamdawson3353]

Good job on APMI

[@glencaple3888]

Beginning at 3:54, absolutely NEVER work on plastic in cold weather without warming up the area. And a good panel tool is a must in any tool box. Two days ago I used one to assist in removing a fuel line from a carburetor on a push mower. Would like to see you do a video of removing, tearing down, and then rebuilding an automatic transmission. You worked on that Oliver track loader...you can do a transmission. You can do it! Good video.

[@WatchWesWork]

I've never done and auto trans. But the simpler ones look pretty straight forward.

[@anthonydefreitas6006]

I can see Ivan rubbing his hands "Challenge accepted"

[@imouse3246]

Send it back in the same box. He might thank/curse you for it.

[@kratos1017]

@@imouse3246 I swear i thought he had a recent video where he used the OEM Ford scan tool emulator to reprogram something major. I cant remember what it was for.

[@arnemalmkvist8553]

Hi Wes , this time YOU fixit 🙌👏 nice

[@ugh3012]

I would had tape the black plastic as the tool left mark on it when you prayed the gray trim off on the left side. Those plastic scratches very easy.

[@rkan2]

Appreciate you taking it apart! Now we need 2nd channel "Watch Wes do board Work" and at least check it over with a microscope and maybe check some power lines with a oscilloscope :P Considering it came from an automotive environment and has BGAs, a bad solder joint under some BGA would be a nightmare to diagnose since it is an intermittent issue...

[@joejakubec9708]

Nice repair. Pre programing save a ton of work and money.

[@richardjones5255]

The shame was that the vehicle did not look that bad condition to have things just fail on it, but after your magic touches it not only looked, it sounded and worked as it should have done. It is very satisfying when you can find, fix and restore something that way. Should make a satisfied customer, there are never too many of them.

[@danmartin5677]

I was having this same intermittent failure of the SYNC display with my 2011 Ford Explorer. When it quit working altogether, I ordered an APIM from FLVP Mods as mentioned in the video. I installed it and it works great! Thanks Wes!

[@K95695]

Can you send me the link

[@K95695]

Thanks

[@danmartin5677]

@@K95695 Seems like their website is no longer active. :( I had used the link in the video description.

[@patrickmorrissey2271]

Nice job! The FLVP Mods people didn't want the old one for a core??? Heh heh! And I can tell you, I was fully engaged on this one... I was yelling at the screen "Rotate! Rotate!" and twirling my hand in the air, when you were 180 degrees off on the new module..... I still have bad flashbacks, of people seating the new board incorrectly, and ruining it before it ever had a chance to work for 1 second... Ugh. Brutal. But you got there in the end....

[@WatchWesWork]

No core.

[@bostedtap8399]

Great job, pretty tense on first power up 😨. Good to see you're busy, great start to 2021. Thanks for sharing.

[@nickpersenaire4443]

Nicely done Wes, keep up the great work 👍.

[@jmistret419]

Good start to my sunday! Cup o coffee and a www video😊

[@blake8297]

Made me think I missed a day.. Whew, its still saturday.

[@jmistret419]

@@blake8297 im a truckdriver never know what day it is🤪

[@FeralPreacher]

Oh boring, another AMAZING video from Wes. What magic will he show us today? Weld in on top of the exhaust with no room? No problem. Diagnose and replace the bad APIM? No problem. Get the new lifts installed? Well, soon we all hope. (So does Wes) Weather to get better and the all terrain fork lift to move location. All excited here. I still think you should move to Texas. lol Thanks for sharing.

[@WatchWesWork]

Well I'm trying. Only so many hours in the day.

[@rhoptry]

Loved the video. I was surprised that you could reach the top of the pipe to grind/weld. I never can.

[@WatchWesWork]

Heh. Well it's always the hard part.

[@hopsgarage5513]

Some good diagnostic methods you have, I know you said it was a long shot but great job

[@Starman-yt8lj]

Good job as always Wes! Glad to hear business is booming for you.

[@JasonTheMunicipalMechanic]

Been waiting for one of your videos. I always enjoy them.

[@WatchWesWork]

Thanks man!

[@crdorado1195]

Wes, they didn't want the bad board back, to refurb it. Most shops can find the back component relatively easy. At least it the telecom industry, I used to refurbish boards all the time.

[@kthwkr]

Windex works well as slickum. And it evaporates and goes away leaving the rubber dry to grab tight.

[@CarlyG18]

One thing I don't do is have heavy key chains hanging from any ignition switch on any vehicle I own. It's a sure way to damage the trim around it with wear marks. Shorten the live of the tumblers and switch and make sound as you drive.

[@alwayssearching1882]

Good to see you again Wes. Love your content.

[@stumpy2816]

👍👍 Fine job Wes.

[@livinglikarockstar]

Bush engineering, i'm all about it. good job Wes!

[@jacknevitt7384]

Great job as usual, Wes!

[@williamfindspeople4341]

WOW give me the old one barrel down draft system. With technology comes technical problems. Good luck Wes.

[@WatchWesWork]

Pretty much.

[@The513Warning]

Wes is welding and using a grinder on exhaust pipes like a walk in a park. Meanwhile, I bought a torch for a seized downstream O2 sensor and I can't stop thinking I'm gonna blow up the second I touch the torch to it lol.

[@graken22]

Failed Or Repaired Daily got it! When I worked on them they were the Exploders....

[@manowaari]

I always remove keys from ignition before do anything. Seems at least mercedes have sensitive computer modules and it is good to wait them to sleep before disconnect battery/connect. If you have key on, or in the lock more modules will start immediately and makes bigger sparks. May cause issues on some modules. If car has keyless go, I take key so far that car does not see it... Good stuff Wes, have a great weekend!

[@WatchWesWork]

Seems like a good idea.

[@gregsvare7423]

Good job wes.

[@arthurquinn7515]

i cant wait for next video

[@NoRogeR]

nice followup