The APIM is going bad and it`s a known issue. Also, "BLUETOOTH" is not her friend when the APIM is acting weird.

The APIM is essentially the brains of the SYNC 3 system and it`s connected to the back of the actual display screen and yes, replacing and "programming" it can only be done at a Ford dealer because each APIM is tied to the vehicle VIN# and only a Ford dealer has the software to do the programming.

Resetting and Master Resetting doesn`t work and if it does, it might last only a few minutes.

What type of cell phone does your daughter use.....iPhone or Android.

I also have APIM problems and mine has been on order since October of 2018.

What has worked for me is just running everything via Apple CarPlay. By doing it this way, which is running via "USB", I have no screen issues or any other problems with the SYNC 3 system. Since your daughter has a 2016 F150 and if she wants to use Apple CarPlay, the first thing that has to be done is to change out the USB module. It`s a simple and quick 5-10 minute swap that can be done by you or her sitting in the truck and the part is less than $50.00 dollars. She can also try this approach using Android Auto but I can`t speak on that because I`m an iPhone User.

Since her F150 has the 8 inch touch screen, currently there are no aftermarket kits available to replace the factory head unit and the kits that are available are for the F150`s with the 4.2 inch screen. If she had one of these smaller screens, to replace the head unit would still run close to $1K because the kit alone cost close to or over $400.00 dollars depending on where it`s purchased from and she would still have to purchase the actual head unit plus have it installed.

I hope this info helps you out.

Have a great weekend.

 

Holy crap! Thanks for the detailed answer! And this is why I have been here since "03.
II believe she has an Android but I will let her know the options. Less than $50 is MUCH better than the alternatives. God help me but she is the one who would say, "Then I need to buy a new truck!" Kids...

Any links for the module? Or the correct terminology so I look for the right item.

Thanks!

*EDIT She does have Apple. One thing though that I forgot she mentioned...Sirius still work with the USB Module?

 

I take it, it's not in warranty any longer? I would imagine that this is not a particularly common problem. I did have a couple of issues on my 2015 with the bluetooth disconnecting a couple of times, but it's never happened again after I did a firmware update back in 2015.

That said, if a warranty claim is not in the cards, there are a number of bluetooth adapters that can connect to your head unit via an FM transmitter or a mini audio plug or USB. I've seen a bunch of those ranging from ~~$20 to ~~$50 or so. That can get you basic connectivity for not a lot of moola.

 

You can get non nav APIM's for 200, there is a user on here that does them. He can flash the as builts for you and it's a simple 10 min install. Most of the time the APIM doesn't actually go bad but the files get corrupted especially after an update. I did a module reset and uploaded the as built data and mine has been fine since.

 

Yeah her mileage is WAY over the warranty. She is a firefighter for two diff stations and drives A LOT. Many times she responds with her own truck and gears up on scene, (Rural community).
She is thrilled tho that with the USB module she can use Apple Car Play so looks like time to order a module.

Thanks for the info all!

 

The part# is HC3Z-19A387-B
When or if you do a search online, the prices will be all over the place from different sources.

Also, you can go on YouTube and do a search for 2016 F150 USB hub upgrade to get an idea of how easy it is to replace. The replacement USB module has nothing to do with how she`s listening to Sirius.

Sirius as she`s using it now still has to go through the bad APIM but, if she has an online account with Sirius, whereas she can listen to Sirius on her computer, that also can be ran through the iPhone via Apple CarPlay.

If she doesn`t have this, it can be added to her Sirius account for only a few dollars more per month or she can get an online account only and forget about the Sirius going through the SYNC 3 system.

This is how I have my Sirius setup. As a matter of fact, I have everything going through my iPhone and I only use CarPlay. For some reason that I can`t explain, when i`m using CarPlay, the touch screen in my F150 works perfectly. No laggy touches or anything.

If one will run everything through their iPhone, having an "Unlimited Data" plan is the best way to go.

 

Done and done. Thank you for the info!

 

Have you gone to the 4D Tech website and priced replacement units yet?

4D Tech

 

Yup $1300 Not gonna happen