Actually it’s very, very easy to get to the APIM and it only takes 10-15 minutes for a beginner but an experienced person can do it in less than 10 minutes.

The APIM, which is part the brains of the SYNC 3 system and which everything related to the infotainment system is connected to, is located behind and is attached to the 8 inch screen in the “center” stack.

Excluding the removal of the trim pieces, just a few harness connections and several screws and it’s out.

 

It’s attached to and located behind the 8 inch screen in the center stack.

 

Thank you, will report back after having this looked at

 

My 2020 F250 XLT has recently started doing the same thing. It was doing it before and after the recent Sync update. I just sent a "Refresh" through Sirius. Too early to tell, but will report back to see if this clears it up.

 

This is crazy! Dealer has had my truck for 3 days! I showed the intake service rep the problem a few days ago. The mechanic did a reset. Same problem right after I get it back. Took it back and showed the intake service rep the same issue - he verified the problem again. Mechanic has had the truck 3 days and has been unable to duplicate the problem. Since the service rep verified it, I don’t know why the mechanic has to see what the service rep could verify! Very frustrating that I receive no updates from anyone these past 3 days - have to call when I realize the 4:30pm quitting time is approaching. They have provided no vehicle. Truck has only a little over 8k on it! I have to wonder if anyone is actually driving it around, or letting it run for awhile to duplicate the problem.

 

Yes, it’s very frustrating but if the “tech” doesn’t see the problem like the service writer sees, there’s not much he can do and that’s the only way any new parts can be suggested and ordered while the vehicle is under warranty.

From what I’ve found out, many if not all Ford dealers have to get an authorization from Ford to replace the APIM if that’s the problem.

What I would do is before you leave the dealer, see if it’s still acting up and if so, bring it to the attention of the service manager and he can get the tech to see the issue. Also, you might want to try another dealer.

Usually when a reset is done, the problem will go away only to reappear a few days later.

When it comes to providing a vehicle to customers when their vehicle is in for warranty work, this is a “perk” that’s offered by individual dealerships so Ford is not obligated to provide a loner vehicle free of charge.

I know it sounds strange but this is the case with all main stream brand of vehicles.

If you had a Lincoln or any other luxury brand of vehicle that was in for warranty work, many brands do provide a loner vehicle free of charge.

Yes, the price of SD’s often equal and even exceed the price of some luxury vehicles but to get a free loner vehicle, it really comes down to the name or emblem on the vehicle and as I mentioned earlier, the actual dealership.

 

Thanks for the info and advice Gabar. I’ll post the outcome.

 

So I logged in to my Sirius account and sent a re-fresh to the truck. It's been 3 days and so far, my media button will scroll through all the sources and I have not had the Sirius blank out or stop playing audio. This problem from the OP is somewhat related, but may not be the entire issue they are having. At this point there is nothing to lose by trying.
Possible the module is looking for a source, when it's not found may cause the lock up or freezing.

 

Thanks for that Desert Moto. I actually did do two Sirius refreshes before I took the truck in the first time. The problem reoccurred. But I’m wondering if there is a reason the XM receiver needs additional refreshes - possible an intermittent problem. Anyway glad to know you’ve had 3 days of no problems!

 

So here’s the latest on my malfunctioning media system. After a couple more tries I was able to actually take the truck in while the media system was malfunctioning. Same symptoms. He saw the problem, but it was now closing time and he would have to try to make it happen again the next morning. Here we go again. I actually persuaded him with a “tip” to put his computer on it “now” while it wasn’t working. Next day he figured out that they would have to try a radio module first before replacing the APIM. As I mentioned I have a 1000 mile trip starting this monday and hoping they get this module in before I leave. And then cross my fingers that this solves the problem. Thanks for all the advice everyone.

 

If it does need a new APIM, that’s a part that’ll have to be ordered.
This might help you out if it’s not replaced before your trip.

When I had to have my APIM replaced, the problems that I was having would only happen when I was using the actual SYNC 3 system and it’s interface. However, when I would plug in my iPhone and use Apple CarPlay, all was working perfectly with no screen issues at all but whenever I would switch to the SYNC 3 interface, the problems would immediately return.

Running SiriusXM through via the app in your phone sounds better.

I’m not sure if one would have the same luck with Android Auto but it’s worth a try.

 

Well, this did not fix the issue. The problem came back about 5 days later. Added to my "warranty" list !!!!!

 

I’m still waiting for the radio module (it has an abbreviation - but don’t recall). Concerned that we can’t get chips - might be the hold up. Comforting to know that we outsource unimportant things to other countries like computer chips, protective PPE, and now again oil. Sorry for the cynicism.