12” Sync upgrade with 8” APIM

[nicksummers00]

Thanks to Acagro’s original post: (https://www.f150gen14.com/forum/threads/12-screen-install-using-stock-8-apim.19893/).

I was having issues with getting updates and FordPass with the 12” APIM I received when I did my upgrade, so when I came across this post I wanted to give it a try. I was able to successfully use the 8” APIM my truck came with full screen CarPlay, and FordPasss. I wanted to make this post to expand on the original post I got help from and didn’t think was an option till that post.

Parts that are needed:
12” Screen
HVAC/Radio control trim (2 different options depending on if you have the console or middle seat so make sure you order the right one)
Ford ML3Z14D202B
Motorcraft WPT-982
2x Bussmann HHTR fuse tap
2x Bussmann 20A ATR micro ll blade fuses
Some 18 or 16 gauge wire
Heat drink tube
Electrical tape

Also needed:
Laptop
Forscan
Trim removal tools
Ratchet
7mm socket
8mm socket

Do at your own risk!

Use heat shrink tubing on any cable that you add on and wrap in electrical tape. Best way would be to solder but I did not have one available.

Steps that involve the blue connector, I have tried to explain it the best way I can and I included some pictures to try and help describe what I mean.

Photos are numbered in top left corner.

Preinstall steps

1. Cable WPT-982 see photo 1. Pin 1 will run to fuse box in passenger kick panel. Pin 4 will run to existing ground location behind the screen upon removal. Before starting you will need to add on about 6ft of wire to pin 1 and 2-3 feet on pin 4.
2. Cable ML3Z14D202B (New display cable) see photos 2-4. On the new display cable I removed the pink tab and lifted the tab holding it in place, used the corner of a table while holding the tab to slide it off. It is important to remember the rotation of the pins in relation to the clip. If they don’t plug in exactly right on the APIM the screen will not work. Cut the fabric cable wrap back a good 8 inches or so to splice on the wires that are needed, cut the red and black cables to free the blue connector piece, this blue connector will not be reused but do not throw away just yet it may be needed if you forget the orientation of the pins. Add about 6ft of wire to the red wire for passenger kick panel and 2-3ft on the black wire to run to existing ground behind the screen along with cable in step 1.
3. Follow a YouTube video on how to remove the screen and controls, Precision Retrofits has a good video to get started.

Install steps

1. Once you have the old 8” screen removed, remove glovebox by pressing in side tabs. Route the new wires that were added for the kick panel fuse box from the screen location through the glove box down into the panel.
2. Photos 2-4. Remove the display cable from the display and APIM then remove the pink tab on the existing radio connector like done above. Remember the rotation of the pins in relation to the clip.
3. Ground both new ground wires that were added on the ground directly behind where the screen sat. I loosened the bolt a little and wrapped the cable around the screw and tightened it back.
4. Insert the old display blue connector that was removed in step 2 onto the new cable make sure you put it on the right way. If you forget the exact way the female connector needs to be inserted, insert the blue connector to its original cable. The original cable can only go one direction due to its design and same for the new cable with the notch that is cut out in the metal ring. The old blue connector isn’t a perfect fit for the new cable but it will give it some protection.
5. Photo 5. Fuse tap, one will go in 29 other will go in 36, both should have an existing 15A. Existing fuse will go into the slot close to the fuse box for both, then add the 20A fuse in the remaining spot. Plug in the fuse tap, don’t crimp just yet insert both cables that were routed earlier, then plug in the new display cable to the APIM and to the display. Then turn truck ignition on but don’t start the engine this is to see if screen turns on.
6. Once the screen turns on you will need to program the APIM in Forscan. Under the APIM section go down to Visual Design Variant change to 12” landscape. Write and disconnect.
7. Once verifying the screen works crimp the tap fuses to the cables and tape up for extra protection.

Post installation:

1. Reinstall the glovebox.
2. Follow video to put everything back together.

By no means am I an expert feel free to add on how I can make this post better, if I am missing something or did something wrong in the process. I am hoping to build knowledge when it comes to these kinds of projects

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[dirtygovnuh]

I recently did this upgrade and my screen came with the proper APIM but I would like to retain OTAs so I tried to use my factory APIM but I cant get the screen to power on consistently. It will occasionally power up but touch is not responsive and after about a minute or so it goes dark but the audio continues to play. I was powering the screen via fuse 29 and 36. Putting the new apim back in it works like a champ but I can't update it.

 

[Jmazz]

I recently did this upgrade and my screen came with the proper APIM but I would like to retain OTAs so I tried to use my factory APIM but I cant get the screen to power on consistently. It will occasionally power up but touch is not responsive and after about a minute or so it goes dark but the audio continues to play. I was powering the screen via fuse 29 and 36. Putting the new apim back in it works like a champ but I can't update it.

I recently did this upgrade and my screen came with the proper APIM but I would like to retain OTAs so I tried to use my factory APIM but I cant get the screen to power on consistently. It will occasionally power up but touch is not responsive and after about a minute or so it goes dark but the audio continues to play. I was powering the screen via fuse 29 and 36. Putting the new apim back in it works like a champ but I can't update it.

I recently did this upgrade and having the same issues with the 8” apim. Has any resolved this issue somehow ? I’d much prefer to keep the factory apim if at all possible.

 

[dirtygovnuh]

I recently did this upgrade and having the same issues with the 8” apim. Has any resolved this issue somehow ? I’d much prefer to keep the factory apim if at all possible.

I wound up using the 12" APIM. I ended up using FDRS to do a PMI on the 12" APIM to get it updated for my truck. It worked for me but it's risky and may not work for you. Please do it at your own risk if you decide to go that route.

 

[Jmazz]

I wound up using the 12" APIM. I ended up using FDRS to do a PMI on the 12" APIM to get it updated for my truck. It worked for me but it's risky and may not work for you. Please do it at your own risk if you decide to go that route.

Thank you.

 

[Finicky8157]

I wound up using the 12" APIM. I ended up using FDRS to do a PMI on the 12" APIM to get it updated for my truck. It worked for me but it's risky and may not work for you. Please do it at your own risk if you decide to go that route.

About to go through the same thing. Installed the 12" APIM and changed over as-built from the 8" APIM and everything seems to work except Bluetooth makes me reconnect everytime, and the connected services won't work yet FordPass does. I've got a Mongoose on the way for tomorrow. Any tips or advice?

 

[Cooter]

About to go through the same thing. Installed the 12" APIM and changed over as-built from the 8" APIM and everything seems to work except Bluetooth makes me reconnect everytime, and the connected services won't work yet FordPass does. I've got a Mongoose on the way for tomorrow. Any tips or advice?

POST some before and after PICs.

 

[Finicky8157]

POST some before and after PICs.

Here is a during install and after pic.

 

[Jmazz]

I wish i could help you. Unfortunately there really isn’t a lot of info out there to go on. I can only seam to find general installation info. Not much for trouble shooting. when i installed mine everything worked perfectly but couldn’t keep the screen to stay on. it seamed to pop on and off at random. So i returned everything thankfully and purchased a preprogrammed setup from fordsync4.com Hopefully it works and i dont get hosed on the deal. Im not optimistic tho. Best of luck to you. Love to hear how you made out.

 

[Tropictundra]

Does anyone how's the quality of the 12 inch screen upgrade kit from fordsync4.com website? It says screen is OEM, not sure how the overall quality is. Also, it looks like tjey are selling the kit at almost half the price compared to infotainment??

 

[FinallyGotaTruck]

Also having issues with using original 8” APIM. Very depressing. It turns on but buttons aren’t responsive. I can’t return screen. Hoping a reset in forscan may help. Honestly don’t know what to do at this point. Hate to go back to the original 8” screen and lose $800

12” APIM is another option but I see ppl on here still have issues even with the 12” APIM. Why the original APIM works for some and not others is irritating

 

[jnthnhagan]

I pieced mine together from eBay for about 400 bucks. But I ordered the screen an bezel separately so does anyone know what size the 5 screws are that hold the screen to the bezel are?

 

[White95]

I pieced mine together from eBay for about 400 bucks. But I ordered the screen an bezel separately so does anyone know what size the 5 screws are that hold the screen to the bezel are?

Late to the party but the screws are this size:

 

[taylor-infotainment]

Does anyone how's the quality of the 12 inch screen upgrade kit from fordsync4.com website? It says screen is OEM, not sure how the overall quality is. Also, it looks like tjey are selling the kit at almost half the price compared to infotainment??

Hey friend, Infotainment here. Just wanted to provide a quick update. We have had some customers that were forced to sell us back there equipment from Fordsync4.com because returns were not available. To be fair, we have not had a chance to buy and test their kit but with an uptick in complaints and reported disputes I would be cautious of that company in particular or at least check their return policy. If you have any questions about how our kit works I can help.

8" Sync 4 retrofit with New screen
https://infotainment.com/shop/inter...-gps-navigation-touchscreen-retrofit-upgrade/

12" Sync 4 retrofit
https://infotainment.com/shop/inter...-gps-navigation-touchscreen-retrofit-upgrade/

8" Sync 4 with same screen.
https://infotainment.com/shop/inter...eless-apple-carplay-and-android-auto-upgrade/

We have not had success with the same APIM. Message me if you need the link for Superduty or the link for the New 21+ 8" to 12".

 

[xman_di]

I did this upgrade on my 2021 STX. It works as expected, except the screen turns off with the key. My 8” screen stayed on until the door opened or the accessories timed out.
Does anyone know the specific power sequence that the screen is expecting? Is one 12V+ line for the backlight?

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