My dash screen stays randomly blank !

[musman]

This is very annoying, my ‘21 XLT screen randomly goes blank when driving !
It has been getting colder here lately and twice now when first starting the truck in the morning, the screen would stay blank.
So when that happens, i just shut the truck off and then back on and that resolves the issue.
Has this happened to anyone ?

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[fordtruckman2003]

Does the screen on/off button do anything?

 

[Snakebitten]

Recently fellas have been reporting similar blanking out and it turned out to be related to receiving an OTA update.
Just FYI

 

[musman]

Does the screen on/off button do anything?

Nope, it is completely dead. I read on another F150 forum that this seems to be a common issue and that the fix is a APIM replacement.
Guess i’ll have to pay my dealer yet another visit ! ?

 

[musman]

Recently fellas have been reporting similar blanking out and it turned out to be related to receiving an OTA update.
Just FYI

My Ford APP shows an update ready to be installed, but that message has been showing for 2 months.
Wonder if the latest update fixes this issue !

 

[Snakebitten]

It's not rare, that's for sure. But it still isn't what I would describe as common.

Have you tried disconnecting your 12V battery for a bit and then reconnecting? That's worked for those that ended up not actually having dead APIM afterall.

 

[JExpedition07]

Recently fellas have been reporting similar blanking out and it turned out to be related to receiving an OTA update.
Just FYI

UGH! They fix one thing and then another problem comes with the fix! Sorry to hear that OP. My sync screen started crashing and freezing with CarPlay when i got 6.2, then they just updated me again on Monday which resolved the issue. Sounds like those with the 8” cluster now got a bug after they fixed us 8” sync screen guy bugs. It’s a never ending parade!

 

[adt1982]

I have the fix.....

Turn off the updates.

My screen has never even blinked.

Truck operates perfectly, why let the nerds screw with it?

My truck is fully updated to 6.5.0 and has never had a screen issue.

Also, turning off updates doesn't mean that your truck will never get one. Some go through even with that turned off.

 

[Dizz]

I had similar issues
snakebittens answer was the cure for me
Told my best dealership within 100 miles or me called hard restart

 

[musman]

UGH! They fix one thing and then another problem comes with the fix! Sorry to hear that OP. My sync screen started crashing and freezing with CarPlay when i got 6.2, then they just updated me again on Monday which resolved the issue. Sounds like those with the 8” cluster now got a bug after they fixed us 8” sync screen guy bugs. It’s a never ending parade!

My app shows Ford power up 4.3.4 update for my 12’’ screen with Sync4

 

[musman]

It's not rare, that's for sure. But it still isn't what I would describe as common.

Have you tried disconnecting your 12V battery for a bit and then reconnecting? That's worked for those that ended up not actually having dead APIM afterall.

I’ve disconnected the battery a few times
lately for other issues . Not sure if doing it again will change anything.

 

[Thor’s Stormboost]

Recently fellas have been reporting similar blanking out and it turned out to be related to receiving an OTA update.
Just FYI

Can confirm

 

[ustafly]

My "23 XLT has a similar issue. 12 inch screen.....One day it's completely blank. Take it to the dealer and he says he will schedule an appt for next week. The next day it works. Then later that day the screen works but the audio doesn't. Won't even turn off with the power button. Pull over and turn off ignition,, open the door (to turn off system) and restart. Everything is normal. Gremlins.....

 

[Snakebitten]

I think it's less about gremlins and more about an firmware/software procedure that is less than eloquent.

It would be so much better if Ford would at least add a popup on the screen that notified the passenger that an update is in progress and please excuse the mess while we go about it.

Folks could be saved the fuss and incredible inconvenience of dealing with dealership service departments unwittingly. And vice versa.

 

[Big Dog Daddy]

I have the fix.....

Turn off the updates.

My screen has never even blinked.

Truck operates perfectly, why let the nerds screw with it?

Turning off updates will not stop the truck from receiving updates. Certain OTA's are sent as, what Ford calls a priority updates these updates will download and install immediately regardless of your settings without option to stop the installation. Ford used this method a year and a half ago to perform the trailer brake controller module update which was a recall on many trucks.
Most updates are simply refinements and enhancements to the software, to clear away small known issues, ultimately making the truck much more enjoyable to drive. I know I've had my truck since early 2021 and as delivered there were numerous glitches and software problems. Your polished 2023 has benefited from the torment many of us went through because of Ford's inability to implement solid software technology. If you really don't ever want Ford to update your truck, and I can understand that, disconnect the cellular antenna connection on the TCU behind the rear seat on the passenger side of the truck. This will shut them out completely.

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