Hello all
I'm new to this forum. My name is Kris. My wife drive 2013 Ford Escape. Some weeks ago her radio start to make weird noises. Suddenly about a week ago whole sound system went dead. You can see radio buttons on touchscreen and CD but you can't press them. So basically no music or anything. Took my car to dealer and they said it is Audio Control Module that is dead. And they want $850 to replace it. Decided to do some research before I pay them. Took the unit out and got the number off it. The only problem is there is two cables on the back of it that I have no idea how to disconnect. Also if I search for used unit it looks like everybody just cut them off. I don't want to do it since don't know if I be able to re solder them after . I attach a photo of the two cables cut off. Can someone let me know what they are used for? And is it possible to disconnect them without cutting?

If she has a MyFord Touch system, it is possible that this could be an extend warranty item. I received a notice from Ford that my Sync Module warranty was being extended to 5 years. As I understand this is vehicle specific and VIN specific.

 

If she has a MyFord Touch system, it is possible that this could be an extend warranty item. I received a notice from Ford that my Sync Module warranty was being extended to 5 years. As I understand this is vehicle specific and VIN specific.

I received same notice but this is not covered under that.

• VIN: 1FMCU9H96DUA79791
• FSA Title: SYNC WITH MYFORD MYLINCOLN TOUCH WARRANTY EXTENSION COVERING ACCESSORY PROTOCOL INTERFACE MODULE APIM
• Field Service Action Number: 12M02

 

Welcome to the forum!

.... Can someone let me know what they are used for? And is it possible to disconnect them without cutting?

Those are the antenna leads for the AM/FM and Satellite Radio (I don't know which is which, even if you don't use Satellite just put 'em both back in the correct place). Do Not Cut The Antenna Leads In Your Car Harness !

See below (detail of a photo 'stolen' from a classified ad pic by @HayaiKuruma)

• The 'button' you push only goes down ~1mm and is very stiff
• You are pulling/removing the entire 3/8" wide x 5/8" high black connector which includes the nylon part with the 'button' and all the part wrapped in black - NOT just the cable/its metal end (same for the other 'mustard-colored' one)
• When the 'button' is pushed correctly, the connector will slide off with no resistance whatsoever.
• I've found that a pair of needle-nosed pliers with serrated 'grippy tips', one tip on the 'button' and the other tip on the bottom of the connector, squeezed gently but firmly and then pulling outward, works for me. Don't 'pull' until the button is 'pushed'.
• If you buy an ACM with the connectors in place, practice on that before doing it on your own in-car harness ;-)

Oh, and you are correct, the extended warranty referenced by @ralph7up relates only to the APIM - not the ACM.

Other considerations when installing a used ACM .... it should be a plug-and-play procedure as long as the replacement ACM comes from an Escape with the identical audio system (e.g. "Sony" sound if your Escape has "Sony" sound, non-Sony 6-speaker > non-Sony 6-speaker, non-Sony 9-speaker > non-Sony 9-speaker). Note: NAV/non-NAV is not a factor - it's the audio system features that need to match for plug-and-play simplicity.

If the replacement ACM is from other than an Escape or is a different audio system, it can be made to work but that may involve some ACM re-programming effort using FORScan. There's help with that here if needed. Note that HD radio and satellite radio cannot be added by re-programming - you must have a 'hardware match' insofar as those features.

Also, if you have an active Sirius subscription .... the replacement ACM will have a different unique Sirius ESN number hard-coded into it - you'll have to contact Sirius support to get them to transfer your subscription to the new ESN. The new ESN is on the Serial Number bar code tag on the ACM (it will also be correctly reported on your MFT menu when the replacement ACM is installed). If you don't have a current Sirius subscription you can just ignore this - you or a later owner can get a new subscription any time by giving them the ESN reported on your MFT screen.

Hope that helps, you should have no problem finding a replacement used ACM for MUCH less than new MSRP, good luck!

 

Welcome to the forum!

Those are the antenna leads for the AM/FM and Satellite Radio (I don't know which is which, even if you don't use Satellite just put 'em both back in the correct place). Do Not Cut The Antenna Leads In Your Car Harness !

See below (detail of a photo 'stolen' from a classified ad pic by @HayaiKuruma)

• The 'button' you push only goes down ~1mm and is very stiff
• You are pulling/removing the entire 3/8" wide x 5/8" high black connector which includes the nylon part with the 'button' and all the part wrapped in black - NOT just the cable/its metal end (same for the other 'mustard-colored' one)
• When the 'button' is pushed correctly, the connector will slide off with no resistance whatsoever.
• I've found that a pair of needle-nosed pliers with serrated 'grippy tips', one tip on the 'button' and the other tip on the bottom of the connector, squeezed gently but firmly and then pulling outward, works for me. Don't 'pull' until the button is 'pushed'.
• If you buy an ACM with the connectors in place, practice on that before doing it on your own in-car harness ;-)

Oh, and you are correct, the extended warranty referenced by @ralph7up relates only to the APIM - not the ACM.

Other considerations when installing a used ACM .... it should be a plug-and-play procedure as long as the replacement ACM comes from an Escape with the identical audio system (e.g. "Sony" sound if your Escape has "Sony" sound, non-Sony 6-speaker > non-Sony 6-speaker, non-Sony 9-speaker > non-Sony 9-speaker). Note: NAV/non-NAV is not a factor - it's the audio system features that need to match for plug-and-play simplicity.

If the replacement ACM is from other than an Escape or is a different audio system, it can be made to work but that may involve some ACM re-programming effort using FORScan. There's help with that here if needed. Note that HD radio and satellite radio cannot be added by re-programming - you must have a 'hardware match' insofar as those features.

Also, if you have an active Sirius subscription .... the replacement ACM will have a different unique Sirius ESN number hard-coded into it - you'll have to contact Sirius support to get them to transfer your subscription to the new ESN. The new ESN is on the Serial Number bar code tag on the ACM (it will also be correctly reported on your MFT menu when the replacement ACM is installed). If you don't have a current Sirius subscription you can just ignore this - you or a later owner can get a new subscription any time by giving them the ESN reported on your MFT screen.

Hope that helps, you should have no problem finding a replacement used ACM for MUCH less than new MSRP, good luck!

BIG THANKS!!! I have been all over the internet the last week trying to find this answer, no one else on any other forum has been able to help. I have my new acm and am pulling my old one out but I for the life of only could find "just cut them and put your own in". So thank you so much for answering this man's question so I may happen upon it! WOO!

 

As @centex said, don't cut. Most recyclers just cut the wiring harness instead of detatching the plugs (5 seconds instead of minutes trying to figure out how to unplug...time is money), of course, it does make it harder to find intact harnesses from these places.

 

Thank You for all the details. And just to confirm this is ACM module that is on the picture?

 

Yes, the box with the CD player slot.

Centex I tried to send you a private message but it looks like I need at least 15 post to be able to do it. Since I will replace the ACM I would like to try to replace APIM module also to have navigation. How do I find the correct one?

That's another thing entirely.

I enabled NAV via software/reprogramming - see this thread paying attention to the latest changes in the procedure http://www.fordescape.org/forum/ele...ics-audio-lighting/63889-enable-myfordtouch-navigation-via-software-update.html

I'm not up to speed on gaining NAV via APIM swap - many have done it though and there's threads dedicated to that approach - please use search to find those and follow-up on one of those threads.

I'd suggest you get your ACM up and running correctly with your current and unmolested APIM before tackling the NAV project. IMHO pulling and replacing or reprogramming both at once introduces too many variables to try to resolve in case of a hiccup, the two modules work closely with each other for the entertainment functions.

have fun!

 

Centex I tried to send you a private message but it looks like I need at least 15 post to be able to do it. Since I will replace the ACM I would like to try to replace APIM module also to have navigation. How do I find the correct one?

 

I just want to say thank you to centex for all his help. I swipe the old unit with one from eBay ($35 total cost instead of $850 at dealer) and everything went smooth and now my wife have her radio back. Took me about 25 min to do it. One advice is those two connections I asked in previous post have to be removed as centex said but I wasn't able to do it by pressing on the tabs with fingers. I have to use a screwdriver to press on it hard enough to unplug them.

 

Awesome! Very good news.

Consumer - 1
Corporation - 0

 

It always makes me happy to see when people can do it themselves through the resources of the Internet! Congratulations, Kris!

 

I am looking to do the same thing on my Ford C-Max which I assume for all intents and purposes would be the same. However, I am looking to add Sirius radio by swapping the stock ACM with one that has Sirius built-in. I am fine with being able to swap the unit. However, it mentioned that using ForScan you are able to configure the ACM to your vin and enable the satellite radio. I would much prefer using forscan and my phone to do it versus purchasing the obd genie item for $200. So... is there a location that describes how to use forscan for that purpose? If you guys could point me in the right direction I would be forever grateful!!

 

Welcome to the forum @riesx090

..... I would much prefer using forscan and my phone to do it versus purchasing the obd genie item for $200 .....

Just focusing on this part of your post, please note that none of the smartphone versions of ForScan support module re-programming and all versions require some type of OBD interface device to communicate with your car.

More info about what different versions of ForScan can do is found in this chart ("Configuration and programming" is what you'll need): Comparsion of FORScan applications

More info on supported OBD interface devices (widely available for much less than $200) is here: FORScan Home

Sorry, I can't help you with the specific programming required to fully enable Sirius with an ACM swap, search should yield the info you need specific to that. Be aware that in addition to the ACM swap and possibly APIM reprogramming, you may also need to add satellite /Sirius antenna provisions also if your C-Max doesn't have that .... lacking OEM Sirius I doubt it does have the satellite antenna already.

Good Luck, Have Fun!

 

Thanks for the information, to clarify I do have an obd to Bluetooth adapter in my vehicle that I use in conjunction with forscan. I have done some searching and cannot find which modifications are necessary within the settings to enable the Sirius within the new radio. Any suggestions on where to start looking?

 

If you can't find joy using google then it's quite possible that the required info hasn't 'leaked to the web' yet and OBD Genie may be your only option for now. History suggests that with time someone will make the info available on the web. If you're in a hurry, you may have to pay for the privilege.

No, my casual google surfing does not yield joy for you.

 

No Audio Problem Ford Escape Titanium 2016

Hi there,

My name is Mardel Hernandez, I recently bought a 2016 Escape Titanium but I am having this issue with the radio, I have NO AUDIO and can't turn it on. First let me tell you that i had checked the fuse box and all fuses are ok (67, 79 wich concerns to the radio) and the touch screen is working properly as well as the climate control, setting, bluetooth, wifi, cellphone link system and SYNC no issues at all.

Please let me know what can i do and what parts should i buy, cause i live outside the US.

Best Regards

Picture is attached

 

Hi there,

My name is Mardel Hernandez, I recently bought a 2016 Escape Titanium but I am having this issue with the radio, I have NO AUDIO and can't turn it on. First let me tell you that i had checked the fuse box and all fuses are ok (67, 79 wich concerns to the radio) and the touch screen is working properly as well as the climate control, setting, bluetooth, wifi, cellphone link system and SYNC no issues at all.

Please let me know what can i do and what parts should i buy, cause i live outside the US.

Best Regards

Picture is attached

You need to check the fuses in the cargo area. The Titanium has the Sony audio and the power amplifier for the speakers is not in the head unit up front. The power unit is located in the spare tire well forward and to the left of the spare tire in a recess in the hard foam. But the fuse for it is in the RJB.

Check fuse F23 in the rear junction box (RJB) which is under the panel on the right side wall of the cargo compartment.

 

As well as the fuse, you might try the following:

Disconnect your battery for about 10 minutes (Hard Reboot)

Unplug, then plug back in, the connector at the amplifier in the boot (good time to do this would be when the battery is disconnected)

Try the 'hard' power button for the audio on the dash (just above the 'Source' button)

 

Hi Again,

Thanks for the advise, but I still can't turn on the radio. See what happends somehow when i touch the screen in the Audio ON/OFF button has no reaction, its like the signal can't make its way to the speakers, but the weird thing is that the screen with all the option works fine.

Let me know what else can i do.

Thanks

 

Sorry, out of ideas.

 

Have you tried running the in-vehicle diagnostics? I believe there is an audio test.

 

Haven't try that yet, I made an appointment in the Honduran Local dealer for friday, but i'll make some other test. Hope I (or they) can fix the problem.

Greetings

 

Take your car to dealer and ask them to check it. That's what I did. They did it for free.

 

Try this. And look around with the arrows. If I remember correctly there is a tone test for the speakers somewhere. Maybe someone will chime (ha-ah) in.

http://www.fordescape.org/forum/ford-escape-pictures-videos/12154-have-fun-testing.html

 

Hi there,

I took the car to the dealer and ACM is the problem they gave me this number of part CJ5Z18C869GA but apparently is discontinued and it says is the reciever so I am having my doubts about whats the part, if someone has a good dealer contact in the US, I could make the order and buy the part.

Thanks guys

 

The ACM (audio control module) is what we would normally refer to as the receiver. I would look at fordparts.com or tascaparts.com

 

Here is the link to his store https://www.ebay.com/str/autotradersinc

 

I will add to the fire because it appears that Ford is completely leaving the chronic APIM / ACIM issues to us to resolve.

Short story - 2013 SEL, bought new, love the car! Had it in twice as detailed below in my email thread to local dealer customer sat liaison. So dealer now wants $900 to repair what I view as a problem reported under warranty 6 years ago that was never resolved. Dealer committed to respond in 24 hours - that was 15 days ago.

Partial email thread:
Sent: 8/26/2019 2:38:04 PM
To: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX,
Subject: RE: Regarding your recent visit with us


OK, since I have been out of town and the link to Ford survey has expired, I will provide feedback via a response to this email.

I am very dissatisfied with Ford and XXXXXXXX Service’s handling of the issue I am experiencing with my 2013 Escape. I will provide details:

The car had been into XXXXXXXXXXXXXX Service twice before while under warranty for the same problem – no radio at all and no audio for the Sync phone connection. The first time, a Master Reset of the audio/Sync system resolved the problem. Second time, same problem resolved in the same way BUT I was shown how to do the Master Reset myself so I would not have to schedule service for this issue. No problem for me – and I have done that several times (perhaps 2-4 times per year) and been quite satisfied.

However, the Master Reset no longer solves this issue – thus, this service appointment. I am then told that the issue requires replacement of the ACIM for $900. This is insane! This is a defect dating back at least 5 years and now, when I am no longer covered by warranty, this is what Ford and XXXXXXXXXXXXX are telling me?

I have done some additional research especially on Ford Escape forum. Apparently, I am not alone in having issues with Sync audio. And I am not alone in Ford responding poorly.

This is not good customer service, especially given that I have spent over $150,000 over the last 15 years at XXXXXXX Ford on new vehicles. This disappoints me as a loyal Ford customer. It disappoints me as a XXXXXXXX customer. I return to XXXXXXX because of how I have been treated as a purchaser and a service customer.

I expect more and better from XXXXXXXXXXX and from Ford. I hope to hear something different in the near future on this issue.

End of email
So Ford is, in my view, expecting the customer base to absorb the cost of a chronic hardware defect pervasive in a most popular line. Being a retired hardware computer guy, this is crap - problem is pervasive, a defect in materials probably from a vendor, and Ford is working harder to alienate customers than to fix the problems.
And, yes, Ford, if you are reading this, this will affect future decisions on brand.

 

I am then told that the issue requires replacement of the ACIM for $900.

Everywhere you use the term "ACIM", do you actually mean "ACM" (Audio Control Module)?

If the answer is Yes, then there are certainly much more cost-effective (than $900) and lower-aggravation solutions available to you.

Good working condition ACM's are widely available, there's threads here explaining the easy swap, there's even one for sale on this forum at the moment.

Just for your consideration if your interest is getting a solution for much less than $100 and moving on down the road with a working system.

Can't help you if your interest is complaining about Ford or undertaking a 'fight in principal' with them or your dealer.

 

Thanks to everyone on this forum. My wife has a 2014 Ford Escape and sound was not working, replaced the CD player/ACM module and sound is back and saved a ton of money.

 

Hello. Looking for some advice. While removing my old ACM I broke one of those small connectors on the bottom left corner in the rear of the module. The plastic was hard and brittle and when I squeezed to pull it out the plastic connector broke. On the used ACM that I purchased the connectors were included as the junk yard just cut the wires. My question is can i splice the connector from the replacement unit onto the wire from my car? Is that even possible? Thanks in advance for your advice.

 

My question is can i splice the connector from the replacement unit onto the wire from my car? Is that even possible? Thanks in advance for your advice.

You'd be better off removing the terminal pins from the plugs and swapping the plug shells over.

 

You can also buy replacement plugs. I assume you are taking about the FAKRA connectors. Are yours black and white.

 

Thanks for the reply smartguy69. Yes the plugs are the small ones on the back and they are black and white. The white one broke. I was able to splice the plug from the junk yard ACM on to the wiring in my car. Thought it was worth a shot and it worked great! Happy to have my radio back!

 

Just an FYI. Finally bit the bullet and took the 2014 Escape Titanium to the dealer for no audio problem. Diagnosed as needing ACM replacement, which I expected.

But here's the thing that's worth noting...the part they will put in (for $775...$150 diagnostic, $150 install, $475 part) is refurbished from Ford! There are no new ones to be had, said my dealer guy. The dealer mechanic removes the broken one and sends it to whoever Ford is using for this, they refurbish and sell it to a dealer for installation in another vehicle.

When I told the service manager that these were available on eBay for $100-$150 he said, "hunh." I'd have tried to do this myself except for the fact that I'm old as dirt and almost crippled myself checking the fuses under the glove box on the passenger side ....whoever designed that little setup must have been tiny and high.

Good for those of you who did the swap out yourselves. You saved about $600.

 

That's a lot of money. I bought a sync 2 ACM from Ebay for £35 ($50). It took me maybe twenty minutes to install. I have a working sync 1 ACM in the garage that I am going to send for scrap as I don't have the time or inclination to bother with eBay. Perhaps I should donate it to Ford so they can reduce their costs. There is no difference between the sync 1 and sync 2/3 ACM apart from programming. I guess they changed the ACM in the G4 which could explain why there are no new ones available. It hasn't taken long for new supplies to run out.