Accessory Protocol Interface Module (APIM) Programming

This is the exact OEM manual section for the path above. Use the breadcrumb to move up or down the tree until you reach the precise year, make, model, and subsystem you need.

Need a step-by-step guide?

Get an AI-powered repair guide with parts lists, cost estimates, and clear instructions for your 2012 Ford.

AI Repair Guides



Accessory Protocol Interface Module (APIM) Programming





Accessory Protocol Interface Module (APIM) Programming Using the Integrated Diagnostic System (IDS)

NOTE:

- If a new Accessory Protocol Interface Module (APIM) is being installed, install the new APIM (Accessory Protocol Interface Module) before carrying out the following procedure.
- When carrying out the programming procedures, follow the scan tool on-screen directions.

NOTE: There are 2 programming procedures.
- The first procedure is service pack installation.
- To install a service pack, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) flash drive is required (minimum flash drive size is 1 gigabyte).

- The file is downloaded from an online database onto a flash drive. The service pack files are then transferred via the flash drive to the vehicle USB (Universal Serial Bus) port to update the APIM (Accessory Protocol Interface Module).

- The second procedure is a complete flash.
- Remove the media hub.

- The scan tool and the USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable part number CCMUSB2-AM-AM-10 with the male A to mini female B adapter part number CCMUSB-AF-BF5 or equivalent are required to complete the flash procedure.

- The flash procedure deletes any paired phones that were in the SYNC(R) system.

- The file for the flash needs to be downloaded from the online database. Allow for extra time for the file to download. The zip files are between 200 and 400 megabyte, and once downloaded it needs to be unzipped to the full size approximately 2 gigabytes.


1. Open a session for the vehicle from the technician service publication web site, and run On-Line Automotive Service Information System (OASIS) using Quick Start or by manually entering the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).

2. From the OASIS (On-Line Automotive Service Information System) tab, select the "SYNC" button.

3. There are three available options for APIM (Accessory Protocol Interface Module) programming:
- Standard (latest version of current software and applications)
- Use the Standard option to update the APIM (Accessory Protocol Interface Module) and any installed applications to latest software level.

- Custom (show what's available, and let me choose)
- Use the custom option to show all the available options including applications that can be programmed. The custom option is also used to install or un-install a specific application.

- Module Replacement (restore software for newly installed hardware)
- Use the module replacement option when the APIM (Accessory Protocol Interface Module) has been replaced.



4. After selecting one of the 3 options (Standard, Custom or Module Replacement) click the "Read APIM (Accessory Protocol Interface Module) " button to verify the current APIM (Accessory Protocol Interface Module), Vehicle Interface Processor (VIP) and Consumer Interface Processor (CIP) software levels.
- The versions are compared to the online database. After the comparison, the scan tool indicates if a service pack needs to be installed or if a full flash is required.
- A USB (Universal Serial Bus) flash drive is required to install service packs into the APIM (Accessory Protocol Interface Module). (The minimum size requirement for the USB (Universal Serial Bus) flash drive is 1 gigabyte.)

- NOTE: If time is limited and a flash is required, it may be best to carry out the flash at another time.

If the scan tool indicates the update requires a service pack, there is an option available to override the service pack installation and carry out a full flash. If the scan tool indicates that a flash has to be carried out, there is no other option.

- At this point there is still an option to back out of the programming procedure.


5. Select the "Program APIM (Accessory Protocol Interface Module) " button to begin the APIM (Accessory Protocol Interface Module) programming process.

NOTE: Do not disconnect the Vehicle Communication Module (VCM) or the USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable during APIM (Accessory Protocol Interface Module) programming.


6. The update is downloaded either to the scan tool or to the USB (Universal Serial Bus) flash drive. The APIM (Accessory Protocol Interface Module) is then programmed.
- If a full flash is being carried out, the scan tool displays "Programming has been completed successfully" when the flash is completed.

Recommended Tools & Savings

Use the Manual With the Right Hardware

Pair factory procedures with proven DIY tools so the instructions are easier to execute.

Affiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

When to See a Mechanic

Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

  • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
  • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
  • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
  • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
  • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.