LEMON Manuals: Even more car manuals for everyone: 1960-2025
Home >> Lincoln >> 2016 >> Navigator Select, RWD >> Repair and Diagnosis >> Accessories & Equipment >> Infotainment >> Information And Entertainment Systems - Am/Fm/Cd/Sync >> General Procedures >> Accessory Protocol Interface Module (APIM) Programming
April 5, 2026: LEMON Manuals is launched! Read the announcement.

Accessory Protocol Interface Module (APIM) Programming

Special Tool(s)

GFD29907Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicle Communication Module (VCM) and Integrated Diagnostic System (IDS) software with appropriate hardware, or equivalent diagnostic scan tool
GFD31667Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Universal Serial Bus (USB) Male-A to Male-A Cable CCMUSB2-AM-AM-10 or equivalent

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

  1. 1.

    • Close the IDS program before attempting to program the Accessory Protocol Interface Module (APIM).
    • Connect a battery charger set on low.
      • When connecting the charger, the negative battery charger lead must be connected to a clean chassis ground, not the negative battery post.
    • Connect one end of the USB male-A to male-A cable to the diagnostic scan tool, and the other end to the vehicle's USB port.
    • Connect the diagnostic scan tool to the DLC.
    • Access the technician service publication website and run On-Line Automotive Service Information System (OASIS) using "Read VIN & DTCs."
      • If the "Read VIN & DTCs" button is green with a red IDS icon, refer to the "SYNC - Software Programming" document under the "Service Tips" tab.
      • If the "Read VIN & DTCs" button is red with a grey IDS icon, ensure pop ups are enabled, follow the Internet Explorer pop ups, and then refer to the "SYNC - Software Programming" document under the "Service Tips" tab.
    • If the "SYNC - Software Programming" document is not followed, the programming may stop or encounter errors due to improperly configured Internet browser settings.

  1. 2.

    From the OASIS tab, select the "SYNC" button.
    NOTE: There are 3 types of Accessory Protocol Interface Module (APIM) programming available:

  1. 3.
    • Standard - Used to update the Accessory Protocol Interface Module (APIM) and any currently installed applications to the latest software levels.
    • Custom - Used to show all the available software options (including applications that may not have been installed previously) that can be programmed into the Accessory Protocol Interface Module (APIM). Use this selection when upgrades become available or as directed by a TSB.
    • Module Replacement - Used when the Accessory Protocol Interface Module (APIM) has been replaced. This type of programming performs the required provisioning (restores software for newly installed hardware).

  1. 4.

    After selecting 1 of the 3 options (Standard, Custom, or Module Replacement), select the "Read SYNC" button to verify the current Accessory Protocol Interface Module (APIM) assembly, VIP, and CIP software levels. The software levels are compared to an online database, followed by the available software being displayed.
    NOTE: Do not disconnect the VCM or USB cable during Accessory Protocol Interface Module (APIM) programming.

  1. 5.
    Select the "Program SYNC" button to begin the Accessory Protocol Interface Module (APIM) programming process.

  1. 6.

    Follow the diagnostic scan tool on-screen directions.
    • After programming is complete, the diagnostic scan tool displays "Programming has been successfully completed."