Front USB ports intermittent not working

[airline tech]

If the cable does not fix the issue, I would try this as I think the system just needs a (History - Wipe) just like a web browser on a computer that gets slow and buggy when loading pages.

Now I have not used this - but Ford Techs will use this - Tool for issues with updating the Sync Software:


Since I have not used this -Tool, info via Google Search

Advanced Cache Clearing (RW Data Cleaner)
If the internal APIM memory is "full" or has corrupted log files, it may stop recognizing external devices. A standard reset often fails to clear these deep-level system logs.

• CyanLabs RW Data Cleaner: This is a community-trusted tool used to clear "garbage" files from the APIM's internal storage that Ford's standard Master Reset ignores.
• Process: You download the tool to a USB drive and plug it into the car; it automatically runs a script to wipe the module's temporary read/write data partition.

Troubleshooting "Dropped" FLAC Drives

1. Run the "RW Data Cleaner": If your system has previously failed to index a large FLAC library, "ghost" files may be clogging the APIM's internal cache. Use the CyanLabs RW Data Cleaner on a separate USB to wipe this internal temporary storage.
2. Test with a Small Batch: Clear your current drive and put only 5–10 FLAC files on it. If it stays connected, the issue is the size/indexing of your full library, not the FLAC format itself.
3. Check Metadata: Ensure your FLAC files do not have massive embedded album art (e.g., 5000x5000 pixels). SYNC prefers artwork under 500x500 pixels; larger images can cause the indexing process to hang and drop the drive.

How many songs are currently on your USB drive? If you are near the 50,000-file limit, I can show you how to restructure your folders to help the APIM index them more efficiently.


I too was a former auto tech, walked away in 94 and switched careers, so all the newer tech in automotive and even using the scan tools (must have -for today's T-Shooting) is all by self-learning, the basics remain the same, but the control aspects have changed considerably.

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[Superspirit]

@airline tech . Thanks for that tip I'll check out cyan labs. I retired in 07 when I had my second back surgery, I still need neck surgery and lately I've been fighting afib. So motivation to work on this truck is getting slimmer and slimmer. And I bought this with the intention of it being my last truck.

 

[Superspirit]

Replaced cable today, we'll see how long this last this time.

 

[RangerBill]

If the cable does not fix the issue, I would try this as I think the system just needs a (History - Wipe) just like a web browser on a computer that gets slow and buggy when loading pages.

Now I have not used this - but Ford Techs will use this - Tool for issues with updating the Sync Software:


Since I have not used this -Tool, info via Google Search

Advanced Cache Clearing (RW Data Cleaner)
If the internal APIM memory is "full" or has corrupted log files, it may stop recognizing external devices. A standard reset often fails to clear these deep-level system logs.

• CyanLabs RW Data Cleaner: This is a community-trusted tool used to clear "garbage" files from the APIM's internal storage that Ford's standard Master Reset ignores.
• Process: You download the tool to a USB drive and plug it into the car; it automatically runs a script to wipe the module's temporary read/write data partition.

Troubleshooting "Dropped" FLAC Drives

1. Run the "RW Data Cleaner": If your system has previously failed to index a large FLAC library, "ghost" files may be clogging the APIM's internal cache. Use the CyanLabs RW Data Cleaner on a separate USB to wipe this internal temporary storage.
2. Test with a Small Batch: Clear your current drive and put only 5–10 FLAC files on it. If it stays connected, the issue is the size/indexing of your full library, not the FLAC format itself.
3. Check Metadata: Ensure your FLAC files do not have massive embedded album art (e.g., 5000x5000 pixels). SYNC prefers artwork under 500x500 pixels; larger images can cause the indexing process to hang and drop the drive.

How many songs are currently on your USB drive? If you are near the 50,000-file limit, I can show you how to restructure your folders to help the APIM index them more efficiently.


I too was a former auto tech, walked away in 94 and switched careers, so all the newer tech in automotive and even using the scan tools (must have -for today's T-Shooting) is all by self-learning, the basics remain the same, but the control aspects have changed considerably.

Would this cause an intermittent problem that the OP is describing? I am not seeing a connection to the above software issues causing his intermittent recognizing the USB drive.

 

[RangerBill]

Replaced cable today, we'll see how long this last this time.

Keep us posted. Hoping it solves your issue.

 

[Superspirit]

Ill keep you posted as if it fixes it it might help someone else down the road.

 

[Superspirit]

Well it's been 11 days since I replaced the cable. Going to get to end the year on a great note. Truck has operated as it always has since I bought it. Now to put another new amp (the one I got for Christmas) then it will be time to play with the vette.
Thanks again for the help guys!

 

[RMD3819]

Update-
Car Play was mostly working since original post.

I have bought a new iphone that has the USB C port and it has worked at best, a minute or so before disconnecting. Wife's phone has the lightning older port and that works as it has been which has been mostly OK.

Status:
-Both port lights are off all the time.
-Tried multiple cables.
-Left port sometimes doesn't charge, sometimes it does. More off than on.
-Right port charges consistently.
-When the USB C has worked it stays connected for a few seconds but the slightest phone movement disconnects it.
-Pulled the fuse and waited for a reset without change. Truck was off during this time.
-When I could get it to work for those few seconds I always had to turn key off and open door to reset the system.
-I do not have Forscan

New port? I saw on an F150 video Ford has a module with a USB C port and a USB A port instead of two A ports. Would that be compatible?
Ideas?
I hate the OEM Ford navigation so this is driving me crazy.

 

[Superspirit]

Update-
Car Play was mostly working since original post.

I have bought a new iphone that has the USB C port and it has worked at best, a minute or so before disconnecting. Wife's phone has the lightning older port and that works as it has been which has been mostly OK.

Status:
-Both port lights are off all the time.
-Tried multiple cables.
-Left port sometimes doesn't charge, sometimes it does. More off than on.
-Right port charges consistently.
-When the USB C has worked it stays connected for a few seconds but the slightest phone movement disconnects it.
-Pulled the fuse and waited for a reset without change. Truck was off during this time.
-When I could get it to work for those few seconds I always had to turn key off and open door to reset the system.
-I do not have Forscan

New port? I saw on an F150 video Ford has a module with a USB C port and a USB A port instead of two A ports. Would that be compatible?
Ideas?
I hate the OEM Ford navigation so this is driving me crazy.

Have you replaced the cable inside the dash that runs from the USB module to the APIM ? That cable cured my USB woes. I would recommend that cable before the module. As a new module didn't fix mine and that cable did. KB3Z-14D202-HAB [Cable Assembly]. This is what I purchased to fix mine. Best price I found was ford parts giant. And they shipped very fast.

 

[airline tech]

If the port lights are not working then it’s a power to the port issue and not the USB cable. It’s a powered hub.

 

[RMD3819]

Have you replaced the cable inside the dash that runs from the USB module to the APIM ? That cable cured my USB woes. I would recommend that cable before the module. As a new module didn't fix mine and that cable did. KB3Z-14D202-HAB [Cable Assembly]. This is what I purchased to fix mine. Best price I found was ford parts giant. And they shipped very fast.

No I have not. How difficult is the replacement?

 

[airline tech]

Ref post # 20 for a wiring diagram, note (A) connector is Power & Ground for the Hub (Powered Hub) with the hub lights not working, it is indicating a power issue with the hub. So the hub has enough power to feed the RH port but not the LH side - so it’s more than just the USB cable , it’s most likely the Hub - now for the newer Hubs with the (C) it may take some digging to find the correct part number of a hub assembly that will FIT without some modifications (cutting. - filing) etc as they are various dimensions.

 

[RangerBill]

I don't think that you can add a USB C hub if the APIM doesn't support it. I would stick to a USB A port if you are replacing the hub.

 

[airline tech]

I don't think that you can add a USB C hub if the APIM doesn't support it. I would stick to a USB A port if you are replacing the hub.

Somewhere on here it’s been done - will have to find it - it was done just after Ipone switched there charge port , I think they had to modify slightly to get it to fit

 

[RMD3819]

Ref post # 20 for a wiring diagram, note (A) connector is Power & Ground for the Hub (Powered Hub) with the hub lights not working, it is indicating a power issue with the hub. So the hub has enough power to feed the RH port but not the LH side - so it’s more than just the USB cable , it’s most likely the Hub - now for the newer Hubs with the (C) it may take some digging to find the correct part number of a hub assembly that will FIT without some modifications (cutting. - filing) etc as they are various dimensions.

I have no idea how to read post number 20.

Explain it like I am five please.

What parts do you suggest I buy? What does newer hubs mean? Did Ford revise the part with the same part number but different dimensions?

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