Buying a 8 inch infotainment system from a scraped ranger.

[Eobertg372]

So I know I need forscan for this and I know that several companies offer these mods preprogrammed. But I can afford or justify 1500 dollar plus shipping and taxes for a infotainment screen. So I have found several car scrap yards that have my model of ranger and part them out and sell the parts. I just don't know what to ask for. Like I dont want to message them "I need the infortainment system" and then they only send me the screen and computer (idk if that's the right term for it but the brain behind the screen) and not include any of the cables and any mounting hardware / facia. So what exactly do I ask for to make sure im getting all I need. Specific names or part numbers would be greatly appreciated.

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[Superspirit]

You need the screen and the apim module, and if the bezel is different you'll need that also. Those are the pieces I used when I did this to my mustang. You'll also need the VIN from the donor vehicle in order to update sync.

 

[airline tech]

Ref the following thread - again from previous

The FCIM is the only module that is VIN specific, the APIM will need some As-Built data changes but those can be altered with no issues once installed
The FCIM however (using) another member's issues after he upgraded and had some collision work done, it appears that someone wiped the FCIM (programming) and he was unable to get back into the FCIM to reprogram it back to the current VIN (On Truck)

The FCIM uses Can Bus Data to (Power It) since the FCIM is programmed with the VIN #, it needs a verification response from the FCIM that the correct VIN # is programmed before it will allow it to power up.
At least this is my conclusion of the members issue, as he could not get any communication to it to check for programming.
So, if you were to source all parts from a salvage yard, the FCIM is going to have (that trucks) VIN programmed to it, when you install it - (This is the real unknown) will it power up for you to get into it and reprogram the VIN from your truck if it does not - then bringing in a (not factory) module you will have to have it (programmed externally by a programming software) which is what the vendors are using.
Ford offers 2 options - PMI (PMI is where the As-Built Data) is downloaded to the tool and reloaded back onto the module and Configuration = As-Built data is downloaded from the Ford Servers directly to the module - Note: This is ONLY the As-Built) data that came with the truck, they WILL NOT install any other modified data.

So, with the other members issue after a collision repair, I am thinking they had issues clearing a code, they did a Configuration download and wiped the FCIM data, with it being from another truck it locked it out.

So basically, the FCIM may or may not create a hurdle to get it programmed - IDK for sure, I do agree the (Upgrade Kits) being offered are expensive as compared to source your own, so it may be worth a try and if you hit a roadblock with the FCIM, then you can send it off possibly to have it programmed for you.
As I said the FCIM is going to be the main issue, if there is any - To Be Determined


(1) 4 inch radio to 8 inch upgrade. | 2019+ Ford Ranger and Raptor Forum (5th Generation) - Ranger5G.com

 

[Superspirit]

I didn't have any issues after the swap in my 19 mustang gt. The fcim was not involved. Only the screen and apim. I did use forscan to activate the new switches in the bezel. And fix the hazard issue, but that is mustang specific.

 

[airline tech]

For the Ranger - In order to get the Bezel for the 8 In screen, its incorporated into the FCIM as a unit
The FCIM = The Switch Panel, main control for the (Climate) is the FCIM and the display screen is a repeater of the FCIM for touch screen control over the physical buttons.

As stated, any FCIM from a salvaged truck is going to have that VIN# programed to it.
The untested & unknown is - when this is plugged into the truck, it is definitely going to code for mismatch of (Vin#) data.
So - Will Forscan communicate to this module with a different VIN# so you can reprogram it to your actual VIN#.
As it takes - Ignition Switch Position - Run (ISP-R) data on the Can Bus to even get it to power up and it has to be powered to communicate to it.
For the vendors that sell these - they use a software program to (preload) the data to avoid the communication issue - There is a name for this (cloning) software, I just cannot think of it at the moment.

Is this going to be a true issue - IDK, but it may present a roadblock, one may try saving the As-Built data from the (Off) before pulling it out and hopefully when you install the new (salvage) FCIM it will overwrite it - but it may roadblock due to the VIN#.
This step is uncharted territory, and I do not know (100%) how the truck is going to react as I am only going by other members issues with this - after a collision repair.
Either the FCIM (Timing) failed, and it is dead, or a technician went to clear some locked in codes and he (reprogrammed) the FCIM back to the OE FCIM, now its locked and will not power up to even T-Shoot the issue.

So, from my office chair - I cannot pinpoint which of the (2) happened, I can say that this is most likely not a plug n play module - you will need to reprogram it somehow, how easy is that will depend on if the truck lets it power via Can Bus data. (Which is the Switch) to turn it on and off.
This is done by a series of (data messages in code)

 

[Superspirit]

Gotcha, none of this was involved on my 19 gt. Didn't realize there was that much difference. I thought sync 3 was sync 3. But I've been retired since 07

 

[Scienceguy88]

If I just change out the stop portion of the bezel would my FCIM work with the new sync 3 APIM once it’s updated to my VIN , and does anyone know what wiring harness is needed to go from the 4” sync to the 8” sync 3 cause I’m seeing one style in videos and another when I do a search ?

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