Front USB ports intermittent not working

[RangerBill]

@airline tech . Yes I've used the voice command since I bought the truck new. I believe the Usb is exfat and the files are in flac. I do know it is compatible a I've listened to it for over 3 years, in the truck. I made these for all 3 of our vehicles they work great. Hit the voice command and tell it to play any song album or artist it's been great. Till this started happening I've had the truck since the day it came off the transport. I have tried the reset and it made no change. I've pulled several fuses but not positive I've pulled 31. And I've had the battery disconnected for almost a full day to install a new amp as the pervious one went bad. Going to pull the acm tomorrow so will double check all the apim connections then. But as I had it out the other day I'm positive it's plugged in correctly. This started before I went in to change the amp. And it hasnt changed with anything I've done yet.

After checking that the APIM to USB hub cable is correctly seated, I would ring out the connections on that cable using an ohmmeter to check for continuity.

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[Superspirit]

I ordered a new cable if that doesn't fix it I'll order an apim off ebay pre programmed to my vin.

 

[Superspirit]

10-4 on a new cable. This will cure the majority of connection problems. Also, go to settings and check for updates,
Many of the cheapie cables you see by the checkout counter won't handle the amount of data transfer from nav or music apps, and may charge slowly or not at all.
If you have an Apple device, be sure the cable you use is Apple MFI certified.
https://www.amazon.com/Lightning-Charger-Certified-Compatible-iPhone14/dp/B0B6C6QGJL/ref=sr_1_2?crid=1YHBI2Z5ONCJO&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.QX6XjWFP4Ok31RuPILL5hMWc-0mbgHUtRz0M2hJv_i5F9krbTHZ5iO0XDit1FCRzAUxDIzk4wGcaNGg8nRnHp0If1-ZaeBWfvZ2pxCyl_rmVI85chjP-JD01vRH7Gg8A4AfI8nVZGYsG-NVaDRSqXhVSD2x0BaZ1FC0Ukz9Ww3SXFZvZzWcLyMo-8gZnJTVSO9QoAjTTT6Fb5ASt4FDXaKERPwTUQ-JuMZ9S8KG1iI8.sEFqWRFPiUH9O2kizakzgEfi3kjWhZzuAqsilJiXj74&dib_tag=se&keywords=apple+usb+type-a+to+lightning+cable+for+iphone+14/13/12/11/pro/mini&nsdOptOutParam=true&qid=1765549995&sprefix=apple+usb+type+a+to+lightning+cable+for+iphone+14/13/12/11/pro/mini,aps,153&sr=8-2&th=1

You are thinking about charge cables. What we are talking about is the data cable from ford inside the dash. The problem isn't external cable related the thumb drive plugs directly into the port.

 

[Superspirit]

Today I took the dash back apart this morning to remove the t harness as new amp was defective. Realized while in there that I've never touched the apim or cables to it as the acm is under it so no need to touch. So I went ahead and pulled the screen and apim loose from the dash and disconnected and reconnected the data cable that goes to the usb module. I put the truck back together and drove all over town. Making multiple stops. It's just like it was originally so far, turn radio off, exit truck restart truck within a minute screen flashes usb detected at the top, hit the power button on radio and right back to what I was listening to before the stop. Maybe static built in the cable connection over 3.5 years as I live in a desert dustbowl static builds everywhere. Any way at this point a disconnect and reconnect fixed the usb issue. Will update if the problem returns but I had ordered the data cable before doing this so if it acts up I'll try replacing that next. And ford doesn't give that cable away.

 

[Superspirit]

@airline tech @RangerBill . Thank you both for your help. As I'm a retired ase master auto tech I know how to do the things ya'll been telling me to do I just don't have the knowledge base on this new stuff. I retired in 08 and things have changed drastically. Just wanted to let you both know how much your help has been to a crippled old retired tech.
Thanks again!

 

[airline tech]

I managed to get mine working - Combo of (Renaming) the USB something other than (Iphone-Ipod) as my (In Use) Iphone is connected via Bluetooth. Don't know if it really mattered. But I changed it.
and my BLUNDER of not (Quick Press) of the Voice Button.
I guess I need to use it now that I know how - IDK I like (Old School) operations sometimes (simple)

As fat as your specific issue.
I discovered that even though I have my (Auto-Updates) De-Selected
Ford - Still (Pushed) Through a (Sync-Update) in October
I assume its related to the (Recall) to update the Sync to 23188.
Note: I was already on (23188) and have been for some time, so I am thinking that this (Recall) is some background (Software) behind the scenes of the 23188 version.
My POINT is - How long ago did this issue begin? - (USB Issue)
It may possibly be an (Issue with that pushed (OTA) Update and its only software related.

Via FDRS - Status Run
If your issues started in October - It may be this forced update that caused it.
Note: They bypassed my (Auto-Update) being selected off and it was up to date (vs23188)
So, I do not know if this was a (Check) and it updated their system to show its current or they actually installed an update and overwrote the 23188.
Fords site (showed) it at 23188 - The one we use for the (Update Downloads) Version but this document shows that it was at Factory Version as it left the assembly line and needed updated.

 

[airline tech]

Good News, Sorry I was typing when you last update post was (posted)

 

[Superspirit]

When I bought my 19 mustang gt, I was upset I couldn't get a cd 18 was the last year. So over on Mustang 6g they convinced me to use a usb, so I ended up downloading my 130 cd collection of country and classic rock to my computer then making a thumb drive for the car and learned to use voice command. Once I learned that it was great, I've made thumb drives for every vehicle. The only one I don't have one in is my 12 vette gs. It requires an I pod mp3. I have no I-pods or mp3. All my stuff is in flac and I've been unsuccessful trying to get it converted to mp3 for the vette. So I carry a 96 cd case and changing cd's is a hassle when you're used to voice commands and Playlist.

 

[Superspirit]

Well short lived glory, the usb quit at lunch today. Guess I'll be trying the cable that just came in today. Maybe tomorrow I don't have the gumption to tackle it today.

 

[airline tech]

I am curious @ failure point - if you plug in another USB device , say charging or another USB Drive with a few songs in MP3 - does the system pick up either?

 

[Superspirit]

I am curious @ failure point - if you plug in another USB device , say charging or another USB Drive with a few songs in MP3 - does the system pick up either?

No it does not. I have tried that. Won't charge a phone won't read any device till next day or two.

 

[Superspirit]

I had a different device in for 2 days. No problem. So then I put my original back in. it acted up after 15 min. So I put another in this morning. So far so good. I am starting to think it might be the thumb drive going bad. We'll see. Wanted to add it takes an overnight reset to get it to pick up again. So we'll see if the drive was the problem hoping it is as that would be the easiest fix.

 

[Superspirit]

Okay wasn't the drive. Left to go run an errand 2 blocks from the house I get a message on the screen to remove and reinstall thumb drive to complete indexing. It then switched to radio. I had never seen that before so I pulled over and did as instructed. It never picked up the usb again and I drove for a few hours making several stops. About ready to find an
Old Chevy mid 2000's and put another Kenwood in. Getting sick of problems arising on this truck. Sorry had to vent. But I miss my dependable old Chevy.

 

[airline tech]

Ok I brought this up on an earlier post.
Ref: Indexing

When the USB drive is (Linked) - Press on the (Settings) button (Lower Right - Corner)
This brings up a screen and in the (Lower Left-Side) of the screen you should see something about media - tap on that - and it should bring that (Indexing Message) back on the screen.

I think you have one of 2 things happening - basically the thumb drive is getting lost (Indexing Issue) or the (USB Cable - between the APIM & Hub) is heating up from being used and it's breaking the communication signal. (Bad Cable)

 

[Superspirit]

Well I have a replacement cable. Just can't get motivated to tear the dash apart again. 34,744 on the clock that's nothing shouldn't have these problems for 10 more years. 343,000 on my 02 silverado never seen this kind of crap. Actually 30 years as an ase master auto tech I never seen this many problems on this new of a vehicle. Frustration is winning, new truck for Christmas?

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