Customer Concern
A 2016 Ford Escape came to D & D Automotive in Tucson for radio repair and backup camera problems. The vehicle had multiple electronic malfunctions affecting its entertainment and rearview camera systems.
- The radio display operated, but AM and FM could not be selected.
- SiriusXM, CD, and Bluetooth functions were accessible, but there was no sound from the speakers.
- The factory backup camera displayed an upside-down image.
Although these symptoms involved the same dashboard display, they ultimately had separate causes.
Diagnostic Investigation
Our technicians began by performing a complete electronic system scan using professional Ford diagnostic equipment.
Interestingly, the Audio Control Module (ACM) communicated normally with the diagnostic equipment, and no diagnostic trouble codes identified the failure.
Further testing confirmed that the ACM had proper electrical power and ground connections.
An available ACM software update was installed, but the radio continued to malfunction. Factory configuration data was also restored using Ford’s As-Built programming information, without resolving the audio problem.
The investigation then included the SYNC system’s Accessory Protocol Interface Module (APIM).
During an available Ford software update, the original APIM failed to complete programming and stopped operating. Additional programming attempts were unsuccessful, requiring replacement of the module with a new Ford unit.
The replacement APIM was successfully programmed, restoring normal SYNC display operation. However, the radio and camera complaints remained.
2016 FORD ESCAPE RADIO REPAIR – FINDING THE FAILURE
Further testing showed that the ACM was responding to diagnostic commands but was not functioning correctly.
A replacement ACM was installed, and normal radio operation and speaker audio returned.
The diagnosis confirmed that a module can communicate with diagnostic equipment and have no trouble codes while still suffering an internal electronic failure.
Diagnosing the Backup Camera
With the radio repaired, attention turned to the backup camera.
The camera had originally displayed an upside-down picture but eventually stopped producing an image altogether. When reverse was selected, the display briefly changed color before reporting that the camera was unavailable.
Our technicians verified camera power and ground and used a two-channel automotive oscilloscope to examine the camera’s video signal at the liftgate.
Testing revealed no recognizable video output from the original camera.
A replacement factory-style backup camera was installed, restoring the rearview image.
Final Repairs
The completed repair included:
- Replacement of the defective Audio Control Module.
- Replacement and Ford programming of the APIM following the unsuccessful software update.
- Replacement of the failed rear backup camera.
- Verification of radio, speaker audio, SYNC display, and backup camera operation.
What This Repair Demonstrates
Modern vehicles contain numerous electronic modules that communicate with one another. When several systems malfunction simultaneously, it can be tempting to assume that one computer is responsible for every symptom.
In this case, the radio and backup camera had separate component failures.
The repair also demonstrated an important reality of modern automotive service: even manufacturer-offered software updates can occasionally fail, making careful programming procedures and specialized equipment essential.
At D & D Automotive in Tucson, Arizona, we combine extensive automotive repair experience with professional diagnostic equipment, factory service information, and electrical testing to identify the actual cause of difficult vehicle problems.
Having electrical or electronic problems with your vehicle? Contact D & D Automotive for professional automotive diagnostics and repair.
Learn more about our advanced automotive diagnostic services at D & D Automotive in Tucson.