In the good old days, the main way you were connected to your car was by putting your hands on the steering wheel. Now, with all of the devices we rely on in our daily lives, including the ones inside our cars, there are a lot more connections to worry about, like Bluetooth, USB and 3-prong power outlets. Take a look at how this technician remedied their customer’s faulty Bluetooth and USB connections on a 2009 Ford Escape 3.0.

The Diagnosis

After confirming that the USB and Bluetooth connections where indeed not working, the technician first used his scan tool to see if he would be able to retrieve any kind of diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs). With no codes turning up, he used the scan tool to connect to each of the modules and found the accessory protocol interface module (APIM) was not communicating. Because it wasn’t communicating, the tech initially checked for software updates for the APIM, but unfortunately it wasn’t that simple.

The technician then moved on to inspecting the APIM wiring harness and connector, but he did not find any obvious issues. With the ignition on and the engine off, he used the multi-meter to check for the presence of voltage and ground at the USB output terminal on the APIM connector. At last he found the problem. There was no voltage present.

The Fix

The voltage test proved that APIM was at fault. The technician treated the problem by replacing the accessory protocol interface module. After authenticating that the USB and Bluetooth connections were working, he was able to send another fully connected customer back on the road.

Real Fixes from Mitchell 1’s SureTrack® expert information resource are documented issues from actual shop repair orders and community discussions. Read the Real Fix in the Mitchell 1 ShopConnection Blog.