I’m so sorry you’re dealing with this. I imagine I will have a similar experience
I don't doubt this at all - especially given that after six weeks of a black screen, for 15 minutes and for no reason at all, in the middle of a drive the screen re-illuminated and worked perfectly, only to be broken again the next time the Bronco was started. The dealer says they went through a full review of all of the connections, so I'm at a loss as to how to pursue that possibility further. My biggest concern frankly is the possibility they finally get me the new chip and upon install it either doesn't work or fails in the same way shortly after because of this kind of connection problem.
It's not just a "chip" (i.e., semi-conductor). It's a computer module with a Central Processing Unit (CPU) that must be programmed and other chips on a printed circuit board, mounted in an aluminum housing with heat sink fins for cooling, and with multiple connectors to the various accessories that the system integrates and manages on the 12" screen. Hence the name Accessory Protocol Interface Module (APIM).
While a loose connector may explain @FJ 432's intermittent problems, I don't think it would explain my problems, since my vehicle history report suggests that the APIM could have been bricked during an OTA software update that failed.
This all makes a lot of sense to me, including that they didn’t likely check all the connections behind the dash. When (if?) the module ever arrives, would they necessarily have to confirm all those connections on the reinstall?It's not just a "chip" (i.e., semi-conductor). It's a computer module with a Central Processing Unit (CPU) that must be programmed and other chips on a printed circuit board, mounted in an aluminum housing with heat sink fins for cooling, and with multiple connectors to the various accessories that the system integrates and manages on the 12" screen. Hence the name Accessory Protocol Interface Manager (APIM).
This is what it looks like on another Ford model (F-150 SYNC 4 APIM):
https://www.ebay.com/p/11050743973
It sits right behind the 12" screen, and to get to the multiple connectors you basically have to disassemble the entire dash and remove the screen, which I addressed in detail, and included the attached procedures from the Workshop Manual, in this prior post.
When technicians have checked the connector at the dealership during the troubleshooting phase, they have usually just checked the main connector C210 below the glove box and behind the right trim panel in the foot well (see location diagrams below), as well as run Pinpoint Tests (PPTs) on the APIM itself via the FDRS software package.
I doubt any service technician that decided during troubleshooting that an APIM was bad has physically checked for loose connections on the module itself, given the difficulty of accessing the APIM behind the dash. Of course, they will obviously have to access the module when the replacement units arrive and have to be installed.
Yeah, they would have to physically disconnect each of the wire connectors on the old APIM and then reconnect those same wire connectors on the new APIM. Typically, you just push them into place until they bottom, and a retainer clip often audibly clicks to hold it in place.
I literally walked in and said "Hi my name is Karen and i need to speak with the manager". I didn't even ask for a loaner car. We talked for 5 seconds, he left the room and came back with a loaner car for me. He was scared. You all make fun of Karens but I just want to thank you for creating usDropped off the Bronco and manager said it’ll be 3-5 days before they’re even able to look at it because they are so backed up. He gave me a loaner vehicle which I appreciate. Here’s my ride to the next who knows how long.
Sorry to hear this. Did they confirm if the order processed or if it's still on backorder for you?Crap.
I did not replay more than what you see. I’ll wait for an update.
Sorry, Karen. Welcome to our sad little club.Crap.
Pour a drink or two with us while we all wait. 
