Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
2008 Ford Taurus Limited, FWDFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE
Accessory Protocol Interface Module (APIM) Software Level Check
Special Tools
| Illustration | Tool Name | Tool Number |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle Communication Module (VCM) and Integrated Diagnostic System (IDS) software with appropriate hardware, or equivalent scan tool | ||
| Universal Serial Bus (USB) Male-A to Male-A Cable | CCMUSB2-AM-AM-10 or equivalent |
- Turn the Audio Control Module (ACM) on.
- Connect the scan tool to the Data Link Connector (DLC).
- Connect one end of the Universal Serial Bus (USB) male-A to male-A cable to the scan tool.
- Connect the other end of the USB male-A to male-A cable to the vehicle USB port.
- From the technician service publication website, run On-Line Automotive Service Information System (OASIS) using Quick Start or by manually entering the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
- From the OASIS tab, select the "Sync/APIM" bullet.
- Select the "Read APIM" button to verify the current Accessory Protocol Interface Module (APIM) software level.
- The display shows both the Vehicle Interface Processor (VIP) and Consumer Interface Processor (CIP) software levels.
- The scan tool displays the following information:
- Last Recorded State - Hardware
- VIN: vehicle identification number associated with the current APIM
- Installed date: date the APIM was installed
- Radio: currently identified ACM in the vehicle
- HW Part No.: APIM hardware part number
- Un-installed date: date (if any) the APIM was uninstalled
- S/N: APIM serial number
- Last Recorded State - Software
- Date/Time: date and time of last recorded software installation
- VIP: VIP software that was installed at that time
- CIP: CIP software that was installed at that time
- Description: a description of the content of the software revision
- History - Software
- Date/Time: date and time of any recorded software installation
- VIP: VIP software that was installed at that time
- CIP: CIP software that was installed at that time
- Description: a description of the content of the software revision
- Available Software for Programming
- Select: allows the software package to be selected
- Lineage: the original software release, if the software available is a revision
- VIP: VIP software level that is available with the selection
- CIP: CIP software level that is available with the selection
- Description: a description of the content of the software revision
- Last Recorded State - Hardware
- Click a CIP software level to view the device compatibility list associated with the CIP software level, if desired.
- To exit the APIM software level check, disconnect the scan tool from the DLC and the USB port, or exit the OASIS screen.
Factory Service Tools
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.
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