The largest online repair guide library for every car

About us
Contact support
FAQ
Sign up
Sign in

2020 Aviator Reserve Infotainment Freezing & Apple CarPlay Disconnects

0

Nicole W. · rep 0 · May 22, 6:07 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2020 Lincoln Aviator Reserve

Hey everyone,

I've been having some frustrating issues with the infotainment system in my 2020 Lincoln Aviator Reserve. The screen will randomly freeze up, sometimes for a few seconds, other times it requires me to restart the car to get it working again. It's really annoying when I'm trying to use navigation or change radio stations.

On top of that, my Apple CarPlay keeps disconnecting. It'll work fine for 10-15 minutes, then suddenly drop out. Sometimes it reconnects on its own, but usually, I have to unplug and replug my phone, or even restart the system. I've tried different cables and even a different iPhone, but the problem persists.

Has anyone else experienced this with their Aviator or other Lincoln models? Any tips or tricks before I take it to the dealer? I'm hoping it's something simple I can fix myself.

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

ClearTheCode Team · rep 0 · May 22, 6:07 AM

0

ClearTheCode admin answer:

It sounds like you're dealing with a common set of issues related to the SYNC 3 or SYNC 4 infotainment system, which can manifest as freezing screens and connectivity problems like Apple CarPlay/Android Auto disconnections. Here's a breakdown of potential causes and troubleshooting steps:

Common Causes:

  • Software Glitches: The most frequent culprit is a bug or corruption within the infotainment system's software. Updates are often released to address these.
  • Loose Connections: While less common for intermittent issues, a loose cable behind the head unit or within the APIM (Accessory Protocol Interface Module) could cause problems.
  • APIM Module Failure: The APIM is the brain of the infotainment system. If it's failing, it can lead to erratic behavior, freezing, and communication errors.
  • USB Port Issues: A faulty USB port can cause intermittent CarPlay/Android Auto disconnections.

Troubleshooting Steps:

  1. Perform a Soft Reset: Hold down the 'Seek Right' button and the 'Power' button (volume knob) simultaneously for about 10-15 seconds until the screen goes blank and the Lincoln logo reappears. This often resolves minor software hiccups.
  2. Check for SYNC Updates: Visit the Lincoln owner's website or use your vehicle's Wi-Fi connection to check for available SYNC software updates. Installing the latest version can often fix known bugs.
  3. Perform a Master Reset (Factory Reset): If a soft reset and updates don't help, you can try a master reset through the SYNC settings menu. Be aware this will erase all personal data, paired phones, and custom settings.
  4. Inspect USB Ports: Ensure the USB port you're using is clean and free of debris. Try a different USB port if your Aviator has more than one.

When to See a Shop: If the issues persist after trying the above steps, it's time to visit a Lincoln dealership or a qualified automotive electrical specialist. They have diagnostic tools that can communicate directly with the APIM and other modules. They might find diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) such as:

  • U0159: Lost Communication with Infotainment Control Module A
  • B1A84: Infotainment System Control Module Internal Fault

These codes would point towards a deeper issue, potentially requiring a software reflash by the dealer or, in some cases, replacement of the APIM module itself.

Menu

Help & account