Need someone with Ford Part number access please

[Milkman]

I have decided to replace the APIM in my 2011 Expedition EL. I am going to bring it to the dealer to program, but I will buy the part and put it in myself. I called my local dealership and she gave me the part number of BA5Z-14D212-AB based on my VIN. She asked for the last 8 digits of my VIN which are BEF56946. Other websites show BA5Z-14D212-AA. Some websites show different first four digits and the last 8 are the same....

I only want to do this once, so I am trying to get the right part (especially if I get a used part). But I need help decrypting the part number. I almost have a feeling that the middle numbers are the most important, and that the first set of numbers may be like a factory manufactured in code, and the last two may be a version. Please help me understand the part number!Can anyone tell me the part numbers that I can get?

In case it is important, here are my features as it relates to the APIM.

AM/FM/CD
USB
Bluetooth
Sync (v1 I think)
Rear controls
Satellite radio

 

[Dorzak]

I know with a part I had to replace -AA was the orI final and -AB was the upgraded part. Tascoparts online is pretty helpful for this kid of thing.

 

[Bedrck47]

Look at the part that you are going to replace. There should be a part number on it.

 

[Milkman]

Look at the part that you are going to replace. There should be a part number on it.

I don't want to have to take everything apart to find this. I would like to have the part in hand when I do it.

@Dorzak I was already on Tasco, but unfortunately it wasn't a big help.

 

[Bedrck47]

I don't want to have to take everything apart to find this. I would like to have the part in hand when I do it. QUOTE]

In other words your just to lazy to find the part number yourself by taking it apart.

At least by taking the old part out you will be 100% sure of the part number rather than having the wrong part number and finding that out after you take the old part out

 

[Bedrck47]

To remove APIM

Removal and Installation

NOTE: It is necessary to record the current Accessory Protocol Interface Module (APIM) software and hardware level when a new APIM is being installed to make sure that the new component is the same version as the component being replaced.

Retrieve and record the current APIM software and hardware level. For additional information, refer to Accessory Protocol Interface Module (APIM) Software Level Check in this section.
Remove the front floor console. For additional information, refer to Section 501-12 .
Remove the 4 APIM screws and position the APIM aside.
Disconnect the Universal Serial Bus (USB) cable and the electrical connectors, and remove the APIM .
To install, reverse the removal procedure.
If a new APIM is being installed, program the APIM to the correct software level. For additional information, refer to Section 418-01 .

To remove console

Removal

Apply the parking brake.
Position the selector lever in the NEUTRAL position.
Position the front seats forward.
Remove the 2 front floor console rear bolts.

Position the front seats rearward.
Remove the 2 front floor console front bolts.
Remove the 2 front floor console bolt covers.
Remove the 2 front floor console bolts.
Remove the selector lever trim ring.

Remove the front floor console utility tray mat.
Remove the front floor console utility tray screw.

Remove the floor console upper finish panel.
Position the selector lever indicator bezel aside.
Release the 4 retainers and position aside.

Disconnect the selector lever cable from the selector lever and the floor console.

Remove the front floor console front screws.

Disconnect the front floor console electrical connectors.
Loosen the bulkhead electrical connector bolts.
Disconnect the bulkhead electrical connectors.
Disconnect the electrical connector.

Remove the front floor console.
Installation

Install the front floor console.
Connect the front floor console electrical connectors.
Tighten the bulkhead electrical connector bolts to 3 Nm (27 lb-in).
Install the front floor console front screws.
Tighten to 7 Nm (62 lb-in).

Install the selector lever cable.
Install the selector lever indicator bezel.
Install the floor console upper finish panel.
Make sure to align the trim panel retaining clips to the retaining clip holes in the floor console.
Install the front floor console utility tray screw.
Install the front floor console utility tray mat.
Install the selector lever trim ring.
Install the 2 front floor console front bolts.
Tighten to 7 Nm (62 lb-in).
Install the 2 front floor console front bolt covers.
Position the front seats forward.
Install the 2 front floor console rear bolts.
Tighten to 7 Nm (62 lb-in).

Position the front seats rearward.
Position the selector lever in the PARK position.
Release the parking brake.

 

[Milkman]

Thank you for the directions. I found a video that showed quite a bit of this too.

I wouldn't call it laziness that I don't want to take apart my daily driver just to get a part number, but rather that I would like to just take it apart once with the part in hand and ready to replace.

I am very concerned that your directions also show that the technician is supposed to get the software levels before removing the old one. When I called Ford, no one mentioned this requirement. What if the unit was totally burned out though, how would they get this information?

 

[Milkman]

I wouldn't call it laziness that I don't want to take apart my daily driver just to get a part number, but rather that I would like to just take it apart once with the part in hand and ready to replace.

One other thing about this. I would hate to replace this part with the same part number, when Ford may have released a NEWER part number compatible with my vehicle because they found problems with the original and created a new one.

 

[deweysmith]

I am very concerned that your directions also show that the technician is supposed to get the software levels before removing the old one. When I called Ford, no one mentioned this requirement. What if the unit was totally burned out though, how would they get this information?

Pretty sure you can do all the computer stuff yourself with FORScan if you have a cable and some patience.

Also, if the part changes and is not backwards compatible, the prefix will change. BA5Z is the prefix, it's basically the major version number. It identifies the models of vehicle the part will fit in. 14D212 is the part number, all APIMs for all Ford vehicles are referred to by this base part number. AA or AB is the revision, if they make a minor update where the older one can be replaced by the newer one, they will change this suffix.

In theory, any vehicle with a BA5Z-14D212-AA installed in it should work fine with a BA5Z-14D212-AB as well. The reverse may or may not be true.

 

[Bedrck47]

By having the original part number you can then check to see if there has been any updated part numbers.

Sooner or later you are going to have to remove the part

What have you done to determine hat the APIM is faulty