No problem--I couldn't find those threads with the search feature, either. I came across them via Google.
My understanding is that there are two parts, the Audio Accessory Interface Module (which is Sync) and the receiver/head unit. To recap my experience from the other threads:
- started out with an intermittent pop where I'd lose all audio until restarting the car. This would happen infrequently over a period of months, then became a daily occurrence.
- ultimately the audio system failed to hissing/squealing/popping even in the off position, requiring me to pull the fuse to maintain my sanity.
- since it's pretty easy to replace, I ordered a replacement receiver/headunit. The Ford parts guy (who was super helpful) informed me that I could not buy a new unit but went through an authorized repair facility who did an exchange.
- the new head unit/receiver needs to be programmed, but also the audio accessory interface module needs to be programmed as well. Not doing the latter resulted in not having any audio for hands free calls.
Right now, I have a working audio system.....except that the replacement head unit/receiver has a date code that is within a week of my original unit. I've had one episode of a pop and audio cutout so I know what's going to happen down the road. I hope it fails before the one year warranty on the part expires.
The first dealer I took my car to wanted to charge me 4 hours of exploratory labor because they thought it was a short in a wire to a speaker. An electrical engineer friend was able to find the wiring diagram for the car and have me confirm that the pop/crackle/static occurred on both front and rear speakers, which are on different harnesses. I declined the first dealer's services for this.
On another note, Megan has friendly and responsive on here, but the CSM assigned to my case has not. I have not spoken to her once since she insists on calling me on my landline from a former case despite the fact I gave Megan my cell number. On every voicemail that I returned to the CSM, I asked to call me on my cell and never received a call. The last voicemail that I received from the CSM stated that she spoke to my dealer and my issue is resolved. I returned the call saying I have a few outstanding questions but never received a call back.
I'm not mad because things break. I just want to try and find a mechanism where I can give helpful feedback. The second dealer that did the programming was pleasant to deal with, but they searched and could not find any TSBs in the system. If there had been a TSB in place, I would not have had to make as many trips back in order to determine what needed to be replaced and/or reprogrammed.
