So I recently bought a 2017 Ford focus Titanium X estate. Two weeks after buying the Sync 3 failed. Left with a blank screen and none of the functions working. I took it to my local dealer who had it for an hour initially but could not fix it so booked it in again so they could do a full diagnosis.

Meanwhile they contacted the Protect warranty who were not happy to pay for any work because they.were trying to say the problem may have been present before I bought.it.

So I had to speak to Trust Ford who sold.me.the car to speak.to the warranty people to confirm the car was fine when I bought it

 

Today the dealer who is to be fixing the car has said it needs new Apim but the warranty does not cover the diagnostics. 

Well I paid an extra £500  for 2 years Ford Protect warranty so I am not impressed. How can you find a fault without putting the car on the diagnostics?

 

 

 

 

 

How long ago is it since you bought the car ?

Contact your local Trading Standards, they are normally very good in cases like this and will advise you. They also like to generally give the 'Big Boys' a poke and remind them that the Sale of Goods Act does include them.

Your car has most probably just done an automatic software update of the Sync 3 sytem which has caused it to fail. There are pages and pages of threads on this forum about the current problem. The standard Ford fix at the moment is to replace the APIM with a newer version which can handle the software issue. Those who do not have any warranty on their car are using a company called CyanLabs, who have the Ford software. You can download the reformat tool and also the previous version of Sync3 and so far the reports are that it will fix the problem.

https://cyanlabs.net/tutorials/windows-automated-method-update-to-3-4/

Well I have heard today that they are fitting a new APIM on the 9th September. I think you are exactly right it tried to do an update and the whole system froze. It will be interesting to see if this is a newer version.

I am really not happy at having to pay for diagnostics for a part which has failed. 

I bought the car on 27th July.

It literally says on Fords website that parts and labour are covered by Ford Protect Warranty... Investigation work is labour? 

No where does it specify that diagnostic investigation is a seperate charge, they are wrong.   🤬

Get back in touch with Ford.  

I bought a service plan from Ford, and at the second service the dealer did not change the brake fluid, I queried them and they said they have always charged  £79 extra for that as it's not cover in the plan.

Quick message to Ford, and was told take it back, they have instructed the dealer that under a Ford service plan EVERYTHING is covered, should be the same with Ford Protect

This is the piece that I was quoted by someone from Ford Protect Warranty

How to request reimbursement in respect of Mechanical or Electrical failure 1. REPAIR PROCEDURE i) REPAIRS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM Take the vehicle to the dealer from whom the vehicle was originally purchased. The dealer will confirm whether the repair request is valid and will then handle the repair on your behalf. If you cannot take the vehicle back to the dealer from where it was purchased or you wish to appoint your own repairer please follow the instructions below: 1. Call 0370 241 6726 for advice on using your own repairer or where to find an authorised repairer. 2. If any dismantling is required, the authorised repairer will need your authority prior to commencing any repairs. Where the failure or repair costs are not covered under this Warranty you will be responsible for all costs associated with dismantling the vehicle and settling any balance of these costs to the authorised repairer. Please note that diagnostic time is not covered. 3. Once the repairer has diagnosed the problem with your vehicle they should contact the repairs department for prior approval before starting any repairs. 4. The repairer should provide the vehicle details, date and mileage at the time of failure and a detailed estimate of the repair costs. 5. If you have used your own repairer, you may have to pay and request reimbursement from us. Following completion of repairs, the repair invoices and any supporting documents will be forwarded to us for reimbursement. You must pay the repairer directly at the time of repair for any additional costs not covered by, or in excess of, the terms and conditions of this Warra

My experience of diagnostics with past used cars I’ve owned is my local mechanic getting his apprentice to plug it in. £10 for the boys time. 

Finally had the Sync unit replaced yesterday. The dealer did not charge me anything for diagnostics.

Glad to hear you got it sorted 👌