Background information for ACM and DSP Module in a Bronco Sport equipped with the B&O Sound System option

[Dude]

This post provides background information for the ACM and DSP Module in a Bronco Sport equipped with the B&O Sound System option which might be useful to some. In addition, links to certain relevant posts are provided.

Synopsis for this post:

a) Background information for the ACM and DSP Module in a Bronco Sport equipped with the B&O Sound System option,

b) Link to the AP4-FD31 Advanced Amplifier Interface for Select Ford Vehicles: this document provides details for the 20 Pin Plug at AMPLIFIER (DSP) (AP4FD31HAR) and for the 32 Pin Plug at RADIO (ACM) (APH-FD03),

c) Provides links to 7 posts: Meanderthal’s Speakers replaced post, Meanderthal’s Subwoofer post, Stereo upgrades (which also refers to AP4-FD31), Blown Speakers just by turning on stereo?, Running a 4 channel amp to aftermarket door speakers, Installing aftermarket speakers and sub in Bronco Sport!, and Anyone try a spare tire sub?

d) Provides link to SSM 50739 – 2020-2021 Various Vehicles – Audio Inoperative – No Sound From Audio Speakers (refers to Bronco Sport) and link to TSB 14-0169 NO AUDIO OUTPUT AFTER STARTING (not for Bronco Sport).

Bronco Sport equipped with the B&O Sound System option has both an ACM and a DSP Module.

ACM - Audio Control Module
DSP - Digital Signal Processing Module

A Ford Service Department can perform all of these functions related to ACM and DSP:

Per Ford’s Workshop Manual: If installing a new module, it is necessary to upload the module configuration information to the scan tool prior to removing the module. This information must be downloaded into the new module after installation of a new module. Using a diagnostic scan tool, begin the Programmable Module Installation (PMI) process for the DSP following the on-screen instructions.

The DSP is behind the lower D pillar on the left side. Nothing by the owner can be done and even if you swapped the DSP it will need a software update so the vehicle will recognize the DSP Module.

Also see Page 4 “Ford Bronco Sport (10 Speaker) 2021 | Amplifier Location: LH cargo area behind trim panel” in the AP4-FD31 Advanced Amplifier Interface for Select Ford Vehicles:
20 Pin Plug at AMPLIFIER (DSP) (AP4FD31HAR)
32 Pin Plug at RADIO (ACM) (APH-FD03)
https://content.abt.com/documents/136417/AP4FD31-spec_sheet.pdf

The ACM is the actual stereos head unit that is behind the A/C controls.

The ACM is a Special order & requires software as does the DSP. (A module usually needs to be programmed so the computer knows what to do with it).

The ACM needs to be programmed/flashed including with the vehicles VIN.


References:

Note: this is not intended to be an exhaustive list of references. Searching for additional information is recommended when necessary.

1. Meanderthal’s Speakers replaced post (starting at post #16):
https://www.broncosportforum.com/forum/threads/olive-meanderthal’s-bs-bl.7483/page-2#post-132849

And Subwoofer post (starting at post #168):
https://www.broncosportforum.com/olive-meanderthals-bronco-sport-badlands/

2. Stereo upgrades
https://www.broncosportforum.com/forum/threads/stereo-upgrades.8868/
The Stereo upgrades post refers to the AP4-FD31: https://catalog.pac-audio.com/catalog/amppro-amplifier-interfaces/ap4-fd31

3. I have a ‘22 Badlands equipped with the B&O Sound System option. Very infrequently after starting the engine I will hear a pretty loud but very short duration “pop” from the speakers. Occurs not very often and I have not yet pinpointed if relates to when I plug in my iPhone and or if I have CarPlay enabled at the time.

Maybe a reset of the ACM and or DSP or a Ford dealership simply reloading the software/firmware to the ACM and or DSP is a known fix?

EDITED: F-150 INFORMATION ADDED 2023-12-19

https://jalopnik.com/new-ford-f-150-trucks-are-blasting-ear-piercing-static-1850766863

https://www.wsj.com/business/autos/ford-confronts-strange-ear-piercing-static-in-f-150-trucks-7551ba24

SSM 51663 2021-2023 F-150/Expedition - Pop Noise And/Or Static In Speakers At Start Up

2021-2023 F-150/Expedition may exhibit a pop noise and/or static in the speakers at start up that cannot be turned down or off using the audio system controls.

To correct the condition, reprogram the audio digital signal processing module (DSP) to the latest software level using the Ford Diagnosis and Repair System (FDRS) diagnostic scan tool.

Not applicable to Bronco Sports but interesting problem.

A couple other people also with the B&O Sound System option report loud sounds thru the speakers shortly after starting the engine. There is a post “Blown Speakers just by turning on stereo?” about that problem here:
https://www.broncosportforum.com/forum/threads/blown-speakers-just-by-turning-on-stereo.8993/

4. There are discussions in the post “Running a 4 channel amp to aftermarket door speakers” regarding a reset of the ACM:
https://www.broncosportforum.com/forum/threads/running-a-4-channel-amp-to-aftermarket-door-speakers.9081/page-2

5. This post primarily is applicable to Bronco Sports with 6 speakers, with some discussions regarding B&O Sound System option, “Installing aftermarket speakers and sub in Bronco Sport!”:
https://www.broncosportforum.com/diy-writeup-installing-aftermarket-speakers-and-sub-in-bronco-sport/

6. Anyone try a spare tire sub?
https://www.broncosportforum.com/forum/threads/anyone-try-a-spare-tire-sub.9078/

7. SSM 50739 – 2020-2021 Various Vehicles – Audio Inoperative – No Sound From Audio Speakers -No Communication With ACM Or DSP – DTC U1084, U0237 And/Or U0238
https://ford.oemdtc.com/7860/audio-inoperative-no-sound-from-audio-speakers-no-communication-with-acm-or-dsp-dtc-u1084-u0237-and-or-u0238-2021-ford-mustang-mach-e

TSB 14-0169 NO AUDIO OUTPUT AFTER STARTING (not for Bronco Sport)
https://static.oemdtc.com/TSB/14-0169.pdf
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[Meanderthal]

I’m going to put this here for replacing the subwoofer speaker too:
https://www.broncosportforum.com/forum/threads/olive-meanderthal’s-bs-bl.7483/post-159031

It might be worth adding that into the OP, @Dude.

 

[Dude]

I’m going to put this here for replacing the subwoofer speaker too:
https://www.broncosportforum.com/forum/threads/olive-meanderthal’s-bs-bl.7483/post-159031

It might be worth adding that into the OP, @Dude.

Thank you, I added info that Subwoofer starts at #168 in your post.

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