Not all modules need to be programmed, but most do, otherwise your device just can't communicate with the ECU. You might have APIM module already for different devices but when your edge didn't come with the factory camera, that means it was turned off at the factory level and that requires so-called "coding" to enable it at dealership. For Ford I don't know, but BMW I do coding all the time because there are free software out there for most European cars. Side markers for example, you can do side marker delete with coding, and it's unnecessary to unplug it or else you would get bulb check (both cold and warm check) errors on dash. It's just to enable or disable a feature which can't be done by car owner but at the dealership.

BTW which exact HU do you have is it Eonon, Joying or Xtrons or another brand?
Just wanted to see what kind of camera is supported. The OEM one I believe it's 720P at best. There are plenty of 1080P out there now for very low price, check aliexpress just search for "ford edge camera" and see if you can find one. Personally I'd care more on the OEM mounting more than the video resolution.

 

The color codes rarely match between OEM plugs and RCA cables, so it took a bit of trial and error with a multimeter to figure out which wire did what. Took me longer than picking out an action camera for daily vlogging, honestly—those are way easier to set up! If you can test continuity and match video signals, you’ll get there.