ECU module programming guide using FDRS

[TJSparky]

Thanks Iceman. Any tips to jumpstart it? Like I said before I’m just leaving the USB stick in until I get some kind of notification like others eventually got.

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[Snakebitten]

After my APIM and TCU updates I am Sync 21281 revision 244

So although FRDS says I'm up to date, I'm short a small bump to get to 21283 rev244. Unless that was a typo?

 

[iceman77]

After my APIM and TCU updates I am Sync 21281 revision 244

So although FRDS says I'm up to date, I'm short a small bump to get to 21283 rev244. Unless that was a typo?

My apologies! I meant 21281 revision 244

 

[iceman77]

NOTICE: I have stated in my guide earlier, that OTA or manual SW update (via FDRS) will knock out your FORScan changes. This is only partially true. Your truck reports module software revisions as well as configuration data periodically to the "mothership". How often this happens, I cannot tell at this point. But if you happen to receive OTA or perform manual SW update (via FDRS) shortly after performing FORScan changes, there is a good chance those changes will get knocked out, as those changes have yet to be propagated to your As-Built data set on Ford servers.

 

[Snakebitten]

I only had minor Forscan changes previous to the host of updates I applied. Double-honk & dash gauge temperature values.

I did not lose either change. I did them months ago, so your explanation sounds accurate.

 

[JEB]

I only had minor Forscan changes previous to the host of updates I applied. Double-honk & dash gauge temperature values.

I did not lose either change. I did them months ago, so your explanation sounds accurate.

It could also be that the modules Ford updated OTA and the ones you updated manually didn’t have FORScan changes to them that were overwritten. Double Honk was BCM. Digital temps are IPC. I don’t think software changes have been made to either module recently, by Ford or us.

 

[speedracercjr]

Just wanted to say thanks to Iceman and many others in this thread. I've managed to get everything updated, except for that damn APIM but I'm leaving the USB drive in until it decides to kick it over. It's a shame that Ford can't figure out their own system over some folks doing it on their own. After seeing the time and patience these updates take it is no wonder dealers either don't know or don't want to deal with this.

 

[Snakebitten]

After seeing the time and patience these updates take it is no wonder dealers either don't know or don't want to deal with this.

A really good "mechanic", someone with experience and the natural talent for diagnosing and repairing your internal combustion engine, transmission, clutch, brakes, differential........ I mean a real deal guy...... Can you imagine him being the same guy with this skill set? Or even wanting to be?

In the aircraft maintenance world it is split between the "mechanic" and the "Avionics" guy. The mechanic has his Snap-on toolbox out on the Hangar Floor. The Avionics guy has his workbenches and tools in an office.

I think the new computerized and electrified vehicles are going to lead to something similar.

 

[aaexpert]

NOTICE: Your truck may exhibit a Reverse Brake Assist Unavailable message after module programming has been completed. This may be due to a network interruption from programming or configuring modules, which can cause steering center find to be reset. When the steering center find is reset, this causes various features to become disabled. The steering center find can be relearned by driving the vehicle approximately 5 minutes above 18 mph (30 km/h) straight ahead on a flat surface with no steering inputs for a few seconds. When Steering center is found the Reverse Brake Assist Unavailable message will go away.

How can this be done? Where is there a road that straight without giving any steering input?

 

[spiritrider1]

Ok, I've done the Forscan stuff and felt comfortable doing it. Now this?? Good grief, why does Ford Make it so difficult for even Ford technicians to figure out?
Are all the updates being described on this post something that would be done OTA or only if forced by a dealer using FDRS?
I hate not being able to see what OTA updates have happened on my truck. The info screen offers very little info. I don't think it's getting updates based on when other owners mentioning they got them. I've seen the "updated successfully" icon only once since I've owned owned it. I also have been getting 'service charging system soon' messages on the dash, especially when it's very cold overnight. But it starts just fine and acts normal. Took it to the dealer and they tested the battery and scanned the truck and said all was fine. Well, if it was, why am I getting that message??
I'm in aviation (as Snakebitten mentioned) and there is a split between the wrench turners and the spark chasers - but it's a split that's narrowing more and more even in aviation.
So, I guess I'll be ordering the patch cable and reformatting a couple USB sticks to exFAT. I'm tired of not knowing what's going on and having Ford just tell me to 'be patient' or 'it's OK,the truck will update on it's own if needed'.
Yea, right... Hope I don't brick my truck!

 

[speedracercjr]

Quick for those of you that had issues getting APIM to update. Did you just leave the USB plugged in and operate your truck like normal? Or did you park and leave it on accessory mode?

 

[iceman77]

Quick for those of you that had issues getting APIM to update. Did you just leave the USB plugged in and operate your truck like normal? Or did you park and leave it on accessory mode?

I left it in and was driving around with it. There is no harm doing so

 

[iceman77]

How can this be done? Where is there a road that straight without giving any steering input?

Driving on any straigh road (or highway) for a while will do the job

 

[speedracercjr]

I left it in and was driving around with it. There is no harm doing so

Set it and forget it, I can do that! Thanks!

 

[TJSparky]

Iceman did you still use the radio and other Sync4 screen controls while driving/waiting for the USB to kick off or did you leave everything off?

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