Lightning Software Updates using FDRS

[B177y]

Got the software installed, now it wants the license key that I can't for the life of me find a link to purchase, all the motorcraft site gives me options for is IDS and FJDS. Reminds me of some of the loops Ford had me jumping thru as a tech. Good grief. I'm thinking I may need to wipe my vcmii and reinstall FDRS clean as all I did was flash it over an existing IDS install.

FJDS = FDRS for the license. Purchase that.

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[Scorpio3d]

Maybe I'm missing your point. Why pay for $150 for a 2-day license of IDS when all you need is FDRS for $50? Many folks on here have used VCM3's and the Bosch clone with FDRS and say they work great and is much faster than the Mongoose.

When the Mobile Tech came out to update my modules, he used FDRS and a VCM3.

VCM 2(II) is probably a lot slower may be why they came out with the 3

 

[bmwhitetx]

Back in the day we always plugged a charger into the vehicle for any programming as I'm aware is still the case, Is there some reason I can't plug said charger into one of the trucks many outlets?

No you can't power the power supply from the truck.

For your Lightning you want want a minimum 50 amp Power Supply (not a battery charger) connected directly to the battery Positive and a nearby ground (or on the downstream side of the BMS). Many here use the Clore 100A Power Supply or the PowerMax 55/75's.

Things have changed a lot in 21 years .

 

[bmwhitetx]

50a is insane. Only keeping the 12v battery charged for programming, not charging the HVB, I've got that on the house 30a for the dryer until they come connect the outside charger to the wall.

Well I know this thread is long but you should read it.

 

[PJnc284]

50a is insane. Only keeping the 12v battery charged for programming, not charging the HVB, I've got that on the house 30a for the dryer until they come connect the outside charger to the wall.

I figured since I can keep the trucks outlets on with the truck off, the 20a outlets would be strong enough for the little battery.

I'll figure it out.

These updates can pull 60amps+ for hours on end depending on what you're updating and the 12v battery is tiny compared to what the ICE variants are using where they can get away with one that's only 20 amps. Many of us with 22/23's have spent 6hrs+ a number of times and a couple have found out the hard way. APIM/GWM/TCU are done via usb with the truck on so the charger isn't critical for those. The IPMA is the big one that most have issues with if they're not using an adequate power supply. With yours being a 25, I still doubt there's much available though.

 

[Scorpio3d]

50a is insane. Only keeping the 12v battery charged for programming, not charging the HVB, I've got that on the house 30a for the dryer until they come connect the outside charger to the wall.

I figured since I can keep the trucks outlets on with the truck off, the 20a outlets would be strong enough for the little battery.

I'll figure it out. I realise I don't know jack about this new tech, what I do know is ohm's law hasn't changed since I started using it 44 years ago.

Well I know this thread is long but you should read it.

I promise you that you need to follow this advice! Not doing so well only cause you problems! I speak from experience!

 

[Scorpio3d]

Y'all tossing out some insane numbers for a 12v battery but I'll err on the side of caution and do some more research. Don't want to brick a 70k machine.

It seems Ford isn't offering any new model training on the lightning like they do several other models including the 25 MuskratE. They are offering training in HVB systems however and only cost a c note.

https://www.f150lightningforum.com/forum/threads/ipma-update-july-2024.20352/post-406468

 

[B177y]

Y'all tossing out some insane numbers for a 12v battery but I'll err on the side of caution and do some more research. Don't want to brick a 70k machine.

It seems Ford isn't offering any new model training on the lightning like they do several other models including the 25 MuskratE. They are offering training in HVB systems however and only cost a c note.

Don't confuse 50 amps to the 12 volt battery with 50 amps coming out of the wall outlet.

The power supply output is:
50 amps x 13 volts = 650 watts

The power supply input from the wall is (choosing 10 amps as a likely number):
10 amps x 120 volts = 1200 watts

Running all of the modules, cooling pumps, and other random stuff that hums and whirrs during the FDRS update quickly kills the tiny 12 volt battery. The 12 volt is not charged by the HV battery during the updates. A 50 amp power supply is a necessity.

 

[PJnc284]

I think I'll hold off updating anything until I learn more about this new tech, holy moly !

yeah the power supply is the most important part and ensures minimal puckering. Doing the actual updates is easy and comparable to watching paint dry. Will be curious to hear your thoughts on if/how the process or software has changed.

 

[mr.Magoo]

Is there some reason I can't plug said charger into one of the trucks many outlets to keep the 12v batt alive?

Yup...
https://www.f150lightningforum.com/...ng-guide-using-fdrs.8249/page-248#post-361197

 

[Mike G]

VCM 2 and Mongoose speeds are comparable. For those who are wondering....

VCM 3 is a lot faster. A little under an hour for an IPMA that takes the Mongoose 2.5hrs by comparison.

 

[Mike G]

FDRS 45.5.2 showed up this morning. Very minor update, and I have no idea what they fixed or improved, since there are no notes to go with it. (I just noticed it this morning but apparently it came out on the 16th?)

 

[rugedraw]

Yeah, just had a looksee in PTS and there's only 3 updates available.

I miss being able to check pending updates in PTS. It was so much easier than slow-as-molasses FDRS is.

 

[rugedraw]

$26 gets you 3 days access to it, that's how I ran my oasis, found those updates and downloaded a few wiring diagrams.

I have PTS, but I cannot access certain aspects anymore due to some job role limitations Ford set on my account. I'm not paying them shit. They should be paying me.

 

[Bestword57]

Jeez, reading this thread is making me realize I could have learned the hard way as well. I updated a couple of modules using FDRS without any power supply on the battery. They were the modules related to a frunk partially opening issue. I think maybe they were the FHCM and BCM modules.

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